Christmas in Sofia 2024 | Christmas Markets & Festive Holiday Locations

It’s tiiime! The holiday season is upon us. And we are here with the most extensive list of festive Christmas locations ever compiled, including Christmas markets, charity bazaars, ice-skating rinks, holiday shopping options, and more! Get ready for your Christmas in Sofia!

December in Sofia

Now, we have to be honest. Sofia isn’t known for being a holiday destination, nor for its wonderful decorations or a dominant festive atmosphere. If anything, the lack of holiday spirit in the air has become somewhat synonymous with the city. However, this year, it seems like things are changing. There is a noticeable increase in Christmas-themed locations and winter activities in the city. So, if you’ve chosen Sofia for your holiday city escape, you are in for a treat! And we are surely hoping for some snow to add to the festive mood!

Christmas Markets in Sofia

Who doesn’t love the Christmas markets and a cup of mulled wine? This winter, we have plenty of options to choose from. Buying gifts and enjoying tasty foods and drinks while listening to live music – what’s not to love?

The Deutscher Weihnachtsmarkt Sofia

This was the first and, for many years, the only Christmas market in the city. It might sound strange, but Christmas markets weren’t part of the Bulgarian Christmas tradition up until the last decade. It’s been happening for 14 years, and it is already part of the tradition. Naturally, it is also the most well-known holiday location in Sofia. You will find it in the City Garden (in front of the National Theatre). It welcomes adults and kids with a lot of different stalls with food and drinks, a workshop, a photo booth, and a stage, with various activities, including theater performances for kids, visits by Santa Claus, and popular Bulgarian pop and jazz singers in the evenings. In 2024, it will be open from Nov 15th until December 22nd. You will be able to visit it every day between 11AM and 10PM. We even pass by it during our daily free walking tours.

Sofia Christmas Fest

We looove this one! It is situated in the park in front of the National Palace of Culture. It’s a place for theater performances, circus performances, concerts, winter farmers’ markets and much more. It’s open to visitors every day from November 12th until New Year’s Eve. On weekdays it opens at 12PM. On weekends from 11AM.

Christmas Park – Halite (Central Market Hall) 

Another wonderful central location. This one is happening for the very first time. You will find it right next to the newly renovated Central Market Hall. Starting November 22nd, 2024, the parking lot next to the Central Market Hall will turn into a world of festive miracles and surprises.

Christmas Park – Vasil Levski Monument

This is also a brand-new location. You will find it right here—behind the St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, close to the Vasil Levski monument. It will open on November 29th and will continue until December 31st. You can also visit it right after our daily free walking tours, as their final stop is very close by.

Rakia & Spirits Fest

We’re in the Balkans, after all, and no winter season is complete without Bulgaria’s national drink – Rakia. Rakia and Spirits Fest 2024 gathers producers from all around the Balkans. During the festival you will be able to try more than 300 types of rakia and other spirit drinks. You’ll also be able to bring some of your favorite rakia home. Get into the Christmas spirit in Balkan fashion! The event will be held on Dec 7th – Dec 8th inside of the National Palace of Culture.

Coca-Cola Christmas Village

This magical place for photos and festive moments, located in the pedestrian area next to the Basilica of St. Sofia opens on November 30.

Mish-Mash Fest (Christmas Edition)

This one is for those who like to choose their gifts at the last minute! The bazaar awaits you from December 13 to 15 in the middle of the “Triangle of Power” with unique offers and creative items.

Sofia Ice Park at Knyazheska Garden

Right in front of the otherwise controversial Monument of the Soviet Army, the park is turned into a real winter wonderland. The ice park was modeled after the famous ice park in Viena and is the biggest ice-skating ring on the Balkan peninsula.  The ice attraction has 2,500 pairs of skates, 60 trainers and 15 instructors. It will operate every day until February 9, 2025 from 11:00 to 22:00.

For more exciting winter activities in Sofia make sure to check out: 
Winter in Sofia

Also check out:
5 Bulgarian Christmas Facts and Traditions 

Christmas or New Years? A communist take

And last but not least, don’t forget to explore Sofia’s biggest landmarks with our daily free walking tours! Our tours run every single day at 11AM & 2PM, without exception – including on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve and January 1st! We meet in front of the Palace of Justice.

Last edited: December 2024