What to do in Plovdiv around Christmas? [2024 UPDATE]

Winter in Plovdiv transforms the city into a charming destination. A lovely stroll down the lively main street, a cozy drink in Kapana, or a fun photo shoot around the center – the options are many and varied. At Free Plovdiv Tour, we love all of these activities! That’s why we’ve curated a list of delightful experiences we’re sure you’ll enjoy in Plovdiv during the Christmas season.

Visit the Ice Rink

Each winter, Plovdiv’s ice rink becomes a sparkling centerpiece of the city. It is located conveniently between Tzar Simeon Garden, the Central Post Office, and Trimontium Hotel. Spanning 2,500 square meters, it’s said to be the largest ice rink оn the Balkans. What makes it truly magical is the ice alley that winds its way around the park. This charming feature makes it one of the most romantic winter spots in town.

Don’t forget to bundle up and bring your inner child along! For a 20 leva entrance ticket plus 4 leva for the skates, you can glide around the rink for up to 2 hours. As you skate, you’ll be surrounded by historic architecture and the wintry beauty of one of Plovdiv’s most beloved gardens. What a perfect way to embrace the festive season!

Savor the Taste of Christmas

After an exhilarating session on the ice, what better way to warm up than by savoring some classic winter treats? Right next to the ice rink, you’ll find charming wooden kiosks that resemble cozy holiday cottages. These festive stalls are brimming with the scents and flavors of the season, offering everything from creamy hot chocolate to steaming cups of mulled wine.

The aroma of freshly baked chestnuts fills the air. Grab a paper cone of these toasty delights to keep your hands warm. If you’re feeling hungry, indulge in a classic hot dog or treat yourself to traditional sweets. These delicious treats capture the essence of a Plovdiv Christmas.

These kiosks not only offer delicious treats but also create a picture-perfect Christmas atmosphere. Twinkling lights, festive garlands, and the cheerful hum of holiday tunes provide the ideal backdrop for a joyful winter outing. While you’re here, don’t forget to try some delicious Balkan-style sweets.

Enjoy the hills

Plovdiv’s iconic hills are beautiful in every season, but there’s something truly magical about them in winter. After a fresh snowfall, the hills take on a serene, almost fairytale-like quality. If you’re lucky enough to visit on a clear, crisp day, the views are breathtaking. The city below sparkles under a dusting of snow, and the chill in the air makes the scene feel even more enchanting. These spots are perfect for capturing stunning winter photos, making them a must-visit for photography enthusiasts looking to frame Plovdiv in its frosty splendor.

The hills also offer a unique setting for a romantic outing. While a picnic may be off the table in the colder weather, a leisurely stroll hand-in-hand, surrounded by the quiet beauty of snow-covered paths, is just as charming. Take a moment to pause at one of the many vantage points and admire the sweeping view of Plovdiv’s rooftops and historic streets. The gentle hush of winter transforms the hills into peaceful escapes right in the heart of the city, giving you a new perspective on Plovdiv’s timeless beauty.

Have some Food in Kapana

This artistic neighborhood, nestled in the heart of Plovdiv, is a lively maze of colorful streets, trendy cafés, and eclectic restaurants. Recently renovated, Kapana is bustling with energy all year round, but during December, it transforms into a scene straight out of a romantic holiday film. Twinkling lights, festive decorations, and the buzz of cheerful conversation make every corner feel warm and inviting, even on the chilliest of nights.

The sheer number of dining options might seem a bit overwhelming at first, but here’s our advice: just go with your instincts! Whether you cozy up indoors or find a spot next to an outdoor heater on the pedestrian street, you’re in for a treat. Enjoy a glass of wine paired with a delicious meal, or spend a leisurely afternoon with a steaming cup of coffee and a good book. The charm of Kapana isn’t just in its food — it’s in the atmosphere, the people, and the sense that you’re part of something vibrant and unique. No matter where you choose to sit, you’ll feel the heartbeat of Plovdiv’s modern, artistic spirit.

Of course, the Christmas bazaar

What’s Christmas without a bustling bazaar? Picture rows of charming stalls offering food, drinks, and handmade souvenirs, all under twinkling Christmas lights. The air is filled with the kind of cheesy holiday music we secretly adore. It’s the perfect festive atmosphere — the one we all need this time of year.

You’ll find the bazaar on the opposite side of the main square from the ice rink. Wander through the stalls, sip on mulled wine, or grab a festive snack. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect gift or just soaking in the holiday cheer, the Christmas bazaar in Plovdiv is sure to make your season bright.

Make an Outdoors Christmas Photo Shoot

Plovdiv in December is a dream for photography lovers. The main pedestrian street is sprinkled with festive decorations, twinkling lights, and charming displays — all perfect for an impromptu photo shoot. Every few steps, you’ll discover a new Instagram-worthy spot.

Look for cozy holiday kiosks, beautifully lit trees, and the elegant architecture draped in winter charm. Pose by the ice rink, snap a shot under the glowing street lights, or capture candid moments with mulled wine in hand. Plovdiv’s winter magic makes every photo feel like a holiday card come to life.

Join a 365 Association Walking Tour

No visit to Plovdiv is complete without a walking tour. Free Plovdiv Tour runs every day of the week, taking you through the city’s main street and the enchanting Old Town. Along the way, you’ll uncover Plovdiv’s millennial history and its timeless charm.

Looking for something different? On Saturdays and Mondays, join the Socialist Architecture Tour. Discover unique buildings from this fascinating period and learn how the Party’s influence shaped architecture, art, and daily life. It’s a rare glimpse into a pivotal chapter of the city’s past.

On Sundays, dive into the city’s vibrant street culture with the Graffiti Tour. Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s Capital of Culture for 2019, is full of eye-catching street art. From legal murals to hidden graffiti, you’ll see pieces dating back to the 1960s and contemporary works that redefine urban creativity.

No matter which tour you choose, you’ll see Plovdiv through new eyes — and leave with stories you won’t forget. Check out our most up-to-date schedule and reserve your spot. Don’t miss out on the adventure! Check our schedule and book your spot today.

Authors: Free Plovdiv Tour Guides – Iliya Iliev and Tsveta Pancheva

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