How is Slovak Christmas celebrated? They are similar to their neighbor’s – Czech Christmas, but you will find differences

Slovak Christmas celebrations are similar to those in their neighboring country, the Czech Republic, but with a few differences.

The Christmas season starts with Advent, as many Slovaks are Roman Catholics who prepare spiritually for the holiday.

Additionally, Slovaks celebrate St. Nicholas’ Day on December 6th, known as Svätý Mikuláš in Slovakia. On the evening of December 5th, Svätý Mikuláš brings presents to well-behaved children and fills their shoes with sweets and fruit, which they place near the door. Overall, Christmas in Slovakia is full of lovely customs and traditions.

When is Christmas celebrated in Slovakia?

Christmas in Slovakia starts on December 24. This is Christmas Day, when families gather for dinner, and children unwrap presents under the tree in the evening. Christmas is preceded by four weeks, Advent, when people prepare for Christmas. They light a candle on the Advent wreath every Sunday, and the children open the Advent calendar windows.

Christmas Eve is December 25th, the first Christmas holiday. Slovakia has a national holiday for St. Stephen on December 26.

Christmas here ends on January 6, called Three Kings Day.

Christmas decorations and waiting for Christmas Day

With the arrival of Advent comes the first Christmas decoration, which is the well-known Advent wreath. Four candles are placed on it. One is lit every Sunday. Children count down the days until Christmas Day with the help of an advent calendar, in which they can open one window every day in which sweet chocolate is waiting for them.

Slovak Christmas Trees are decorated with colored lights, fruits, hand-made decorations made of wood, baked goods made with honey in the form of Angels and other religious symbols and sweets.

Christmas Trees are kept until January 6th, the Feast of the Three Kings. Then, the children are finally allowed to eat the candies and other sweets from the tree.

Christmas Eve traditional food

In individual regions, traditional dinners differ mainly in the composition of particular courses. Everywhere, however, dinner begins with the family gathering at the table and praying together. All over Slovakia, the traditional wafer dipped in honey is the first to be eaten. Soup, usually vegetables, follows this.

The main course consists of potato salad and fried fish. Carp is the most widespread fish in Slovakia, but sometimes salmon can appear.

What other must-have dishes?

• baked dessert – gingerbread and other desserts
• the so-called Štědrák, a cake with nuts, poppy seeds, and jam
• Christmas cake
• opékance or bobalky – buns made of yeast dough sprinkled with poppy seeds

Who brings gifts to the children in Slovakia?

Children receive gifts from Ježíško, also known as Baby Jesus, while family gifts are placed under the Christmas tree. It is a common tradition for children to leave the room when Jesus brings the presents. The children wait outside until they hear a bell ring, which signals that they can come back in to open their gifts.

They run to the Christmas tree in hopes of catching a glimpse of Baby Jesus, but they always miss seeing him. Most people open their presents after the main Christmas meal, but some choose to open them before the meal.

Slovak Christmas customs and traditions

Bethlehem light

For many people in Slovakia, the Bethlehem Light is an important Christmas tradition. Every year, Slovak scouts go directly to Bethlehem to collect it so that people can take a piece from the church to their homes. It is a symbol of human unity and friendship.

Dinner begins with the rising of the first star. It is customary to fast on Christmas Day. Children are told that they will see a golden piggy or star if they go the whole day without eating.

Garlic for health

In some places in Slovakia, a wafer dipped in honey is eaten with a slice of garlic for health during Christmas Eve dinner.

Blowing out the candle

In some families, dinner takes place after dark by the light of a single candle. There is even a superstition associated with blowing out a candle. If the smoke goes straight up, the family will be healthy. If the smoke goes crooked, health problems can be expected in the next year.

Cutting open an apple

An apple is often cut open at the Christmas table for good luck. It is cut so that the kernel becomes a star. The star predicts health for the whole family.

Honey cross on the forehead

In some regions of Slovakia, it is customary for the father of the family to make a honey cross on everyone’s forehead before dinner.

Scales as a guarantee of money

To ensure that the family in Slovakia will be well provided for financially in the following year, carp scales are placed under the tablecloth. Some even coins.

Slovak Christmas carols and fairy tales

Slovak carols are full of motifs of the birth of Jesus Christ, the nativity scenes, and shepherds.

Do hory, do lesa, valasi! | Slovenské Vianočné koledy | Zbierka | 20 minútový mix

Where to spend Christmas in Slovakia?

Have you considered visiting Slovakia this Christmas? If so, you should definitely not miss the Slovak Christmas markets and fairs.

Or are you thinking about spending Christmas in the mountains? These destinations will enchant you. After all, snow belongs to Christmas. Celebrate Christmas on the slopes! For example, Jasná Nízké Tatry offers accommodation right next to the hill and promises an exceptional Christmas atmosphere in the hotel. Unlimited access to the wellness and pool hotel is also a matter.

A stay at Štrbské pleso at Christmas even promises a festive Christmas dinner. This is an excellent opportunity to taste Slovak Christmas cuisine. Access to wellness is a matter of course; a sauna and a whirlpool await you. Here, you can let yourself be spoiled and pampered at Christmas and escape the Christmas rush.