Festive December in Ljubljana
During the advent season, Ljubljana always has a vibrant atmosphere, with a Christmas market and countless free events held in the festively decorated historical city centre. Do not miss one of the most imaginative Christmas lights displays in this part of Europe.
Ljubljana's Christmas market, accompanied by food and drink stalls, becomes the centre of the city's social life in December, while its nearby squares host a vast programme of free music concerts and other events for adults and children. The festivities culminate on the New Year's Eve, with celebrations in Ljubljana's main squares. You can find the full programme here.
This year, the festive markets are held at the Breg embankment, Gallusovo nabrežje embankment, Cankarjevo nabrežje embankment, Kongresni trg Square, Prešernov trg Square, the Petkovškovo nabrežje embankment, the junction of Wolfova ulica and Kongresni trg and Stritarjeva ulica street. They are offering fashion accessories, products by Slovenian designers, headwear, gloves, scarves and other things to keep us warm on cold winter days, arts and crafts items, various Slovenian culinary products, desserts, honey, schnapps, and festive souvenirs.
The light installation focuses on the Joyful Universe of Life
The theme of this year’s holiday decorations is »Joyful Universe of Life«. As explained by the concept’s creator, Urban Modic, life is infinitely beautiful and precious. For a living being, it is everything it has. With Ljubljana’s latest holiday decorations, we emphasise its meaning and value, celebrating diversity and dispersion.
We draw upon various theories about the origins and pathways of life: the theory of panspermia suggests that life may have arrived on Earth from another part of the universe on comets and asteroids. On the other hand, abiogenesis proposes that life developed here on Earth, entirely independently, from non-living matter through natural chemical processes.
With these ideas and this theme, we also express a hope that we—humans in particular—can learn to coexist peacefully. Without aggression or the desire for dominance; respecting other living beings, just as they respect us.
Alongside scientific imagery, there will also be elements of spiritual symbolism, addressing theories of specific creators. Other features will complete and visually enrich the story with a cohesive design.
Many of the sculptures and features have been newly designed, while some of the most representative and well-established pieces will be restored originals by Zmago Modic. This installation marks the 25th anniversary of his first Universe of Ljubljana creation.
The new sculptures are largely made from recycled elements of past installations, repurposed public light fixtures, and other technical equipment.
Join us at the Ljubljana festive lights switch-on event
Be there when festive lights are switched on in Ljubljana! Following a short festive ceremony and an address by the Mayor of Ljubljana, all the city's festive lights will be turned on on November 29th simultaneously. The switch-on event is held next to the Prešeren Monument in the central town square of Ljubljana. Come and join the festivities and let the merriment begin!