Christmas Markets 2024-2025 in Slovenia

In the first days of December, the whole of Slovenia dresses up and starts the preparation to welcome the upcoming holidays. In every city and town, there's a Christmas market filled with ginger cookies, mulled wine, the warm scent of cinnamon, and ice skating rinks. In some cities, such markets are open only during weekends, while others are open all the time.

Ljubljana Christmas Markets (November 29, 2024–January 5, 2024)

The biggest market is, of course, held in Ljubljana on Prešeren Square, where you can enjoy all the festive beauty in the heart of the capital’s Old Town. It is called Straw Christmas Crib at Gallus Embankment and is a part of the Festive December in Ljubljana celebrations. The market kicks off normally on the Friday before the first Advent Sunday, after the ceremonial lighting of Christmas lights.

There are other areas across the city to enjoy mulled wine and local foods and shop for Christmas gifts, namely Breg, Cankarjevo, Gallusovo in Petkovškovo nabrežje, Congress Square (Kongresni trg), and Prešeren Square (Prešernov trg). You can find all sorts of souvenirs, from fashion accessories, headwear, scarves, and gloves to culinary delights like desserts, honey, and locally produced alcohol.

The Christmas markets in Ljubljana are accompanied by a rich program of events held daily in the central streets and squares throughout December. Folk and pop musicians will entertain the crowd across five stages. Vendors offer numerous food and beverage options, as well as holiday-themed souvenirs, perfect for a stocking gift. Market hours generally depend on location, but the stalls are usually open from 10 am until 11 pm-12 am. Some food vendors operate until midnight.

Radovljica Festive December (December 1-31, 2024)

Another atmospheric market is held in Radovljica, where the center of the city, especially Linhart Square, turns into a true wonderland filled with all kinds of activities for both children and adults. Festivities start with the festive light switch-on in the beginning of December. This year, it is set to take place on December 1st and features live performances of local bands, beautiful Christmas lights across the city centre, as well as tasty deals from the city's eateries.

On that day, you may stroll through the St. Nicholas fair in the afternoon and, after dusk, enjoy delicious food at one of the local restaurants participating in the Month of Taste Radoljica. Later in December, Radovljica hosts the festive program with a variety of events for kids, families, and those seeking some local charm of the old towns combined with concerts and great local food.

Throughout the ten-day festive season, visitors can enjoy the Christmas market, concerts, Taste Radol'ca street food, workshops for children, and street performances of the Ana Mraz Festival. The festivities generally span from 3 pm to 8 pm for the rest of the month, except for New Year's Eve, when you can enjoy the fun from 10 pm until the late hours of the night.

Festive Maribor Christmas Market (November 28–December 31, 2024)

The historic Maribor transforms into a winter fairytale with snow piling up on the roofs of baroque buildings and lights illuminating the city centre. The festivities kick off with holiday lighting and continue at the Main Square of Maribor, Glavni Trg in Slovenian. The square hosts a stunning Christmas market, inviting everyone to experience traditional Slovenian food and buy gifts for your loved ones.

The merriment spreads to the Trg Leona Štuklja, a more modern location, which serves as the stage for music performances. Both children and their parents will enjoy numerous exhibits in downtown Maribor. The lighting ceremony takes place on November 28th at 5:30 pm.

Other Christmas Events in Slovenia

Christmas celebrations and markets mark the entire Advent season in Slovenia. The highlights include the Krampus Parade near Ljubljana, Krampuslauf and Festive December in Maribor, the Christmas market in Celje, a winter wonderland on Lake Bled. Wherever you go, you will have a truly magical winter experience. So have "vesel božič," which means "Merry Christmas" in Slovenian.