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.
In a country where we put a lot of emphasis on sustainability in everything we do, let's not stray from our path, even during the festive season of December. When it comes to decorations, the focus is on more economical lighting, green groves and natural materials. Handicrafts and local delicacies dominate the festive fairs. Festively decorated towns can be reached by more sustainable means, such as the train.
The New Year's decorations in Ljubljana, which have been provided by the Modic family of artists for several years now, are characterised by the fact that each year they have a special message. This year's is dedicated to all those living with multiple sclerosis and is entitled General Mind // Spirit of Community. As Urban Modic, the author of the concept, explains, in addition to art as the conceptual-spiritual component, it also presents mental chaos. Ljubljana will be shown as an organism parallel to thinking beings. This year, four streets in the city centre will be enriched with so-called green groves of spruces and green trees, which will be returned to nature after the holidays. The children and citizens of Ljubljana will take part in the decorations and be able to decorate the green groves with their own ornaments.
In the magical month of December, the streets and squares of Maribor are aglow with countless fairy lights and Lumino light sculptures, with festively decorated photo opportunity spots at the Magic Gallery only adding to the charm. The decoration of the main streets with magic threads symbolises the connection between people. In the company of the city's inhabitants, you can decorate the urban greenery, visit the gift and art market full of local produce and products, and let your imagination run wild in Fairy Town.
In December, the town of the Counts of Celje, situated next to the Savinja River, is transformed into a fairytale land with characters from children’s books, fairies, horses and the good men of December (St Nicholas, Father Christmas and Grandfather Frost). The enchanting image of the fairytale town is reflected in the rich daytime decorations, and in the evening, the luminous fairytale characters come to life before children's eyes. While strolling the streets of the old town centre, you’ll find countless ideas for original gifts when you see what the local providers and small boutique shops have to offer or visit the Treasury of Gifts – a Christmas and New Year fair with local products. The North Pole, with its family of snowmen in their igloos who delight everyone, but especially the youngest, the fairytale carousel in the marketplace and the ice-skating rink, where the Kingdom of Fairytales will be performed on ice, add to the festive charm of the city.
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. In December, the garden of Khiselstein Castle transforms into a luminous zoo that children especially enjoy. 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.
You may not experience winter in the true meaning of the word in Koper, but you can experience Fantazima (fantasy winter). Holiday lights and illuminated elements enrich the main town venues and attractions. Children will be excited to see light images of animals in Hlavaty Park between Koper Marketplace and Semedela Promenade, while adults can admire the tallest environmentally friendly Christmas tree at Kardeljeva ploščad.
The venue is surrounded by picturesque houses dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, which look especially stunning when illuminated. They house the Museum of Apiculture, pottery arts, products and activities showcasing the over 250-year-old honeybread tradition, and the Pharmacy and Alchemy Museum. The town centre is further beautified by the unique green decoration of the town with handmade ornaments of willow and wicker and wreaths made of spruce, created by the talented hands of local craftswoman Tanja Legat. The festively decorated town will be further enlivened by beautiful, knitted balls and chandeliers and a fairytale adventure through the town. All this is a wonderful scene for a festive fair and a colourful December event embraced by the scents of the Tastes of Radolca.
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. On Kamnik's picturesque Šutna Street, you can find original gifts, such as the Kamnik "majolka" pitcher, and also learn about traditional crafts. In the town where the famous Jože Plečnik left his mark, you can find products that pay homage to the great architect. Volčji Potok Arboretum features a one-of-a-kind experience, an evening walk among the lights. A special light tunnel with changing colour lights is one of the latest light elements.
In December, the streets and squares of Ptuj create a fairy-tale backdrop where strings of lights and decorations illuminate the historical buildings and the charming old city centre is adorned with Christmas trees and figures. In such a setting, the Ptuj fairy tale comes to life, offering everything you need for a magical December. An ice skating rink is set up on the decorated City Market and a fairytale roundabout makes visitors smile and be merry on Miklošič Street. Just a hint: you can also visit Santa Claus here. The main venue for December celebrations will be in front of the City Hall. There will also be holiday stalls where local delicacies and delicious mulled wine will be served.
During the festive season, Novo mesto also lights up with thousands of lights. The large ice rink on the Main Square, illuminated by LED lights in the ice, has its own charm. There are special locations in the city that are perfect for unforgettable festive photos. And, of course, there's the Advent fair, with a wide range of local artisans and producers, and a variety of events for all ages – from puppet shows for children to evening concerts.
The streets of most historical towns are usually bustling in December with people visiting Advent markets and looking for handicrafts and other goods typical of the local environment. The festive spirit is further enlivened by nativity scenes set up in churches and outdoors, or recreated by actors.
Every large town or city creates their own holiday fairy tale in December. Festive market stalls where everyone can find something delightful for themselves or their loved ones are set up by the light of unique decorations reflecting the character of an individual town or city.
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.
Enjoy the Slovenian holiday culinary delights!
Feel the warmth of the December fairy-tale in the festively decorated towns of Slovenia.
Learn about the tradition of Christmas decorations and creating a holiday spirit in Slovenia.
Visit fairy-tale lands and create for yourself a magical December.
Prepare a walnut Potica using the traditional recipe!
Buy something that will really remind you of Slovenia.
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