Christmas is possible as early as November – Sofia in lights, bazaars and festive coziness

published on 11/17/25 3:08 PM

Photo: German Christmas Market Sofia

This year, Christmas has "arrived" in Sofia as early as November with the aroma of mulled wine, cinnamon and festive magic. Radio Bulgaria recommends that you visit some Christmas spots in the Bulgarian capital city:

For those most impatient to welcome the holiday

Since mid-November, the German Christmas market Deutscher Weihnachtsmarkt Sofia has transformed the City Garden in front of the Ivan Vazov National Theater, turning it into a romantic German village. Until December 21, the wooden houses with German names will lure us with aromatic bratwursts, sweets and mulled wine with cinnamon and cloves.

The German Christmas Market in Sofia - an initiative that brings people together

The central stage of the bazaar will come alive every day with children's theater, school choirs and evening concerts, and after 6:00 PM, Santa Claus will visit the bazaar and delight young and old. Part of the proceeds will be donated to charity, turning the holiday into a gesture towards people in disadvantaged situations.

The magic of Christmas is also being brought to the National Palace of Culture

A few days later, on November 21, a festive mood will also take over the area of the National Palace of Culture with Sofia Christmas Fest 2025. There will be stalls of master craftsmen and producers of authentic Bulgarian souvenirs. On the square, over 40 wooden houses, a Ferris wheel, an ice rink and a concert stage will welcome Sofia residents and guests of the city until the end of December. The aroma of pine and irresistible Christmas treats will waft around the large Christmas tree, and the music and smiles of vendors and visitors will create a feeling of celebration and coziness.

Mulled wine, survachkas and Ferris wheel - the spirit of Christmas in Sofia

Ice rink in the Prince's Garden

With the onset of the first cold days, Ice Park Sofia in the Prince's Garden will turn into a place for winter entertainment for yet another year. The large Ice Rink in the heart of the bustling city stretches for about 4,000 square meters. Here you will be able to rent ice skates and go down the special alley for the braver or choose the simulators for beginners. And right next to the ice, another Christmas market will appear with aromatic food, hot drinks and concerts by favorite artists.

Handmade gifts among ruins from ancient times

If you are looking for original Christmas gifts and an artistic spirit, you can visit the Mish Mash Fest Christmas Edition 2025. The market will be held from December 12 to 14 at the Largo near the ancient complex of Serdica in the heart of the ancient city The organizers have invited Bulgarian artists and designers who will offer handmade products, ceramics, jewelry, accessories and Christmas delights for the palate. There will also be creative workshops, musical performances, as well as various initiatives that will contribute to the festive atmosphere of the city.

Wine and Winter Mood

On December 14, amidst the lights of Sofia’s Christmas, the Christmas Wine Market 2025 will once again open its doors. The one-day event will take place in the elegant setting of the Central Military Club. Guests will be able to meet 23 exhibitors and taste a total of 200 types of wines from old harvests and carefully selected varieties. Some of them are available only in the wine cellars. There will also be tastings of top wines from carefully selected importers from abroad, as well as limited boutique series from Bulgaria.

The neighborhood bazaars are also expected to bring their coziness and warmth to the urban environment, with handmade decorations, music and workshops for children. Sofia will once again resemble a winter fairy tale… if only winter decides to please us with snow!

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Photos: German Christmas Market Sofia, BGNES, BTA, Elena Karkalanova, Mish Mash Fest, Facebook /Vila Melnik Winery

English publication: R. Petkova

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Christmas is possible as early as November – Sofia in lights, bazaars and festive coziness

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