The tradition requires an odd number of different dishes to be served on Christmas Eve celebration. Beer 6-9 BGN Click here for the exact location (link takes you to Google Maps), Opening time: 30 minutes with an instructor 30 BGN, Location: The full Bulgaria guide is on its way to you! Upcoming Holidays (September 2023 to May 2024) I mean, how beautiful is that church? Required fields are marked *. I feel like I need to share a dream Ive had for the past not-sure-how-many years. Many countries in Eastern Europe celebrate Christmas on January 7th as most Orthodox Churches use the old Julian Calendar, but the Bulgarian Orthodox Church uses the Gregorian calendar, so Christmas in on the 25th December. Christmas in SOFIA BULGARIA! | What Is Bulgaria Like? | Bulgaria Travel Its been happening for 12 years and it is already part of the tradition. Location: A warm Christmas with a smile for a person in need is this markets motto. Location: Saborna Street.Opening times: 12pm to 10pm. Theres an eating zone with some barrels as bar tables, where you can stand and have your food. They provide warmth and style, often featuring traditional patterns. Christmas in Bulgaria Culture , Bulgaria A mix of pagan customs, Christian traditions, and modern concepts Written by Andrea Vushkova, edited by Scott Green, photos by Zhanet Stamatova and Andrea Vushkova. Many vendors are increasingly aware of this concern and will often accommodate requests for smaller servings, allowing you to enjoy a variety of treats without unnecessary waste. This one will also happen for the very first time. stefburgas. Heres our guide for how to get tickets and go to the Sofia Opera and Ballet. A few other dishes I recommend for the winter are delicious soups. Average prices: I also like DABOV Specialty Coffee near NDK and Chuckys Coffee just off Vitosha Boulevard, but there are several other great coffee places in Sofia just check out my friend Megans Sofia coffee guide. Weve saved the best for last. These Christmas markets will take place in Gerena Park from December 20th till December 23rd, and in the North Park from December 20th until December 31st. Im planning to visit for about 5 days and was wanted to visit Veliko Tarnovo and Belogradchik Castle among other things. Christmas is just around the corner and Sofia is glowing like never before! Where is the market located? Overall, its not the most impressive Christmas market in Sofia, but I can imagine it being fun for small kids. Location: I suggest giving yourself a 2-day buffer between travel in winter if youre concerned and have somewhere to be on a particular day! I did my first month here as a solo female traveler, and I had no issues. On Christmas Eve, Bulgarians make sure to invite anodd number of guests for a meal and there must also always be an odd number of dishes on the table. Thank goodness! Christmas Eve might be all vegetarian, but on Christmas Day, it's time for feasting on an enormous dinner that includesa main meat dish, usually pork. It looks like Borovets and Bansko are the best options. To drink, pick up a mug of mulled wine (gluhwein). Our number one choice for where to stay? Wooden Toys and Carvings: Skilled craftsmen offer a variety of wooden toys and intricate carvings. Bulgarian Christmas Traditions - TransGlobe International That's right you saw it as you were landing - our beautiful Vitosha mountain! Primavera. In search of Christmas: Spending the holidays in Bulgaria - EuroTravelogue That being said, theres quite a few negatives that I need to mention. However, in Bulgaria, you can experience the holiday festivities in the weeks leading up to December 25. Our tours run every single day at 11AM & 2PM, without exception including on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve and January 1st! 17:00-19:00 Sustainable Transport: Sofia provides various environmentally friendly transportation options for getting around the city. Despite being a majority Eastern Orthodox country, Bulgarians celebrate Christmas on December 25. If youre lucky, Balcanic may be doing a free sunrise tour during your visit, which does a sunrise tour hike on most Thursdays. Hi Sofia, thank you for the ideas you gave me. 11 Delightful Things to Do in Bulgaria in Winter - Sofia Adventures Your email address will not be published. You can use this 2 day itinerary and things to do in Sofia in winter as an idea of what to do here after (or before) your ski trip. Mon Fri: 12 pm 10 pm Other foods connected to boiled wheat and stews are a hit. Hi Angie! Christmas in Sofia is marked by a sense of warmth amid the cold winter weather. Check out our guide onhow to plan your trip to Bulgaria, which goes over everything from visas to ground transportation to budgeting your trip. German Christmas Market in Sofia. Most of Sofias Christmas markets take place in local parks. You will find it on. Dec. 20th is the Day of St. Ignat, or Ignazhden, in Bulgaria. Sofia isnt known for being a holiday destination, nor for its wonderful decorations or a dominant festive atmosphere. The night before Christmas Eve (Badni vecher), is also very important. Heres our guide to this site: Belogradchik Fortress & Rocks: Bulgarias Hidden Gem in the North, Your email address will not be published. That time of the year is upon us again! If you want to visit the market when there arent crowds, go during the day! The Bulgarian Orthodox church recommends 13 different meals for Christmas Eve, all vegetarian, and the odd number represents luck. We suggest bringing two so you never have to put a cold wet one back on. Gluten free: Yes, but limited. Hi Yash, thank you for commenting! 20:00-22:00. The taxis are a great way to get around the city but dont get in one you dont order. For travel insurance, I useWorld Nomads. Bulgarian Craft Beers and Wines: Local vendors often showcase the countrys craft beer and wine, giving visitors a taste of Bulgarian beverages. Roman Wall One of the best ways I can think to spend a winter night in Sofia is to take in a show. 14:00-16:00 Make sure your camera and cell phone are charged! There are several venues where the festival is organized like the Red House Center for Culture and Debate, Bar Essence, and other such exhibition centers. One of my favorites is Drekka because, I mean, look at that interior! Daily, 11 am 10 pm. May 24: Sts. Reading about other peoples perspectives is always helpful when it comes to travelling. Celebrate Christmas in Bulgaria: What You Need to Know This post contains affiliate links to hotels and tours in Sofia, Bulgaria. Perks include a free vegetarian dinner in addition to breakfast included in your stay! Not one to be left out of the Christmas market frenzy, Sofia has a beautiful Christmas market all of its own. Its a great bargain, too check rates, reviews, photos, and availability here. A Visit to the Merry Little Christmas Market in Sofia (Photo Essay Bulgarias Orthodox Church follows the Gregorian calendar, which means its religious observances are in keeping with those in the West. Bet you didnt know that Bulgaria makes some excellent red wines! They get very slick if its raining or snowing outside. How about the one at Slaveykov Park? Luba, Your email address will not be published. Wondering what to do in Sofia in winter? Bulgarians celebrate Christmas on the same day Americans do, Dec. 25, though this is somewhat unusual because Bulgaria is an Eastern Orthodox country, and the traditional Eastern Orthodox celebration of Christmas lands on Jan. 7. But we have one thing variety! You can check Google Maps or the Moovit app for more accurate information. In Bulgarian culture, there is a central belief that the Virgin Mary actually gave birth to Christ on Christmas Eve, but only announced his birth the day after on Christmas Day. Tarator: This cold cucumber soup is a refreshing vegetarian and vegan-friendly option. This tour focuses on cheese and wine. I know what you may be thinking all Christmas markets should have both food and souvenirs Well, as youll find out throughout the article, this is not the case in Sofia. Trying to find more information on time of operation and what can we expect (more street food style or?). The koledaris make special preparations for these holiday performances. Sofia has a lot of excellent coffee shops where you can duck into for a quick break from the cold weather. Located in Borisova Gradina, the Christmas market is small but charming. If youre taking a taxi, ask to be dropped off at the corner ofTsar Osvoboditel and Dyakon Ignatiy so you will be close to the side of the park where the market is. Kozunak: A traditional sweet bread enjoyed during Christmas in Bulgaria. Vegan: Yes, plenty of options. Only those with Covid green certificates will be admitted. Cook with beans is very popular among many Bulgarian families. November 25, 2013 In search of Christmas: Spending the holidays in Bulgaria Christmas in Sofia, Bulgaria. Admission: Free, no tickets required. The place is a German Christmas Market (or Weihnachtsmarkt),. If this will be your first time in Bulgaria, we have some resources to help make your first trip here a breeze. Honey 9. Its truly the best choice in town. Youll find everything you can find at a German Christmas market, including glhwein (hot mulled wine) and bratwursts. Walnuts are most especially found on the Bulgarian Christmas Eve table. So, there was a last minute change of plan. Normally, this is a vegetarian meal, which encourages abundance in the coming year. And not just any mountain, either Sofias Mount Vitosha is 2,290 meters high, yet because its so close to the center, you can drive from the city center to nearly 2,000 meters above sea level in about 30 or 40 minutes. Right in front of the otherwise controversial Monument of the Soviet Army, the park will be turned into a real winter wonderland. This was the saddest Christmas market I have seen in Sofia. Vegetarian versions are also available. NuBoyana Film Studios Are you planning a trip to Bulgaria? Ive been a happy customer of theirs for almost three years, and Ive never had an issue when making a claim. We want to try skiing, never have done it before. Christmas Decorations: In addition to unique items, the market also sells typical Christmas decorations like ornaments, lights, and wreaths, often with a Bulgarian twist. The Regional Museum inside the former Central Mineral Baths are also a great choice. Prominent Bulgarian chefs will present their meals and restaurants. Recently my aunt fell on a train in France and needed surgery, but luckily her travel insurance covered the costs in full. Allisons on her honeymoon so Ill answer yes we love Sofia! Located right next to the German Christmas Market, this venue is quite small, with around six stands on each side. Dec 02 Dec 23, 2022 Another wonderful central location. This winter we have plenty of options to choose from. As someone who has lived in Vienna for 5 years, I used to visit the Ice World every single winter, and it was my absolute favourite thing to do in Vienna in December. As you enter the square, youll notice traditional wooden huts housing vendors who sell handmade crafts, toys, and seasonal decorations. With four booths, only two of which were open, and one mobile booth, it was just so small that I dont think its worth coming here just for the Christmas market. We go to their upscale, beautiful rooftop bar all the time when we have guests in town. If you happen to stay in areas that are out of the center, you have a few more options -the Christmas markets at the North Park, park Gerena, and at the Roman Wall market in Lozenets. A traditional German Christmas Market has opened in Bulgaria's capital city Sofia and will be on until December 21. Check outWhere to Stay in Sofia: Best Hostels and Hotels in Sofia. Hi there, what is Sofia/ Bulgaria like for a solo female traveller? This will be my third New Years Eve in the city, and I have a few secret spots that I like, but I would NEVER tell someone to come here for New Years. Pieces of this bread are shared around the table and might be placed near the houses icon. The country is a very safe place to travel, but accidents or theft can easily ruin your trip if you dont have the travel insurance coverage to recover the losses. Click here for the exact location (link takes you to Google Maps), Entry fee: This Christmas market is supposed to open on December 17, so I cant share any personal impressions just yet. This museum is mostly indoors and has a collection of paintings and videos of Socialist propaganda. Official Holidays - Sofia Municipality - function ml_webform_success_5740626(){var r=ml_jQuery||jQuery;r(".ml-subscribe-form-5740626 .row-success").show(),r(".ml-subscribe-form-5740626 .row-form").hide()}. Grilled Sausages: As a common staple in many Christmas markets, youll find various types of grilled sausages, including some made with local spices and herbs. We spent a few days in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, including Christmas Day. This was the first and for many years the only Christmas market in the city. Christmas in Sofia what to do? - Sofia Forum - Tripadvisor Then come back here to stack up on presents for your friends and family. Photo: SetTimes. Weve also included recommendations for where to stay in Sofia at the bottom of the post! Sense Hotel also boasts a state-of-the-art fitness center, an art gallery in the lobby, an excellent spa with luxe treatments, and an indoor pool. Sofia Adventures is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. Glhwein 5 BGN, Location: Can you plan a trip for two in the countries of Balkan. If you will also be spending time in Plovdiv, make sure to check out our guide tothings to do in Plovdiv,Plovdiv Instagram sites, and ourPlovdiv nightlife guide. Bulgarian food is great for winter weather! The walk between the two is just a few blocks. II. Youre gonna want to take a lot of pictures while youre here! Sarmi is a meal where you either use leaves from grapes or white cabbage to fill them with rice, onion and parsley. Celebrating Christmas in Bulgaria: Traditions - Travelling Buzz 105 3.8K views 2 years ago Our Sofia travel video guide covers our Christmas Day in Sofia! I dont know of anywhere that offers tobaggoning, but you could take a taxi or bus up to Vitosha mountain in Sofia and play around in the snow for a bit. Why dont more cities have indoor rooftop bars? Standing outside will make you feel colder than the temperature may look or feel when youre walking around the city. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); After 20 years of living and travelling in Europe, I created these guides to share my knowledge and experience. Get ready for your Christmas in Sofia! Full List of Sofia's Christmas Markets - Tips From a Local (2022) Kind regards, If its snowing, you might want to bring an umbrella with you so your hair doesnt get wet (like mine did). If anything, the lack of holiday spirit in the air has become somewhat synonymous with the city. Last Updated: August 11, 2023 Filed Under: Bulgaria, Your email address will not be published. Its a place for theater performances, circus performances, concerts, winter farmers markets, and also your spot to watch a football game from the World Cup. So for many Bulgarians, December 24 is more important than December 25. Saturday night, I headed down with friends. Glhwein 5 BGN Thank you. We drank mulled wine, ate bratwurst, sauerkraut, and potatoes, and listened to a holiday show for children. Christmas in Sofia | Sofia | Bulgaria | Things To Do In Sofia | Christmas in Bulgariahttps://www.connollycove.com/sofia-bulgaria-best-things/Christmas in Sof. Sat & Sun: 11 am 11 pm. Many hotels in the city are now adopting green practices such as using renewable energy sources, implementing waste reduction measures, and conserving water. One of the features of this Christmas market is the emphasis on Bulgarian tradition, seen in the handmade crafts and local delicacies. I also found out that the Christmas market will take place for just 2 days December 17th and 18th. If you are looking for something to do after you visit the market, you can grab a cocktail at Sense Rooftop Bar. There is also a loaf of bread with a coin baked inside and according to custom, the person who finds the coin will be rewarded good fortune. I talked to the lady at the first booth and she said that theyre expecting for more stands to arrive, but she didnt know when this would happen. This means the cities like Sofia will be decked out in lights and Christmas markets will be in full swing during December. It is the time when all family unites and prepares the holiday dinner. These handmade items often reflect Bulgarian culture and folklore. However, in Bulgaria, you can experience the holiday festivities in the weeks leading up to December 25. Make sure to check outour guide toavoiding taxi scams in Sofiaas well. With a background in journalism and experience in the field of tourism and marketing, her mission is to show travellers many beautiful places they might have never thought of visiting or even knew existed. 12pm 10pm. The Sofia Christmas Fest might be just for you! Opting for meals prepared with locally-sourced ingredients supports the regional economy and reduces the environmental impact associated with food transportation. No five days is great! 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! Ice skating: Yes, at Princes Garden. Ice skates rental 2 BGN After dinner, make sure you don't clear your plate right away, since it's customary for the hosts to leave the table as it is overnight. Rose Oil Products: Bulgaria is renowned for its rose oil, and youll find various products like perfumes, lotions, and soaps infused with this unique fragrance at the market. A Christmas Park will take place in December 4 to December 30 in Sofia's Slaveykov Square. Enjoy! This includes City Garden, Slaveykov Square, South Park and also along Saborna Street. While I am partial to ros all day in the summer, theres no denying that a wonderful glass of red wine in the winter hits the spot like no other. Average prices: Zelnik (pastry with sauerkraut) 10. Enter your email & well send you the PDF, filled with our best tips! I am from Malaysia. Christmas in Bulgaria lasts three days! Luxury: As far as we see it, theres only one option forthe best hotel in town: Sense Hotel. The holiday season is upon us. Walking is also feasible, but do dress warmly and be cautious of icy patches. Top 6 Christmas Bazaars 2018 To Enjoy In Sofia - Madame Bulgaria Other Eastern Orthodox countries like Russia or Serbia, for example, celebrate Christmas on the 7th of January. Fries 5 BGN, Location: My biggest goal is to help you find hidden gems around the globe and inspire you to visit places you never knew existed. Blogs are great, but a combination of a blog and a guidebook is key to having the best access to information easily at your fingertips. Santa: Yes. You will find it in the City Garden (in front of the National Theatre). Another special aspect of the Bulgarian Christmas Eve meal is a round loaf of bread that has a coin baked inside. Live music, including folk performances, fills the air, enhancing the festive atmosphere. The aroma of freshly baked goods, mulled wine, and other Bulgarian winter specialties fill the air, and numerous food stalls give you the chance to taste these local delights. Bulgarian winter holidays: In December, guests may enjoy a Bulgarian Christmas at the Sofia Christmas Market, which is decorated with Christmas lights. 9 Sofia Festivals That You Must Witness On Your Bulgarian Trip The bar is indoors and has one of the best views of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. The most Christmassy thing here was the stage where children are singing some festive songs, the fairylights and the photo booth, where children can take a shot with Santa Claus. However, I find that the prices at the Sofia Christmas Market are pretty incredible, and your money will go pretty far. Cloak room 1 BGN (with 5 BGN deposit) When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Sofia Destination Experts. Hi Laura! The Top Christmas Traditions in Bulgaria - TripSavvy Behind the National Palace of Culture NuBoyana Film Studios is a film production studio where many movies, series, advertisements and music clips are being filmed, both Bulgarian and international. The market, in the City Garden next to Battenberg Square, will be open daily from 11am to 10pm. Weve broken down where to stay in Sofia according to a few different budget ranges. Your choice to support such establishments contributes to the citys overall sustainability efforts. This year, the theme is Christmas in New York, and Im yet to visit it and see it for myself. Make sure that you also stop by Ivan Vazov National Theater before you leave City Park! There are many Christmas markets in Sofia. Ice skating: Yes, at Prince's Garden. This year's craftsmen await you with an aroma of warm wine, stollen, wursts and many . Christmas Eve might be all-vegetarian, but on Christmas Day, its time for feasting on an enormous dinner that includes a main dish of some type of meat (often pork). Dont forget to add hello@bulgarianonthego.blog to your contact list, so that our messages dont end up in spam. Slaveykov Square Christmas Park dates: Likely dates: 3rd to 30th December 2023.Location: Slaveykov Square.
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