In depth · Winter, Christmas & New Year
Christmas in Sarajevo: the Holiday Market, two Christmases and the ski season
Winter suits Sarajevo. Snow settles on the minarets and the mountains, the Holiday Market lights up the centre, Christmas is celebrated twice, and the Olympic ski slopes are an hour away.
Updated October 2026
The Sarajevo Holiday Market
Every winter, wooden stalls, lights, an ice rink and stages fill a park in the centre for the Sarajevo Holiday Market, with mulled wine, hot food, crafts and concerts. Recent editions have run from early December to mid-January. The 2026 dates and location were not confirmed when we checked in October; look for the announcement from the City of Sarajevo in November.
Two Christmases
Sarajevo celebrates Christmas twice. Catholics celebrate on 25 December, with Midnight Mass at the Sacred Heart Cathedral; Orthodox Christians celebrate on 7 January, with services at the Orthodox Cathedral and the Old Orthodox Church. Visitors are welcome at services; dress warmly and modestly.
New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve is celebrated with concerts and fireworks in the centre and parties in restaurants and clubs. Book dinner and hotels well ahead.
The Sarajevo Winter Festival
The International Festival Sarajevo Winter, founded in 1984, brings theatre, music and exhibitions to the city each year; the 2026 edition ran from 7 February to 21 March. Check sarajevowinterfest.ba for the 2027 programme.
Skiing near Sarajevo
The 1984 Olympic mountains of Jahorina and Bjelašnica are about an hour from the city, and the ski season usually opens in December, snow permitting. Jahorina has the largest ski area; Bjelašnica is popular for day trips and night skiing. See our guide to the Olympic mountains.
Questions and answers
When is the Sarajevo Holiday Market in 2026?
Recent editions have run from early December to mid-January. The 2026 dates were not confirmed in October 2026; check the City of Sarajevo’s announcements in November.
When is Christmas celebrated in Sarajevo?
Twice: on 25 December by Catholics and on 7 January by Orthodox Christians.
Can I ski near Sarajevo at Christmas?
Usually, yes. Jahorina and Bjelašnica normally open in December, but opening depends on snow.
Join the conversation
Spent the winter holidays in Sarajevo? Share your tips.
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Dates and programmes change from year to year. Check official sources before you go.