If you were asked what makes Advent the most magical time of the year, we would probably get pretty similar answers. Festive lights and decorations, lively festive fairs, gift shopping, exquisite culinary delights and socialising with friends would probably be at the top of the list. But also the euphoria and crowds of December, which can sometimes be quite exhausting, can't they? Why not make this a time to pause for a moment, think about the true meaning of the holidays and discover the magic of Advent in a different way? Also, by thinking ahead and embracing the joys of Advent in a more sustainable way. Here are some of the things we are trying to do in Slovenia to bring some "green" consciousness to the Advent fairy tale.
Slovenian cities and towns shine with thousands of festive lights in December. Despite the lavish lighting, energy-saving strings of lights are mostly used.
In addition to the lights, decorated Christmas trees and other types of decorations, mostly made from natural or recycled materials, decorate the towns. Instead of cut down Christmas trees, you will find so-called living trees, which are planted in special pots. Children from local schools and kindergartens often take part in decorating the trees. Public institutions, primary schools and citizens of Maribor will be decorating the Christmas trees along the Pathway of the Magic Gallery in the town centre of Maribor.
Shopping for presents for your loved ones is one of the main and most exciting tasks of December. All over Slovenia you will come across festive fairs where you can find an increasing number of homemade and handmade products each year. From warm woollen hats, socks, scarves, handmade ceramics, woodwork, jewellery made from natural materials and a variety of food products, from homemade jams and honey to delicious meat products, there is a wide selection of quality and local products to give as gifts. You can also choose to buy local products online or visit boutique shops selling designer products by Slovenian artists.
Go holiday shopping in small boutique shops and holiday markets in Slovenian towns.
Buy something that will really remind you of Slovenia.
No festive fair is complete without special festive stands, which are usually cute wooden houses. In Kranjska Gora, surrounded by an idyllic mountain backdrop, for example, the Alpine-style wooden houses are the icing on the cake of the town’s fairy tale image. Wooden houses are also an integral part of festive fairs elsewhere, for example in Ljubljana, Maribor, Celje, Portorož and Bled.
In addition to handicrafts, the festive stands also offer a wide range of food and beverages to warm you up and give you a tasty snack. More and more providers are opting for eco-friendly packaging made of cardboard and wood. In Ljubljana, some stands serve drinks in ceramic cups that you can return after use or buy as a souvenir.
December days and evenings are enlivened by many events that reinforce the joyful anticipation of the New Year. From puppet shows for children to evening concerts by popular music groups, you can experience it all in the streets and squares of towns and cities across Slovenia.
Among a wide range of events, you can join a variety of creative workshops where you will learn how to create Advent wreaths with natural materials, bake Christmas cookies, design festive decorations with different materials or even make a personalised gift. Such workshops are organised in Solčava and Gornji grad in the Upper Savinja Valley, for example, but you can also find them elsewhere in Slovenia. Škofja Loka offers a glimpse into its rich handicraft activity during the festive season. At the DUO Handicraft Centre, you can create your own unique gift in workshops, while the streets and squares of the old town centre become a kind of sales gallery for the craftspeople and artists of Škofja Loka.
Why let the festive mood be spoilt from the start by crowded roads near city centres? Choose more sustainable modes of transport, such as the train. A fairy tale train brings you to Celje, which can be the perfect start to your festive adventure in the city of princes. The fairies from traditional fairy tales will take you to the Fairy tale Celje. You can also take the train to other festively decorated cities – Ljubljana, Maribor, Velenje, Kranj, Radovljica and Koper.
The essence of the Christmas and New Year holidays is to make time for the ones you love the most. For your family and friends. Create festive treats together in the kitchen, have fun baking cookies and enjoy the warmth of home. Try your hand at making traditional Slovenian potica. Or make gingerbread by following the recipe of one of the best chefs in the world.
Enjoy the Slovenian holiday culinary delights!
Prepare a walnut Potica using the traditional recipe!
Honey biscuits that just melt in your mouth!
Of course, you can also spend quality time outdoors. Children's eyes will light up in the December wonderland, where they can meet classic fairy tale characters. In the best company, you can experience the magic of the Christmas story with live nativity plays at various locations. The most magnificent are those in Postojna Cave. In addition, you can see nativity scenes made from a variety of natural materials, including wood and straw.
You can also brighten up the festive days with snow activities or socialise at outdoor ice skating rinks in the city centres.
Visit fairy-tale lands and create for yourself a magical December.
Experience the magic of Christmas by visiting a live nativity scene.
Treat yourself to unforgettable holidays with winter experiences in Slovenia!
Add a colourful array of December events to your festive calendar and enjoy fairy tale moments in Slovenia.
Turn back the hands of time and discover how our ancestors spent the holidays. This five star experience takes you to a festively set table in an authentic 19th century rustic setting, with hosts dressed in traditional clothes and an unforgettable "party" with dancing and singing in the spirit of Prešeren's time.
At every turn, Slovenia strives to create sustainable solutions that embrace the environment, traditions and the well-being of both residents and visitors. Our green story is embedded in both rural and urban areas, when you need rest or just a tasty meal made from quality ingredients.
Watch the interactive video and get to know some of the most interesting facts and green stories that reveal the sustainable path of Slovenia.
Play interactive videoWatch the interactive video and get to know some of the most interesting facts and green stories that reveal the sustainable path of Slovenia.
MoreThe mosaic of Slovenia’s green story is made up of individual pieces that form a model of responsible preservation of natural and cultural heritage and attitude towards the environment. The most sustainably aspiring destinations bear the platinum and the golden Slovenia Green label. Destinations with a silver or bronze label are on a good way to follow the green path.
MoreHotels and tourist farms provide it. Camps, glamping resorts and spas provide it, too. And it is also provided by a range of other accommodation options that not only offer comfortable beds and food, but think more broadly about their place in the environment. With all the responsibility to future generations. Choose accommodation with the Slovenia Green Accommodation label and contribute a piece to the mosaic of sustainability.
MoreSlovenian cuisine is based on ingredients found in our immediate surroundings. Modern approaches to cuisine combine with elements of culinary tradition. Discover restaurants, recipients of the Slovenia Green Cuisine Label, which put sustainability at the forefront in the creation of their specialities.
MoreIf you decide to stay at a location or camping site for several days, you can give your motorhome some "rest" and choose a sustainable way of exploring the surroundings. Hop on a bicycle, take a trip to the city and explore its sights by public transportation, or perhaps it may be easier to rent an electric car and cruise the surrounding area.
MoreSlovenia offers a fairy tale image during the festive season. But you can also experience your own fairy tale in Slovenia every day of the year. Whether you are wandering around the cities or taking part in activities in nature, at the table or pampering yourself in the spa. Discover a world of unique experiences.
Enter the world of original adventures.
Experiences that will make your stay in Slovenian towns worthwhile.
Discover the world of active outdoor adventures in Slovenia.
Learn about the advantages of choosing Slovenia as your winter holiday destination.
Treat yourself to unforgettable holidays with winter experiences in Slovenia!
Meet Slovenia's gastronomic stars that are now shining on the Michelin sky.
Love is experienced through the stomach.
Treat yourself to a ski adventure and take care of your well-being.
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