The Debrecen Advent will welcome visitors with over a hundred heartwarming performances, high-quality crafts, and a festive gastronomic selection from November 29th to December 23rd. This year, the organizers have prepared a vibrant program to offer unforgettable experiences for all ages during this season of anticipation.
New Features Enriching the Downtown Area
Dósa Nádor Square will be transformed into a magical world and light park where families, children, and adults alike can experience the wonders of Christmas. The fairytale town brings to life the cherished model train sets of our childhood, complete with tunnels, a church, pine trees, a signal house, a miniature train, and a carousel. For the first time, Christmas elves will also appear at the market; these playful figures come to life each night, and the most observant visitors can spot them in new locations every morning.
A new attraction this year is the Advent Calendar that will come to life in collaboration with downtown shops. Starting from December 1st, a new window display will be revealed each day. Festive lights will not only adorn the city but also create a starry sky above the ice rink, offering a magical skating experience until January 6th. Between Christmas and New Year’s, the festive market will continue to welcome everyone in downtown Debrecen.
Community Initiatives
During Advent, more than 7,000 children will have free access to the ice rink, providing both a community experience and an opportunity for physical activity. In line with classic Christmas traditions, visitors will find selected, high-quality crafts and culinary delights, including one-course meals priced at 1500 HUF.
Throughout the Advent fair, primary school children can participate in free chimney cake-making sessions from Monday to Friday. Additional craft workshops await children and families at the Advent Corner, where they can create their own holiday decorations.
Musical Delights Await
Free programs will be offered from Thursday to Sunday on the market grounds and on the main stage. Various performances will take place across downtown, ranging from children’s concerts to intimate seasonal productions, street theater, and spectacular dance shows. Notable performers include the internationally acclaimed Animus Bell Ensemble, Bordó Sárkány Band, Szironta Ensemble, and the popular musical duo Békefi Viki and Feng Ya OU.
Other concerts as part of the Debrecen Advent will feature the Eszter-lánc Fairytale Band, the Debrecen Garrison Band, the Four Fathers Vocal Ensemble, Singh Viki, and Csondor Kata, known for her Christmas hit. Visitors can also enjoy performances by Mr. Piano (János Vágó) and the visually striking street organist János Horváth. The Kölcsey Center will host continuous holiday programs, including performances by the Valcer Dance Studio, Adventissimo, and the StEFREM Choir featuring Sára Bolyki. Detailed information about the Debrecen Advent programs is available on the event’s website and social media channels.
The Power of Spirituality and Tradition
Every Advent Sunday, visitors can join a communal candle-lighting ceremony in front of the Debrecen Reformed Great Church. Traditional processions starting from the Old Town Hall bring the magic of Advent to downtown Debrecen. (The first candle-lighting is on December 1st at 5:00 PM, with subsequent Sundays at 4:00 PM.)
Nativity meetings will revive old customs, bringing all ages closer to the celebration of love.
This year’s program includes the popular Ugly Sweater Charity Run on December 7th, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Baltazár Dezső Square. This event promotes community sports and aims to make Christmas brighter for disadvantaged families and children.
Advent Soul Garden
The Memorial Garden will transform into a “Soul Garden” during Advent, organized by the Debrecen-Nagytemplomi Reformed Church and the Charitable Committee. Visitors can enjoy light installations, soul walks, and contribute to charity at the “Pass it On” house.
Living Nativity Scene
On December 20th, 21st, and 22nd at 3:00 PM, the Christmas story will be brought to life in the Memorial Garden with real-life actors.
Debrecen Bids Farewell to the Old Year with a Street Party
Debrecen will celebrate the New Year with a grand street party. The much-loved “BÚÉK Debrecen” returns to Kossuth Square on New Year’s Eve. The festivities start at 8:00 PM with a DJ set, followed by a live concert by Abrakazabra featuring Szirota Jennifer and Gudics Máté at 9:15 PM. In the final hour of the year, Abrakazabra will perform with Tamás Vastag. After midnight, Erős vs. Spigiboy will keep the party going until 2:00 AM with the most popular hits.
(Főnix Rendezvényszervező Közhasznú Nonprofit Kft.)
