Holiday Festivities in Ljubljana Begin with Lighting of Festive Lights

Lighting of the Holiday Lights

As per tradition, the holiday lights will be switched on Friday before the first Advent Sunday—this year on November 29—after 5 p.m. Following an introductory cultural program featuring a children’s choir from the Waldorf Primary School, visitors will gather in Prešeren Square to count down the seconds until Ljubljana illuminates its festive brilliance.

New Year Decorations Highlighting the Preciousness of Life

This year’s decoration theme, "Vesœlje življenja" (“The Joy/Universe of Life”), combines the Slovenian words for "joy" (veselje) and "universe" (vesolje). Concept creator Urban Modic explains that life is infinitely beautiful and precious, and for any living being, it encompasses all they have. The decorations celebrate the diversity and dispersal of life, narrating its origins and evolution while advocating for harmonious coexistence among all living creatures.

The old town will feature over 50 kilometers of holiday lights and more than 850 light installations. Many of these are new designs, while some iconic decorations by Zmago Modic, titled "Cosmic Ljubljana," have been restored. Many of the new sculptures were crafted from recycled elements from previous decorations and obsolete public lighting components.

The Zvezda Park will showcase colorful lanterns made by primary school children, and Tivoli’s Jakopič Promenade, as well as the Town Hall, will also feature festive lighting.

The city allocated €265,000 (VAT included) for the decorations and lighting, carried out by the public lighting company Javna Razsvetljava.

Christmas Trees, Green Groves, and Ornament Recycling

Nine festive trees adorn Ljubljana. The main tree in Prešeren Square is 21 meters tall, weighs 5 tons, and is decorated with eight kilometers of lights, festive ornaments, and twinkling lights. Residents named the tree "Anita" in honor of Anita Ogulin, a humanitarian and honorary citizen of Ljubljana. Additional trees are located in various squares and streets across the city.

There are also 89 green trees at multiple locations, which will be returned to nature after the holidays. Students from Ljubljana’s schools and members of senior activity centers will decorate these trees to encourage intergenerational collaboration. Residents are also invited to decorate the trees with unused ornaments. To further promote sustainability, ornament exchange and light repair workshops will be held on December 10 and 17 at the Mission 100 Info Point.

Nativity Scenes and Ambient Music

From November 29 to January 5, handmade straw nativity scenes featuring life-size figures by amateur artist Anton Kravanja will be displayed on Gallus Embankment. Wooden nativity scenes at Ljubljana Castle will be available for viewing until February 2. Ambient music will further enhance the holiday atmosphere in the old town.

Holiday Market and Eco-Friendly Practices

The holiday market, a central hub for end-of-year social gatherings, opens on November 29. Gift stalls on Breg will operate from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., with extended hours on Fridays, Saturdays, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve. Culinary stalls will be located in various parts of the city, open from 10 a.m. to midnight, with some exceptions.

Sustainability remains a focus, with vendors using biodegradable or recyclable packaging. The city also urges stallholders to replace plastic bags with paper or compostable ones. A “green patrol” by Ecologists Without Borders will educate visitors about proper waste separation.

Festive Programs and Santa’s Cottage

The December program includes a Magical Forest for children, St. Nicholas’ market and procession, parades of the Ice Queen, performances by street organists, school choirs, and five Santa Claus parades. From December 21, Santa’s Cottage in Zvezda Park will host elves daily, with Santa Claus himself greeting children between December 26 and 30.

Music Program at Five Venues

From November 29 to January 1, numerous concerts by Slovenian and international musicians will take place on stages at Pogačar Square, Novi Square, Congress Square, Town Square, and French Revolution Square.

At Pogačar Trg Square, performances by pop and folk musicians will run from November 29 to December 31.

The music program at Novi Trg Square will take place between December 14 and December 25, except on Christmas Eve. Performers from various musical genres will participate:

December 14: Ljubljana primary school students and the winners of the Young Dragons competition – Hit betona

• December 15: Nina Strnad Jazz Band
• December 16: Počeni Škafi
• December 17: Balkan Boys
• December 18: Big Band Krško with vocal soloists
• December 19: Batista Cadillac
• December 20: Keltika
• December 21: Orlek
• December 22: Ethnotrip
• December 23: Jure Počkaj with the Forgotten Orchestra
• December 25: The Golden Dixie Boys

On Tuesday, December 24, at 5 PM, the 21st traditional Christmas concert will take place in front of the Town Hall. A group of accomplished young female musicians, including Maša Golob, Flora Ema Lotrič, Vita Furman Peterlin, Lara Hrastnik, and Tanja Činč, will perform an evening of Christmas hits blending classical, film, jazz, gospel, and popular music.

On Thursday, December 26, the music program will commence at Kongresni Trg Square:

• December 26: Nina Pušlar, Petar Grašo
• December 27: Tabu, Miran Rudan inDesign
• December 28: Manouche, Magnifico
• December 29: Vesna Pisarović, Crvena Jabuka
• December 30: Ansambel Saša Avsenika, Polkaholiki
• December 31: Čuki, Nastja Gabor, Luka Basi
• January 1: Soul Fingers

On Monday, December 30, performances at Trg Francoske Revolucije Square will feature Regen, Happy Ol’ McWeasel, and Slon in Sadež.

New Year’s Eve Celebrations

New Year’s celebrations will begin with a special program for children. Starting at 4 PM on Congress Square, children will enjoy their favorite fairy tale characters, performances by their peers, and a visit from Santa Claus. A symbolic countdown to the New Year will take place at 5 PM.

At 9 PM, New Year’s Eve parties will kick off at four different squares in Ljubljana:

• Kongresni Trg Square: Performances by Čuki, Nastja Gabor, and Luka Basi (main event).
• Mestni Trg Square: Lado Leskovar and Samuel Lucas.
• Pogačarjev Trg Square: Samantha Maya, Booom!, and Flirrt.
• trg Francoske Revolucije Square: No OFFENCE!, Koala Voice, and Recycleman ex. Ali En.

At midnight, a five-minute firework display will illuminate the city from Castle Hill. The fireworks are made from biodegradable materials. In case of fog, heavy clouds, or strong winds, the display will feature sound and low-flying rockets. The cost of the fireworks is €7,200 (net).

Guided Tours and Boat Rides

From December 6 to January 4, visitors can explore Ljubljana’s festive decorations through guided tours or boat rides. New Year’s wishes can also be added to the "Wall of Wishes" at the Tourist Information Center.

For detailed schedules, free brochures are available at TIC and online on the Ljubljana Tourism and City Municipality websites.