The second weekend of Advent arrives in Debrecen with a special intimacy. The city is decked out in lights, the squares are filled with festive melodies, and colorful programs await visitors of all ages. The organizers have put their hearts and souls into the preparations again this year, and of course, Santa Claus is also on his way to bring smiles to the faces of as many children as possible.
Friday, December 5, 2025
The festive mood will begin on Friday afternoon. Between 2:30 and 5:00 p.m., children can meet Santa Claus at the Advent Corner on Dósa Nádor Square, where he will be happy to listen to their poems and wishes.
At 5:00 p.m. on the Advent stage at Kossuth Square, Fruzsina Kovácsovics’ Christmas show will fill the square, and of course Santa Claus himself will appear on stage! From 6:15 p.m., the Christmas Singers will perform classic Christmas tunes.
From 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the courtyard of the Old Town Hall, those who are looking for a little spiritual refreshment can enjoy the special atmosphere of “Advent Silence – Light and Music Experience.”
Saturday, December 6, 2025
The hustle and bustle begins on Saturday morning: from 10:00 a.m. at Baltazár Dezső Square, the Ronda Pulcsis Run will create a cheerful atmosphere, with Jennifer Szirota participating and László Fazekas providing entertainment as the host.
Children can meet Santa Claus all day long in Meseváros and Adventi Kuckó. Dósa Nádor Square welcomes families from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Santa Claus will be there in two time slots: from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
There will also be musical entertainment:
East Brass from 4:00 p.m.,
the Debrecen University Light Music Institute Orchestra from 5:00 p.m.,
and Dénes Pál from 6:00 p.m.
Zsolt Horváth’s barrel organ show and the cheerful performance of the LESZ DANCE costume dancers will be a special experience at the Advent Fair.
And there will be a real festive treat for children: at 4:00 p.m. in the ballroom of the Kölcsey Center, families can enjoy a concert by Vilmos Gryllus Nótás Mikulás.
And of course, on Saturday we can also embrace the experience of Advent silence and light in the courtyard of the Old Town Hall between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 7, 2025
The most intimate event of the weekend is undoubtedly the Sunday candle lighting.
Starting at 4:30 p.m., a traditional procession will depart from City Hall and make its way to the Advent stage, where clergy, artists, singers, and local communities will come together for the “Light of the World” celebration. The communal candle lighting will begin at 5:00 p.m. and promises to be a truly spiritual experience.
The musical programs will also continue:
At 6:00 p.m., Gyula Éliás will take the stage at Kossuth Square,
the Lituus Brass Band will play at Dósa Nádor Square,
and the sounds of the barrel organ and dancers in costume will once again appear at the Advent Fair.
The highlight of the day will be the Adventissimo concert at the Kölcsey Center, starting at 6:00 p.m., performed by the Debrecen Garrison Band, a truly uplifting Advent experience for the whole family.
