The festive season began in style today in Linhart Square – the heart of Radovljica’s old town centre.

As has become tradition in recent years, the start of the festive season also marks the end of the Taste Radol’ca Month of Local Cuisine, and this year the St. Nicholas Fair, to mark St. Nicholas Day, was also held on the same day – 1st December 2024.

Every year people flock to see the switching on of the Christmas lights in Linhart Square, and this year was no exception. In fact, in all the years I’ve been here, I’ve never seen so many people. I couldn’t even get anywhere near the stage, hence my photos aren’t great, I’m afraid. So, you’ll just have to come and see the lights for yourselves!

Once again the old town centre is adorned with wonderful handmade decorations, and the windows of shops and homes in Linhart Square feature hand-painted festive illustrations, the work of the local academic painter Mojca Solar.

Foto: Hisa Linhart

Through the month of December numerous festive-themed events will take place in Radovljica and the surroundings. Below I’ve highlighted just a few of them:

Saturday 7th December, Radovljica Market and Christmas Market, a guided tour of the window illustrations, creative workshop, opening of a new nativity scene and a performance by the children’s choir from Radovljica primary school.

Sunday 15th December, CHRISTMAS ARTish art and craft fair, and fairytale horses with the Sitar Ranch.

Friday 20th December, Christmas Market, concert by Batista Cadilla, and TASTE RADOL’CA street food.

Sunday 22nd December, Christmas Market, carol singing with the Korona mixed choir next to the nativity scene.

Wednesday 25th December, street performance by ANA SNEŽNA.

Friday 27th December, Christmas Market, concert by Masaya, and TASTE RADOL’CA street food.

Saturday 28th December, Christmas Market, and visit by GRANDPA FROST. 

To see the full programme of festive events in Radovljica and the surrounding areas, click here.

Radovljica’s ice rink also opened this weekend. Skating is free for children up to the age of 18.

The ice rink is open for public skating from Monday to Friday between 3pm and 6pm and at weekends, public holidays and during school holidays from 10am to 6pm. You can bring your own skates or hire them on site.

Finally, as this will be the last blog from me this year, I hope you’ve enjoyed reading another year of blogs about what to do and see in Radovljica, and my life here as an expat, albeit I consider myself a Slovene these days after 17 years here – how time flies!

Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year.

© Adele in Slovenia