Christmas Markets
Bratislava Christmas Market on Main and Franciscan Square: Gypsy roast, fried sausages, promotional, lokše goose and cabbage, sauerkraut, cooked punch, wine and grog
       

Winter and Christmas in the city officially starts each year with the Christmas tree lights being illuminated on Hlavne namestie (Main Square).

With Bratislava's Christmas market opening on 19 November, we look at some local seasonal traditions...

For many Bratislavans, the opening of the city’s annual Christmas market is the true beginning of the holiday season. This year’s market opens on November 19.

In modern times the Christmas Market on Hlavné námestie (Main Square) in Bratislava first took place back in 1993. City officials, inspired by the set-up and organisation of Christmas markets in other European cities (Nuremberg, Brussels, Strasbourg, Stuttgart), decided to revive a similar tradition also in Bratislava.

Hlavné námestie (Main Square) is one of the most impressive and important squares in Bratislava. Its beginnings date back to around the 13th century. Gothic mansions together with a tower gradually started to border the square. For centuries the square was home to various fetes and markets, public gatherings, but also public executions. That is also why it was called Marktplatz for a long time.

The selection of goods on offer at Bratislava’s Christmas Market is strictly limited to those that preserve the special character of a traditional Christmas market. The vendors go through a selection process so that the eventual offered assortment satisfies this basic requirement. Alongside the offered rental price, this fact is the single most important criterion for selecting suitable vendors.

The foundation Nadácia Bratislava was established by decision of the City Council in December 2004. It was set up by the City of Bratislava.