Ljubljana is a wonderful city year-round but covered in artistically designed Christmas lights it becomes even more magical. It’s that time of the year when locals and visitors get in the festive spirit, and glorious Christmas melodies, and the scent of mulled wine and roasted almonds fill the streets and squares of the Old Town.
The festivities officially begin when the Christmas street lights are turned on. Central town squares and streets turn into venues for countless open-air music concerts and other events for people of all ages and different tastes.
The Christmas markets, with many wooden holiday stalls on the river embankments, become the centre of the city’s social life in December, as friends and families gather to meet by the stalls and enjoy warm drinks and delicious food. So whether you are looking to try some Slovenian delicacy, shop for a unique Christmas gift for your loved ones, or to buy local arts and crafts products as souvenirs, there is a stall for everything.
On Breg embankment, just a few steps away from Galeria River, look for the FerMedica stall and try some of the best honey liquor in Slovenia. For those brave enough, we suggest trying the one with chilli – it is spicy enough to warm up even the coldest of nights. And if you have a sweet tooth or you are just looking for the perfect holiday gift, they have plenty of other honey products that come in different creatively shaped packaging.
However, the Christmas markets are not the only shopping opportunity in Ljubljana. Christmas shopping can also be done at the BTC City Ljubljana shopping centre, one of the biggest shopping centres in all of Europe, as well as in numerous city-centre shops offering the most interesting gifts, fashion clothing and accessories, Slovenian designer products, and local culinary delights.
For those seeking fun and entertainment, make sure not to miss the Land of Ice at the very heart of Ljubljana, on Kongresni trg square. Visitors can experience fairy-tale images of dragons and other magical creatures made from ice sculptures. The sculptures are made out of 60 tons of ice and are created by Slovenian and international artists.
All the December festivities culminate with the New Year’s Eve celebrations held in Ljubljana’s centrally-located town squares, where at exactly midnight colourful fireworks light up the sky above Ljubljana’s Castle.
Although Ljubljana is the biggest crowd-puller among festively decorated Slovenian towns, the magic of Advent can be felt all around the country. In the Alpine region, whether in Bled or Kranjska Gora, you can experience the most wonderful time of the year against the backdrop of the beautiful Julian Alps. Those seeking a more Mediterranean feel can spend the festive month on the Slovenian Coast tasting excellent sparkling wine at the Christmas market in Portorož or ice-skating by the sea in charming Koper.
A stay in Viva Rooms is the perfect opportunity to discover Slovenia's precious capital and its treasures. A mix of rich history, inspiring art, and vibrant street life, Ljubljana is a city that will make you fall in love with its green soul. Let us inspire you with our insider knowledge and start discovering Ljubljana's top spots and hidden corners.
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