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Soak up festive cheer and experience the magic

It’s that magical time of the year again! Treat yourself and your loved ones to unique, festive winter experiences in the heart of Europe. Let the scent of mulled wine and the sound of carols lead you to Christmas markets full of hand-made gifts. Visit a temple built every year from tons of crystal-clear ice. How about a breathtaking night walk along a treetop trail under the stars? We’ll show you that all your inner traveler wants for Christmas is to visit Slovakia.

Start your magical adventure in Bratislava, the capital, only 60 km from Vienna. From November 24th to December 22nd, 2022, its picturesque cobblestone streets turn into one big Christmas village, thanks to the Christmas markets that take place in ”the  Beauty on the Danube” (as the city is nicknamed). They‘ll win you over with their charm, authenticity, and zero-waste concept. It’s a great chance to spend cheerful time meeting friendly people and tasting local delights. We highly recommend the original Bratislava’s rolls with a rich poppyseed or walnut filling, and lokše – thin potato pancakes served with a traditional Slovak sheep cheese called bryndza.

 Start your magical adventure in the capital city of Bratislava – from 24 November to 22 December 2022, due to the traditional Christmas markets, its picturesque cobblestone streets are transformed into one big Christmas village, ©M. Kováč.
Start your magical adventure in the capital city of Bratislava – from 24 November to 22 December 2022, due to the traditional Christmas markets, its picturesque cobblestone streets are transformed into one big Christmas village, © Kováč ǀ www.visitbratislava.com.

The most favored spot is the Main Square. With twinkly fairy lights and an enchanting atmosphere, the magic of Christmas dances through the air – especially near a 12-metre-tall bright spruce standing right next to the stage where many performances take place. Wander among dozens of intriguing stalls selling traditional, artisanal gifts and be sure to check out also the Hviezdoslav´s Square. If mead or Christmas punch aren’t enough to warm your spirit, try the traditional performances of The Nutcracker  at the Slovak National Theater.

If you prefer to go off the beaten track, head to the High Tatras in northern Slovakia. It’s the smallest alpine mountain range in the world, so get ready for high piles of snow and freezing temperatures. Apart from having perfect winter sports conditions, it boasts one of the coolest (literally!) winter attractions you can find: the Tatra Ice Dome at Hrebienok (1285 m above sea level). Feast your eyes on the precise details of a cathedral designed and built by sculptors using more than 220 tons of ice who recreate a different famous sacral building annually. Enjoy this ice beauty, especially during a live concert. Then jump on a sledge and have an evening of fun and adventure on the long-illuminated track from Hrebienok down to Starý Smokovec!

Explore the Tatra Ice Dome at Hrebienok in the High Tatras, that is being built every year using more than 220 tons of ice. ©SLOVAKIA TRAVEL, Martin Šopinec.
Explore the Tatra Ice Dome at Hrebienok in the High Tatras, that is being built every year using more than 220 tons of ice. ©SLOVAKIA TRAVEL, Martin Šopinec.

Ready to experience the Tatra peaks in the glow of the stars, as if in a painting by Vincent van Gogh? The all-wooden construction of the Treetop Walk Bachledka, located in the majestic woods of the Pieniny National Park, will take you from the ground up to a 32-meter-high observation tower with an interactive telescope. In the evening, the path comes alive with the magic of thousands of lights and the smell of punch from the terrace of the restaurant. Getting into a magical mood has never been easier.

Merry Christmas and see you soon in Slovakia!

Things to consider before traveling

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Some tips to consider while traveling

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