Winter in Košice invites you to Christmas markets, snowy slopes, and fun on the ice

Košice Fairytale Christmas brings dozens of events to the city during the festive season. In the heart of the city, against the enchanting backdrop of a stunning 15-meter-tall Christmas tree, you can enjoy celebratory concerts, a rich cultural program on the stage by the Immaculata, a magical Nativity scene, an Advent program near the Lower Gate, sparkling decorations in the City Park, and fun activities for children. This year’s festivities begin on the first Sunday of Advent, December 1st, with the lighting of the Christmas tree and decorations on Hlavná Street at 4 PM, marking the start of the 29th annual Košice Fairytale Christmas.

The Christmas markets, stretching from the Immaculata statue to nearly the end of Hlavná Street, kick off on Friday, November 29th, and will remain open until the end of the year. Starting daily at 9 AM, visitors can explore 46 stalls offering a rich selection of holiday specialties, delicious meals, roasted or grilled treats, hot chocolate, mulled wine, and mead.

Savor festive dishes like roasted pork, sweet dumplings, mulled wine, honey mead, Christmas pastries, roasted nuts and almonds, pancakes, or fragrant chestnuts. And don’t miss the legendary lokše with poppy seeds or bryndza, as well as langosh (deep-fried flatbread with toppings)! Treat yourself to these seasonal delights, enjoy stunning views of the lit-up city from a 32-meter-high carousel, or shop for unique gifts for your loved ones. Be sure to wander into nearby courtyards and squares in the wider city center, where music, delicious aromas, and twinkling holiday lights create a magical atmosphere.

For a detailed cultural program of Košice Fairytale Christmas, don’t forget to check out our updated city event calendar!

Brighten up your day on the ice! Whether you're here for some winter fun or a touch of romance, ice skating is always a great choice. You can practice your spins and twirls to the rhythm of music on the 20 x 40 meter rink, set in the picturesque City Park, illuminated by festive lights. Parents with kids will definitely enjoy this spot too, as many little ones take their first steps on the ice or chase each other around, inventing games with their friends.

This year, right next to the Košice ice rink, the beloved Košice land of magic and fairy tales–Rozprávkovo, will once again appear in City Park. Be enchanted by fairy tale stories like Hansel and Gretel with their gingerbread house, Little Red Riding Hood and the wolf, the beautiful motif from the Perinbaba story with a stunning peacock, and the well-known tale of Johnny the Pea. Visitors will also be charmed by a new illuminated alley near Villa Sandy. Come and experience the magic daily from 4 PM to 9 PM.

Take a short stroll from the city center to one of the most iconic tourist spots – Hrešná Cottage, just a short walk from the Kavečany district, a year-round destination for easygoing hikers. It’s a favorite spot for enjoying stunning views of Košice’s neighborhoods and surrounding villages. A simple pair of sturdy shoes will do for this walk.

Don’t hesitate to bring your little ones along for the fun, where you can make snowmen, walk through the forest, and, most importantly, enjoy sledding down the hill with a view of the nearby zoo.

Warm up with a cup of herbal tea at the lodge, and combine your sledding adventure with a visit to Košice ZOO. With its expansive area (almost 300 hectares), it's a fantastic place for a winter adventure and to meet the animals. Keep an eye out for llamas with snowy manes, various species of hoofed animals, and if you’re lucky (and the bear is in the mood), you might even spot a brown bear!

Source: Chata Hrešná Archive

Head towards the sunshine and take a trip to the mountain landmark in the Košice region – Kojšovská hoľa hill, or "Kojšovka," is the highest peak in the area. At an elevation of 1,246 meters above sea level, it offers a whole new, icy world. Start from the parking lot above Zlatá Idka and engage your entire body as you climb. You can take the main road or shortcut trails to the top, where the famous weather station awaits. The hike will take about two hours up, and you’ll be back to the parking lot in just twenty adrenaline-filled minutes.

In addition to breathtaking views of the High Tatras on clear days, a bonus of Kojšovská hoľa hill is a stop at Chata Erika, where you can reward yourself with delicious, warm food and drinks after the climb. Kojšovka is a great choice for tourists who appreciate snow and winter sports, located only about 30 minutes from the center of Košice. Local enthusiasts even come here after work – but don't forget to bring a headlamp if you're planning on skiing in the evening!

Experience the authentic atmosphere of winter sports at a ski resort that has no competition in the area! Jahodná is the most popular snow destination in Košice. The credit goes to the ski and snowboard school offering programs for children as young as two years old. With the help of trained instructors, you'll overcome any fear and learn to glide through the snow with the wind on your face and your skis firmly gripping the snowy surface.

Spend the whole day here with your partner, friends, or family – there are ski lifts for all ages, rental shops for any gear you might need, a music-filled resort area, and classic buffet treats like traditional goulash, hearty fried cheese, and drinks that will recharge you and give you the courage to ski down fresh powder.

When visiting Košice, don’t miss your gateway to the city. At the Visit Košice Infopoint on Hlavná 59, you'll find everything you need to explore local tips and recommendations.

Pay special attention to the unique design souvenirs that dominate the space of the info center. These mementos are created by talented local artists who have skillfully captured the stories connected to the city. How about gifting your loved ones a unique Košice chess set, a silk scarf, wall clocks referencing the city's iconic architecture, a blueprinted tie, or a sculpture of the famous Marathon runner? Get inspired by our tips for original Christmas gifts on the Visit Košice website or directly on-site.

• Hotel Ambassador**** – Stay at the heart of the city, right on Main Street.

• Hotel Bankov**** – Stay in the middle of a historic forest with wellness facilities.

• Congress Hotel Roca*** – Rent a bike at the hotel and explore the city center.

• Hotel Centrum*** – Rest in a room with a view of the southern side of Košice.

• Hotel Crystal*** – Enjoy accommodation next to an independent cultural center.

• Hotel Bristol**** – Enjoy staying near St. Elisabeth's Cathedral.

• Boutique Hotel Slávia – Stay in the heart of Košice's historic district, home to St. Elisabeth's Cathedral, the Singing Fountain, and the National Theatre of Košice.

This selection is just a glimpse of the experiences you can try in wintery Košice. Visit the Visit Košice Infopoint at Hlavná 59 or check out www.visitkosice.org for more tips on where to go for unforgettable Košice adventures. Enjoy the city during Košice's Fairytale Christmas and Christmas markets, and take home the most beautiful souvenirs from Eastern Slovakia!