Szeged Christmas Market to open on November 29
The 2024 Szeged Christmas Market, also known as Szegedi Karácsonyi Hetek (Szeged Christmas Weeks), will open on November 29, bringing holiday festivities to Szeged’s city center.
After the city’s Christmas lights are switched on, Szeged’s central squares will become a bustling holiday destination for locals and tourists. Throughout the Advent season, food and drink stalls will line the main squares, filling the downtown with the aromas of winter spices and festive treats.
As in past years, Dóm Square will be the main hub for the Christmas Market, with the Votive Church serving as an iconic backdrop. This year’s attractions include a 50-meter Ferris wheel, Szeged’s giant Advent wreath, a straw labyrinth, and numerous gift and food vendors. Popular features from 2023, such as the two selfie points, will return for 2024.
Food stalls at the market will offer a range of options, including traditional Hungarian winter dishes like liver sausage and blood pudding alongside popular street foods such as gyros and chimney cake. The Christmas Market also provides opportunities for holiday shopping, with a selection of handmade goods, including ceramics, wooden toys, candles, and other crafts.
Weekend programs at the market will feature musical performances and the popular fire juggler show. A new addition this year will be a light painting display. On Sundays, public figures from Szeged will light candles on the city’s Advent wreath as part of the countdown to Christmas.
In Dugonics Square, large installations of a lit-up deer and Santa Claus will once again be displayed near the Rector’s Building at the University of Szeged, offering popular photo spots. Food and drink stalls will also be present at this location.
Klauzál Square will host the city’s Christmas tree and a stall offering hot drinks such as tea and mulled wine. The Rotary Club will organize occasional holiday performances at this location.
The Szeged Christmas Market’s official opening is scheduled for November 29 at 16:30, with stilt walkers leading a festive parade from Klauzál Square to Dóm Square.
Key Program Highlights- November 30, 18:00 - Light painting at Dóm Square
- December 1, 17:00 - Lighting of the first Advent candle
- December 6, 17:00 - Santa and his helpers distribute small gifts on the Klauzál Square - Dugonics Square - Dóm Square route
- December 6, 19:00 - Fire juggler show at Dóm Square
- December 13, 18:00 - Ice sculpting demonstration
The full schedule and updates for the Szeged Christmas Market are available on the event’s Facebook page.
Featured image from last year's event. Photo: Szilvia Molnar / Szegedify
