Christmas in Sofia might not yet rival the grand markets of Vienna or Prague, but Bulgaria’s capital has carved out a cosy, local festive scene all its own. Every December, twinkling lights fill the city’s parks and squares, the scent of mulled wine hangs in the air, and small wooden chalets welcome visitors with warmth and cheer. As December approaches, the city comes alive with twinkling lights, wooden chalets, and the irresistible scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. Across several squares and parks, open-air markets pop up where you can sip something warm, browse for handmade gifts, and soak in the festive atmosphere.
Alongside the main markets, Sofia’s winter weekends often feature small craft fairs and pop-up art events, where local makers sell handmade jams, ornaments, and winter woollens. These are less commercial than Western markets but full of character and community spirit. Sofia’s winter calendar may not be lavish, but it’s wonderfully local, cosy, and heartfelt, a true reflection of the city’s character.
- The German Christmas Market at the City Garden, near the Ivan Vazov National Theatre
- Sofia Christmas Festival at the National Palace of Culture (NDK)
- Slaveykov Square and Its Weekend Christmas Markets
- Vazrazhdane Park in Zona B5
- The Art Christmas Markets at the Largo
- Ice Park at Knyazheska Garden
- St. Nedelya Square
- Christmas in Nu Boyana Film Studios
- Shopping Centres and Malls
- What to Do in Sofia in Winter
- FAQ About the Christmas Markets in Sofia
- Useful Links
The German Christmas Market at the City Garden (Deutscher Weihnachtsmarkt Sofia)
- When: Usually from the second half of November until just before Christmas
- Where: City Center, City Garden near Ivan Vazov Theatre
- Entry to the Christmas market is FREE
The most beloved and longest-running Christmas market in Sofia, the German Christmas Market (Deutscher Weihnachtsmarkt Sofia, Немски Коледен Базар) has become a seasonal tradition in its own right.
Set among the old trees of the City Garden, a sheltered green square in front of the iconic National Theatre, the Sofia Weihnachtsmarkt feels like a winter postcard. The small wooden stalls sell bratwurst, pretzels, roasted almonds, and, of course, steaming mugs of glühwein (mulled wine). Handmade decorations, candles, and wooden toys tempt passers-by looking for authentic gifts. Organised with the support of the Sofia Municipality, the German Embassy, and several international sponsors, it’s the one place where the holiday spirit seems to spill out of every corner. The smell of cinnamon rolls and the children laugh across the square make this Christmas market in Sofia very special.
A small stage hosts performances by young musicians, choirs and theatre troupes, including puppet shows for children. In the evenings, Santa Claus himself often drops by, delighting the youngest visitors with short performances and festive cheer. Though compact, it’s right in Sofia’s heart and a must-see for anyone spending Christmas in Sofia..
Sofia Christmas Festival at NDK
- When: Usually from mid-November until just before Christmas
- Where: City Centre, National Palace of Culture (NDK)
- Entry to the Christmas market is FREE
The wide plaza in front of the National Palace of Culture, known simply as NDK, is transformed into one of Sofia’s liveliest festive zones. The Sofia Christmas Festival is a relatively new addition to the city’s holiday traditions but has quickly grown in size and popularity.
Rows of wooden chalets line the fountains (which rest during winter), offering grilled delicacies, sweets, and steaming cups of mulled wine. Small local businesses sell crafts, ornaments, and unique Bulgarian products. A brightly lit carousel, Ferris wheel, and a shooting gallery add a playful, family-friendly touch, while a stage features young talents, school choirs, and festive performances.
The Sofia Christmas Festival, set before the National Palace of Culture, glows with lights, music and the scent of greyano vino. It’s one of the liveliest places to celebrate Christmas in Sofia, especially in the early evening, when everything sparkles against the dark winter sky.
Slaveykov Square and Its Weekend Christmas Markets
- When: Typically open on weekends before Christmas
- Where: City Centre, Slaveykov Sq
- Entry to the Christmas market is FREE
Typically open on weekends before Christmas, this small but lively market reflects Sofia’s creative side — ideal for finding locally made gifts and supporting artists. In recent years, it hosted short-term Christmas markets featuring handmade crafts, decorations, jewellery, and art. It’s a wonderful place to find thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gifts created by local artists and designers.
Occasionally, a small stage appears here for musical performances or short theatrical acts, giving the square a bohemian, creative flair that fits perfectly with its literary history.
Vazrazhdane Park in Zone B5
- When: Around ten days before Christmas
- Where: District Zona B5, close to the city centre
- Entry to the Christmas market is FREE
In the Zona B5 district, Vazrazhdane Park offers families a quieter place to enjoy Christmas in Sofia, complete with rides, carousels, and hot drinks. While smaller and less elaborate than the central markets, it makes up for it with open space and family-friendly attractions.
During the festive season, a section of the park transforms into a cheerful fairground, complete with carousels and small rides, from gentle swings for children to more adventurous options for thrill-seekers. There are also some sweet seasonal treats and hot wine. It’s a good option for families who prefer a quieter atmosphere away from the crowds of the city centre.
At the other side of the Vazrazhdane Park there is the open-air ice rink welcoming children and adults alike. Usually it is less crowded than the more central ice skating places in Sofia and the prices are slightly lower than the others.
The Art Christmas Markets at the Largo
- When: Weekends before Christmas
- Where: Largo
- Entry to the Christmas market is FREE
The Largo, near the ancient Roman ruins, often hosts weekend art and craft markets in the run-up to Christmas. It’s perfect for those who enjoy local artistry and Sofia’s mixture of history and modern life. Set partly beneath a striking glass dome and partly on the square above, this location blends history and modernity in a unique way.
Visitors can browse handmade ornaments, jewellery, leather goods, paintings, and souvenirs crafted by local artists. The atmosphere feels more intimate than commercial, and you’re likely to meet the creators behind each stall. It’s a particularly atmospheric setting when the ruins below are softly lit in the evening, a reminder that even ancient Serdica enjoys a touch of Christmas magic.
The Ice Park at Knyazhevska Garden
- When: From December to February
- Where: Knyazheska Garden
- Entry to the Christmas market is FREE. Access to the ice skating area is paid.
Ice Park Sofia operates all winter long, giving visitors a chance to skate beneath open skies in the heart of the city. Around Christmas, the rink hosts festive events and food stands serving hot drinks and local treats. Located in the Knyazhevska Garden (between Orlov Most and the University of Sofia), this large open-air rink is a favourite among families, couples, and anyone who wants to embrace the winter mood.
Even if you’re not a fan of skating, there’s plenty to enjoy. Small food stands sell hot drinks, snacks, and sweets. Here you can find local cuisine like kebapcheta and sausages. Festive events are held in the days before Christmas, including figure skating shows and appearances by Santa himself. Surrounded by some of Sofia’s most beautiful architecture, Ice Park is both a fun activity and a great photo opportunity.
St. Nedelya Square
- When: Weekends before Christmas
- Where: St Nedlya Sq
- Entry to the Christmas market is FREE.
St Nedelya Square, framed by tram lines and church domes, occasionally turns into a small festive fairground. It’s not permanent, but it’s one of those delightful surprises that make exploring Christmas in Sofia special. The location is unique, trams pass close by, giving the place a distinctive urban charm, and its proximity to major landmarks means you’ll probably stumble upon it naturally while exploring central Sofia.
Expect a familiar festive mix: handmade authentic crafts, art, jewellery, and winter clothing, all presented by local creators. It’s a pleasant spot to browse between sightseeing stops, with the domes of the St Nedelya Church gleaming nearby.
Christmas in Nu Boyana Film Studios
- When: One to two weeks before Christmas
- Where: Boyana district, Nu Boyana Studios
- Entry to the Christmas market is paid.
For something truly different, head to Nu Boyana Film Studios, Sofia’s own world-class movie production complex. Over the years, the studios have hosted more than 400 international films and TV series, including 300, London Has Fallen, The Outpost, Conan the Barbarian and others.
Each year, Nu Boyana Film Studios opens its gates for a themed Christmas celebration that transforms the studios in a cinematic winter wonderland. Expect artificial snow, glowing windows, and a cinematic touch to Christmas in Sofia. Every December, the studios open their gates for Christmas in New York, a themed event that transforms the backlot into Imagine walking through film sets turned into a festive “New York” or “Rome” street scene, complete with artificial snow, glowing shop windows, music, and food stalls. Here you can try the spiced wine, hot chocolate and winter cocktails. Now, whether you’ve travelled to Bulgaria to film with movie sets that double as other cities is another question entirely. Do you feel like a movie star already?
Admission is ticketed, but prices are reasonable, and tickets can be purchased online. The studios are located in the outskirts of Sofia, best reached by car or taxi. The nearby Ring Road makes walking there impractical, but the experience is worth the short drive, it’s where movie magic meets Christmas sparkle.
Shopping Centres and Malls
- When: Throughout December, especially weekends
- Entry to the shopping centres and malls is FREE.
Sofia’s shopping malls bring Christmas indoors, hosting mini markets, family activities, and photo zones. They’re a warm retreat for festive shopping when the winter air turns crisp. Each December, they host indoor and outdoor activities, from farmers’ stalls and artisan markets to mini amusement parks and live performances.
Even if malls aren’t your usual go-to for holiday cheer, they’re a convenient place to warm up after exploring the city’s outdoor markets. You’ll find Christmas decorations, themed photo zones, and family activities in nearly every shopping centre.
Some of the most centrally located and visitor-friendly malls include:
- Central Market Hall (Centrаlni Hali) – Recently renovated, it houses a Kaufland supermarket on the ground level, while the upper and lower floors often feature exhibitions and small craft markets.
- Mall of Sofia – A short walk from Vazrazhdane Park in Zona B5 or one metro stop from the centre (Opalchenska station).
- Park Center Sofia – Close to NDK (National Palace of Culture) and easily reached on foot or by metro (European Union station).
Each of these shopping centres tends to host pop-up stands with local producers, handmade jewellery, or festive ornaments. The Mall on Tsarigradsko Shose even sets up a small Christmas funfair in its car park, complete with lights and children’s rides.
What to Do in Sofia in Winter
While the heart of a Sofia winter undoubtedly beats in its charming Christmas markets, with their charming aroma of mulled wine and sizzling sausages, there comes a moment for every visitor, often after one too many treats, to step away from the festive stalls. The city offers a wealth of wonderful winter activities beyond the holiday cheer, perfect for walking off those indulgent delights and discovering a different side of the season.
Beyond the markets, winter in Sofia offers mountain hikes, mineral baths, and cosy cafés. See our updated Sofia in Winter 2025 Guide for current highlights.
FAQ About the Christmas Markets in Sofia
Yes, the Christmas markets in Sofia are lovely, festive experience, though cosier than the massive markets in other European cities.
Yes, many merchants and artists offer handmade souvenirs and decorations. Some are having modern approach to the design, others are keeping up to the folklore traditions. Each market has at least one booth for souvenirs and presents.
Every Christmas market has cultural program with performances of various dance schools and clubs. Bulgarian Christmas folklore singing and dancing can be experienced. Check their websites for the program.
In general, dress very warmly for cold and potentially snowy weather. The average temperatures for December in Sofia is 1°C (
34°F). Snowfall in no frequent in Sofia in December but it is not extraordinary event. Sometimes he Christmas festivals place standing heaters (usually gas heaters) to provide comfort and longer stay at the food and drinks zones in their markets.
Useful Links
- German Christmas Market in Sofia (Facebook)
- Sofia Christmas Fest (Facebook)
- Mish Mash Christmas Fest (Facebook)
- Ice Park Sofia (official website)
- Ice Park Sofia (Facebook)
- Nu Boyana Christmas Market (official website)
- The Coca-Cola Truck Tour
A City Warming Up for the Holidays
Sofia’s Christmas scene captures the city’s essence. It is creative, compact, and full of heart. You won’t find endless rows of stalls or overwhelming crowds, but you will discover a genuine festive warmth that blends Bulgarian hospitality with European charm. Christmas in Sofia offers warmth and charm that linger long after the season ends.
Skate beneath the lights in Knyazheska Garden, warm your hands around a cup of mulled wine by the National Theatre, or wander through the cinematic glow of Nu Boyana’s festive film sets, Sofia’s winter spirit Sofia’s winter spirit is modest yet full of warmth. The city may still be carving out its place on Europe’s Christmas map, but for those who visit, its understated magic feels wonderfully personal, and quietly unforgettable.
For this year’s exact dates and events, see our Sofia in Winter 2025 Guide.
Christmas in Sofia brings together local traditions, cozy wooden markets, and the festive charm of Bulgaria’s capital. From the beloved German Weihnachtsmarkt in the City Garden to the Sofia Christmas Fest at NDK and the creative art fairs at the Largo, the city glows with warmth and holiday spirit. Visitors can sip mulled wine, taste Bulgarian winter delicacies, and shop for handmade gifts. Whether skating at Ice Park, exploring the markets of Vazrazhdane Park, or admiring Sofia’s Christmas lights, the season offers a heartfelt, authentic experience of Christmas in Bulgaria.