When the festive lights are switched on in December evenings and the city centres come to life in a magical image, it is time for gatherings, joy and pleasant journeys.

Travelling by train in Slovenia is very affordable, especially if you are travelling at the weekend or during a holiday. During the festive season, take a train ride and visit many places around Slovenia that will impress you with magical decorations and interesting events.

Trains often run to city centres, giving you easy access to various destinations without having to find a parking space or use other means of transport. Choosing a train is also great for family and group travel as it allows you to socialise, chat, play games and spend quality time with your loved ones on the way.

Before you set off on your planned trip, we recommend that you check the current timetable and possible service disruptions and rail replacement buses.

FESTIVE LJUBLJANA

The Slovenian capital is adorned with an original festive decorations, consisting of as many as 850 different sculptures and figures. Festive fairs in the historic city centre are also accompanied by many interesting free events. During this time of year, a trip on a tourist boat along the Ljubljanica River is even more magical. A visit to the Railway Museum of Slovenian Railways, located just a 15-minute walk from the main railway station, will also be unforgettable.

More: Festive December in Ljubljana

MAGICAL MARIBOR

Magical Maribor begins on 28 November, with the long-awaited switch-on of the festive lights. December events in the old town centre of Maribor are marked by festive stalls and a rich family and cultural programme. The main meeting point will be in Vetrinjski Dvor Mansion, and this year the renovated Lent (along the Drava River) will also be festively illuminated. This year, the large Ferris wheel is returning on the Main Square, where the Christmas market will be located. Welcome to the hospitable capital of Štajerska (Styria).

More: Magical Advent in Maribor

FAIRYTALE IN CELJE

The Celje December Fairytale brings colourful lights, fairy-tale fairies and mysterious elves waking up from their half-year sleep, as well as many interesting photo spots to the historic city centre. The moment you step off the train and walk through the main building of Celje railway station, you find yourself in the magically decorated Old Town, a real Fairyland Land. Numerous entertainment and music events, as well as festive stalls full of delicacies will transport visitors young and old alike into a fairy-tale world.

Celje has been awarded the title of the European City of Christmas 2025 by the international jury of the Christmas Cities Network, supported by the European Parliament.

More: Fairytale Celje

PTUJ FAIRYTALE

The Ptuj Fairytale begins on 2 December, with the lighting of festive lights and the opening of stalls filled with the smell of festive treats. With suitable weather conditions, you can also take a ride on the festive carousel or experience the joys and skills of winter on the fairy-tale ice rink in the town’s market square. Welcome to the oldest Slovenian town.

More: Ptuj Fairytale

CUTE RADOVLJICA

The beautiful Old Town of Radovljica becomes even more magical in December and offers a colourful range of events for families. Workshops, performances and activities for children complement the original thematically decorated town centre. The town also offers many sweet experiences and a varied programme of events.

More: December in Radovljica

FESTIVE KRANJ

In Kranj, the festive lights are lit on 3 December, the day marking the birthday of the greatest Slovenian poet France Prešeren. In the garden of Khislstein Castle, the youngest children will be delighted by the light-up animals, and a fairy-tale grove will be set up in the Main Square. The Old Town of Kranj is unimaginable at this time of year without the traditional festive fair, where local artists and craftsmen present themselves, and visitors can also enjoy a variety of delicious delicacies alongside their shopping.

More: Cheerful December in Kranj

OTHER PLACES IN SLOVENIA

We have listed only a few proposals in Slovenia. You can also plan your own enjoyable and spontaneous train trips and tours of holiday lights around our country, according to your own wishes.

Many places in Slovenia are connected by rail, discover them using the timetable finder on our website.

The map of the railway network in Slovenia with all stations and stops can be found at the link Map of Slovenian rail network.

Additional suggestions for train trips can be found at the link Trips in Slovenia and on the I FEEL SLOVENIA website.