The Debrecen Advent program series opens its doors on 25 November 2023 at 9:00 am and will be open until 23 December at 7:00 pm. During the four weeks Christmas market, culinary delights, festive lights and attractions, and Christmas concerts, as well as an outdoor ice rink will await visitors in Debrecen’s city center.
The Christmas market in front of the Debrecen Great Church and in the city center will be an unforgettable highlight for those who want to get into the festive spirit. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy a magical Christmas atmosphere with the unique backdrop of the beautiful buildings of Debrecen’s city center. Both modern and traditional products will be available on the market: carpets, rugs, handmade ceramics and wooden toys, gingerbread, herbs, teas, candies, and spectacular Christmas decorations. The market will feature 75 Christmas-themed stalls offering various products and 23 wooden houses offering a wide range of culinary delights.
Weekends with concerts, festive attractions, and children’s activities
Every Advent weekend, there will be outdoor activities and programs, while the Advent Cottage located in the pedestrian area of the city center will await families with a festive playground and craft workshops in partnership with DEMKI. During the weekends, the public will also be able to enjoy the performances of a rolling pianist, fairy-tale characters, dancers, musicians, and stilt walkers. The period from 1 to 6 December will be all about Santa Claus: Christmas trees decorated by kindergarten children will decorate the city center, and the Advent Cottage will open its doors to children inviting them to join in carols and fun. Every weekend, the Kölcsey Center will host Advent shows: Adventissimo, Valceremonia, a concert by the St. Ephrem Male Choir and the Hajdú70 Gala Evening.
Candle lighting and the lights of Debrecen
The main attraction of Advent Sundays is the candle-lighting, a symbolic event to mark the coming of the holidays. On 3 December, the first candle is lit at 16:45 following a procession of traditional art groups marching from the Old Town Hall to the Reformed Great Church, and the switching on of the festive lights.
Ice rink and skating disco
This year again, a 750 square meter ice rink will be available for winter sports enthusiasts from 25 November to 7 January, with a ticket costing just HUF 1,200. On Advent Saturdays, DJs will welcome visitors to the disco with a variety of Christmas-themed music.
The faces of the city – inspiring the Debrecen community
During the Debrecen Advent program series, portrait photos of the individuals behind the communities of Debrecen, who may not realize how much of an impact they have on our lives and everyday life, will be projected on a wall several meters high. We are looking for personalities who have inspired us in some way and defined the event or environment that binds the Debrecen community together. The nominees will be photographed for the Advent event by one of Debrecen’s best portrait photographers, Rudolf Jakkel.
Opening hours of the Christmas market:
| Vendors | Food stalls | |
| Monday-Thursday | 10:00-20:00 | 10:00-21:00 |
| Friday-Saturday | 09:00-21:00 | 09:00-22:00 |
| Sunday | 09:00-20:00 | 09:00-21:00 |
