Short days, cooler temperatures and maybe a little snow shouldn’t deter you from visiting the Bratislava Christmas market. In fact, Bratislava in winter is beautiful and busy with seasonal events and Christmas customs.

Slovakian Christmas markets may not have the reputation of their Austrian and German counterparts, yet Bratislava, in particular, has Christmas traditions going back hundreds of years. These deep held traditions are reflected in the quality and care of the stalls and produce. Christmas isn’t solely a commercial event, it’s about people and family.

The atmosphere in Bratislava is driven by the presence of local residents. Christmas is not an event for tourists, Slovakians meet their friends and family for a Christmas market lunch or enjoy an after work mulled wine with colleagues. It’s the warm, local people who really make Bratislava worth visiting.

The Christmas markets in Bratislava may be small but they are cosy, less crowded and more authentic than neighbouring markets. The food is carefully prepared and delicious while decorations and gifts are crafted by artisans.

The city is an affordable destination which you can visit on a city break or include in a tour of the region with cities like Vienna and Budapest. Or if you prefer to stay in Slovakia, maybe an off the beaten path visit to Kosice.

Bratislava Christmas Market 2019

Bratislava Christmas Market dates: 22nd November to 22nd December 2019.
Location: Hlavné Námestie (Main Square) and Hviezdoslav Square.
Reason to visit: Bratislava is an easy day trip from Vienna or a stop on the way from Prague to Budapest. It’s quiet and affordable with a chance of snow.
Specialties: Potato pancakes, poppy strudel and grog.
Travel tip: Visit popular Christmas destinations like Vienna and Budapest on the same trip or smaller cities like Esztergom, Hungary or Kosice, Slovakia.
Where to stay: Loft Hotel near the Presidential Palace.
Bratislava weather in winter: Temperatures average 4°C / -2°C (high / low) in December.
Plan your trip: Follow our tips to help plan your Christmas holiday or winter break.

Bratislava Christmas Market Specialities

The main Bratislava market is located in Hlavné Námestie and spills into the surrounding streets. During December, the historic centre is lit up with Christmas lights and the markets feature regional Slovak food and producers and traditional Christmas music. Some Slovak food specialties include the following:

• Loksa – a dense savoury pancake.
• Potato pancake – made with grated potato, kind of like a rosti.
• Grog – hot rum and spices.
• Mead – hot honey wine.
• Mulled wine – Slovakian hot wine, prepared with local spices.
• Strudel – all kinds of strudel, often with poppy seeds.

Things to Do in Bratislava

Bratislava is a small, compact city with most of the main sights within walking distance of the old town. If you arrive by train, (for example, if you are on a day trip from Vienna) then the most walking you would do is downhill towards the old town from the train station. This walk takes you by the Archbishop’s Palace, the Presidential Garden and the Presidential Palace.

A little further along you’ll spot white-washed Bratislava Castle on the hill to your right before walking through the city gates towards the historic, cobblestone streets and baroque architecture of the old town. It’s a beautiful sight as the narrow street opens up to the main square, the location of the Christmas market in Bratislava in 2019.

Visit Bratislava is the official tourism website of Bratislava where you can find further information on travelling to the city and other destinations in Slovakia. In particular, you can search for places to eat and drink, winter events, things to do in Bratislava in December and how to get the Bratislava Card.

Map of Bratislava

If you have visited Bratislava in winter or experienced Christmas elsewhere in Slovakia, leave a comment below to share your story.

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