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.
During festive December, the charming Slovenian capital gets a magical makeover, which also has a deeper meaning. For several years, Ljubljana's holiday decorations have been designed by Urban Modic. He changes the decoration concept every year, so that light elements tell different stories. According to the author, this year's concept is based on the fact that life is infinitely beautiful and precious. It is all a living being has. This year's holiday decorations in Ljubljana highlight the importance and value of life and encourage us to celebrate diversity and diffusion.
In Magical Maribor, the city's streets and squares glow with countless fairy lights, while the Lumino light sculptures and the festively decorated photo spots of the Magic Gallery add to the charm. The decoration of the main streets with magic threads symbolises the connection between people. On Glavni trg square, you can stop by the Christmas Village, where you can find beautiful gifts for your loved ones, and a special attraction is the panoramic, decorated Ferris wheel. Let your imagination run wild in Fairy Town and catch festive glimpses at the Magic Gallery stations. This year you can visit the Minoriti Cultural Quarter during holidays, where various exhibitions await you.
In December, the town of the Counts of Celje by the Savinja River transforms into a fairy-tale land with children's heroes, fairies, rocking horses and good men. The streets of the Old Town are filled with the smell of festive treats, the Gift Treasury invites you to visit and buy creative gifts, shop windows are transformed into lively dance venues, concerts give pleasure to music connoisseurs, and the North Pole, the Fairy-tale Biscuit Factory and Fairy-tale Land enchant and transport the youngest visitors into a fairy-tale world. On a stroll through the city, you'll be seduced by the stunning flavours of the Taste of Celje culinary event and other various pop-up events. The mighty Old Castle of Celje also takes on a fairy-tale appearance, where the knight Parsifal delights with a lantern adventure and an invitation to the medieval winter day in Slovenia.
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.
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. Some new features have been added this year. Carpacciov Trg, for example, shines in a completely new light, festooned with chains with falling light effect and a new light sculpture. Children love the light sculptures of animals in Hlavaty Park, between the Koper Marketplace and Semedela Promenade. But there is more – the festively decorated city is telling you a fairy tale. Nine shop windows in the city centre show attractive displays centred around the timeless illustrations by Jelka Reichman and children's poetry by renowned Slovenian authors.
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.
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.
Enjoy the festivities in Slovenian town and cities taking place in December.
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.
Feel the warmth of the December fairy-tale in the festively decorated towns of Slovenia.
Buy something that will really remind you 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!
Enjoy the Slovenian holiday culinary delights!
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