Introduction
Annually held Christmas market at the Fountain's Square in Baku, Azerbaijan Cold hands, warm heartSoyuq əllər, isti ürəkThe market in 2013NicknameFountains Square Christmas Market Fountains Square New Year's Market Winter Fairy Tale of BakuGenreChristmas market Charity eventDateDecember – 15 JanuaryLocationsFountains Square, BakuCoordinates40°22′15″N 49°50′13″E / 40.37083°N 49.83694°E / 40.37083; 49.83694Country AzerbaijanYears active2013–presentInaugurated17 December 2013Capacity84 standsWebsitenargisfund.com/az/fairs The Fountains Square Christmas Market or Fountains Square New Year's Market (Azerbaijani: Fəvvarələr meydanı yeni il yarmarkası), officially Cold hands, warm heart (Azerbaijani: Soyuq əllər, isti ürək), is an annually held Christmas market at the Fountain's Square in Baku, Azerbaijan, that operates daily from December to January 15. It's a charity fair organized by the "Nargis" foundation.
History
[edit] It was first opened on December 17, 2013, by the "Nargis" foundation, with the aim being to help kids will serious illnesses. Since 2015, the Amapola company has co-hosted the event. It is also funded by The Coca-Cola Company. A 2019 ranking put the market on the 4th place of most convenient CIS New Year's fairs.
Stands
[edit] Among the population the fair is also known as Winter Fairy Tale of Baku. Entrance to the market is free and it operates daily from 11:00 to 23:00. The over 84 stands and 3 two-story restaurants are decorated and built just like other European Christmas markets, with the difference being that Azerbaijanis concentrate on Novy God instead of Christmas, which is not celebrated as Azerbaijan is Muslim. People can buy gifts, souvenirs, books and "Yolka" balls, but also traditional Azerbaijani, Turkish and generally popular Christmas food such as sausages, paxlava or fish sandwiches. The stands also sell organic products. Some stands also offer pictures with snowmen, Ded Moroz (Şaxta Baba) and other popular figures. In the middle of the stand, there is a big decorated New Year's tree (Yolka) with the Coca-Cola sign.
Gallery
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A Coca-Cola car
A stand with the name of the market on it
Entrance to the market
Stand selling souvenirs and shekarbura
Why Baku’s Fountains Square Market feels like a winter fairy‑tale
Nestled around the illuminated fountains, the market turns Baku’s hottest summer hub into a glittering snow‑globe. The contrast between the city’s mild climate and the cosy, candle‑lit stalls creates an almost cinematic atmosphere that locals and tourists love. Because the market runs until 15 January, you can wander after New Year’s Eve when the city calms down, giving you space to savour traditional Azerbaijani treats like pakhlava and çay without the crowds that hit Western European markets in mid‑December.
A shopper’s guide: what to buy and how to avoid the tourist trap
The 84 stalls are a mix of local artisans and charity vendors, so the best buys are handcrafted copper jewellery, hand‑woven scarves and small ceramics stamped with Baku’s motifs. Look for stalls displaying the “Nargis Foundation” badge – purchases there go straight to charitable projects, ensuring your money supports local families. Avoid overpriced souvenir T‑shirts by checking for authentic Azerbaijani patterns rather than generic snowflakes; a quick glance at the stitching quality will tell you if it’s genuinely handmade.
What people often miss about the market’s charitable roots
Many visitors assume the event is just a festive bazaar, but it’s fundamentally a fundraiser for the Nargis foundation, which aids vulnerable children and families. The tagline “Cold hands, warm heart” isn’t just a slogan; it reflects the organisers’ aim to keep the community warm through donations. When you buy a snack or a trinket, you’re also contributing to social programmes, so a quick chat with stallkeepers about where proceeds go can turn a simple purchase into a meaningful act of giving.