Praznični december, Ljubljana

From late November to mid-January, Ljubljana is illuminated. Stalls line the banks of the Ljubljanica, orchestras play in the squares, and the castle hosts its own festive market overlooking the city. Admission is free, as are most of the concerts. The city is compact enough to explore entirely on foot: you can walk from one square to another in fifteen minutes.

What to expect

• The festive lights are switched on November 27 and remain lit until January 15
• Christmas markets at Pogačarjev trg, Novi trg, Kongresni trg, and Trg francoske revolucije
• The festive market at Ljubljanski grad, accessible by funicular
• The Saint Nicholas (Sveti Miklavž) parade, held in the first few days of December
• The Grandfather Frost (Dedek Mraz) parades and his little house in the city
• The nativity scene at the castle and the Magical Forest
• New Year's Eve, with programs in the main squares

Visit during the week if you actually want to see the stalls; on weekends, the quays are packed. Early December is the quietest time, and the lights are already up. Bring a water-resistant coat, as Ljubljana is located in a valley and December is often grey.