4 wonderful places in Baranya, where the Christmas spirit comes through

It takes precision, a flair for baking and some architectural flair to make a miniature replica of a settlement out of gingerbread. Geresdlak has a noble tradition dating back many years, whereby on the first Sunday of Advent, the industrious locals “prepare the village” to fit into a room. The Geresdlak Steam Dumpling Festival, the 20th of August celebrations and the harvest festival will be brought to life in sweet and honey form, as well as the football team and the town’s main buildings. It’s a wonder to behold, just make sure you restrain yourself from tasting the sweet, fragrant installation. 

The municipality of Pécs is once again launching an unusual drawing competition, in the framework of which the youngest artists can not only create, but also project their drawings onto the city’s iconic building, the main square djami. Submitted entries will be judged by a jury, which will be digitalised after the pre-selection, and the finalists will be displayed on the south façade of the djami on the first, second and third weekends of Advent, between 4.30 p.m. and 7.00 p.m. The unusual exhibition offers a unique opportunity for young talents, and the mini light painting creations will create a heart-warming festive atmosphere in the Advent Craft and Fairytale Fair on Széchenyi Square. The initiative, launched a few years ago, is growing in popularity and inspires thousands of children across the country.

In the middle of Advent, even the inhabitants of smaller towns and villages take great care to decorate their houses, streets and public spaces. Several towns in Baranya boast fabulous Christmas decorations, and one of our favourites is Szederkény! There are light poles, garlands, illuminated Christmas trees, Santa Claus and reindeer sleighs in many places around the village, all stealing the festive spirit. The tiny town is worth a pleasant stroll. 

Every year, at the beginning of the Christmas season, Santa Claus visits Pécs for two weeks to wrap presents for the children in his Perczel Street apartment. Like all busy people, he gets up, drinks his coffee to start the day, and heads off to work. The “shift” is long every day, so he is away until 8 p.m. During this time we can peek into Santa’s room. You can take a peek through the window, but you can also register in advance to ask questions. At an extraordinary guided tour of the MárkusZín, you can get a closer look at the real old bearded man: get a glimpse into his everyday life, find out what his hobbies are, how he navigates the sky, why he has two toothbrushes and even admire a photo of him as a young man. This special, fabulous experience will put a smile on the faces of adults as well as children.