The Christmas season brings a very special atmosphere, which is best felt at holiday fairs throughout Europe. If you are planning a visit to Ljubljana in December 2024 or simply want to explore festively decorated towns nearby, we have prepared a list of the most magical Christmas markets that are within a maximum 5-hour drive from Ljubljana. Ready for a holiday adventure?
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Date: November 24, 2024 – January 2, 2025
Every year, our beautiful capital turns into a real holiday fairy tale. The Ljubljana Christmas Fair is known for its unique light decoration, which surrounds the city center and Ljubljanica in magical light.
What to expect:
- Festive stalls: Visitors can enjoy delicious local cuisine, hot drinks and unique handicrafts that are the perfect gift for loved ones.
- Cultural events: The city streets are filled with concerts, theater performances and children’s workshops, which provide entertainment for the whole family.
- Land of Ice: An ice rink will be set up on Congress Square, where you can try ice skating under the stars.
- Christmas train: A special attraction for the youngest, which takes them through the decorated streets of the city.
Zagreb, Croatia
Date: November 30, 2024 – January 7, 2025
Distance from Ljubljana: Approximately 1.5 hours drive, approx. 140 km
The Advent in Zagreb has been recognized several times as one of the best Christmas fairs in Europe. The city turns into a festive land that offers many activities and experiences.
What to expect:
- The main square: Ban Jelačić Square is the heart of the action with a wide range of food, drinks and musical performances.
- Ice Park: The largest outdoor ice rink in this part of Europe, located in Zrinjevac Park.
- Street of light: Tunnel Grič turns into a fairy-tale journey through light and music.
- Traditional products: An opportunity to buy unique souvenirs and taste local specialties such as štruklji and mulled wine.
Vienna, Austria
Date: November 16, 2024 – December 24, 2024
Distance from Ljubljana: Approximately 4 hours drive, approx. 380 km
With its luxurious palaces and historic squares, Vienna is the ideal destination for a festive experience. Christmas markets here have a long tradition and offer luxury and elegance.
What to expect:
- Fair in front of the town hall (Rathausplatz): The largest and most famous fair with more than 150 stalls, where you can find everything from Christmas decorations to tasty snacks.
- Fair at Schönbrunn: Romantic atmosphere next to the historic palace with high-quality handicrafts and classical music concerts.
- Festive lights: The entire city is decorated with impressive light installations that create a special atmosphere.
- Culinary delights: Do not miss the opportunity to taste traditional Austrian dishes such as sausages, roasted almonds and, of course, the famous Sachertorte.
Graz, Austria
Date: November 23, 2024 – December 24, 2024
Distance from Ljubljana: Approximately 2 hours drive, approx. 200 km
Graz, Austria’s second largest city, turns into a real fairy tale during the holiday season with its picturesque Christmas markets spread throughout the city center.
What to expect:
- Main square (Hauptplatz): Central fair with a wide range of gifts, decorations and culinary specialties.
Ice Nativity: A unique attraction with a hand-carved ice nativity scene located in front of City Hall.
Children’s fair: A special area dedicated to the youngest with carousels, workshops and fairy-tale shows.
Advent train: You can take the festive train through the decorated city center and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Salzburg, Austria
Date: November 21, 2024 – December 26, 2024
Distance from Ljubljana: Approximately 3.5 hours drive, approx. 470 km
Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, offers a magical holiday experience with a historical twist. Christmas markets are set up at the foot of the Hohensalzburg fortress, which adds a special romance.
What to expect:
- Christkindlmarkt at Residenzplatz: A traditional fair with a wide range of handicrafts, musical performances and tasty snacks.
- Advent concerts: High-quality concerts of classical music and choral songs in churches and concert halls.
- Christmas Museums: Explore the history and tradition of Christmas through various exhibitions and installations.
- Festive cuisine: Enjoy local delicacies such as Apfelstrudel, gingerbread and mulled wine.
Venice, Italy
Date: December 2, 2024 – January 7, 2025
Distance from Ljubljana: Approximately 3 hours drive, approx. 240 km
Venice is magical all year round, but it takes on a special glow during the festive season. Festively decorated canals and squares create an unforgettable atmosphere.
What to expect:
- Fair in Piazza San Marco: An elegant fair with high-quality products, art and local specialties.
- Holiday lights: The city shines in holiday lights, which are reflected in the canals and create a fairy tale atmosphere.
- Cultural events: Various music and theater performances and art exhibitions throughout the city.
- Gondola Rides: Experience Venice from a unique perspective on a gondola ride through the decorated canals.
Budapest, Hungary
Date: November 29, 2024 – January 1, 2025
Distance from Ljubljana: Approximately 4.5 hours drive, 470 km
Budapest impresses with its magnificent Christmas market and rich festive offer. The city by the Danube offers a unique combination of tradition and modernity.
What to expect:
- Vörösmarty Square Fair: The oldest and largest fair in the city with plenty of handicrafts and traditional Hungarian food.
- Christmas Tram: A decorated tram that takes you through the city and offers a wonderful view of the festively decorated streets.
- Thermal pools: Relax in famous thermal baths such as Széchenyi and enjoy the warm water during cold winter days.
- Cultural events: Various concerts, ballet performances and opera performances for all culture lovers.
Travel advice
To explore these wonderful Christmas markets in comfort and flexibility, we recommend renting a car from Free2rent. With offices in key locations such as Ljubljana railway station, Ljubljana city, Ljubljana Jože Pučnik airport , Celje downtown and Koper downton you will easily find a vehicle that meets your needs. This way, you can adapt your holiday trip to your wishes and embark on an unforgettable Advent adventure.
Holiday fairs offer a unique opportunity to experience the culture, tradition and magic of different cities. Regardless of whether you stay in Ljubljana or go exploring the neighboring capitals, there are plenty of unforgettable moments, tasty treats and a festive atmosphere waiting for you. Start planning your Christmas adventure for 2024 today and indulge in the magic of Advent!
