Christmas in Slovakia: Traditions and Celebrations
When you type "Christmas" into Google, the Oxford dictionary defines it as "the annual Christian festival celebrating Christ's birth, held on 25 December in the Western Church." However, each country has its own unique Christmas traditions. So, what does Christmas look like in Slovakia? In this article, we explore some of the most cherished customs observed in Slovak households.

A Time of Joy, Peace, and Togetherness
In Slovakia, Christmas is a time for joy, peace, and family togetherness. Preparations often begin with baking traditional Christmas treats such as medovníky (gingerbread cookies), linecké koláčiky (Linzer cookies), and šuhajdy (chocolate cups), štedrák (cake contains 4 fillings - jam, poppy seeds, cottage cheese and nuts), žĺtkové rezy (walnut yolk slices), kokosové ježe (coconut cake). People clean their homes, shop for gifts, and prepare for the festivities. Many Slovaks working in other cities (or countries) return to their hometowns, and they often meet friends and family at Christmas markets, enjoying the popular holiday drink, vianočný punč (Christmas punch).

Christmas Eve: Fasting, Feasting, and Family
The highlight of Christmas in Slovakia is the festive dinner on Christmas Eve, 24th December. Traditionally, fasting is observed throughout the day. Some people believe that fasting will allow them to see a "golden pig," a symbol of prosperity.
Prayer is an integral part of the evening. Even families who do not pray regularly often say a prayer before the meal. The Christmas dinner typically consists of several dishes, varying by region, family tradition, and generational customs.

• Starters: The meal begins with wafers and honey, symbolizing health and humility. Some families also share semolina porridge from a single plate to represent unity.
• Soup: The most common soup is cabbage soup (kapustnica), but some families serve fish or lentil soup.
• Main Course: The main dish is usually fish, such as carp, salmon, or fish fillets, served with traditional Slovak potato salad made with potatoes, carrots, peas, eggs, and mayonnaise.
• Drinks: Hot wine, tea, or champagne are typical beverages during the meal.

After dinner, families gather around the Christmas tree to exchange gifts. Common presents include socks, underwear, or pajamas, alongside other thoughtful gifts. The evening is often spent watching beloved Slovak Christmas movies and fairy tales, such as Tri oriešky pre Popolušku, Perinbaba, Soľ nad zlato, Anjel Pána, Princezná so zlatou hviezdou, Kráľ Drozdia brada. At midnight, many families attend a Christmas Mass filled with carols, concluding with the iconic Silent Night sung by candlelight.

The Days of Christmas: Family, Nature, and Festivities
The main celebration continues on 25th December, commemorating the birth of Christ. Slovaks visit family members, attend church services, and share festive meals and Christmas cakes.
On 26th December, St. Stephen's Day, outdoor activities such as group hikes in the mountains are popular. In many Slovak towns and cities, the evening is marked by lively gatherings known as Štefanská zábava, where friends and families celebrate together.

New Year’s Eve and Beyond
From 26th December to 31st December, most Slovaks enjoy a holiday break, with time spent relaxing, visiting loved ones, or engaging in outdoor activities. New Year’s Eve is celebrated with family and friends, marked by champagne toasts and fireworks at midnight.
Christmas celebrations conclude on 6th January with Three Kings' Day, a public holiday in Slovakia. For Roman Catholics, this day commemorates the visit of the Three Kings to the baby Jesus, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Orthodox Christmas in Slovakia
Orthodox Christians in Slovakia, particularly in the eastern regions, observe Christmas according to the Julian calendar, with celebrations commencing on January 6th, known as "Štedrý večer" or Christmas Eve. Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas later, on 6th January, with a special evening called Veľké povečerie. The following days are dedicated to family gatherings. Orthodox Christians observe New Year’s on 14th January.