Slovenia comes alive in December with a medley of events, creating a tapestry of cultural richness and holiday cheer. From enchanting Christmas markets to exhilarating sports activities, the country offers a diverse range of experiences for locals and visitors alike. Let’s explore the top 50 events that make December in Slovenia truly special.
Festive December in Ljubljana
Date: 29. 11. 2024 – 15. 1. 2025
Location: Arboretum Volčji Potok
Ljubljana’s Christmas market, accompanied by food and drink stalls, becomes the centre of the city’s social life in December, while its nearby squares host a vast programme of free music concerts and other events for adults and children. The festivities culminate on the New Year’s Eve, with celebrations in Ljubljana’s main squares.
Evening walk among the Christmas lights in Arboretum
Date: 16. 11. 2024 – 6. 1. 2025
Location: Arboretum Volčji Potok
Volčji Potok Arboretum will be dressed in a glowing festive look and will be the setting for a unique Evening Walk among the Lights. More than 30 kilometres of lights will be strung across the park’s unique horticultural backdrop, which is more than one million lights in total. Different light scenes will follow each other across the 35 hectares of the park.
Fairytale Celje
Date: 1. 12. 2024 – 31. 12. 2024
Location: Celje
Celje takes December seriously. When the festive lights come on, the city embraces fairy tales. The streets of the Old Town are filled with the smell of festive treats, the Treasury of Gifts invites you to visit and buy creative gifts, shop windows are transformed into lively dance venues, concerts satisfy music connoisseurs, and the North Pole, the Fairytale Biscuit Shop and the Fairytale Land enchant and transport the youngest visitors into a fairytale world. Pop-Up events surprise here and there, and one-gastronomic experiences guarantee unforgettable get-togethers full of exquisite flavours.
Medieval Winter Day at Celje Castle
Date: 7. 12. 2024 – 8. 12. 2024
Location: Celje
When December turns fairy-tale-like, the castle comes alive with medieval stories. The courtyard beneath Frederick’s Tower lights up in a play of fire and light, acrobats open the door to the mysterious world of the fairytale circus. Medieval cuisine is fragrant among the stalls, and the medieval masters and artists echo as you stroll between the castle walls.
Ptuj Fairytale
Date: 2. 12. 2024 – 31. 12. 2024
Location: Ptuj
The heart of the oldest Slovenian town will beat in a festive rhythm this year from December 2nd to December 31st, as Ptuj Fairytale invites you with the charm of the old town full of holiday experiences!
Pre-Holiday Štanjel
Date: 15. 12. 2024
Location: Štanjel
Walk along the alleyways of medieval Štanjel village and look at the Christmas nativity scenes mounted on the window sills, doorsteps, courtyards and walls. The holiday season comes with a cultural programme that gives several opportunities to buy small gifts for the holiday season in the marketplace featuring local products.
The Living Nativity in Postojna Cave
Date: 25. 12. 2024 – 30. 12. 2024
Location: Postojna Cave
This holiday season, embark on a magical journey and witness a spectacle like no other – the Living Nativity in Postojna Cave. Nestled beneath the earth’s surface, this extraordinary event will transport you back in time to relive the timeless story of Christmas in a setting that’s nothing short of magical.
December in Radovljica
Date: 1. 12. 2024 – 31. 12. 2024
Location: Postojna Cave
The festive season will kick off on December 1st with the lighting of the Christmas lights, a St. Nicholas Fair, a culinary market, and a concert. Don’t miss the festive fairs, creative workshops, December concerts with street food, performances, and other exciting events taking place throughout the month.
