International Festival of Advent & Christmas Music
Bratislava, Slovakia
03 December - 06 December 2026
Bratislava Music Agency would like to invite you to participate in the XX. International Festival of Advent and Christmas Music to be held in Bratislava on December 3th – 7th 2026. The Slovak capital, Bratislava, opens its gates and invites choirs to its charming centre decorated for Christmas. We are inviting choirs from all over the world; your songs and performances will contribute to a truly heartwarming atmosphere for Christmas.
The festival will be managed by the Bratislava Music Agency, under the patronage of the City of Bratislava. Choirs are eligible to join the festival either as non-competitive choirs participating in all the performances of the festival, or as competitive choirs.
Choir Contact Ireland can help you plan an unforgettable choral trip for your choir.We take care of the planning and logistical arrangements, dealing with the ground operators and organisers, allowing you to focus on the singing.
Contact us today at reservations@choircontactireland.ie to begin planning your choir's unforgettable experience in Bratislava, Slovakia!
PARTICIPATION OPPORTUNITIES
Choirs and orchestras can choose to perform in the non-competitive section or opt for competitive participation
Choir | Children‘s and Youth Choirs, Boys Choirs, Adult Choirs, Senior Choirs, Vocal Ensembles and Chamber Choirs, Sacred Choral Music, Folklore, Pop, Jazz, Gospel, Spiritual, Contemporary and Non Competing Choirs.
Orchestras | Orchestras and Instrumental Ensembles
Choir Categories
A1 – Children’s choirs up to 12 years
A2 – Children’s choirs up to 16 years
B1 - Boys‘choirs (sopranos and altos)
B2 - Boys‘choirs (sopranos, altos, tenors, basses)
C1 - Youth choirs up to 21 years
D1 - Male Adult choirs
D2 - Female Adult choirs
D3 - Mixed Adult choirs
E1 - Vocal Ensembles (4 - 8 singers)
E2 - Chamber Choirs (9 - 24 singers)
F1 - Folksong a cappella - for choirs
F2 - Folksong with instrumental accompaniment - for choirs
F3 - Folksong a cappella - for folklore groups
F4 - Folksong with instrumental accompaniment - for folklore groups
G - Spiritual, Gospel, Pop, Jazz
H1 - Musica Sacra a cappella
H2 - Musica Sacra with instrumental accompaniment
J - Contemporary Music
R - Senior Choirs of Seniors
X - Non Competing Choirs
Orchestras & Ensembles
O1 - Orchestras
O2 - Instrumental Ensembles
Performance Highlights in Bratislava
- Opening Concert in the Jesuit Church
- Public concert performances at the Bratislava Christmas Markets stage in Hviezdoslav Square
- Advent Concert at the Klarisky Concert Hall, one of Bratislava’s most atmospheric performance venues
- Competition performances in the Mirror Hall of the Primate’s Palace (for competing choirs)
- Optional performance during a Holy Mass in one of Bratislava’s historic churches
- Final festival diploma ceremony and results announcement
- Opportunity for competing choirs to receive festival awards and special jury prizes
- Opportunities to meet and perform alongside international choirs from across Europe and beyond
Whats Included in Your CCI Festival Experience in Bratislava
- Festival registration and participation in the International Festival of Advent and Christmas Music
- Accommodation in a 3* or 4* hotel in Bratislava
- Daily breakfast (other meals can be arranged as requested)
- Performance opportunities in prestigious venues and festive locations, including churches, concert halls and the Bratislava Christmas Markets
- Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Bratislava’s historic Old Town
- Flight sourcing and booking
- Public transport guidance or optional private coach arrangements
- Return airport transfers (with guide assistance on arrival)
- On-ground coordination
- Dedicated CCI Tour Manager
- Ongoing tour support throughout your booking
We take care of the logistics — so you can focus on performance
Tour Manager
A CCI Tour Manager will be assigned to you for the duration of your booking, to assist in the pre-departure preparations and to assist with any issues during your stay.
Transportation While in Slovakia
Choirs usually make their way around the region with the local guide via public transport. However, we can arrange private coach transportation for your group as required.
Sample Tour Itinerary - Bratislava 2026!
Arrive in Bratislava and meet your local English-speaking guide.
Transfer to your centrally located hotel and check in.
Enjoy free time to explore Bratislava’s charming Old Town and festive Advent atmosphere.
In the evening, attend the Opening Concert at the Jesuit Church, where choirs from around the world come together to celebrate the start of the festival.
Breakfast at hotel.
During the day, explore Bratislava’s charming historic centre, including the Old Town, Bratislava Castle and the city’s famous Advent Christmas Markets.
In the evening, perform on the Christmas Market stage in Hviezdoslav Square, sharing festive music with locals and visitors.
Later, take part in the Advent Concert of participating choirs at the Klarisky Concert Hall.
Breakfast at hotel.
Competing choirs take part in the festival competition in the Mirror Hall of the Primate’s Palace, while non-competing choirs may enjoy sightseeing or additional performances.
In the afternoon, attend the Awards Ceremony and announcement of results.
Later, choirs perform once again on the Christmas Market stage, celebrating the spirit of the festival with audiences in the heart of Bratislava.
Breakfast at hotel.
Choirs may participate in a performance during a Holy Mass in one of Bratislava’s historic churches.
Transfer to the airport for return flights home.
Depart Bratislava with wonderful memories, new international friendships and the joy of singing during the magical Advent season!
DEADLINE
Registration deadline: October 1st 2026
FLIGHTS
Once you enquire with CCI you will be assigned your own dedicated festival planner, who will assist you with the booking of flights for your group. Choir Contact experienced travel consultants are able to advise you on the most appropriate flight options and will advise best fares at time of booking. We use the most up-to-date modern technology for searching best fares including low cost carriers, allowing us to book you the best flights at the best fares for a fully co-ordinated service. We use both low-cost internet fares and our long-standing relationships with other carries to ensure that we can secure the best travel option for your choir. We will advise you on luggage allowance and all details relating to your flight booking. CCI recommends that all travellers take out travel insurance at the time of booking.
A personalised quotation costs nothing, so contact us today on 01 888 7830
or email us at reservations@choircontactireland.ie
Let CCI take care of the logistics — while your choir creates unforgettable memories in Bratislava.