11 Tips for the Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Slovenia / Practical Guide for Advent in Slovenia 2025/2026
Wondering which are the most beautiful Christmas markets in Slovenia? In winter, this fairy-tale country is a contrast of two worlds. You can expect a snow-covered Alpine world and a Mediterranean-calm coastline. Advent here isn’t just about the stalls and sipping hot punch. Look forward to a festival of lights, concerts, crafts, and local flavors, all with breathtaking backdrops of Slovenia’s natural and historical beauty.
Today I’ve prepared a practical guide for (in my opinion) the most beautiful Christmas markets in Slovenia, with tips on what not to miss, where to go for food, and recommended accommodation.
>> Search for accommodation in Slovenia <<
Christmas Markets in Slovenia
My tip for Advent in Slovenia:
- Slovenia has the advantage that you can easily connect mountains and coast in your itineraries thanks to short distances. You can ski in the Julian Alps in the morning and stroll through the Christmas-decorated coast in the afternoon.
- Combine Advent in Slovenia with a wellness stay at local thermal spas:
You can also combine your trip to Slovenia with Christmas markets and wellness centers in Austria:
>> 11 tips for wellness centers in Austria
>> 9 tips for the most beautiful Christmas markets in Austria
1. Ljubljana Christmas Markets
When are the Christmas Markets Held in Ljubljana?
Christmas markets in Slovenia’s capital are traditionally held from the end of November to the first week of January. The exact dates will be specified later, but you can’t go wrong if you visit during the 2nd-3rd Advent weekend, when the most beautiful events take place.
The historic center along the river transforms into a gallery of lights in the evening with daily free concerts. You’ll find stalls with designer gifts and quality street food, which I would particularly highlight. Prešeren Square is the heart of all the Advent action here.
Ljubljana Christmas Markets
In Ljubljana, you can expect the boldest light installations in Slovenia and a diverse multi-genre program throughout the old town. Don’t miss a walk from Triple Bridge to the castle funicular after dark. Don’t forget mulled wine or traditional blueberry brandy from one of the local wineries.
Where to Eat in Ljubljana?
- Visit TaBar which offers modern tapas with a local twist,
- or Open Kitchen winter pop-ups, if they’re open.
- You can’t go wrong with tasting food from the Christmas street food either.
Where to Stay in Ljubljana?
- Vander Urbani Resort – designer accommodation in the center
- One66 Ljubljana – style & value with parking
>> Find your own accommodation in Ljubljana under this link
2. Maribor Christmas Markets
When are the Christmas Markets Held in Maribor?
Christmas markets in Maribor are held this year from November 27 to January 3, 2026.
You can look forward to an atmosphere where literally the entire city breathes Advent. A main stage is prepared at Trg Leona Štuklja, where concerts and other performances will take place. Families with children will enjoy the planned children’s activities and food lovers will be delighted by the local Advent gastro zone.
Maribor is the city of the oldest vine, so the Advent mood here is also connected with winemaking and regional cuisine. If there’s something I’ve fallen in love with over the years of regularly returning to Slovenia, it’s Slovenian wine and their traditional cuisine. Buy traditional prosciutto and blueberry brandy to take home (traditional blueberry liqueur). Don’t miss tastings at Dom Stare trte and go to an evening outdoor concert.
Maribor Christmas Markets
Where to Eat in Maribor?
- Reserve a table for dinner at Rožmarin restaurant (fine-casual) – they have excellent wine here
- Fudo is a pleasant bistro on the main city promenade
- Hotel Maribor offers stylish apartments on the main square, where you’ll be just steps away from the Christmas markets.
3. Advent Ptuj – Historic Christmas Markets in Slovenia
When are the Christmas Markets Held in Ptuj?
If you want to visit the Christmas markets in the historic town of Ptuj, come anytime during December. Advent in the city of Ptuj will be held this year from December 1. 12. 2025 – 31. 12. 2025. The markets here are known by the name “Ptujska pravljica” / Ptuj Fairy Tale.
At the local marketplace, you can look forward to an ice rink and children can enjoy an Advent carousel. The picturesque Advent markets and New Year’s Eve open-air event are also traditional here. The Christmas atmosphere in Ptuj is intimate and the historic town glows in a pleasantly warm tone. Don’t miss a walk to the castle and local viewpoints.
Ptuj Christmas Markets / (c) TIC Slovenia – Ptuj
As you may have read in one of my previous articles, Ptuj is the oldest Slovenian town with a medieval backdrop. There’s a family-friendly and relaxed rhythm here, and if you’ve also read my latest article with tips for Slovenian thermal and wellness hotels, you surely noticed that you can plan Christmas markets in Ptuj together with a wellness stay for December.
Where to Eat in Ptuj?
- Ribič – by the river, offers local menu
- Muzikafe – a café with soul
Where to Stay in Ptuj?
- For me, the best choice for where to stay in the town of Ptuj is my favorite Grand Hotel Primus – in this hotel you can reserve a deluxe room with a bathtub where thermal water flows directly into your room.
4. Radovljica Christmas Markets
When are the Christmas Markets Held in Radovljica?
Christmas markets are held this year in the historic town of Radovljica during December weekends, from December 7-30. 12. 2025. Outside weekends, the program is also planned for selected weekdays.
Advent in Radovljica is among the most romantic Christmas markets in Slovenia. You can look forward to a craft market at Linhart Square, concerts, various manufacturing workshops, and Grandpa Frost will also visit the children. Those who have read my article about the town of Radovljica know that sweet lovers will particularly enjoy themselves here. The town is literally famous for its sweet tradition. Visit the honey gingerbread shop and factory – they make gingerbread according to the seasons.
Radovljica
Don’t miss visiting the local beekeeping museum either. As a beekeeper, I recommend it. It will delight both young and old visitors. Radovljica may be a small town, but it can boast preserved historical monuments and a rich program.
Radovljica: Get to know Slovenia’s sweetest town
Where to Eat in Radovljica?
- Lectar offers regional cuisine and a gingerbread museum
- Kunstelj is my favorite restaurant with traditional cuisine, where it was no problem for them to prepare a gluten-free menu for me
Slovenia, Radovljica: traditional gingerbread making on the historic square / besides buying gingerbread itself, you’ll learn interesting facts about the history and preparation of these fragrant souvenirs
Slovenia, Radovljica – Gostilna Kunstelj: Gluten Free Menu / Traveling gluten-free in Slovenia
Where to Stay in Radovljica?
- Linhart Hotel – boutique hotel in the city center
5. Kranjska Gora Christmas Markets
When are the Christmas Markets Held in Kranjska Gora?
- Dates for city markets: November 29 – December 31, 2025
- Alpine Advent Market at the Slovenian Alpine Museum (Mojstrana): November 28, 2025 – January 5, 2026.
Christmas markets in Kranjska Gora have unmistakable charm. Since the town is located practically in the mountains, it’s often snowy here during Advent. You can look forward to an intimate mountain Advent with snow-covered roofs of wooden stalls, local woodcraft production, and Slovenian folklore.
The ski season in Kranjska Gora begins in early December (depending on snow and temperature conditions), so it’s worth planning a pre-Christmas mountain stay here. Morning on the slopes and evening with a hot drink at the Christmas markets.
Kranjska Gora Christmas Markets / (c) TIC Kranjska Gora
Don’t miss the ice kingdom in Mojstrana and an evening walk around Lake Jasna, which you know from my summer tips for trips around Kranjska Gora. I believe this place will be among the most beautiful Christmas markets in Slovenia for you too.
Lake Jasna – trip tip and accommodation in Slovenia
Where to Eat in Kranjska Gora?
- Kotnik offers traditional cuisine
- Milka is fine dining by the lake – reservations required for dinner
Where to Stay in Kranjska Gora?
- Ramada Resort – For me the best choice not only for winter stays. Just a few steps from the hotel you have the ski resort and nearby you’ll also find the mentioned Christmas markets.
>> Find your own accommodation in Kranjska Gora under this link
6. Advent at Lake Bled – Christmas Markets in Slovenia by the Lake
When are the Christmas Markets Held at Lake Bled?
- Christmas markets at Lake Bled are held this year from November 28. 11. 2025 – January 4. 1. 2026.
- In the first part of Advent, the program will only take place on weekends
- From December 19, you can look forward to daily programming.
At the Christmas markets at Bled, you’ll find festively decorated iconic photo spots that are typical for the lake. Local gift stalls and traditional desserts like Kremeš cake are a given.
For me, Advent at Lake Bled is among the most photogenic Christmas markets in Slovenia. Views of Bled island with its little church are literally fairy-tale during the snowy and illuminated Christmas atmosphere. I recommend taking the traditional boat (pletna) to the island.
Bled Castle / (c) TIC Slovenia
Some of the trips I wrote about in my summer article from Bled can also be undertaken in winter. Most importantly, you can go skiing at the nearby Vogel ski resort (ski season begins in December depending on snow conditions).
>> Lake Bled – 7 tips for the most beautiful trips
Where to Eat at Lake Bled?
- Julijana – classic cuisine in a modern spirit, located by the lake
- Public Bar & Vegan Kitchen
- Visit the café opposite Hotel Park – have cake and coffee with a breathtaking view of the lake and Bled Castle
Preparation of traditional Bled cream cake – SAVA Hotels & Resorts
Where to Stay at Bled?
- Rikli Balance Hotel – combine a wellness stay with Christmas markets (wellness, views)
- Hotel Park – Sava Hotels & Spa – my most favorite hotel at Lake Bled with a nice wellness center and lake view
>> Bled, accommodation – 7 tips for luxury hotels directly by the lake
Advent on the Slovenian Coast is Magical:
7. Piran – Charming Christmas Markets in Slovenia
When are the Christmas Markets Held in Piran?
- The ceremonial lighting of the tree at Tartini Square and the opening of “Sea of Winter Adventures” is planned for November 29, 2025
- The Advent program will then continue throughout December, mainly at Tartini Square and in the harbor.
Piran with its romantic seaside charm and Venetian architecture transforms into a literally fairy-tale place during Advent. The town organizes Christmas markets and various events that enhance the seaside atmosphere with lights, music, and local traditions. Visit one of the most picturesque Christmas markets in Slovenia:
- Tartini Square, the heart of Piran, becomes the main stage for Christmas celebrations. You’ll find beautifully decorated stalls offering craft products, traditional Slovenian specialties, handmade souvenirs, and festive treats. You’ll surely pick out some gifts for your loved ones here, as well as for yourself.
- Taste local Istrian specialties like fritule (fried donuts), mulled wine, and other seasonal treats.
- You can also look forward to live music and performances. Local bands and children’s choirs create a magical atmosphere here during Advent.
- Typical for Piran is the “Praznični sejem” (festive market), which usually includes workshops for children, creative corners, and themed tours of the historic old town.
Christmas Markets in Slovenia – Piran
Advent by the sea is exceptional. Stone palaces, festive lighting, and Christmas atmosphere with the sound of sea waves has its unmistakable charm, so I recommend not missing the Christmas markets in Slovenia’s most beautiful town.
My tip: go out for sunset on the walls above the town and walk around St. George’s Church
>> Piran: The most picturesque town on the Slovenian coast
Where to Eat in Piran?
- Fritolin pri cantini (fresh fish)
- I personally recommend going to Pinsa, at Hotel Tartini by the square – we tried it this June and ended up going there every day – they also have a gluten-free option
- Hotel Piran is a luxury classic, right on the coastal promenade.
- You’ll find plenty of cheaper accommodation options in apartments
8. Portorož
When are the Christmas Markets Held in Portorož?
Christmas markets and programs are largely shared between Piran and Portorož. Therefore, the main Christmas tree lighting and start of Advent is planned the same way, on November 29, 2025. Each town then organizes its own programs, usually until the end of the year with continuation in the first week of the new year.
- Christmas markets in Portorož will be held from November 30, 2024 to January 5, 2025. During this period, the entire town will immerse itself in a lively festive atmosphere.
Christmas Market in the Park of Hotel Kempinski Palace Portorož:
- From November 30, 2024 to January 5, 2025, this elegant park will transform into a lively Christmas market. You can stroll through charming wooden stalls with handmade gifts, local specialties, festive treats, and souvenirs.
- It’s a beautiful place that sparkles with lights and where you can also enjoy live performances.
>> Stay directly at Hotel Kempinski
Kempinski Hotel Portorož
Ice Rink in the Grando Salt Warehouse:
- During the same period, Portorož has the largest covered ice rink by the sea in Slovenia. The ice rink is located in the historic Grando salt warehouse and special events are held here, including themed ice evenings and performances. The place is ideal for all age groups.
Christmas Market in Lucija:
- The neighboring town of Lucija also joins the Christmas mood with its own market, which runs from December 20, 2024 to January 4, 2025. It’s a great place where you can discover local products, treats, and festive gifts.
My tip: Plan a full-day walk to the coastal towns of Piran – Portorož and Lucija to discover the best of each place. Enjoy the local spas the following day.
Where to Eat?
- Rizibizi offers luxurious and modern Mediterranean cuisine – I recommend making a reservation.
- Hotel Marko 4* – a nice hotel right on the coastal promenade with great value for money (we last stayed here in June 2025).
9. Koper – creative Christmas markets in Slovenia
When are the Christmas Markets in Koper?
- The main Christmas markets in Koper will be held this year from November 29, 2025, to January 6, 2026.
Koper in Slovenia is renowned for hosting one of the most spectacular and creative Christmas events in the country, “Koper – Magic December” (Koper – Čudolandija). The entire historic center transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland with light installations, themed decorations, and a lively Christmas market along the historic streets and coastline.
Visit the most creative Christmas markets in Slovenia this year:
Čudolandija Christmas Market:
- The heart of the market is Tito Square (Titov trg) and the area from Pristaniška ulica to the coastal promenade. Dozens of charming stalls offer original crafts, holiday gifts, local specialties, sweets, and warm drinks like mulled wine (“kuhano vino”).
Advent in Koper / (c) TIC Koper – Slovenia
Light Installations:
- One of Koper’s main attractions is the elaborate light installations. You can look forward to glowing tunnels, illuminated sea creatures, and playful light art throughout the city, creating a magical atmosphere for evening strolls.
Ice Rink:
- An open-air ice rink is set up on Ukmarjev Square, inviting visitors of all ages to skate by the sea. Skates can be rented on-site.
Advent in Koper invites you to free concerts by local musicians, street performances, children’s workshops, Santa’s house, and various themed weekends throughout December. A special New Year’s Eve program with live music and fireworks is usually held on Tito Square.
Where to eat in Koper:
- Capra – modern Mediterranean cuisine
- Skipper – a pleasant spot by the coast
- Hotel Grand Koper is a great choice for an advent weekend on the Slovenian coast.
10. Ankaran – intimate Christmas markets in Slovenia
When are the Christmas Markets in Ankaran?
- The Christmas market in Ankaran usually takes place in mid-December. In 2025, you can expect the main holiday program and market approximately from December 13 to 24, 2025. The date may still be adjusted, so I recommend checking for exact information closer to your visit.
Looking for boutique Christmas markets in Slovenia? Ankaran is a peaceful seaside town near Koper and offers a more intimate Christmas atmosphere in December than the surrounding cities. Local festivities focus on tradition, family atmosphere, and magical advent.
The main Christmas market is usually held in the main square in Ankaran (Glavni trg) or in front of the Ankaran Cultural Center. The setting is intimate and peaceful, close to the sea and surrounded by pine trees. Local artisans and producers offer handmade gifts, holiday decorations, and culinary specialties.
I recommend buying local olive oil, honey, wines, and sweets here. Traditional Slovenian Christmas treats and warm drinks like mulled wine and hot chocolate complete the pleasant atmosphere.
Holiday Program in Ankaran:
- You can look forward to live performances by local choirs and bands, creative workshops for children (e.g., making ornaments), and meetings with Santa (“Dedek Mraz” or “Božiček”), usually held on weekends or just before Christmas.
- Villa Andor by the coast is an ideal choice. I personally stayed in a renovated monastery, where I also recommend going for dinner.
>> Book accommodation in Ankaran
11. Izola – skating and Christmas markets in Slovenia
When are the Christmas Markets in Izola?
- The heart of the Christmas celebrations in Izola in 2025 will be the Ice Island (Ledeni otok). The Christmas markets will be held here from December 5, 2025, to January 11, 2026.
- The Christmas season officially begins on December 5, 2025, with the lighting of the holiday decorations and the opening of the “Ice Island” rink in Pietro Coppo Park.
Advent in Izola / (c) TIC Izola
In December, Izola transforms into a magical seaside town full of lights, music, and Christmas atmosphere. Its Mediterranean charm and friendly atmosphere make it an ideal place for an advent visit. The main attraction is the aforementioned large outdoor ice rink, which will be open daily throughout the Christmas season. You can enhance your skating experience with treats from the surrounding winter stalls, serving mulled wine, hot chocolate, and traditional Slovenian holiday delicacies.
Entertainment and Family Program in Izola:
- On weekends, there is a varied music program, from local bands and choirs to festive DJ programs. Special programs are prepared for children, including visits from Santa Claus, creative workshops, and interactive performances.
Parking:
Visitors to the ice rink can enjoy two hours of free parking at selected parking lots in Izola. More information on-site. Otherwise, use the large paid parking lot directly at the harbor by the coastal promenade.
Where to Eat in Izola?
Izola has one advantage, it lives in the shadow of more famous surrounding towns, so you can eat in restaurants here at a relatively lower price than, for example, in Portorož or Piran.
Where to Stay in Izola?
The same goes for accommodation in Izola. If you want to save money, find accommodation here:
>> Search for accommodation in Izola under this link
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