Christmas in Lake Bled

Nestled in the foothills of the Julian Alps, glacial Lake Bled shimmers like a jewel, its mirrored surface reflecting the lush forest and snow-capped peaks that surround it. In the center of the lake sits a small island, home to the picturesque Assumption of Mary Church and object of many fables. This has long been a site of worship, first bearing an ancient Slavic temple, later a small wooden chapel, and finally the baroque church that stands today. To reach the island, ride a traditional Pletna, a wooden, awning-covered boat, rowed by a standing oarsman, and climb the 99 stone steps up to the church, bell tower, curacy and provost’s house, and small hermitage. Within the church, a legendary wishing bell promises to grant the wishes of those who ring it three times. Perched atop a steep cliff overlooking the lake, Bled Castle stands guard over the storybook setting below.

In winter the lake is transformed into a snow-blanketed dreamscape. Mist rises off the water and the walking path that skirts the perimeter of the lake is fringed with snow-laden trees. The charming lakeside town plays host to Bled’s annual Christmas Market, known as the Bled Winter Fairytale. Located on the Lakeside Promenade, wooden stalls adorned with twinkling lights offer a range of festive food, drink, and gifts. Those wishing to explore Slovenia’s natural wonders will find Bled an ideal home base, conveniently located within easy reach of Vintgar Gorge, Triglav National Park, and Lake Bohinj. Adventure seekers are sure to enjoy the multitude of winter sport possibilities such as skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, dog sledding, ice-climbing, and more.

Tasteful Croatian Journeys invites you to discover the magic of Lake Bled at Christmas, where history intertwines with legend and fairytales come to life.

Shopping, Cuisine & Merry-Making

Bled’s charming and compact Christmas Market, the Bled Winter Fairytale (also sometimes referred to as the Bled Festive Lakeside Promenade) boasts an impressive array of authentic gifts for a market of its size. Market stalls line the lakefront selling a variety of traditional Slovenian souvenirs and seasonal decorations, many handmade by local artisans. Among the items on offer are ceramics, jewelry, knitwear, and traditional Slovenian delicacies such as honey, brandy, sweets, and dried fruit. Of especially high quality is the Hand-carved woodenware, which includes kitchen utensils, cutting boards, accessories and more. As one of the most densely wooded countries in Europe, Slovenia’s forests are a valuable resource and the country is home to many highly skilled craftsmen. Wooden pendants in the shape of a peacock or horse make for popular trinkets. These emblems were once worn by young women who lived in a settlement on the cliff above Lake Bled in the 6th century. They are now symbols of the area.

Lying at the crossroads of Germanic, Latin, and Slavic cultures, Slovenia’s cuisine has always been influenced by both the diversity of its people and of its landscapes. Foraging and sourcing fresh ingredients from fields and gardens is an important part of Slovenian culinary tradition. Lake Bled’s Winter Fairytale offers a wonderful opportunity to try some of the region’s most popular holiday treats. In addition to staples such as Kranjska Klobasa (Carniolan sausage), Potica (rolled and filled festive holiday cake), and Kuhano vino (mulled wine), visitors will find Jagnječa Obara (Lamb Stew) cooked in a hanging cauldron over an open flame. A freshly ladled bowl is sure to warm the soul. Another traditional snack which should be tried is Posmodulja (a pizza-like thin baked dough topped with sour cream, herbs, minced lard and occasionally cheese and garlic). Posmodulja is an old Slovenian dish, normally prepared as a snack with leftover dough while waiting for bread to be baked. However, for a true taste of Lake Bled, seek out Kremna Rezina, nicknamed Kremšnita (Bled Cream Cake). This light as air cake is the symbol of the region, composed of vanilla custard, whipped cream, and delicate puff pastry dusted with powdered sugar – a dessert staple since the time of the Hapsburg’s reign.

Daily entertainment takes many forms, from baking demonstrations, to wine tastings, to live music. One of the most famous and most beautiful events is the Christmas Day light show which brings to life one of the area’s most famous tales, the Legend of the Sunken Bell. Every year, locals and visitors gather around the lake on the evening of December 25^th to watch performers re-enact the story of a young widow, who, distraught after the death of her husband, gathered all of her gold and silver and cast a bell for the island’s chapel only to later watch it sink to the bottom of the lake as a storm swallows the boat transporting it. During the performance, divers recover a bell made of lights in a spectacle of sound, light and fire – a true treat for spectators.

Lake Bled’s Regional Highlights

Learn to make Slovenia’s most festive cake in a Potica Baking Class on Bled Island. Ride a traditional wooden pletna across Lake Bled’s shimmering waters to Slovenia’s only island and climb the 99 stone steps to reach the Assumption of Mary Church. After exploring the church, visit the island’s bakery, Potičnica, for a guided workshop. This famous pastry shop churns out more than 50 flavors of the classic Slovenian cake!

Explore the breathtaking wilderness of the Julian Alps on a Snowshoeing Adventure! Start the day with a scenic cable car ride to the top of Mount Vogel for spectacular views of Lake Bohinj and Mount Triglav, the highest peak in Slovenia. Follow with a guided hike by a local expert along powdery white trails with showshoes and walking sticks.

Visit Idrija, the birthplace of Bobbin lacemaking tradition and home of the world’s second largest mercury mine. Learn about the town’s unique mining history and lacemaking tradition, both of which have earned UNESCO recognition, at the Idrija Municipal Museum housed in beautiful renaissance Gewerkenegg Castle. After, sample the local specialty žlikrofi, a traditional Slovenian dumpling with potato filling, before continuing on to Škofja Loka,a thousand-year-old city home to a rich cultural heritage and impressive medieval castle.

Hit the slopes for a day of skiing at Kranjska Gora, a world class ski center nestled in the Julian Alps not far from where the borders of Slovenia, Italy and Austria meet. Eighteen ski slopes provide options for all skill levels, while the charming alpine town offers a lively après ski scene.

Discover the region of Lower Carniola, a picturesque area with rolling hills, vineyards, historical villages and towns, churches, monasteries and castles. Stop in the Kostanjevica Monastery, now home to the Bozidar Jakac Art Museum, known for its permanent collection of works by Slovenian Expressionist painters. Next, visit the medieval Otočec Castle for a gourmet lunch in their elegant restaurant. Finally, explore the Christmas Market of Novo Mesto, the small historic capital of this region.

Lake Bled Winter Fairytale Dates & Duration

The Lake Bled Christmas Market begins every year in the final week of November and runs through the first week of January.

Christmas Market Breadcrumbs