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Christmas time and Advent is a great time to visit Bratislava. During this period, Bratislava has a special fairytale charm, which is amplified by many Christmas markets. You can find Christmas markets in Bratislava in several different places. The main Christmas market is located on the Hlavné námestie Square.
In this post, I will show you the most beautiful and best-known Christmas markets in Bratislava. And also those of them that are special for some reason. So let’s take a look at it!
But first of all, here are the normal prices for typical and traditional dishes and drinks which you can buy at the Christmas markets in Bratislava. I would like to show you these prices to avoid scams on foreign tourists. So here they are:
| Name of the dish or drink | Price |
|---|---|
| Kapustnica (cabbage soup) | 4 – 6 € |
| Pečená klobása (grilled sausage) | 4 – 6 € |
| Cigánska (pork roast on the spit) | 4 – 6 € |
| Plnené lokše (stuffed lokshe) | 2 – 4 € |
| Štrudla (strudel) | 1.50 – 3 € |
| Varené víno (mulled wine) | 1.50 – 3 € |
| Vianočný punč (Christmas punch) | 2 – 3 € |
| Medovina (mead) | 1 – 2 € |
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Hlavné námestie Square Christmas Market
The main Christmas markets boast the largest Christmas tree among all the Christmas markets in Bratislava.
The Christmas markets in the Hlavné námestie Square are marked by quality, ecology, and safety. They also care about visual attractiveness and a rich accompanying cultural program.
And what can you enjoy? Traditional Slovak Christmas specialties such as cabbage, lokshe (pancakes made of potato dough), or mulled wine will be waiting for you.
The main Christmas markets in Bratislava are the most visited ones, so if you prefer a calmer atmosphere, the other options below will be more suitable for you.
On the other hand, the Christmas markets on the Hlavné námestie Square have an indescribable atmosphere, so they are definitely worth a visit.
Short summary about Hlavné námestie Square Christmas Market:
- Where: Hlavné námestie Square (map).
- When: Beginning at the end of November and ending before Christmas Day.
- Entrance fee: No entrance fee is paid, admission is free for everyone.
Old Town Christmas Markets
Other Christmas markets in the historic city center are those that take place on Hviezdoslavovo námestie Square and are called Old Town Christmas Markets.
In contrast to the Christmas markets on the Main Square, they spread over a larger area. You will enjoy traditional Christmas specialties here and you will also find here a children’s zone with various attractions.
If you like a calmer atmosphere, but still like to be in the city center, then the Old Town Christmas Markets are a more suitable choice for you than the Christmas Markets on the Hlavné námestie Square.
Short summary about Old Town Christmas Markets:
- Where: Hviezdoslavovo námestie Square (map).
- When: Beginning at the end of November and ending before Christmas Day.
- Entrance fee: No entrance fee is paid, admission is free for everyone.
Advent at the Bratislava Castle
In addition to a nice view of Castle Hill, visitors are also attracted by the possibility of smaller, but even more pleasant Christmas markets in the area of Bratislava Castle. The name of these Christmas markets is Advent at the Castle.
The ascent to the castle may take a while, but after completing it, you will find a Christmas market with a pleasantly intimate atmosphere and traditional Christmas specialties. If you go here with the children, a carousel will be waiting for them as a reward.
Short summary about Advent at the Castle:
- Where: Courtyard of Bratislava Castle (map).
- When: Beginning at the end of November and ending before Christmas Day.
- Entrance fee: No entrance fee is paid, admission is free for everyone.
Christmas markets on Dulovo námestie Square
Christmas markets on Dulovo Square are more aimed at locals, but they are also an excellent option for foreign tourists.
They take place in a more intimate atmosphere and, in addition to traditional Christmas specialties, also offer various less traditional dishes. The main attraction is a large number of interesting concerts and also a number of stalls with design and craft products.
Short summary about Christmas markets on Dulovo námestie Square:
- Where: Dulovo námestie Square (map).
- When: Beginning at the end of November and ending before Christmas Day.
- Entrance fee: No entrance fee is paid, admission is free for everyone.
TIP: Check out my list of recommended Slovak products. They are perfect as gifts, or you will use them during your visit to Slovakia (Amazon links)
- Slovakia Flag
- The book about Slovak History
- Slovak Travel Guide
- Slovakia Adventure Map (by National Geographic)
- T-shirt with Slovakia Flag
- Slovakia Shot Glass
- Legendary Horalky Biscuit (Original)
Christmas markets Ružinov
The Christmas markets of the Ružinov district are unique in terms of the attractions they offer to their visitors.
In addition to traditional Christmas specialties and handicrafts, an ice rink awaits you, where you can skate to the fullest.
There is no admission to pay for an ice rink so you can just put your ice skates on and ride. In case you do not have your own ice skates, you can rent them on site for a small fee.
Another special attraction is the 33-meter-high Ferris Wheel, which dominates not only these Christmas markets but also the entire city district of Ružinov. The price for one ride for one person is 8 euros.
Short summary about Christmas markets Ružinov:
- Where: Hlavné námestie Square (map).
- When: Beginning at the end of November and ending on the 22nd of December.
- Entrance fee: No entrance fee is paid, admission is free for everyone.
Eurovea Christmas Markets
Eurovea is one of the biggest and most visited shopping centers in Bratislava. It is located on the banks of the Danube River and offers smaller Christmas markets in the area next to the shopping center.
If you don’t like long-standing in freezing weather and want to buy some Christmas presents for your loved ones, this is the place for you.
Part of the Christmas markets is located outside, but the other part is also directly in the shopping center so you can go to warm up at any time.
Short summary about Eurovea Christmas Markets:
- Where: Eurovea Shopping Center (map).
- When: Beginning in the middle of November and ending on the 23rd of December.
- Entrance fee: No entrance fee is paid, admission is free for everyone.
Vegan Christmas Markets
If you are vegan or just like vegan food, then these Christmas markets are perfect for you. The Vegan Christmas Markets were first held at the Umelka pub in 2019.
In these markets, you can taste vegan versions of traditional Christmas specialties such as pork roast on the spit, cauldron goulash, or halušky. You can also look forward to raw cakes, soups, or burgers.
Of course, there are also stalls with eco-friendly and handmade products, as well as an accompanying cultural program.
Short summary about Vegan Christmas Markets:
- Where: In the garden of the Umelka Pub complex (map).
- When: It starts on the 13th of December and ends on the 23rd of December.
- Entrance fee: No entrance fee is paid, admission is free for everyone.
Conclusion
Will you be in Bratislava during the Advent period? Then you definitely have to visit one of the above-mentioned Christmas markets.
You will try traditional Slovak Christmas specialties and you will also spend there a good time with your friends or relatives. If you have enough time, I recommend you visit more than one of the listed Christmas markets.
In case you spend the Christmas period in Slovak cities other than Bratislava, read this post about the best Christmas markets from all over Slovakia, which are worth visiting.
7 Best Christmas Markets in Slovakia: A Local’s Advice
And if you are interested in how Slovaks celebrate Christmas and what are traditional Christmas customs and Christmas Eve dishes, read this post:
How does Slovakia Celebrate Christmas? Dinner, Customs & Traditions
If you have any questions about the Christmas Markets in Bratislava or you want to share your experiences from your visit, do not hesitate to write to me in the comments section below.