Szeged Christmas Market already in full swing

NewsEvents

Dec 3

Szeged’s Christmas Market is drawing large crowds after opening on Friday, November 28, with the city’s holiday lights switched on and festive attractions launching across the downtown. Despite the gloomy, at times rainy weather, visitors have continued to fill Dóm Square and attend the weekend programs. The first candle on the city’s Advent wreath was lit two days later, on Sunday, marking the traditional start of the season.

Holiday lights illuminated Dóm Square, Dugonics Square, Kárász Street, and Tisza Lajos Boulevard on opening night, when three listeners from Radio 88 were invited to press the ceremonial red button. The lighting was preceded by a performance from the Bartók Béla Choir of the University of Szeged’s Juhász Gyula Practice School.

One of the market’s main attractions this year is a new two-story “nostalgia” carousel inspired by early 20th-century designs. A giant Ferris wheel, already a local favorite, towers over Dóm Square, where a straw maze, warming stoves, and nearly full rows of vendor stalls line the place. Organizers say 25,000 LED lights now decorate the square — more than triple last year’s amount.

“We have more vendors than ever before, and a full program every weekend,” said Attila Rácz, managing director of Szegedi Városkép és Piac Kft. (the city’s image and market management company), which coordinates the event. Fire Fantasy Szeged, the city’s well-known fire-juggler group, performs every Friday evening, and the Advent candle-lighting takes place on Sundays at 5 p.m.

The first candle — symbolizing faith and hopeful anticipation — was lit on November 30 by Mayor László Botka and Bishop László Kiss-Rigó. Addressing the crowd, Botka highlighted the importance of community support during the holiday season, noting ongoing municipal assistance programs for families in need. The bishop emphasized solidarity and peaceful preparation for Christmas.

The Christmas market runs through Dec. 24, while the Ferris wheel, carousel, and straw maze will remain in operation on Dóm Square until Jan. 11.