The traditional German Christmas market in Sofia has already started offering warmth for the soul and a way to escape from stress. The location is Sofia’s City Garden near Ivan Vazov National Theater and the market opens at 6 pm on November 22. Christmas markets in Europe have a centuries-old tradition. Most often, these types of bazaars continue for about 40 days – from mid-November until December 24 and are organized in accordance with the Catholic Advent Calendar. In Sofia, such Christmas markets have been warming up the mood of citizens and guests for nine years.

"Next year we will be celebrating our 10th anniversary. I'm one of the singers at the event. We provide an opportunity for Bulgarians to experience the traditional Christmas spirit of Germany and Austria. Everyone has a lot of fun and the festive atmosphere is great. We serve traditional stollen, various wursts, breads, handmade cookies, mulled wine. We have also thought about the children - they will be able to try non-alcoholic punch and various other delicious things. Santa Claus will also be here every night to hear their wishes for Christmas," says Austrian singer Armin Jan Hoffman, who has lived in Bulgaria for 5 years and has been involved in organizing the holiday market for 3 years.

On weekdays, there will be concert program in the evenings and during the weekend there will be interesting activities throughout the day. On the stage we will see favorite Bulgarian musicians, singers from different TV formats, as well as foreign performers. German evergreens and classic Christmas songs will be the core of the music program every night. Kids will have the opportunity to engage in choir singing or recite their favorite poems in front of the audience. Of course, dancing will also be an integral part of the fun.

“A healthy spirit, a healthy body - this is the most important thing for us. When your soul is feeling well, illnesses stay away. At the Christmas market, people forget about time, forget about stress and recharge themselves with positive emotions,” Armin Jan Hoffman says.

Christmas tree and home decoration created in small family shops in Germany will be available to visitors who could carry the festive mood back home.

"In the past years there were not many snowy days during the market, but in Sofia there is a great chance for the weather to make us happy. The last snowy Christmas in Vienna was in 1991, which was a long time ago. Before that, there was snow almost every year. I remember going to church while it was snowing. Now Christmas is not white, but rather green,” the Austrian singer says.

The Weihnachtsmarkt continues until December 21st.

English: Alexander Markov