In December, Ljubljana’s atmosphere becomes quite special. During this time, the entire city is decorated in Christmas lights, the streets resound with Christmas melodies, and the aroma of mulled wine and roasted almonds sweeps through them. There are market stalls selling souvenirs on the banks of the River Ljubljanica and on major squares, and there are performance venues where something interesting is always happening. Make time stand still and enjoy the joyous expectation of the New Year.
Long December nights in Ljubljana are illuminated by thousands of tiny colourful lights that create a special holiday atmosphere. A stroll through the lit streets and squares of the city centre will take you back to the time of your childhood when you were fun-loving and carefree as you awaited the New Year. Planets and stars shine above you – these are holiday decorations designed by local artist Zmago Modic. Even just witnessing the switching on of all of the holiday lights in the city at once is a wonderful event not to be missed.
During the Advent, there are also many holiday markets. Ljubljana is no exception, as there are pretty wooden holiday market stalls with much to offer. Regardless of whether you are looking for a nice present for your loved ones or warm clothing for cold days, you will surely find just the right thing. You can find interesting products by young designers that you can often not even find in the shops. Or you can take home a piece of Slovenian tradition by choosing one of the local artisan and craft products or a Slovenian delicacy, such as honey, brandy, and desserts. In December, holiday markets become the centre of social events in the city, as people like to meet by the stalls selling warm drinks and delicious food.
Visit the magical Land of Ice at Ljubljana's Kongresni Trg. Take a walk through an indoor hall with chilled air, where, more than by the cold, your breath will be taken away by fairy-tale images created from crystal ice and snow and designed by well-known Slovenian and foreign artists.
The three good men of December – St Nicholas, Father Christmas, and Father Frost – make a stop in Slovenia’s capital every year. They are welcomed by crowds with sparkling eyes, who are looking forward to meeting them and the fairy-tale characters accompanying these men on their journey through the centre of the city. The first will be Miklavž (St Nicholas), who will start his tour of the city at Ljubljana Castle; then you can meet Father Christmas in the streets of Ljubljana around Christmas; and finally Father Frost (Dedek Mraz) and his entourage will take a carriage through the streets of Ljubljana.
Music fills Ljubljana's squares in December. Throughout this month, you can have fun at concerts of well-known Slovenian musicians and bands. Main venues featuring music events include the following squares: Kongresni Trg, Novi Trg and Trg Francoske Revolucije. Do not miss Ana Mraz, an attractive street theatre that inspires all generations, performing at Špica during the holiday season. The highlight of the outdoor music events is, of course, New Year’s Eve, when there is a magnificent fireworks display above Ljubljana Castle.
As the year approaches its end, towns and villages around Slovenia shine in the glow of a thousand lights. Experience the joyous December atmosphere and taste the delicious food that is indispensible on the holiday tables of Slovenian homes.
Be a part of the joyous holiday atmosphere that will pervade Slovenia in December!
Experience the magic of Christmas by visiting a live nativity scene.
Visit fairy-tale lands and create for yourself a magical December.
Prepare a walnut Potica using the traditional recipe!
Test the recipe of world-famous chef Ana Roš for holiday soup.
Head to Slovenia for active winter experiences on snow and ice.
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