Christmas Day 2025

Description

Christmas Day in Bulgaria celebrates the birth of Jesus and brings families together. It takes place on December 25. People often attend church, sing carols, and enjoy a festive meal after the Christmas Eve fast. The day is warm and joyful.

The holiday is important for faith and family. Traditional customs include decorating a Christmas tree, visiting relatives, and giving small gifts. Carol singers called koledari may go from house to house. Christmas marks a time of peace, kindness, and shared food in Bulgarian homes.

Traditions

In Bulgaria people prepare on Badni Vecher, the Christmas Eve fast. Families set a table with an odd number of meatless dishes. They place a round bread called pitka with a hidden coin. Finding the coin brings good luck.

At night groups of carolers called koledari go from house to house. They sing songs, wish health and get sweets or money. On Christmas Day families share a big feast. Common foods are roast pork, stuffed peppers, shopska salad and sweet breads or pastries. Sweets like baklava appear too.

Some Bulgarians follow the old Julian calendar and celebrate on January 7. Regional customs vary a bit, with local songs, names for dishes and small differences in the food served.

Travel Tips

On Christmas Day in Bulgaria expect many shops, museums and some restaurants to be closed or have shorter hours. Public transport runs less often and roads can be busy with people visiting family. Big cities have lights, markets and church services to enjoy.

Plan ahead by booking transport and restaurants, carry some cash and check opening times. Join a church service or try traditional foods to experience local customs. Dress warmly, watch for icy sidewalks and stay with your group in crowded places for a safe holiday.