Feel the warmth of the December fairy-tale in the festively decorated towns of Slovenia.
Experience the magic of Advent
In the days leading up to New Year's Eve, Slovenian towns turn into fairy-tale wonderlands. The towns' hotspots are the decorated town centres, where you can take a stroll among the festive market stalls on lit-up streets and squares. This is the time to socialise with friends and family when the smell of cinnamon and cloves brings back lovely memories and puts you in a cheerful mood. You can choose a new holiday fairy-tale in Slovenia every day, and they all have in common lively cultural events, musical entertainment, outdoor concerts, excellent traditional food and drinks, and a diverse selection of Christmas gifts.
Fairytale Celje: European Christmas City 2025
Every year, the streets and squares of Celje become a unique fairytale that makes December even more magical for everyone. Under the countless lights, visitors can stroll amongst holidays stalls and visit the Treasure Trove of Gifts. They can also meet fairies, elves and other fairytale creatures. Numerous events and concerts add to the lively December atmosphere. In 2025, Celje obtained the title of the European Christmas City. The seasonal festivities will last from the end of November, when the Christmas illuminations are switched on, until the first days of January.
Discover some of the reasons why it is worth visiting Slovenia during Advent. Feel the cosy and festive atmosphere found throughout the decorated town centres. Bring a child-like spark to your eyes and join in the festivities.
Foto: Stanko Kozel
Visit the Christmas markets
Take a stroll among the festive market stalls of Slovenian cities and towns where you are sure to come across some nice gifts. On top of the various arts and crafts and other products that you will find there, you can have some sweet-smelling mulled wine, tea or cocoa, or grab a bite to eat with your friends and loved ones. You can also enjoy the many music and entertainment events suitable for all generations. The time will go by so fast that you won't even notice it's already the new year!
Watch the Christmas story come to life before your eyes
Many people have a hard time imagining the Christmas holidays without nativity scenes, but living nativity scenes are something else. They come to life every year in some of the most unusual places – in the mysterious world of the karst underground, in the embrace of incredible ice sculptures and with real animals, which are particularly popular with children.
December is a particularly magical time for children, as they can expect a visit from the three good gift-bearing men – Saint Nicholas, Santa Claus and Father Christmas. They can also meet other fairy-tale creatures, like fairies and elves. Put a smile on your children's faces and feel the child-like enthusiasm yourself by visiting Slovenian fairy-tale lands in December.
Outdoor skating rinks in the centres of numerous towns give a special charm to the Advent season. In Slovenia, you can skate under the stars and the magical lights at the sound of music and the smell of baked and cooked treats. And don't worry if you didn't bring your skates, as most rinks rent them out.
A different fairy-tale awaits you around every corner
Experience the magic of Slovenia and the festive season in your own way, be it in charming old town centres or the snowy countryside. Enter the new year feeling reborn, and treat your taste buds to a festive culinary experience.
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