Recently updated on August 14th, 2023 at 02:29 pm
If you really want to get into the festive spirit, you’ve got to experience Slovenia’s Christmas markets. With fairytale winter scenery, soul-stirring festive foods, dazzling light displays, unique traditions and merry fun for the whole family, this is one Christmas holiday you’ll never forget. So what are you waiting for? Here are eight reasons to visit the beautiful Christmas markets in Slovenia.
1. The Christmas markets in Slovenia are just as magical – without the crowds
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The Slovenian Christmas markets are up there with anything the famously festive countries like Germany, France, Italy and the UK can offer. But the best part? You don’t get the big crowds like the more popular Christmas markets.
From the vibrant Christmas markets of Ljubljana to fairytale festivities of Lake Bled, you’ll have all the dazzling decor, handmade crafts, unique gifts, Christmas concerts, and delicious treats you could dream of… And you’ll have to share it with far fewer people. That’s a win in our books!
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2. You’ll get to see a real White Christmas
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When we say it snows in Slovenia, we really mean it snows. Imagine thick carpets of glistening white snow, crisp Alpine air and snowball fights galore. That’s winter in Slovenia! So if you’re dreaming of a White Christmas, the Christmas markets in Slovenia are sure to make your Yuletide fantasies come true.
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Lake Bled even hosts an enchanting Winter Village, nestled in the mountains beside the lake. Complete with glowing lights and nativity scenes, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a life-sized snow globe. It’s the perfect place to get into the Christmas spirit.
3. The Christmas markets in Slovenia are filled with unique traditions
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The Slovenian Christmas markets serve up an incredible array of unique experiences. We’ll take you to the underground wonderland of the giant Postojna Caves, where you’ll find their extraordinary Living Nativity Scenes.
This thrilling experience takes you on a five-kilometre train ride through 16 biblical scenes and musical performances, with 150 performers taking part in the underground spectacle. For more amazing nativity scenes, you can also find a fantastic show at Ljubljana’s Franciscan Church in Prešeren Square.
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We’ll also take you to gorgeous Lake Bled, where you can witness the local ceremony of the ‘Sinking of the Bells of Wishes’. Legend says that anyone who rings the bell three times and believes in God would have their wish come true. You can watch divers reenacting the famous legend every Christmas, diving to find the bell that sunk to the bottom of the lake.
In most Slovenian Christmas markets, you’ll also get to see festive traditions such as incense burning, sprinkling holy water, fortune-telling, and special foods, like potica (sweet bread cake).
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4. You’ll be surrounded by fairytale scenery
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From the historic castles, ornate bridges and cobbled streets of Ljubljana, to the storybook landscapes of Lake Bled, the Christmas markets in Slovenia are always backed up by the most enchanting scenery.
In Ljubljana, you can wander along the banks of River Ljubljanica while browsing the festive stalls. Sip on mulled wine as you get lost in the gorgeous medieval streets, or even take a funicular ride up to Ljubljana Castle, with stunning views over the city.
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If you prefer to get into nature, Lake Bled should do the trick. This magical place is absolute perfection, with snowy mountains, dazzling lakes, lush alpine forests and ancient castles surrounding the Christmas markets. You’ll probably have to pinch yourself to make sure you’re not dreaming here!
5. You’ll get to indulge in delicious festive food
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Prepare to loosen your belt a few notches. Slovenia’s Christmas fare is utterly delicious and basically irresistible. As you wander the markets, you’ll be tempted by all kinds of festive specialties, from slow-roasted pork and meat-and-cheese stuffed dumplings, to grilled fish and tasty sausages.
And of course, don’t forget dessert! You’ve got to try the traditional potica (sweet rolled cake) and the creamy kremna rezina cake. Wash it all down with a rich hot chocolate, or the local mulled wine, sweetened with orange, cinnamon and cloves.
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6. There are plenty of free experiences around the Christmas markets in Slovenia
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If you’re on a budget, you’ll be thrilled to know that there are plenty of cheap and free experiences in the Slovenian Christmas markets.
The best free thing to do is marvel at the gorgeous Christmas lights and decorations. Put together by talented local artists, the light displays bring festive magic to the streets and historic buildings of Slovenia’s cities.
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There’s also plenty of free concerts and family events throughout Ljubljana in the lead up to Christmas Day. You’ll also find outdoor ice skating rinks across the country where you can rent skates. Imagine skating under the stars and twinkling lights, with Christmas music and the aroma of baked cookies filling the air. Magic!
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7. Kids and adults alike will love the winter wonderland
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Christmas is such a magical time for kids, and Slovenia puts on a wonderful show your children will never forget. They’ll encounter fairytale creatures like fairies and elves, and even meet Santa Claus to tell him what they’d like for Christmas.
If you’re in the country on Saint Nicholas Day on 6 December, many children traditionally get a visit from the gift-giving Saint Nicholas, while a second visit comes from Santa Claus or Baby Jesus on Christmas Day on 25 December. Depending on which traditions each family follows, some kids might even get a visit from Grandfather Frost on New Years!
There are plenty of reasons to celebrate during the holiday season in Slovenia, and endless chances to create some magical Christmas memories with your family.
8. If you stay for New Year’s Eve, you’re in for a treat
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The holiday fun reaches its peak at New Year’s in Slovenia, and it’s a huge event, with amazing celebrations across the country. Ljubljana holds the biggest festivities across its main squares, with all kinds of musical performances and a spectacular fireworks display over Ljubljana Castle.
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Meanwhile, the city of Maribor is said to have the oldest New Year’s celebrations in Leon Stukelj Square, and you can dance the night away in Celje Krek Square.
Whether you prefer to get cosy in a mountain cabin on New Year’s Eve or treat yourself to a glamorous night on the town, Slovenia is an incredible place to be during the holiday season.
Are you dreaming of visiting the Christmas markets in Slovenia? Let us know in the comments below!