Have you heard about the magnificent Christmas markets in Ljubljana? Would you like to see them with your own eyes, to feel the smells of the Christmas market with your nose, taste the spicy hot wine with your tongue, and take some fantastic night shots of the Christmas markets with your smartphone? This article gives you all the information you need about the Christmas markets in Ljubljana. Here you will find the most important locations, the Christmas markets dates, and information about what you should taste, what you should buy, what kind of weather you can expect, and so much more!
Many people come to this article to find information about the dates for the Christmas markets in Slovenia. So instead of just saving this premium information till the end of the article, let us share it with you immediately.
Dates for the Christmas markets in Ljubljana.
A general principle is that the Christmas markets in Ljubljana opens every year on the last Friday before the first Sunday of advent. Based on this, you should be able to calculate the opening date easily, but we will help you with an exact date further down. The Christmas markets are open until early January.
Christmas market dates in 2024.
- 2024: November 30, 2024 – January 1, 2025
If you want to enjoy the Christmas markets in Ljubljana in quietness and peace, it is recommended to visit them during the weekdays, because it can get really crowded in the weekends. If you have a lot of spare-time, many people also consider a day-trip to Zagreb to visit the Christmas markets of the Croatian capital. Would you rather stay in Slovenia? There are beautiful Christmas markets also in Kranj, Maribor, Ptuj, Celje, and many other locations.
Where are the Christmas markets in Ljubljana located?
The entire city turns into a beautiful Christmas village in December. As a result, it is a joy walking up and down the streets while enjoying the Christmas decorations and Christmas lights. But, if you want to enjoy the most famous area in Ljubljana for Christmas shopping and to experience the true Christmas market atmosphere, you must walk towards the Ljubljanica River, and then especially in the are near the Triple Bridge.
As you visit this area you will be welcomed by lots of stalls where you can buy souvenirs, foods and drinks. There are also daily programs waiting for visitors in this time, meaning you can enjoy Christmas concerts, street performances, and light shows throughout December.
Is there cheap accommodation available near the Christmas markets in Ljubljana?
Below you can see a map showing apartments and hotels close to the Christmas markets in the center of Ljubljana.
You can zoom in and out in the map if you want to see even more accommodation options in a larger or smaller radius.
Which are the products I show eat and drink at the Christmas markets in Ljubljana?
At the Christmas market in Ljubljana, you can find many tasty foods and drinks that are a must-try. One of the highlights is potica, a traditional Slovenian roll filled with nuts, poppy seeds, or chocolate, which is especially popular during the holidays. Another delicious option is Kranjska klobasa, a type of sausage made from pork and seasoned with garlic, typically served with mustard and fresh bread. The nice thing with this sausage is that the taste follows you around throughout the day, especially the ones in which you can find quite a lot of garlic.
You should also try gibanica, a layered pastry filled with cottage cheese, apples, and poppy seeds, providing a warm and comforting dessert. It might remind you a bit of a strudel, but it isn’t entirely like a strudel.
Would you rather like to bring a souvenir home after you have been to Ljubljana? Slovenia is famous for its honey, so look for honey cakes and other sweets made with this delicious ingredient, or buy a jar of honey that you can bring home as a souvenir. Additionally, there are many festive sweets, including beautifully decorated gingerbread cookies, that are perfect for the season.
When it comes to drinks, mulled wine, known as vroče vino, is a popular choice. This warm drink is made with red wine, spices, and citrus, making it perfect for the cold winter weather. You can also enjoy rich and creamy hot chocolate, often topped with whipped cream or marshmallows. For something different, try hot apple cider or spiced cider, which many visitors find refreshing. If you’re a beer lover, don’t miss the chance to sample local Slovenian craft beers from various breweries.
In addition to these foods and drinks, the Christmas market offers warm snacks like roasted chestnuts, which are a winter favorite. You can also find sweet, candied nuts, such as almonds and walnuts, that are great for snacking. There are also traditional Slovenian cheeses available, often served with bread.
Are there any other things happening in Ljubljana in December?
Programs on December 24th
On December 24th there is a fantastic open-air concert with great musicians in Ljubljana. Could there be a better way to celebrate Christmas than outdoors with lots of other people?
Programs between Christmas and New Years in Ljubljana
The coolest event in this period will be arranged between December 26th and December 30th. This is called the Grandpa Frost procession. This guy is quite similar to Santa Claus and he is drawn in his carriage by real Lippizianer horses. He is also surrounded by other fairy tale creatures, making this a real heaven for kids and families. The carriage will visit areas such as Breg, Cobblers’ Bridge, Town Square, Stritarjeva Street, Prešeren Square and the Congress Square. On the days between December 26th and December 30th this procession will start at 17.00.
New Years Eve in Ljubljana
There will be some open-air programs in Ljubljana on New Years Eve as well. The most important square to visit is Kongresni trg square where there will be programs on stage from 16.00 on the last day of the year. From 21.00 there will also be programs at Trg francoske revolucije and at Mestni trg square. As the new year starts there will be fireworks sent up from these squares, so make sure to be outdoors so that you can enjoy the start of 2017 on one of these squares in Ljubljana!
Do you want to know more about what’s going on in Vienna for Christmas? Or maybe in Zagreb? Click the links to find out more about those beautiful cities not far away from Ljubljana!
You can read more about other events, concerts, festivals, and running competitions in Ljubljana in our events calendar.
