{"id":13318,"date":"2023-09-24T09:58:11","date_gmt":"2023-09-24T09:58:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/christmasmarkets.io\/?p=13318"},"modified":"2024-04-21T12:18:48","modified_gmt":"2024-04-21T12:18:48","slug":"belgrade-christmas-market","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/christmasmarkets.io\/serbia\/belgrade-christmas-market\/","title":{"rendered":"Belgrade Christmas Market 2024: Orthodox Traditions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In the heart of Serbia, Belgrade\u2019s vibrant atmosphere seamlessly blends the modern pulse with a rich historical backdrop, offering a unique experience for every traveller. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The city’s Orthodox Christmas market adds to this allure, decorating the cityscape with lights, bustling stalls, and a warm sense of community. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, you will find all the essential details, including the 2024 dates, opening times, locations, and a highlight of local specialties to enhance your visit to the Belgrade Christmas Market.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Aerial<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Christmas in Belgrade is marked by a blend of tradition and modern celebration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The city’s streets are adorned with festive decorations, and many people attend religious services, participate in family gatherings, and enjoy Serbian Christmas customs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Belgrade Christmas Market 2024<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Christmas market in Belgrade takes place at Trg Republike (Republic Square), the city’s main square. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here you’re welcomed by the sight of colourful wooden huts, each filled with a variety of Christmas delicacies and souvenirs, complemented by the aroma of mulled wine and winter punch. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The festivities feature an indoor amusement park, a skating rink, concerts, and a beer festival, ensuring diverse enjoyment for all visitors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The annual Santa race, known as the Deda Mraz race, sees thousands donning Santa or Mrs Claus attire, running through the capital for charity, embodying the season’s spirit of giving and unity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As January approaches, the celebration of Orthodox Christmas on the 7th offers you the opportunity to experience timeless religious traditions at the city’s historic Orthodox temples like the Temple of St. Sava, Church of Saint Marko or the Church of the Ascension. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The burning of the badnjak, a significant Serbian Christmas tradition, is publicly commemorated, highlighting the blend of communal celebration with historical customs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Traditional foods, like cesnica and sarma, further enhance the festive experience with their unique flavours and embedded cultural symbolism. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite the chill of January, the dive for the icy Epiphany cross on the 19th at Ada Ciganlija attracts numerous competitors and spectators, marking a fitting close to the city’s extended Christmas celebrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dates and Location<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Belgrade Christmas Market dates:<\/strong> 2nd December 2024 to 6th January 2025 (unconfirmed).
Location:<\/strong> Trg Republike (Republic Square).
Opening times:<\/strong> 10am to 11pm.
Christmas Day:<\/strong> Closed.
Admission:<\/strong> Free.
Badnjak:<\/strong> Lighting of the badnjak takes place at the Temple of St Sava.
Santa:<\/strong> Known as Deda Mraz or Grandpa Frost in Serbia.
Ice skating:<\/strong> Yes, at Pionir Ice Hall and other locations.
Vegetarian:<\/strong> Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan:<\/strong> Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten free:<\/strong> Yes, but limited.
Accessible:<\/strong> Yes.
Pet-friendly:<\/strong> Yes, but not recommended during busy periods.
Parking:<\/strong> Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit:<\/strong>\u00a0Orthodox traditions, regional food, Serbian music and dance, New Year’s parties.
Recommended tour:<\/strong> Belgrade Fortress underground tour<\/a>.
Specialities:<\/strong> Mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, sarma, ajvar, cevapi; traditional Serbian festive food.
Where to stay:<\/strong>
Boutique Hotel Museum<\/a> is a popular hotel, located direcly across from Republic Square.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Convenient Hotels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Stari Grad is the ideal area to stay in Belgrade if you wish to be near the Christmas market. This central location provides easy access to the market and other city attractions, making it a convenient choice for visitors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I recommend the Boutique Hotel Museum<\/a>, a popular hotel in an ideal location across the Christmas market. You can’t get closer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Event Location<\/h3>\n\n\n\n