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Christmas Charity Box Donation Point at Debrecen Advent

Grand Hotel Aranybika Piac u. 11-15, debrecen

As in previous years, the Debrecen Charity Board together with the churches collect long-lasting food for families in need. The donation boxes are delivered by the Hungarian Reformed Charity Service to those companies and institutions that wish to participate in this action. Donations of all kinds will be welcome at Debrecen Advent in the Advent Kuckó (Kossuth Square). Free handicraft activities will also be organised for families and visitors. Long-lasting food donations for families in need can be dropped into the collection box on site. The charity box collection campaign runs until the 15th of December 2023. Location: Debrecen Advent (in front of Aranybika Hotel) Source: Debrecen Charity Board

Debrecen Christmas Fair 2024

Kossuth tér Kossuth tér

During the four weeks, a Christmas market, gastronomy, fair attractions and concerts, as well as an ice rink serve to relax amidst the festive preparations. The Christmas market in front of the Great Church of Debrecen and in the city center is an unforgettable spot for those who want a festive atmosphere. Both modern and traditional products can be expected at the fair: carpets, textiles, handmade ceramics and wooden toys, gingerbread, medicinal herbs, teas, parlor sweets and sumptuous Christmas ornaments and decorations. 75 stands with a Christmas atmosphere will offer their products, and 23 wooden houses offer a wide selection of culinary delicacies. Source: Főnix Rendezvényszervező

Christmas ice rink on Kossuth Square until early January

Kossuth tér Kossuth tér

This year a 750-square-meter ice rink will be available again. It was first built in 2021 at the Kossuth square and was the first such mobile rink in Eastern Hungary. Its speciality is the 120-meter corridor on which you can skate around the Kossuth monument. Ice rink opening hours: 25 November 2023 - 7 January 2024 Ticket price: HUF 1,200 / person/occasion Accompanying ticket: HUF 500/person/occasion On weekdays children of schools which have been registered in advance can skate for free between 8 am and 2 pm.  It is possible to rent skates during the ice rink's opening hours. The skate rental fee is HUF 1,100/pair/occasion. The skates will be available on-site in sizes 25-47. Of course, it is also possible to use your own skates, which can be sharpened on-site for a price of HUF 1,600/pair if the guest requests it. During Advent in Debrecen, ice discos with different themes will be held at the following times: December 2 (Saturday) 20:30-22:00 Santa's ice disco December 9 (Saturday) 20:30-22:00 Ronda Hoodie ice disco December 16 (Saturday) 20:30-22:00 ALL-IN Disco  December 22 (Friday) 20:30-22:00 Christmas Disco

Alpine atmosphere in the Hütte

Kossuth tér Kossuth tér

As Christmas approaches, Debrecen comes alive with twinkling lights, wonderful tastes and smells.  Christmas is a celebration of love, time spent together and delicious food, and Debrecen's gastronomic palette will not let you down during the holidays. You don't have to travel all the way to the Alps for an Austrian Hütte-feeling or to taste a real steamed dumpling. All it takes is a visit to the Hütte, located in front of the Reformed Great Church, right next to the Christmas ice rink. The Hütte can be visited between the 25th of November 2023 and the 7th of January 2024.   

Baroque Christmas Carousel in Debrecen

Dósa Nádor Square Dósa Nádor Square, Debrecen

The baroque carousel, made in a small-scale artisanal environment in the town of Montagnana in Northern Italy, provides entertainment for smaller children at Debrecen Advent.  Courtesy of the Nagyerdei Cultural Park, the carousel will be open in all its glory on Dósa nádor Square from the 25th of November to the 23rd of December. Opening hours: Monday -Thursday: 3 p.m. - 8 p.m. Friday - Saturday:  2 p.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday:  2 p.m. - 8 p.m. Saturday, 23rd of December:  2 p.m. -7 p.m. Ticket price: HUF 800 / person/ trip Ride time: 3 minutes Rules: Children between the ages of 3-14 years can use the carousel. The use of the device is allowed up to 50 kg body weight. The use of safety devices is mandatory, releasing them during ride time is FORBIDDEN! It is FORBIDDEN to wrap the chains and the seats together or with yourself.   Date: 25th of November - 23rd of December Source: debreceniadvent.hu

Dance Programmes in Various Locations at Debrecen Advent

Kossuth tér Kossuth tér

Dance Universe Dance Sports Association 2 December, 4.45 5 p.m. - 5 p.m.: Kossuth Square 16 December,  3.35 5 p.m.- 3.50 p.m.:  Dósa nádor Square 22 December, 3.45 5 p.m.- 4 p.m.: Dósa Palatine Square Balance Dance School 25 November 5.30 5 p.m. - 5.45 p.m.: Kossuth Square 9 December, 3.15 5 p.m. - 3.30 p.m.: Dósa nádor Square Harmony-Dance Stylers 25 November, 6 5 p.m.- 6.15 p.m.: Kossuth Square Positive Dance - Positive Centrum Dance Arts Association 16 December, 3 5 p.m. - 3.15 p.m.: Dósa nádor Square 17 December, 3.45 5 p.m.- 4 p.m.: Dósa nádor Square Red Stars Dance Crew 2 December, 6 5 p.m.- 6.45 p.m.:  Debrecen Advent (main square) 17 December, 6 5 p.m. - 6.15 p.m.: Dósa nádor Square R&B Dance Hip Hop Dance School 3 December, 4 5 p.m.- 4.15 p.m.: Dósa nádor Square 9 December, 12:00 5 p.m. -12:15 p.m.: Baltazár Dezső Square (Ugly Sweater Run) 10 December, 4 5 p.m. - 4.30 p.m.: Kossuth Square Source: debreceniadvent

Top Things to Do During Debrecen Advent 2023

As the festive season approaches, Debrecen transforms into a winter wonderland adorned with sparkling lights, festive decorations, and a magical atmosphere. Here are the top things to do in Debrecen during Advent 2023 to make the most of this enchanting time: Advent Corner Delights 75 wooden stalls with a Christmas atmosphere offer modern or even traditional, handmade products, and the public of the fair can choose from a wide selection of festive culinary specialities at more than 20 counters, accompanied by friendly and helpful service. Organisers would like to encourage visitors to Advent in Debrecen to vote for the most beautiful Christmas stall and the best service. Votes can be submitted online on the Debrecen Advent website by indicating the number and the category seen on the wooden houses. Mikulás Arrival Celebration Santa Claus, or St. Mikulás as he is known in Hungary, will arrive in Debrecen in a carriage. In the beautiful Advent Corner, he will be happy to listen to wishes, poems and songs at the following times: Saturday, 2nd December, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Sunday, 3rd December, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.  Tuesday, 5th December, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. On Tuesday, December 5th, between 6 and […]

Famous Debrecen Industrial Artist’s exhibition in the New City Hall

New City Hall 11 Kálvin Square, debrecen

The exhibition entitled ‘Make the Work of Our Hands Permanent’  by the folk industrial artist Katalin Árpádné Veres opened on the 1st of December at 3 p.m. in the New City Hall Gallery. The folk industrial artist started making Reformed cloaks in 1988 after giving up her job as an accountant. The folk industrial artist "reformed" the style of the traditional mantle; in addition to the previously used trims, she also started using trims inspired by the motif treasures of our built heritage.  The artist, recognised with numerous awards, is a Master of Folk Art and a member of the public body of the MMA (Hungarian Academy of Arts). On the occasion of the ‘waiting for Christmas’ exhibition, she was greeted by János Mazsu, the chairman of the Debrecen Value Store Committee, and Szabolcs Komolay, the chairman of the Cultural Committee.. The exhibition is open until the 15th of January 2024 during the opening hours of the New Town Hall.  Date: 1st of December 2023 - 15th of January 2024 Location: New City Hall,11 Kálvin Square Source:Neves debreceni iparművész munkáiból nyílik kiállítás az Új Városházán - Debrecen hírei, debreceni hírek | Debrecen és Hajdú-Bihar megye hírei - Dehir.hu

Ongoing

Little Christmas Train in Debrecen

Dósa Nádor Square Dósa Nádor Square, Debrecen

The Christmas Little Railway is again waiting for its passengers at Debrecen Advent. The railway is controlled by a real engine driver and will run on the Dósa nádor Square between the 25th of November and the 23rd of December. Timetable: Monday-Thursday 15:00-20:00 Friday- Saturday 14:00-21:00 Sunday 14:00-20:00 Saturday, December 23 14:00-19:00 Ticket price: HUF 500 / person / 3 rounds Date: 25th of November- 23rd of December Location:Dósa nádor Square  Source: https://debreceniadvent.hu/programs/karacsonyi-kisvasut/

Christmas programs of the Reformed Great Church

Great Reformed Church Piac u. 4-6, Debrecen

The program "Advent Lights from the Reformed Great Church" will start at 5 p.m. on the following days: 6, 13, 20 December 2023. On 16th of December the Christmas concert of Béla Pintér will be performed in the church, starting at 6 p.m. (Tickets: https://www.pinterbela.hu/ ) The programs of the church’s Karakter 1517 Bookstore and Café are as follow: On 23rd of November at 6 pm, the book "Cradle and Cross"  ("Bölcső és kereszt" ) by Krisztián Kovács will be presented, while a book presentation of "Kapáslövés" will take place on 28th of November at 6 pm.  On the 29th of November, starting at 7 pm, the Debrecen Dixieland Band will perform in the café. On the 2nd of December, there will be Christmas children's activities with Természettár from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. On the 4th of December, there will be a book launch in memory of Melinda Sz. Kóczián at 6 p.m. On the 8th of December, there will be a film screening followed by a discussion about the traditions of “Bethlehem”  at 6 p.m.  On the 9th and 16th of December, there will be Christmas children's activities from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Participation in the programs […]

Concert of Klaudia Kuczmog and Marcell Horváth

Kossuth tér Kossuth tér

Opera singer Klaudia Kuczmog and pianist Marcell Horváth obtained their degrees at the Faculty of Music of the University of Debrecen. After completing their studies, they performed on many domestic and foreign stages. Their Christmas performance can be seen at the main square during Debrecen Advent. Date: 3rd of December and 23rd of December,  6.30  p.m -6.50 p.m. Location: Kossuth Square Source:Kuczmog Klaudia és Horváth Marcell - Debreceni Advent : Debreceni Advent

Advent concert of Endre Ady High School

Great Reformed Church Piac u. 4-6, Debrecen

The Choir of Debrecen’s Ady Endre High School welcomes everyone to its Advent concert on Saturday, the 9th of December, between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. in the Reformed Great Church of Debrecen.  Admission to the Choir's excellent Christmas program is free. Date: 11 a.m. – 12.00 p.m. Location: Reformed Great Church Source: Debreceni Advent

Ugly Sweater Charity Run

Parallel to the highly successful initiative in Budapest, the Ugly Sweater  Run is organised in Debrecen for the third time on the 9th of  December, where charity goes hand in hand with the cheerful atmosphere and the joy of movement. All participants have to do is put on their cutest, ugliest or funniest Christmas sweater, hat, scarf and bring a gift bag with them to donate. As well as promoting community sport, the charity run aims to make Christmas brighter for children and families in need.  Donations will be delivered to the families through the Debrecen Charity Board. Toys, books and sweets with a longer expiry date can be donated for children under 18. Donations can be dropped off between 10 am and 1: pm on the 9th of December at the donation point on Dezső Baltazár Square, the location of the Christmas Ugly Sweater Charity Run. Start, fundraising location: Baltazár Dezső Square Program: 10:00 - 10:45 a.m.: On-site registration 10:50 a.m.: Joint warm-up 11:00  a.m.: Start (3.5 km distance) 11:10 a.m.: Start (1 km distance) Distance: 1 km and 3.5 km (uncertified distances) Route for the 3.5 km distance: Baltazár Dezső Square – Hunyadi Street – Rákóczi Street – […]

Christmas Design Fair in Debrecen

Méliusz Library Bem tér 19/D, Debrecen

The Csak Design Vásár (“Only” Design Fair)  awaits visitors again on the 9th of December in Méliusz Library. On this day, everyone, including artists, is dressed up to celebrate the holiday. Soft lights, the smell of gingerbread and soul-soothing tunes will fill the auditorium of the Méliusz Library, alongside an exclusive Christmas-inspired range of products. Csak Design Vásár is a fair for design lovers. Find unique, modern products and quality products from designers in one place. However, Hungarian brands you will find here are not "only" from Debrecen. Date: 9th of December 2023;  11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Location: Méliusz Library Source: Csak Design Vásár

Christmas Folk Songs Performance at the Ugly Sweater Charity Run

Fruzsi Erdős, a folk singer and vocal teacher at the University of Debrecen, received the "Musician of the Year" award in Debrecen in 2013.  Her song in the show "DAL" in 2022 won the "Best Lyrics of the Year" award. In 2020, she was awarded the Csokonai Prize for her participation in cultural life in Debrecen. She has performed on many stages at home and abroad.  In January 2018, she wowed audiences in San Diego and Los Angeles. In addition to her own songs, she also performs her favorite folk songs at her concerts. Fruzsi Erdős will perform her Christmas show for the participants of the Ugly Sweater Charity Run. Date: 9th of December, 11.45 a.m. - 12.00 p.m. Location: Baltazár Dezső Square Source: Erdős Fruzsi - Debreceni Advent : Debreceni Advent

Have Lunch with the Gospel Choir from Virginia

Hotel Divinus Nagyerdei krt. 1, debrecen

You can join the Virginia Gospel Choir for a special American-inspired buffet lunch on the 9th of December 2023.  A special American-inspired buffet lunch will be served with a welcome glass of champagne. After lunch, guests will be able to meet directly with members of the choir who will share an uplifting sing-along with attendees.  This event is an excellent opportunity to enjoy an exceptional gastronomic and musical experience with friends and family. Adult ticket price: HUF 12,000 Child ticket price (up to 12 years old): HUF 8,400 Registration can be done personally at the reception and following the link of the Hotel Divinus. Date: 9th of December 2023, 1 p.m. Location: Hotel Divinus,  Superior Dominus Restaurant Source: Ebédelj a virginiai Gospel kórussal! | Facebook

Gospel Christmas

Kölcsey Center Bethlen u., 4026, Debrecen

One of America's most active and famous gospel choirs, the Virginia State Gospel Chorale, who were finalists in the America's Got Talent competition in 2013 and regularly appeared in the live show, will visit Debrecen on their European tour on the 9th of December. The choir is visiting Hungary for the first time, and after last year's highly successful Gospel Christmas concert series, we can now fill our hearts with the warmth of evergreen gospel and Christmas songs live with their performance at the Kölcsey Center. The 25-member band is accompanied by a live band (drums, bass guitar, piano and saxophone), and on this year's tour, the world-famous soloist David Bratton, who led the Billboard Gospel charts for more than 52 weeks and was Kölcsey Center’s guest in Hungary last year, also sings with them. The choir, founded in 1971, has toured almost all of Europe. They had the opportunity to work with many celebrities. At the beginning of their career in honour of Pope John Paul II a concert was held in Central Park. In the late 1990s, they performed with Whoopi Goldberg, Diana Ross, Cindy Lauper at Radio City Music Hall and the BB King Blues Club. In […]