Ljubljana Christmas Market 2026 and Light Festival

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Ljubljana at Christmas

I filmed the following two videos of the city centre and the Christmas market during my last visit to Ljubljana, highlighting the winter atmosphere.

I really love how eco-friendly Slovenia is, particularly through its support for small businesses, zero-waste products, and organic Slovenian cuisine.

The season will feature trees, decorations and lights around the city centre and at the Arboretum.

Interesting Events

• The Land of Ice – A winter event showcasing ice and snow sculptures by Slovenian and international artists.
• Magical Forest – Includes creative workshops where you can learn to make your own eco-friendly decorations.
• Organ Grinders – A familiar sight around the streets of Ljubljana over the winter months.
• Free Music Concerts – Held in Novi Square. There are other free concerts in different neighbourhoods.

This is the second video, taken on a later day, to give you a different perspective.

Regional Specialities

• Honey schnapps – A delicious yet strong brandy. A Slovenian classic.
• Potica (nut roll): A traditional pastry rolled around a walnut filling.
• Klobasa (sausage): Local sausages grilled on an open flame.
• Medenjaki (honey cookies): Spiced biscuits decorated with icing.
• Praženi mandlji (roasted almonds): Warm, sweet roasted almonds coated in sugar.
• Krompirjev golaž (potato goulash): A stew made with potatoes, onions and spices.
• Štruklji (rolled dumplings): These can be either sweet or savoury, filled with ingredients like cottage cheese, apple or tarragon.
• Pečen kostanj (roasted chestnuts): Chestnuts roasted over an open flame. A classic winter treat.
• Jabolčni zavitek (apple strudel): We all know and love this pastry.
• Vaflji (waffles): Freshly made waffles topped with powdered sugar, chocolate, or jam.
• Krhki flancati (crispy fried pastries): Thin, deep-fried pastries dusted with powdered sugar.
• Kuano vino (mulled wine): Hot spiced red wine with cinnamon, cloves and orange peel. You can generally keep the mug it’s served in or return it for a refund.
• Medica (honey liqueur): A sweet alcoholic drink made from fermented honey.
• Borovničke (blueberry schnapps): A fruit brandy made from blueberries.
• Palačinke (crepes): Thin pancakes filled with sweet fillings like chocolate, jam, or fresh fruit.
• Kuhan jabolčnik (hot apple cider): Spiced hot apple cider, sometimes mixed with a bit of rum.

Things to Do in Winter

• Ljubljana Castle – The modern funicular is the quickest way to reach Ljubljana Castle, offering fantastic views of the city and the distant mountains.
• Ljubljana Dragon – The symbol of Ljubljana is the fiery green dragon. You’ll see dragons everywhere, but the best dragons guard the popular Dragon Bridge.
• Triple Bridge – Three bridges cross the Ljubljanica River at Preseren Square in the city’s historic centre. It’s the hub of the old town, busy with buskers, food carts and visitors. The bridge was designed by Slovenia’s most famous architect, Jože Plečnik.
• The Central Market – Also designed by Jože Plečnik, this fresh produce market sells fruits, vegetables and organic products. It’s the perfect place to pick up picnic supplies if you’re heading out on a day trip to Bled.
• Preseren Square – The main centre square in Ljubljana is unmissable for the pink Franciscan Church, which dominates the square.
• Town Hall – The baroque Town Hall is situated at the heart of one of the city’s most picturesque streets, lined with pastel-coloured buildings and baroque fountains.
• Tivoli Park – If the weather is sunny, take a walk through Tivoli Park to view the outdoor photography exhibition and enjoy the open green space.
• Art Nouveau Ljubljana – In the centre, you’ll spot several impressive Art Nouveau buildings, including Hauptmann House in Preseren Square, Vernik House and Urbanc House, which houses a high-end department store.

Sustainability Tips

• Shop mindfully. Consider purchasing only what you need, buying souvenirs made from sustainable materials, or supporting local artisans.
• Walk, cycle or use public transport to get around instead of renting a car. The city is very walkable and has an extensive bike-sharing system. I rode my bike often in Ljubljana and had no issues, as it’s mostly flat aside from the castle area.
• Stay in a sustainable hotel. Several hotels use renewable energy sources.
• Avoid short-stay apartments as these can lead to a lack of affordable housing for locals.
• Limit your meat consumption. Many vegetarian and plant-based options are available.
• Explore more than just the main tourist areas in Ljubljana. Take a walking tour of the city’s lesser-known neighbourhoods and parks, or explore the Marshes Nature Park just outside the city centre.
• Support the arts and visit cultural institutions. Check out the City Museum or the National Gallery of Slovenia, or catch a concert at the Cankarjev dom Cultural and Congress Centre.

Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.

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