Sofia Sveta Nedelya Cathedral illuminated in winter magic
Nikolai Karaneschev|CC BY 3.0

Christmas Markets in Sofia

4 MarketsBulgaria

Christmas markets in Sofia

Explore on the Map

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Weather

Climate averages and forecast for Sofia

9-Day Forecast

Updated daily from MET Norway

Sun
Nov 30
Rain
44°F
36°F
0.1 in
Mon
Dec 1
Fair
51°F
32°F
Tue
Dec 2
Partly cloudy
49°F
35°F
Wed
Dec 3
Cloudy
47°F
36°F
Thu
Dec 4
Cloudy
48°F
42°F
0.1 in
Fri
Dec 5
Rain
47°F
44°F
0.1 in
Sat
Dec 6
Cloudy
45°F
42°F
0.1 in
Sun
Dec 7
Cloudy
49°F
41°F
0 in
Mon
Dec 8
Cloudy
50°F
40°F

Typical Winter Weather

30-year average climate data for November through January

Typical Winter Weather
30-year average temperatures for Sofia
Month
Average
High
Average
Low
Average Monthly
Precipitation
Average Daily
Sunshine
November51°F36°F1.5 in3.5h
December40°F28°F1.6 in2.1h
January38°F25°F1.4 in2.8h
Weather forecast from MET Norway (CC BY 4.0)|Climate data: Source Meteostat (CC BY-NC 4.0, modified: avg temp calculated, unit conversion)

Experience Sofia

Watch videos showcasing the Christmas markets and festive atmosphere

 Christmas Markets Tour | First Snow in 2023 | Sofia, Bulgaria 4k walk

Christmas Markets Tour | First Snow in 2023 | Sofia, Bulgaria 4k walk

Join us for a winter adventure through snowy streets and festive Christmas markets in Sofia, Bulgaria! We start on Vitosha Boulevard, sipping Gluhwein at the Christmas Fest near NDK. Check out the historic Dutch Carousel and the lively German market, where everyone is welcome to enjoy good vibes, tasty food, mulled wine and a multicultural celebration. Watch us navigate storm aftermath and soak up the cozy, inclusive atmosphere of Sofia's winter wonderland – the perfect holiday escape! ❄️ ___

Sofia's Magical Christmas Markets: A Festive Walking Tour | Bulgaria 4K 60 HDR

Sofia's Magical Christmas Markets: A Festive Walking Tour | Bulgaria 4K 60 HDR

Experience Sofia’s festive glow as we wander through its most beloved Christmas markets, twinkling boulevards, and cultural landmarks. This immersive 4K walking tour captures the city’s holiday spirit - from the cozy wooden stalls near the Bulgarian National Bank to the lively scenes around the National Palace of Culture - letting you soak in seasonal lights, music, and aromas as if you were right there. Plan to visit? Find hotels on Booking.com with our links: Hotels - https://travelinita.c

Experience The Magic Of Sofia's Christmas Market In Stunning 4k Quality!

Experience The Magic Of Sofia's Christmas Market In Stunning 4k Quality!

Discover the latest smart home gadgets to make your life easier and more connected! Shop now for innovative technology that enhances your home. https://trendynovara.com Our shopify Store : https://trendynovara.com/ ( Take a look inside ) Experience the magic of Sofia during Christmas in this stunning 4K walking tour! ❄️ Stroll through Bulgaria’s capital as it transforms into a winter wonderland, with sparkling lights, festive decorations, and the aroma of holiday treats. Visit Sofia's Christma

Discover Sofia

Explore the magical atmosphere of Sofia's Christmas markets

Sofia Sveta Nedelya Cathedral illuminated in winter magic
Nikolai Karaneschev|CC BY 3.0
Sofia's Alexander Nevsky Cathedral adorned in snow during winter magic
Nikolai Karaneschev|CC BY 3.0
Sofia Tsar Liberator Monument in winter snow, showcasing Sofia's charm
Nikolai Karaneschev|CC BY 3.0

Plan Your Visit to Sofia

Getting There

Sofia Airport, located approximately 10 kilometers east of the city center, serves as Bulgaria's primary international gateway with connections throughout Europe. The airport connects to the city via metro, bus, and taxi services. Sofia also functions as a major rail hub with connections to other Balkan capitals, though most international travelers arrive by air.

Where to Stay

The city center around Vitosha Boulevard and the area near Alexander Nevsky Cathedral offer convenient access to Sofia's main attractions and cultural sites. Both neighborhoods feature a range of hotels and guesthouses within walking distance of restaurants and key landmarks. Public transport is efficient and affordable, making outer districts viable options for budget-conscious travelers.

Other Attractions

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, with its golden domes and Byzantine architecture, stands as one of the Balkans' most impressive Orthodox churches. Vitosha Boulevard offers excellent shopping and dining options, while the nearby National Palace of Culture hosts concerts and cultural events. The Church of St. George, dating to the 4th century, sits in the city center and reveals layers of Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman heritage. Mount Vitosha, visible from much of the city, provides skiing and winter hiking opportunities just a short drive from downtown.

History & Culture

Sofia ranks among Europe's oldest continuously inhabited cities, with settlement dating back more than 7,000 years. The city flourished under Roman rule as Serdica, becoming an important administrative center. Centuries of Byzantine, Bulgarian, and Ottoman rule left architectural and cultural layers still visible today, from Roman ruins beneath modern streets to Ottoman mosques and Bulgarian National Revival buildings. The city became Bulgaria's capital in 1879 following liberation from Ottoman rule, and its name honors the medieval Church of Saint Sofia.

Christmas Market History: Sofia's organized Christmas market tradition developed primarily after Bulgaria joined the European Union in 2007, when the city began hosting seasonal markets inspired by Central European models. The main markets have centered around the National Palace of Culture and Vitosha Boulevard, growing in scale throughout the 2010s. Sofia's festive celebrations blend Western Christmas market elements with Bulgarian Orthodox customs, as the country celebrates Christmas on December 25th.

Ready to Visit Sofia?

Discover 4 magical Christmas markets in the heart of Bulgaria