Christmas in Ljubljana
Located in the center of the country, surrounded by the lofty peaks of the Julian Alps, lies Slovenia’s delightful capital. A lively green city, Ljubljana exudes an effortless charm. Through the center of town flows the Ljubljanica River, ebbing past Baroque and Art Nouveau buildings under the watchful eye of Ljubljana Castle, which crowns a hill east of the Old Town. Emblazoned in the city’s coat-of-arms, the castle tower sits mounted by a dragon, the symbol of the city, representing power, courage, and greatness – an apropos image for the cultural, educational, economic, and political center of Slovenia.
Come December, Ljubljana’s cold winter days are warmed by the cheery atmosphere of the city’s vibrant Christmas Market, known as the Festive Fair. The banks of the Ljubljanica come alive with ornamented market stalls that spread throughout the city, offering an array of handicrafts, gifts, and traditional food and drink, accompanied by a program of cultural events held daily in the nearby streets and squares. Numerous open-air concerts, and performances take place throughout the city, inviting shoppers to linger and enjoy the seasonal entertainment. However, the stand out attraction of Ljubljana’s festive season is the unique universe themed light display designed by artist Zmago Modic. Part of an ever-developing project, Ljubljana’s holiday lights celebrate science with geometric forms, mathematical equations, galaxies, planets, comets, and shooting stars as well as images of microcosms that are invisible to the naked eye such as those of atoms, chromosomes, and DNA helices. The magical lights are taken in new directions every year by Modic and more recently, his son Urban, providing an experience unlike any other.
Embark on a bespoke escape with Tasteful Croatian Journeys to experience the enchantment of Ljubljana’s Festive Fair, brimming with colorful lights and holiday cheer.
Shopping, Cuisine & Merry-Making
Ljubljana offers wonderful opportunities for holiday shopping, with more than 50 market stalls set up around the city, specifically at the Breg Embankment, Cankar Embankment, Congress Square, Prešeren Square, Gallus Embankment, and Petkovšek Embankment. Here, visitors will find a wide variety of local artisan handcrafts including products by young Slovenian designers that are not available in shops. Items include handwoven gloves, mittens, hats, and scarves, jewelry, ceramics, woodcarvings, soaps, and traditional Slovenian delicacies such as honey, schnapps, and sweets. For a truly special gift, consider a stop at Skrbovin’ca, which translates to “care trade,” a multifunctional space selling items handmade by Slovenians with various disabilities, both physical and cognitive. The shop is the result of a social initiative – In addition to making the items on sale, it is also tended by people with special needs, engaging them more deeply with the community they live in.
Countless food and drink stalls keep shoppers’ bellies full with mouth-watering regional fare such as grilled Pljeskavice and Ćevapčići (both made from spiced minced meat), Kranjska Klobasa (Carniolan sausage), Štruklji (boiled or baked dough rolled with a variety of different sweet or savory fillings), Jabolčni Štrudelj (apple strudel), and Šmorn (shredded pancake). Those with a sweet tooth will especially love Potica (rolled and filled festive holiday cake) which is served throughout the country with slight regional variations in size, shape, and in particular, filling. Beverages such as sweet smelling Kuhano vino (mulled wine), fragrant tea, and liqueurs warm from the inside out. Beyond the market, December sees a tempting array of seasonal specialties appear in restaurants throughout the city. The project Taste Ljubljana was developed to preserve Slovenia’s rich culinary heritage and highlight its distinctive character by encouraging local chefs to offer traditional dishes on their menus.
As the center for social events during the holiday season, Ljubljana’s Festive Fair has much to offer in the way of concerts, street theater performances, and other entertainment. Every year, on December 5th, the city is visited by St. Nicholas (Miklavž) and his legion of angels, who parade through the city and assist him in distributing treats to well behaved children. Behind them are the Parklji (similar to Krampus) who are the personifications of the devil, and follow closely to scare the naughty children. Later in the month, from December 26th – 30th, daily processions see Grandfather Frost (Dedek Mraz) ride through Ljubljana on his carriage pulled by two white Lipizzaner horses. With him is a merry band of snowmen, bears, rabbits and other fairy tale creatures. Apart from open-air events, the cheerful capital also offers a wealth of other activities to be enjoyed. Boat cruises along the Ljubljanica River offer a unique vantage point from which to enjoy the city’s decorations, and the expansive Land of Ice displays impressive sculptures carved from more than 60 tons of ice. Holiday festivities culminate with the spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks display which illuminates the Ljubljana sky.
Ljubljana’s Regional Highlights
- Visit the fairytale landscape of Lake Bled – a shimmering turquoise lake set against the dramatic backdrop of the Julian Alps. In the center of the lake is a small island, home to a picturesque church and a wealth of legend. Overlooking the lake, a medieval castle clings to a rocky cliff, offering spectacular views of the dreamscape below. During the Christmas season, the Bled Festive Lakeside Promenade offers handmade gifts, local treats, and a jolly atmosphere. For travelers wishing to explore in greater depth, we recommend an overnight stay to maximize the experience.
- Marvel at Predjama Castle, the impregnable medieval fortress built into a cavernous opening halfway up a 400 foot cliff. Behind the castle, a network of secret tunnels brings to life the legend of rebellious knight Erazem, also known as the Slovenian Robin Hood, who withstood the imperial army’s siege of the castle for over a year – a tale of valor, romance, and daring exploits sure to thrill.
- Discover the fascinating subterranean world of Postojna Cave, a jaw-dropping series of caverns, halls and passages adorned with needle-like stalactites and towering stalagmites. In the week between Christmas and New Year, the two-million-year-old cave system becomes the stage for an incredible live nativity scene, with hundreds of costumed performers and musicians breathing life into the biblical story of Christ’s birth.
- Explore Radovljica, a medieval town with a “sweet” reputation for honey and chocolate. Visit the Apicultural Museum to learn about the tradition of Slovenian beekeeping and admire their exhibit of nearly 250 hand-painted beehive panels. Later on, at the Lectar Workshop and Museum, get an introduction to Slovenia’s famous heart shaped honeybread cookies and decorate one to bring home.
- Experience the beauty and mystery of Lake Bohinj, the pristine jewel that is Slovenia’s largest natural lake and the heart of Triglav National Park. Nestled at the foot of dramatic peaks, this Alpine lake is an ideal backdrop to enjoy a guided walk after sunset and learn of the area’s legends and stories by the flickering light of a torch.
Ljubljana Festive Fair Dates & Duration
The Ljubljana Christmas Market begins every year on the Friday before the first Sunday in Advent and runs into the first week of January. The festivities begin with the switching on of the holiday lights.
Shopping, Cuisine & Merry-Making images 1. ©Ljubljana Tourist Board; 2. ©Ljubljana Tourist Board; 3.©Slovenian Tourist Board
Ljubljana’s Regional Highlights images 1. ©Slovenian Tourist Board; 2. ©Slovenian Tourist Board; 3.©Slovenian Tourist Board
