Local services
Lights, smells, tastes, sounds: everything is being prepared for the advent holiday downtown.
Advent in Debrecen opens its doors on 25th November at 9 a.m. and runs until 7 p.m. on 23rd
December.
During the four weeks, a Christmas market, gastronomy, fairground attractions and concerts,
and an ice rink will provide a relaxing way to get into the festive spirit.
The Christmas market in front of Debrecen’s Great Church and the city centre is an
unforgettable sight for those who want to get into the festive spirit. The fair will feature modern
and traditional products: carpets, rugs, handmade ceramics and wooden toys, gingerbread,
herbs, teas, scones and sumptuous Christmas decorations. 75 Christmas-themed stalls will
offer their products, and 23 wooden huts will offer a wide range of culinary delights.
Every Advent weekend, there will be outdoor activities, a playground, and craft workshops in the
Advent Cabin, created in partnership with DEMKI, in the pedestrian area of the city centre.
During the weekends of the Magic Fair, the visiting public will also enjoy the performances of a
rolling pianist, a carnival, fairy-tale characters, dancers, musicians and stilt walkers.
The period from 1st-6th December will be all about Santa Claus: decorated Christmas trees by
kindergartners will decorate the city centre, and Santa Claus will welcome the little ones in the
Advent Cabin, inviting them to join in carolling and fun.
Advent shows will be held every weekend in the Kölcsey Centre: Adventissimo, Valceremonia,
the St. Ephrem Male Choir and the Hajdú70 Gala Evening will guarantee the Advent
atmosphere.
Candle lighting and the lights of Debrecen
The main attraction of Advent Sundays is the candle lighting, a symbolic event showing light
towards the holidays.
On 3rd December, the first candle is lit at 4.45 p.m., a parade of traditional art groups will lead
off from the Old Town Hall to the Reformed Church of Debrecen, and the city centre is bathed in
festive lights.
Ice rink and skating rink
From 25th November to 7th January, winter sports enthusiasts will be entertained by a 750-
square-metre ice rink, open from 25th November to 7th January, with a ticket costing just HUF 1,200. On Advent Saturdays, DJs will be playing Christmas-themed music with various themes.
The faces of the city – inspiring the Debrecen community
During Advent in Debrecen, portrait photos of the people behind the Debrecen communities will
be projected on a wall several metres high, showing their impact on our lives and our daily lives.
They are looking for personalities who have inspired people somehow and defined the event or
environment that binds the Debrecen community together. The nominees will be photographed
for the Advent event by one of Debrecen’s best portrait photographers, Rudolf Jakkel.
Source: dehir.hu
