Jump to content Page index
Stories from Slovenia

A special nativity scene in Slovenia

Deep underground or embraced by ice, with real animals, or in an interesting environment – experience the most beautiful nativity scene in Slovenia.

The nativity scene strengthens the Christmas spirit

The nativity scene is one of the most popular symbols of Christmas in Slovenia. They are set up under spruce branches in churches and a lot of Slovenian homes. The figurines are mostly made of plastic or wood, and the base is made of moss from the nearby forest. However, for quite some time now, nativity scenes have not only been set up in people's homes. Every year, live nativity scenes are held and you can find them in many towns in Slovenia. Visit some of the most special nativity scenes in Slovenia!

Two figures with glowing orange wings stand in a dimly lit cave, surrounded by stalactites.

The nativity story at the Postojna Cave

Take a small train to see one of the most magnificent renditions of the biblical Christmas story! As you journey into the interior of Postojna Cave, you will be accompanied by angels and extraordinary natural cave sculptures. Thousands of tiny stars will be shining right above you. As you arrive at the scene, the story begins. Sixteen biblical scenes, 150 performers a day, and the wonderful cave backdrop with magnificent stalactites and stalagmites will fill your hearts with festive warmth and excitement.

Experience the magic of the nativity story at Postojna Cave

A group of people in white robes and head coverings stand among large ice formations, holding candles.

An ice kingdom in Mojstrana

In the final days of December, the Mlačca Gorge in Mojstrana transforms into a real ice kingdom. As visitors enter the gorge, they already encounter works of art made of ice that are created by humans and nature together. In this kingdom, a mighty ice wall rises, serving as the venue for the annual live nativity scene. In addition to the biblical story, another story from everyday life that causes us to think is added every year. This nativity scene is also special because the majority of the actors perform with clampers, and the wonderful ice backdrop is complemented by light and other effects.

Encounter the Christmas story in the embrace of ice waterfalls

A nativity scene with two people dressed as Mary and Joseph. A lamb lies nearby on hay.

Nativity scene in Tržič

Experience a living nativity scene in a genuine rural setting. Come and see the Christmas show under the linden tree in the Tržič village of Žiganja vas that the locals put on every year. While you're there, you can take a walk around the village fair and see the display of old nativity scenes from shoemakers' homesteads.

Live nativity scene with a touch of tradition

A nativity scene with colorful lights depicts the Three Wise Men and shepherds visiting baby Jesus in a manger.

Nativity scene in the Fairytale Forest in Ptuj

In the valley of the Little Red Riding Hood Fairytale Forest, you’ll be moved by the live nativity scene with the Holy Family, including goats and sheep which the children can feed. You can also take a walk down a one-kilometre long festively decorated forest path and admire small fairytale houses. But don’t miss the 15-minute Christmas story shows.

Fairytale moments and the Christmas story in Ptuj

Awe-inspiring nativity scenes

In addition to living nativity scenes, you can find exhibitions of interesting conventional nativity scenes, made from a variety of materials, all over Slovenia. You can also visit the museum and various displays of nativity scenes from all over the world.

Skip carousel

Nativity scene in the middle of Čevljarska Ulica in Koper

Nativity scene in the middle of Čevljarska Ulica in Koper

Go see a special nativity scene on the main street of Koper, leading to Titov Trg. Aleš Logar created a nativity scene with a Roman theme.

More (open in a new window)

Nativity scene at Bled Castle

Nativity scene at Bled Castle

In the castle chapel of Bled Castle, admire wonderful nativity scenes put on display by local people with great dedication and attention to detail. The sounds of Christmas music add to the festive atmosphere.

More (open in a new window)

Christmas Vojnik

Christmas Vojnik

Take a walk through Christmas Vojnik and see more than 150 different nativity scenes and displays of the holy family. During this festive season, the village is brought to life with numerous concerts and shows, and on St Stephen's Day, you can see the...

More (open in a new window)

Brezje Nativity Museum

Brezje Nativity Museum

Enter the Nativity Museum in Brezje, not far from the Alpine jewel of Bled, where you can see more than 400 nativity scenes from all over the world. You will be surprised by the originality and creativity of human hands, as you will also find a nativity...

More (open in a new window)

The nativity scene at the source of the Krupa River, Bela Krajina

The nativity scene at the source of the Krupa River, Bela Krajina

The source of the Krupa River near Semič is already remarkable on its own. During the holiday season, the 30-meter limestone wall and the lake below it shine with the glow of tiny lights. Near the mill, you can view the nativity scene and the Christmas...

More (open in a new window)

Nativity scenes in the Vipava Valley

Nativity scenes in the Vipava Valley

Visit the Vipava Valley during the holiday season and you will stumble upon original nativity scenes set up by the locals at every turn. Nativity scenes are not only displayed in churches and homes, you will find them in the most extraordinary places,...

More (open in a new window)

Nativity scene at Ljubljana Castle

Nativity scene at Ljubljana Castle

When you visit the Ljubljana Castle in the holiday season, you can see the life-size wooden nativity scene in the Castle Chapel.

More (open in a new window)

Stories from Slovenia

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to receive a green piece of Slovenia in your inbox, and learn about holidays, seasonal offers, upcoming events and travel options.

Share with friends

ALMA Virtual Traveller
Which part of Slovenia would you like to explore? Reply to Alma