Discover the festive programs below and immerse yourself in the magic of Debrecen’s fourth and final Advent weekend — a celebration of love, tradition, and community that will leave lasting memories as we welcome Christmas.

December 17

Advent lights from the Great Church (Dec 17, 5:00 p.m., Great Church)

Marvel at the magical Advent lights from the panorama walkway of the Great Church, 40 meters high, combined with a guided church visit. During the Advent season, the walkway will open on three evenings.

December 19

Concert of Szironta Ensemble (Dec 19, 5:00 p.m. –5:40 p.m.,  Advent Stage – Kossuth Square)

Founded in 2004, this renowned Hungarian bell ensemble plays on a rare collection of over 100 handbells, handchimes, and cymbella — instruments that allow them to perform everything from classical masterpieces to contemporary music, film scores, and beloved Christmas carols. Their mission is to popularize bell music in Hungary and Central Europe, while sharing their unique performances worldwide — from the United States and Singapore to Japan and Colombia.

Concert of Flóra Kováts Quartet (Dec 19, 6:00 p.m. –6:40 p.m, Advent Stage – Kossuth Square)

Four musicians met at a Budapest jam session, each bringing their own style — jazz, Latin, manouche, and Brazilian music — united by improvisation and a love of jazz. The ensemble will enchant the Debrecen Advent Fair with Christmas jazz and French songs 

“Advent Silence – Light and Music Experience” (Dec 19, 5:00–7:00 p.m., Old Town Hall Courtyard)
A meditative program combining light installations and music for a peaceful Advent atmosphere.

December 20

Christmas Concert of Debrecen Dixieland Jazz Band (Dec 20, 5:00 p.m., Advent Stage – Kossuth Square)
Since 1984, the Debrecen Dixieland Jazz Band has delighted audiences at home and abroad, from the Dresden Dixieland Festival to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Their artistry was honored with the Audience Award at France’s Megève Jazz Contest in 2018.

Concert of Orsi Kozma (Dec 20., 6:00 p.m.,Advent Stage – Kossuth Square)
With more than 25 years of artistry, five acclaimed studio albums, and numerous awards, Orsi Kozma stands as one of the most distinctive voices in vocal jazz and light music. Joined by pianist Gábor Cseke, she will bring warmth, charm, and festive spirit to the Debrecen Advent Fair with a magical Christmas concert.

East Brass (Dec 20, 4:00 p.m. – 4:40 p.m., Dósa Nádor Square)
The four‑member brass ensemble, made up of professional musicians, promises unforgettable concerts at the Debrecen Advent Fair on December 6 and 20, featuring festive arrangements of well‑known Christmas melodies.

DuoTrio Street Theatre (Dec 20, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Advent Fair, 5:40 p.m. – 5.00 p.m. Dósa nádor Square)
The DuoTrio Street Theatre creates improvised performances inspired by audience stories, with active participation from the public. Their interactive stilt‑walking show will appear several times at the Debrecen Advent.

LESZ DANCE Dance & Sports Association (Dec 20, 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.

“Advent Silence – Light and Music Experience” (Dec 20,  5:00–7:00 p.m., Old Town Hall Courtyard)
A meditative program combining light installations and music for peaceful reflection

December 21

LESZ DANCE Dance & Sports Association (Dec 21, 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.

Candle Lighting (Dec 21, 4:30 p.m, – 5:00 p.m.) – Traditional Procession
From the City Hall to the Reformed Great Church of Debrecen.The event will feature contributions from representatives of the historic churches, city leaders, actors Zsuzsa Lehőcz and Dániel Takács from the Csokonai National Theatre, singer Fruzsina Erdős‑Tóth, the Debrecen Folk Ensemble, Kuckó Művésztanya, and the Tordai Band.

“Light of the World” Weekend Candle Lighting, (Dec 21, 5:00 p.m. –5.45 p.m., Advent Stage – Kossuth Square)  
A communal ceremony with representatives of the churches, city leaders, artists, and civil organizations. 

Concert of Alíz Nyári (Dec 21, 6:00 p.m. – 6.40 p.m., Advent Stage – Kossuth Square)  
On the final Sunday of the Debrecen Advent series, the enchanting Hungarian singer Alíz Nyári will bring the most beloved Christmas songs to the city. Her performance will evoke the warmth and intimacy of festive moments at home, filling the evening with love and true holiday spirit. Accompanied by the outstanding pianist József Csikós, she promises a magical musical experience.

As Debrecen’s Advent season comes to a close, the final weekend offers a moment of reflection and celebration. With music, light, and community at its heart, it’s a fitting way to welcome Christmas and carry its spirit into the days ahead.

Date: December 17-21
Location: across Debrecen city centre

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