Advent: spiced up with fairy-tale beauty and a pinch of history

Culture and history in the glow of festive lights

The gradually diminishing daylight is replaced in December by thousands of holiday lights. The magic appeal of fairy-tale lights inspires us to walk streets filled with stories to festive celebration venues and small boutique shops. The stories can also be found in museums that excite with adventures set throughout the different historical periods of Slovenian towns that are justifiably proud of their heritage. In the embrace of winter and festive lights, many urban features are accentuated even more. This is also one of the reason for visiting the historic and cultural towns in Slovenia in December.

Fairy-tale Celje

In December, the town of the Counts of Celje by the Savinja River turns into a fairytale-like land with characters from children’s books, fairies, horses and the three good men (St Nicholas, Father Christmas and Grandfather Frost). The streets of the old town are filled with the scent of festive treats, the Gift Treasury invites you to stop by and buy creative gifts, concerts make music enthusiasts happy, and the Fairytale Cookie Workshop and Fairytale Land enchant and take the youngest visitors to a fairytale world. This December will be even more special for Celje, as the city has been declared the European City of Christmas 2025. Go with the flow of the festive ambience at 17 venues, where more than 100 events await you in December and early January.

Welcome to the European City of Christmas 2025

The Ptuj fairytale

Creating the festive ambience in the streets and squares of Ptuj are string lights and decorations that illuminate the historic façades, while the charming old town is also adorned by fir trees and Christmas characters. An Advent fairytale comes to life in such an ambiance, providing everything that is needed for December to be magical. An ice skating rink pops up at the decorated city market, the festive stalls tempt you with the aroma of mulled wine and tea, and the evenings resound with holiday melodies. Discover the rich cultural heritage of the city, which greets the new year 2026 as the Best Cultural Heritage Town in Europe.

Let yourself be seduced by festive Ptuj

Fantazima in Koper

In Koper, you may not experience winter in the true sense of the word but you can experience Fantazima (Fantasy Winter). Unique holiday-themed elements and festive lights adorn the main city venues and attractions. You will be impressed by the evening light projections on the famous Praetorian Palace in Tito Square! During the holidays, Carpaccio Square turns into a Winter Village filled with the aroma of holiday treats. Children enjoy the festively lit ice skating rink by the sea, while the Taverna becomes the main venue for concerts. The common thread of this year's events is the story of a little girl and her letter to Santa Claus, which brings the message that the most beautiful gifts are those that are experienced in the company of your loved ones. One of the special features this year are Advent strolls, during which you will learn about the meaning of the stone faces - mascarons - which adorn the façades in the town.

Enjoy Fantazima in Koper

Merry Kranj

The town considered the cultural capital of the Slovenian Alps is particularly proud of the poet France Prešeren (whose surname means merry in Slovenian). Verses from his poems are projected onto buildings in the old town centre during the holiday season. Wooden sculptures by master florist Matjaž Beguš wind through the old town centre, among which the wooden nativity scene in the canyon of the Kokra River is particularly delightful. The fairy-tale forest on the Main Square brings a smile to children's faces. Tunnels under Kranj Old Town are also festively decorated and illuminated. While admiring the festive lights, you can stop by the wooden houses of the festive fair or visit one of the shops with original souvenirs and gifts – from creations by renowned Slovenian designers inspired by ethnological motifs to handicrafts produced by social enterprises.

Let yourself be carried away by festive joy in Kranj

Sweet Radovljica

The old town of Radovljica with its picturesque houses dating from the 16th and the 17th centuries is charming as it is. But in December, when it dons its festive attire, it becomes a place of inspiration for all romantics and fairy tale lovers. This is also due to decorations being made mostly from natural materials. Most eye-catching are the wreaths and garlands made of natural spruce, and wicker decorations, such as Christmas trees and other hanging ornaments made of willow. Above all this are festive lights, blinking like stars in the sky. If you take a walk around the square, you will also see illustrations in the windows of old houses and the new, life-size nativity scene created by local artist Nikolaj Mašukov.

Experience the festive sweetness of Radovljica

Festive Novo Mesto

The streets and squares of Novo Mesto are adorned by string lights and other seasonal illuminations that will put a festive twinkle in your eye. Main Square turns into the hub of festive events. Adding to the charm of December in the city by the Krka River are the ice skating rink for all generations, enticing aromas from festive stalls, and a variety of concerts. At the Advent Fair you can find beautiful handicrafts that inspire great gift choices.

Visit festive Novo Mesto

Kamnik with architect Jože Plečnik and artisans

In early December, the town that lies in the embrace of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps under the renowned plateau of Velika planina is usually visited by St Nicholas, who looks down upon the illuminated town from Mali grad hill. The magic of the town is brought to life by festive decorations, an outdoor skating rink and the prettily decorated wooden stalls of the Christmas market. This special event will make Šutna, the most beautiful street in Kamnik, glow in the flames of light. As you stroll down this street in December you may come up with a good idea for an original gift, such as traditional Kamnik maiolica or products bearing the name of the famous architect Jože Plečnik. You should also visit the magically lit Volčji Potok Arboretum.

Feel the holiday spirit in Kamnik

Romantic Piran with Portorož

During the holiday season, historic Piran and its bustling neighbour Portorož get “splashed” by a sea of ​​winter adventures. Both coastal towns don a festive look that is further spiced up by a variety of events and a Christmas and New Year’s fair. In the former salt warehouse Grando, an ice skating rink pops up, and there is always something interesting happening there. Various events and concerts for all generations create a festive mood. Sparkling wine enthusiasts are especially looking forward to the December days on the coast, when the Kempinski Palace Portorož Hotel hosts the Sparkling Wine Festival.

Spend festive days on the coast

Creative Škofja Loka

The historic centre of Škofja Loka comes alive during Advent in a spirit of creativity, community and warmth. As festive lights illuminate the city streets and squares, the Loka in the Snow festival begins. It is accompanied by holiday fairs where you can find beautiful handicrafts and, as befits the creativity of Škofja Loka, you can also make a unique gift yourself. Children will enjoy the ice skating rink, children's shows and workshops such as torch or lantern making or cookie baking. The three good men (St Nicholas, Father Christmas and Grandfather Frost) also come to visit. The December events in the town of the Škofja Loka Passion Play, which will be staged again during Easter in 2026, are enriched by various cultural events and numerous concerts.

Find holiday inspiration in Škofja Loka

The handicraft town of Tržič

Have a stroll through the historic centre of Tržič and discover a piece of paradise in the heart of the Karawanks that will entice you into the magical holiday season. The festive events in the dragon town of artisan entrepreneurs are heralded by colourful lights under which various events and concerts are held. A special feature is the traditional live nativity scene in Žiganja Vas. Every year you can experience the unforgettable Jakob Aljaž Christmas; the route takes you through the historic centre of Tržič, among the town’s sights and stories – from the Tekec Nativity Scene, carols, and the delicious tržiška flika flatbread to the story of the special connection between the famous Jakob Aljaž and Tržič.

Experience the charm of holidays in Tržič

Bustling Brežice

Brežice also has an Advent story of its own. The historic town centre will shine in a new light, with an ice skating rink, holiday fair, music and activities for young and old. Take a stroll with lanterns through the town and admire the festive lights. Children can write letters to Santa Claus and skate at the local ice skating rink. Various events and concerts, including on New Year's Eve, as well as workshops, create a festive mood for all generations. Feel the festive vibe of the town’s park, the historic town centre and other festive corners of Brežice.

Go with the festive flow in Brežice

What is festive Slovenia like?

In a word: wonderful! Festively decorated towns chase away the bleakness of the long winter nights by being clad in bright and cheerful colours reminiscent of a fairy tale. Holiday shopping and enticing aromas wafting from kitchens also add to the holiday spirit.