It might not be the biggest of Slovenia’s Christmas markets, but the setting for Radovljica’s Advent Market, in the heart of the medieval old town – one of the 3 best preserved of its kind in Slovenia – makes it among the cutest and most attractive! Combined with the festive entertainment programme, which offers something for all the family, a visit to Radovljica should be on your list if you are spending time in Slovenia during this festive season.
Photo: Pakt media
The festive programme kicks off this Friday 2nd December with the Christmas lights switch on at 4.30pm, and entertainment from DJ Darmar, performances by the Studio Ritem Dance Studio and the opening of the Advent Market.
The Advent Market is open every Friday (3pm-8pm), Saturday and Sunday (10am-8pm) throughout December, and additionally on Christmas Eve (10an-5pm), Christmas Day (10am-7pm), and Boxing Day (26th Dec – 10am-8pm).
Below are just some of the highlights of the festive entertainment programme. Unless otherwise stated, all events take place in Linhart Square. Click here for the full programme – http://www.radolca.si/en/what-to-do/events-1/festive-december-in-linhart-square/83/395/
3rd & 11th December – Fairytale Horses for Children
9-11th December – Open Day at the Lectar Gingerbread Workshop
17th December at 8pm – Opera Concert: Baritone Ivan Andres Arnšek and pianist Mojca Lavrenčič (Radovljica Manor)
24th December at 11am – Čupakarba: Stilt walkers and jugglers
25th Dec at 5pm – Ana Snežna Street Theatre
26th December at 5pm – Čupakabra and Priden Možic: Sodrga – street show with fire
There are also creative workshops for children, performances by local choirs and bands, carol singing and more!
You can find out more about what else to see and do in Slovenia during the festive period, more about Christmas markets, and some information about Christmas food and customs in my recent blog post here – https://adeleinslovenia.com/2016/11/20/christmas-2016-in-slovenia-christmas-markets-food-and-traditions/
© Adele in Slovenia
Adele in Slovenia 
Dear Adele,
We are going to spend this Holiday Season in Slovenia, 22 dec 16- 2 jan 17.
We have not been before and thank you so very much for all the information!
Vila Podvin looked so nice for NY with children (4 and 2), but they are fully booked, I have booked Christmas lunch there.
Can you recommend places to go to with children for New Year?
I will carry on reading through your pages for more advice on what to do for the rest of the our time in Slovenia,
Very many thanks,
Marsha, Christchurch, England
Hello Marsha,
Thanks for the feedback re my blog. Always nice to hear! You can also use the search box on the right side of the blog and type in keywords such as ‘Christmas’, ‘hiking’ etc., as I have been writing the blog for almost 4 years now, so there are a lot of posts to read through! As far as I know, for New Year in Radovljica there is Kunstelj Inn (though there is no entertainment its just dinner from 7pm-10pm), Tulipan Inn, and Chateau Lambergh. I have also just published another similar blog post which might be of use with restaurant opening times over the festive period. You didn’t mention where you are staying during your visit, but I’m sure your children would like the parade and the Christmas lights in Ljubljana. Regards, Adele