If you visit Sofia this December for a weekend or longer there are many and different options to experience the winter vibes and the Christmas spirit in the center of the Bulgarian capital. Below I share only a couple of the venues where you could choose to spend some nice time around while here in December.
Sofia Christmas Fest
Duration: from 17 November until 17 December 2023
Working time: from 11:00 h till 20:00 h
Where: In front of the National Palace of Culture (NDK). You could enjoy a hot drink on a cold winter day and meanwhile have a look at the art bazaar and pick up something special for you and bring it home as a nice memory from Bulgaria.
Sofia Christmas Park at Slaveikov square
Duration: Every day, from 01 December till 31 December 2023
Organised at one of the emblematic city squares, this market will mesmerise you with hundreds of festive lights, a rich cultural and musical program and a Christmas forest. Go for the locally produced and tasty farmers products plus don’t miss the art workshops.
The German Christmas Market
Duration: every day from 17 November until 22 December 2023
Working time: from 11:00 h till 22:00 h
This is one of the first Christmas markets in Sofia. It was organised by the local German community for the first time 11 years ago.
Where: You will find it really easy at a small cosy corner in the Sofia City Garden, meters away from Ivan Vazov National Theater.
Christmas vibe and Sofia Christmas Tree at Alexander Nevski square
This year the Christmas tree of Sofia is placed meters away from Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. The temple itself is covered fully in light during the night and that makes the square around even more festive. Next to the Christmas tree 12 small houses where you could grab a cup of hot drink or taste delicious every day between 11:00 h to 22:00 h
Yunak Ice-skating Rink and the Small Winter Town
If you like skiing but you haven’t planned to reach Borovets, one of the closest ski resorts (by the way the ski season starts there on 15 December this year), the city offers an alternative to this winter sport! Don’t miss it out, it’s just fun, especially in the cold winter days! Again in the center of Sofia is one of the favourite places of the locals during the winter weekends. Just next to the ice- skating rink is the small winter town with a program suitable for families and kids. Check the time schedule and other useful information at the official web page of Yunak ice-skating rink before heading there.
Christmas Concerts in the city
Apart from the various musical programs of the local Christmas markets you could also take a ticket for one of the opera performances or the Christmas concerts organised by Sofia Opera and Ballet. Traditionally at this time of the year Sofia Philharmonic also offers quite thematic programs. The National Palace of Culture is another popular venue for live concerts and events. The program for December is here.
Happy and peaceful seasonal holidays!