Sofia is one of the newest destination on the radar for Christmas Markets, but with a Bulgarian and German theme, it is apparently rapidly becoming a « must visit » destination for anyone looking for some festive fun. More beautiful from year to year, the German Christmas Market in Sofia plunge you into the Christmas’s Magical. Let’s go for the discovery.
… No, it’s a joke, I didn’t took 10 pounds ! But it could have. Last saturday, in the morning, it was the real first time since I live in Sofia that I visited the Christmas Market of Sofia. Created in 2011, referred to as Kolidariya or Koledaria, the Sofia’s Christmas Market is held at City Garden, behind the Ivan Vazov Theatre and runs from the 18th of November until early January. It opens his doors every day at 11:00 am until 8:00 pm. Things are definitely getting serious in Plovdiv too because there is also a German Christmas Market since 2012, in Borisova Gradina Park.
The main idea of this market was to bring the authentic German tradition of celebrating Christmas to the territory of Bulgaria. For this purpose, a special mini « Christmas town » of festively decorated wooden houses was designed and built on-site, offering visitors dishes from the traditional German cuisine, hot wine, treats for kids, as well as handmade souvenirs, wooden toys, Christmas decorations. Every day, a puppet theater offers some events to the visitors.
More information about the Christmas Market in Sofia and Plovdiv (program), here.
So, I was totally surprised to see as many people of all ages and even tourists strolling on the market, between the small wooden chalets highly decorated, and as many people waiting in front of the stand their Christmas sausages. Yes, because the sausages are just crazy, crazy delicious. And I would like to have my sausage, definitely. So, last saturday, I arrived at the opening, at 11:00am, not to wait too much in front of the sausages stand. Get your German sausages is probably the first thing to do when you arrive on the market, this and get your hot Christmas wine too. You can also try a tipple of greyana rakiya – a traditional grape brandy popular across Bulgaria. Once this stage has been validated, you can explore the other stands of the market, like strolling in front of the homemade chocolate stand that of the big cheese that drips on a brooch. Even if you loved your German sausage, it is quite possible that when you arrive in front of this new hot cheese stand, you have already forgotten all the love you once wore it. Envy of a sauerkraut or a fricassee of mushrooms ? no problem, here everything seems to be possible.
Before leaving the market, do not forget to make your Christmas digital photo with your family or friends (2,90 leva) or on paper (9,90 leva). It’s just a very nice Christmas memory. Enjoy it !
Video about the theater of the Market :
Hello. Thanks for you article. Really interesting.
I was wondering: are there two christmas markets in Sofia?
One in Borisova park (hungarian) And a different German one near the theater?
Thank you, Carlo
Hi Carlo, Thank you for your message ! The German christmas Market takes place in Sofia hyper center near the Theater and it is very well furnished and organized. There are also lot of christmas bazaar events during the Christmas period, in some different places. For the second one, in Borisova Park, it is in Plovdiv. If you have any other questions, we will be happy to help you !