Debrecen’s Advent season transforms the city into a festive wonderland. Across Kossuth Square, Dósa Nádor Square, Baltazár Dezső Square, and the Kölcsey Center, visitors can enjoy concerts, family activities, spiritual displays, and winter fun.

Explore the festive programs below and immerse yourself in the enchanting spirit of Debrecen’s first Advent Weekend.

First Advent Weekend (November 28 – November 30)

November 28

Advent Fair Opening (Nov 28, 4:00 p.m., Kossuth Square)
The festive market begins with artisan stalls, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and handmade gifts.

LESZ DANCE Dance and Sports Association’s dance show, (Nov 28, 4:00–5:00 p.m., Advent Fair)
During the Advent weekends, the fair’s visitors can meet the elves and Santa’s helpers of the LESZ DANCE Dance and Sports Association, as well as one of the children’s favorite fairy‑tale characters, Elsa.

Triolett Advent Show (Nov 28, 5:00–5:40 p.m., Kossuth Square)
A lively musical performance to set the Advent spirit with the Triolett Trio bringing nostalgic favorites to life with their own acoustic arrangements of Hungarian classics by Charlie, Zorán and hits from ABBA, the Beatles, and more. At the Debrecen Advent, they will perform a festive concert filled with Christmas songs that capture the warm, magical spirit of the season.

Péter Kitti & Horváth Marcell (Nov 28, 6:00–6:40 p.m., Kossuth Square)
Popular Hungarian performers bring contemporary and seasonal music.

The Kitti & Marci Acoustic Duo, featuring Kitti Péter will perform the most beautiful Christmas songs in unique acoustic arrangements. Blending elements of pop and jazz, their music brings a fresh and heartfelt sound to holiday classics, with enchanting the audience with festive melodies and the magical spirit of the season.

November 29

Children’s Tree Decorating (Nov 29, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., Dósa Nádor Square) Preschoolers and toddlers decorate Christmas trees, showcasing creativity and community spirit.

Sonivius Vappae Band (Nov 29, 4:00 p.m.–4:50 p.m., Advent Fair)
Medieval-inspired ensemble performing energetic, captivating music often called “refined noise.”

Sonivius Vappae brings medieval energy to life with drums, bagpipes, flutes, and cisterns. Despite their playful name, their goal is to delight audiences with uplifting, soul‑stirring music. Having performed across the world — most recently with great success in Cappadocia, Turkey — they now return to share their joy with Debrecen. 

LESZ DANCE Dance and Sports Association’s dance show, (Nov 29, 4:00–5:00 p.m., Advent Fair)
During the Advent weekends, the fair’s visitors can meet the elves and Santa’s helpers of the LESZ DANCE Dance and Sports Association, as well as one of the children’s favorite fairy‑tale characters, Elsa.

Bokros Band (Nov 29, 5:00–5:40 p.m., Kossuth Square)
The Bokros Ensemble’s “Betlehem, Betlehem” Christmas show brings together hurdy‑gurdies, “koboz” (traditional plucked string instrument), and vocals in a joyful Advent program. Blending Hungarian winter folk traditions with historic melodies, the concert features rare and familiar Christmas songs, celebrating the season through shared music.

Lituus Brass Ensemble (Nov 29, 5:00–5:40 p.m., Dósa Nádor Square)
Traditional brass ensemble creating a warm, nostalgic atmosphere.

The five‑member brass ensemble is a returning highlight of the Debrecen Advent. Their wide repertoire spans classical, film, and light music, while their Advent program features well‑known Christmas melodies from different nations, helping the audience embrace the season’s intimate, festive spirit.

Fruzsi Erdős (Nov 29, 6:00 p.m., Kossuth Square)
Singer-songwriter performance with heartfelt Advent themes.

Erdős Fruzsi, award‑winning singer, folk vocalist, and lecturer at the University of Debrecen with her acoustic band, will present a festive Christmas program at the Debrecen Advent.

“Advent Silence – Light and Music Experience” (Nov 29, 5:00–7:00 p.m., Old Town Hall Courtyard)
A meditative program combining light installations and music for peaceful reflection.

November 30

Candle Lighting (Nov. 30, 4:30–5:00 p.m.) – Traditional Procession
From the City Hall to the Reformed Great Church of Debrecen.

LESZ DANCE Dance and Sports Association’s dance show, ( Nov. 30 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Advent Fair)

During the Advent weekends, the fair’s visitors can meet the elves and Santa’s helpers of the LESZ DANCE Dance and Sports Association, as well as one of the children’s favorite fairy‑tale characters, Elsa.

“Light of the World” Weekend Candle Lighting, (5:00 p.m. –6:00 p.m., Advent Stage – Kossuth Square)  
A communal ceremony with representatives of the churches, city leaders, artists, and civil organizations. 

Participants include bishops of the historic churches, local leaders, opera singers Kuczmog Klaudia and Antóni Norbert, drama students from Ady Gymnasium, the Lautitia Choir Family, and the children’s choir of Svetits Catholic School.

Christmas Concert Advent Stage (6.30 p.m.– 7.10 p.m.– Kossuth Square)
Special Advent concert blending folk and festive melodies, with professional musicians  Beján Miklós, Korponai‑Kiss Noémi & Szabó Dániel 

DNE Folk-Symphonic 75th Jubilee Gala (Nov 30, 6:00 p.m., Kölcsey Center, Grand Hall)
A gala blending classical and folk music to celebrate 75 years of tradition.

The Debrecen Folk Ensemble (DNE) celebrates 75 years as a leading force in Hungarian folk dance with a gala at the Kölcsey Center. Past and present dancers, along with longtime partner bands, will revive memorable choreographies and music.

The first week of Debrecen Advent offers not only music, dance, and cherished traditions, but also the joy of gathering as a community. From nostalgic melodies and festive folk rhythms to the solemn beauty of the shared candle‑lighting, every moment is a reminder of the season’s warmth and hope.

Let this opening weekend be the beginning of a heartfelt journey through Advent — a time to pause, to celebrate, and to welcome the magic of Christmas together in the heart of Debrecen.

For more information about the programs and events please visit Debreceni Advent.

Date: November 28-30
Location: across Debrecen city centre

Source:debreceniadvent.hu | Photo credit:Facebook Papp László