What to do, what to see, where to go in Christmas time 2022 in Ljubljana?
During the advent season, a lot is going on in Ljubljana. The city is known for having one of the most original lights displays and its vibrant Christmas markets, set up in the historical city centre, are accompanied by free open-air events.
Be marvelled by one of the most unique Christmas lights displays in Slovenia.
In the Advent season, Ljubljana’s artistically designed Christmas lights display makes the city’s unique beauty really stand out. Ljubljana Castle turns into a fairytale-like setting, and the historical city centre’s public squares, churches, bridges, and creations by the famous architect Jože Plečnik come to shine in a whole new light. The city’s universe-themed Christmas lights display, developed in new directions year after year, is an ongoing project by the locally-based artist Zmago Modic.
Treat yourself to Christmas shopping in Ljubljana
The Christmas markets, which include numerous food and drinks stalls, become the centre of the city’s social life in December, while its nearby town squares turn into venues for countless free music concerts and other events for young and old.
Even without its festive fairs, Ljubljana affords perfect opportunities for Christmas shopping. Interesting gifts can be found at the BTC City Ljubljana shopping centre, one of the biggest shopping centres in Europe, as well as in numerous city centre shops offering fashion clothing and accessories, Slovenian arts and crafts and designer products, and local culinary delights.
December is a month of festive open-air events
In Ljubljana, December is considered to be a month of events, and despite the cold, the city’s streets are vibrant throughout the month. All the festive events held in public spaces are free. Music concerts and other entertainment for the whole family take place in most of the city centre’s public squares. If you start feeling cold, you can always warm yourself up with a cup of mulled wine or fragrant tea at the nearest Christmas stall. The festivities culminate with the New Year’s Eve celebrations held in Ljubljana’s centrally-located public squares.
Experience festive Ljubljana
Apart from open-air events, festive Ljubljana also offers a whole lot of other Christmas attractions, from tourist boat cruises along the river Ljubljanica, which you should definitely make sure not to miss.
The ceremonial lighting of the Christmas lights turned Ljubljana into a fairytale winter scenery. And don’t you dare think that the switch-on of the lights was the ending point of the festivites – it was only an overture to a rich cultural programme of the 2022/23 stated below.
Ljubljana Christmas events 2022/2023 – program:
25 Nov 2022 – 8 Jan 2023
A unique hand-made straw Christmas crib is displayed in front of Ljubljana’s Zois Palace
25 Nov – 30 Dec 2022, 19:30-21:30
The season’s program at Pogačarjev trg Square will feature modern pop and popular folk music concerts.
3 Dec – 6 Dec 2022, 10:00-20:00
PREŠERNOV TRG SQUAREST. NICHOLAS FAIR
The festively decorated stalls at St. Nicholas Market will be offering various goods suitable for traditional St. Nicholas gifts.
3 Dec – 23 Nov 2022, 17:00-19:00
KONGRESNI TRG SQUAREMAGICAL FOREST
The Magic Forest is a series of creative workshops where children can explore science, make musical instruments and paint.
4 Dec – 30 Dec 2022, 17:00-18:30
The Ice Queen accompanied by ice artists will bring a fairy tale come true to the town.
5 Dec 2022, 17:00-18:30
St Nicholas will descend into town via the funicular and arrive in Krekov trg Square, where his entourage awaits.
12 Dec – 26 Dec 2022, 16:00-19:00
ORGAN-GRINDERS IN THE OLD TOWN CENTRE
In the streets of Ljubljana, organ grinders dressed in historical clothing will be conjuring up an atmosphere of times long gone.
16 Dec – 25 Dec 2022, 19:00-21:00
The concert program in Novi trg Square can be enjoyed by all visitors to the festive fair on the Breg.
19 Dec – 21 Dec 2022, 17:00-18:00
TOWN HALLCONCERTS BY PRIMARY SCHOOL CHOIRS
The festive atmosphere in the old town center will feel extra special with children from Ljubljana’s primary schools singing in.
24 Dec 2022, 17:00-18:00
TOWN HALLCHRISTMAS CONCERT IN FRONT OF THE TOWN HALL
26 Dec – 30 Nov 2022, 17:00-18:30
A few days before New Year, Grandpa Frost, the Slovenian counterpart of Santa Claus, will arrive in Ljubljana from the.
26 Dec – 30 Dec 2022, 17:00-19:30
Street theatre performancesYoung and old alike will be able to enjoy performances by street theatre troupes, circus performers and other artistes.
26 Dec 2022 – 1 Jan 2023, 19:00-22:00
KONGRESNI TRG SQUARECONCERTS AT KONGRESNI TRG
In the days leading up to New Year’s Eve, Kongresni trg Square will feature concerts given by various popular music..
30 Dec 2022 at 19:00
TRG FRANCOSKE REVOLUCIJE SQUARECONCERT AT TRG FRANCOSKE REVOLUCIJE
The festive concert program at Trg francoske revolucije square will host alternative and rock music performers.
KONGRESNI TRG SQUARECHILDREN’S NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION
In order to create a magical and unforgettable New Year’s Eve experience for children, the celebration will feature popular festive.
31 Dec 2022 – 1 Jan 2023, 21:00-02:30
The programme of New Year’s Eve celebrations held in city centre squares is intended for people of all ages and tastes.
