Advent in the spirit of sustainability
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.
Festive decorations for homes and towns
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.
Feel the magic of festively decorated homes and towns
Festive shopping
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.
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Festive fairs
No festive fair is complete without special festive stands, which are usually cute wooden houses. Wooden houses are an integral part of festive fairs, for example in Kranjska Gora, Ljubljana, Maribor, Celje, Portorož, Bled, etc.
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.
Enjoy the holiday atmosphere in squares and streets
Festive workshops
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. Škofja Loka, for example, 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.
Get creative and be original: Make your own gift
Travel to decorated towns by train
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.
Hop on a train and visit festive towns
Time for family and friends
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.
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Family fun outdoors
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.
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