The “Koledomat” is back
Starting 5 December, on the occasion of the opening of the Magic of Christmas under the Castle markets, our Trenčín Poesiomat at Štúrovo Square will once again turn into the Koledomat. Visitors will be able to listen to Christmas melodies from various corners of the European Union and enjoy their diversity. This “cultural periscope,” as its author Ondřej Kobza calls it, looks like a peculiar metal tube with a crank — you simply turn it, choose a song and let yourself be carried away by the sounds of Christmas.
Christmas concert: Hrdza
During the Christmas markets on Mierové Square, you will have the chance on 20 December at 19:00 to experience the untamed energy of the Prešov-based band Hrdza. They rank among the top Slovak world-music bands, and their performances always fill squares and concert halls. Their original songs draw strong inspiration from Slovak musical traditions. They became famous with hits such as Taká sa mi páči, Slovensko moje, otčina moja, and Štefan.
In 2025 they celebrate 25 years on the music scene, during which they released six studio albums and one compilation. Their last three albums placed in the TOP 10 of the prestigious World Music Charts Europe (WMCE) – the highest ranking ever achieved by a Slovak band since the chart was created in 1991.
Admission to the concert is free.
Discussion following the theatre performance Tankodróm
On 7 December at 19:00, you can look forward to a discussion that follows the theatre performance Tankodróm, a long-term performative project. It explores a territory and its layers, asking about its former, present and future meaning. It maps not only its historical and cultural image but above all captures socio-political transformations.
What will happen to the tankodrome area Bystrička?
Where: Družba Drama Studio, Soblahovská 1508, Trenčín
The discussion will take place after the performance TANKODRÓM, which is part of the 20th edition of Nu Dance Fest 2025 (International Festival of Contemporary Dance and Movement Theatre).
11 December, 18:00 – Theatre Nude: The Voice in KKC Hviezda
The performance is loosely inspired by the history of women’s voting rights in Slovakia, sociological research, today’s social situation and personal experiences of the creative team.
Three actresses, two dancers and one opera singer create a network of free associations in an effort to speak out freely and without restraint, with full responsibility for their words.
Admission free, limited capacity, registration required.
19:15 – Discussion: I Don’t Want a Rose, I Want a Revolution
Guests:
Katarína Mrázek – director
Petra Fornayová – director, choreographer
Charlotte Luna Srnčík – performer and transgender activist
What will we discuss?
Many election campaigns in Slovakia target female voters. Every four years, anywhere in the public space, every third woman may receive a carnation or a rose as a token for returning the favour at the polls. Do we truly understand the importance of women’s suffrage, which Slovak women gained exceptionally more than a century ago? We will discuss how we can use our female voice today, what it truly means to have a woman’s voice, and whether women are heard.
Concert: Martin Geišberg Band at Klub Lúč
December 2025, 18:00–19:00
About the event
It’s strange to write about myself — that’s why I often let others speak for me. At one festival they wrote:
“Songs that tell stories, and a voice that speaks directly to the soul.”
And these are the kinds of songs you will hear at the festival Listen to the Story, where we will once again welcome the exceptional musician, singer, songwriter and theatre creator Martin Geišberg.
Martin is known for his sensitive poetics, original melodies and the ability to create an intimate atmosphere even in front of a large audience. His songs are sincere, playful and profound – like fairy tales for adults, carrying pieces of wisdom, imagination and personal experience.
Spirituality appears in almost every lyric, but the essence is simple: to show that songwriting and theatre are a family craft. Martin and his brother Marek continue the legacy of their father, the legendary Marián Geišberg, each in their own voice and way.
Line-up:
Martin Geišberg – acoustic guitar, flutes, vocals
Lucia Korená – vocals
Ondrej Kovaľ – bass, vocals
7 December – (C)onsiderate Christmas: Pick a Treat from the Ornament
Experience the pre-Christmas season differently – slower, more fragrant, and in the company of people you enjoy being with. (C)onsiderate Christmas was created in Trenčín as a response to the desire to bring more kindness, togetherness and natural beauty into December.
Marianna, photographer from V.okamihu, and Danka from the sustainable farm and flower studio Černuška will create a space where parents, children and friends can experience Christmas without rush – with creative workshops, stories, films and live, ecological decorations.
Danka will prepare decorations that enchant without leaving behind plastic waste. Marianna will create an online gallery of experience-based photographs you can view at home – because the most beautiful photo is taken when you feel good with someone close.
The event also has a deeper dimension. During Advent we are reminded that many families around us need support. This year we are deciding to help one of them as a community – because thoughtfulness is more important now than ever.
Programme:
14:00 – Talk on birdlife in the city and gardens
14:30–16:30 – Creative workshop: Christmas bird feeder for songbirds
16:30 – Winter cinema
17:30 – Reading with author L. Cabal
18:00 – Free programme (conversations, punch, community time)
(C)onsiderate Christmas: Put on a Shawl and Share a Cake
21 December 2024
The final Advent Sunday will be dedicated to slowing down, shared stories, ornament-making, music and cakes brought to a communal table. Warmth lies in community – and we want to feel it as much as possible.
Danka will prepare original decorations, and once again you’ll take home fragrant, natural Christmas spirit from Trenčín. Marianna will capture the moments in an online gallery.
The event will also include:
– a place for letters to Baby Jesus
– a poster with the story of the family we are supporting this year
Programme:
14:00 – Story of a tree that became a Christmas tree
14:30–16:30 – Workshop: Two ornaments – one for you, one for our shared tree
16:30 – Winter cinema
17:30 – Reading with Dominika Šikulincová
18:00 – Concert: Trio Amabile (Christmas jazz)
18:40 – Shared song and lighting of the tree
Throughout the event:
– community table for shared cakes
– exhibition about the family we will support
– letterbox for letters to Baby Jesus
– free digital photographs taken on the spot, with online access to all photos on our website
Christmas Stories for Small and Big Ears
19 December at 16:00
We invite you to a festive Christmas Reading – a family music-and-literary programme inspired by favourite Christmas stories chosen by the young and diligent readers of the Michal Rešetka Regional Library.
Expect a pleasant afternoon full of stories, music and Christmas atmosphere.
Readers:
Martin Geišberg
Lucia Korená
Ondrej Kovaľ
Musical performance by:
The children’s choir Bosé osy
from the Dezider Kardoš School of Arts in Bánovce nad Bebravou
led by conductor Simoneta Adamková
The event will be hosted by Nina Ambrusová.
Come and enjoy fairy-tale stories with us and tune into the most beautiful holidays of the year. We look forward to welcoming visitors of all ages!
