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What makes December in Slovenia so magical?

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.

Awaken the child within you!

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.

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Photo: 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!

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žive jaslice v Postojnski jami

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.

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Photo: Rok Mlinar

Meet fairy-tale characters

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.

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Photo: Jaka Ivančič

Romantic December on ice

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.

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Skating rink with a view at Bled

Create romantic moments on ice with a magnificent view of Lake Bled and Bled Castle. Enjoy skating on the platform in front of the shopping mall – even in warmer weather. Skates are available for rent.

Laško ice skating rink

Join in the cheerful winter atmosphere at the ice rink in Valvasor Square in Laško. You can borrow a pair of skates if you don’t own a pair. There are also catering facilities at the ice rink.

Vrhnika ice skating rink

When visiting Vrhnika in winter, it's worth heading to the sports park, where you can skate on the illuminated and covered ice rink.

Ptuj ice skating rink

The fairytale ice skating rink at the City Market will add to the cheerful atmosphere in festively decorated Ptuj.

Izola ice skating rink

Visit the Ice Island in Izola, where you can find interesting things to do during the holiday season. Combine ice skating and socialising at the skating rink in the Pietro Coppo Park.

Portorož ice skating rink

In Portorož this year you’ll be able to skate in the afternoon in the former salt warehouse, which will be transformed into the venue of the Grando Portorož-Portorose Festival during the festive season, with musical evenings at the weekends.

Novo Mesto ice skating rink

In December, an open-air ice rink comes to life in the heart of Novo mesto, on Glavni trg. Admire Slovenia's largest preserved medieval square from the ice. 

Murska Sobota

Brighten your winter days by going to the ice skating rink in the centre of Murska Sobota. Put on skates, which you can rent, and enjoy the festive atmosphere with your friends.

Radovljica

The ice skating rink in the sports park is only a short walk from the town centre.  In the covered rink, where skates can be rented, you will be safe from any weather.

Kamnik

Spend some pleasant moments at the ice skating rink in the centre of Kamnik. The festively decorated alleys and squares of one of the most charming medieval town centres will enchant you.

Kranjska Gora

Spice up your skiing trip to Kranjska Gora with ice skating under the Christmas lights. Some fun on the skates with good music and food will warm your heart.

Koper

Ice skating at the coast? Why not? Slovenia’s largest open-air city ice-skating rink awaits you in Koper, where you can experience magical moments enjoying the scent of the sea.

Spend Advent in Slovenia

Select your favourite holiday events and say goodbye to the old year in the best way possible.



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