Sarajevo Holiday Market 2024 and the Christmas Bazaar

One of the most interesting and historic cities in the Balkans, Sarajevo is an incredible destination due to its cultural diversity and beautiful nature. Baščaršija is the city’s famous Old Bazaar, where narrow streets are lined with small shops and restaurants.

The Sarajevo Holiday Market is a winter highlight. Plan your visit with this guide for 2024.

Sarajevo Holiday Market 2024

Dates – Unconfirmed

Sarajevo Holiday Market dates: 13th December 2024 to 6th January 2025 (unconfirmed).

Expected Update: Last year’s dates were announced in September. Want to know when dates are confirmed? Sign up for our newsletter to get notified as soon as they become available.

Source: Dates are obtained directly from the tourist office, available here.

Plan Your Visit

Location and Times

Location: Trg Oslobođenja (Liberation Square).
Opening times: 12pm to 9pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.

Travel and Accommodation

Recommended tour: Grand walking tour of Sarajevo.
Public transport: Tram stop: Katedrala or Drvenija.
Parking: Best to take public transport or walk.
Where to stay: Hotel Story is a popular hotel, located one block from the market.

Amenities and Attractions

Admission: Free.
Christmas lights: No switch-on date announced.
Santa: No.
Ice skating: Yes.
Reason to visit: Unique history and traditions.

Dietary Options

Vegetarian: Plenty of choices.
Vegan: Some options.
Gluten-free: Limited. Ask individual vendors, but beware of cross-contamination.
Food specialities: Bosnian coffee, savoury ćevapi, sweet baklava, burek and japrak.

Accessibility

Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended during busy periods.

Convenient Hotels

Sarajevo is quite a spread-out city. It’s most convenient to stay somewhere between the Sarajevo National Theatre and the Old Bazaar. Hotel Story is a great option in this area. It’s just opposite the Ferhadija Mosque and many other city attractions.

Recommended Tours

For first-time visitors, I recommend the Grand Walking Tour of Sarajevo. It covers significant sites like City Hall, Latin Bridge and the Eternal Flame and it gives a good historical overview.

Another great option is the City Market and Old Town Food Tour. This tour includes 10 stops where you can try many local specialties, like ćevapi and Bosnian coffee.

Festival Location

Captured a moment that embodies the holiday season? Tag your photos with #UltimateChristmasMarkets — we can’t wait to see your festive finds!

What to Expect

Held since 2011, the Holiday Market in Sarajevo reflects the city’s cultural diversity. It serves as a cultural junction where Catholic and Orthodox Christmas and Hanukkah are celebrated, along with the New Year, both Gregorian and Julian.

A multi-faceted event, it spans several sections, including a bustling bazaar where wooden kiosks sell a range of items from souvenirs and handicrafts to food and drinks.

The Santa Claus Village provides opportunities to meet Santa and his elves and buy sweets at the Sweet House. An outdoor skating rink, covering approximately 300 m², adds to the atmosphere.

The Children’s Pavilion near Luna Park has games, activities and entertainment for children.

Food Specialties

• Bosnian Coffee: A rich and strong coffee served with a sugar cube or Turkish delight.
• Ćevapi: Minced meat, usually a mix of beef and lamb, grilled and served in a flatbread with onions.
• Sogan-dolma: Stuffed vegetables like capsicum or tomatoes with rice and minced meat or vegetarian versions.
• Begova čorba (Bey’s soup): A chicken and lemon soup thickened with eggs.
• Japrak: Grape leaves stuffed with rice and herbs.
• Tufahija: A traditional Bosnian dessert made with poached apples stuffed with walnuts and sugar, cooked in water with lemon.
• Pita sa Sirom: Flaky pastry filled with cheese, pumpkin, or potato.
• Kuvano Vino (mulled wine): A classic drink made with red wine from the region.
• Sarajevska Pivara Beer: Locally brewed beer.
• Burek: A popular pastry filled with minced meat, cheese, or spinach.
• Rakija: A fruit brandy, often homemade and almost always strong.

Unique Gifts

• Copper Coffee Sets: Sarajevo is known for its coppersmithing, and these sets are often intricately designed.
• Woollen Items: Hand-knitted scarves, hats and mittens.
• Wooden Craft: Wooden spoons, bowls and figurines are popular.
• Rakija Glasses: Small glasses are used to serve rakija.
• Bosnian Lace: Intricate lacework, often used for tablecloths or decorative pieces.
• Sarajevo Roses: Inspired by the concrete scars filled with red resin, artists create beautiful jewellery that symbolises the city’s history.
• Spices and Local Food Products: Jars of local honey, spice mixes, or jams make for nice gifts.

Further Information

For additional information on things to do and the latest events in the city, I suggest checking Visit Sarajevo, the city’s official website, which I’ve linked above.

It seems they don’t update it very often, but it’s worth checking for even dates and museum information. It might be easier if I write my own guide based on my visit a few years ago. Check back for that.

Sustainability Tips

• Eco-Friendly Hotel: An increasing number of hotels are working towards sustainability. When booking your stay, look for those with a high sustainability rating.
• Food Waste: I know it’s tempting to want to try everything when in a new country, but keep in mind food waste when ordering.
• Ethical Consumption: The Old Bazaar is filled with artisan products, and the best approach is to purchase only what you genuinely need or can use.
• Sustainable Diets: A large portion of fresh ingredients are locally grown, supporting local producers. Choosing vegetarian and plant-based dishes helps lower climate emissions.
• Transport: Sarajevo’s public transport system includes trams and buses. Many areas are pedestrian-friendly, and cycling is an excellent option for getting around the city.

Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.

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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.