Christmas in Slovenia & Croatia with Roundabout Experiences.

It might not spring to mind as an obvious Christmas destination but spending December in Slovenia and Croatia brings Christmas cheer in abundance. Festive markets, hearty food, and a greater chance of snow? It’s a winter wonderland that’ll cheer up even the biggest Scrooge.

For some festive inspiration, check out this itinerary by Roundabout Experiences, a DMC that specialises in unique, personalised tours in Croatia, Slovenia and beyond. Experience the buzz of the cities and the nature of the national parks under a blanket of snow, with a healthy dose of fairy lights and mulled wine to set the mood.

Zagreb

Not only is Zagreb charming but it boasts a market regularly voted as “Europe’s best Christmas market”. A wonderful blend of Mediterranean and northern European cultures, Zagreb is quirky, vibrant, and has plenty to entice and entertain visitors. 

Stay at Esplanade Zagreb Hotel, a grand building that’s played host to many a politician, film star and president.

Advent, markets & food in Zagreb

If you’re visiting Zagreb during the festive season, you can’t miss its legendary Christmas market and the festivities that go along with it. Spend an afternoon eating your way around the city and market, sampling typical dishes from across Croatia. As you tuck in, you’ll learn more about the food and culture across the country and the history of some of the most important dishes. You’ll sample six dishes in total, accompanied by wine.

Plitvice Lakes

One of Croatia’s oldest and most impressive National Parks, Plitvice Lakes is beautiful whatever the time of year. In summer, crystal-clear waterfalls tumble into the emerald waters of the 16 lakes. While in winter, icicles glitter and cling to the trees while the waterfalls freeze over, creating solid blue cascades. It’s impossible not to be spellbound.

Ljubljana

Slovenia’s capital is transformed into a winter wonderland come December, with Christmas markets and fairy lights galore. Free concerts and family events are hosted throughout the month in the build-up to the big day, giving it an enticing buzz.

Ljubljana is frequently listed as one of Europe’s most liveable capitals and it’s easy to see why, even in the depths of winter. Enjoy romantic strolls along the river bank, hop from bar to lively bar, and enjoy delicious food between scouting out the city’s best museums and cultural landmarks.

Stay at Zlata Ladjica, a 5-star boutique hotel on a beautiful stretch of river, right in the heart of the old town.

Wine Tasting in Goriška Brda

Also known as the “Slovenian Tuscany”, Goriška Brda is known for its vineyards, but also produces cherries, persimmons, figs, and olive oil. It’s picturesque too, with rolling hills extending from the Soča river to the Italian border. 

Charming villages dot the landscape, with quaint churches and ancient castles providing some historic context. Experience fantastic hospitality, delicious wines, and showstopping scenery.

Visit a premium winery and enjoy a tasting session, sampling rebula white wines and Bordeaux-like reds.

Stay at Hotel Gredič,a boutique hotel that feels like a fairytale castle, nestled amongst rolling vineyards, or try the Aldila Art Vacation House  - a beautifully restored four-storey medieval house, situated in-between the walls of the village Smartno in medieval houses, right in the heart of Brda with delightful private terrace on the top floor where you can enjoy the picturesque views from the Alps up to the Adriatic sea.

Festive foodie tour of Ljubljana

Prepare your stomach for a feast of traditional Slovenian dishes as you explore the city of Ljubljana with a guide. You’ll be fully immersed in the city’s holiday spirit, learning about Slovenia’s festive traditions and typical Christmas food. 

On this 4-hour tour, wander Ljubljana’s streets, admiring the architecture and listening to stories about notable people, historic events, and the city today. Sample a selection of typical dishes from across the country, along with Slovenian wines. A perfect introduction to the capital.

Festive cruise on the Ljubljanica boat

Cruise along the river and marvel at the city from the water, in all its decorated glory. Christmas lights adorn the bridges, buildings and even other boats. Unwind as you take it all in from this unique wooden boat.

Toast on the tower of Ljubljana Castle

Explore Ljubljana’s castle, an impressive sight that erupts from a green hill in the centre of the city. Hear stories of the castle’s colourful history as you wander its corridors, picturing life here through the centuries. Climb the viewing tower and sip a glass of sparkling wine as you soak in the views across the city below. Whether night or day, you’re in for a treat. 

Advent celebrations at Postojna Cave & Predjama Castle

Every winter, the incredible underground cave system at Postojna gets a festive makeover, as biblical scenes are spread along a 5km route, illuminated by over 2,000 lights. Local actors and musicians perform to make the experience even more magical.

Continue to Predjama, home to a medieval stone castle perched high over the city for over 800 years. The dramatic scenery is bound to impress, but inside you’ll find a collection of amazing artefacts from through the centuries. 

End with lunch in the Slovenian Karst region, famed for its karst-dried prosciutto. And it’d be rude not to sample the local Teran wine, a grape only produced in this region.

Lake Bled

The Alpine landscapes surrounding Lake Bled look like a Christmas card in December, as snow coats the trees and its iconic castle on the lake. Ice rinks attract crowds of locals and tourists as the Christmas season gets into full swing, while the town boasts markets, packed with stalls selling festive foods and gifts.

Stay at the Bled Rose Hotel, an elegant contemporary 4-star hotel with fantastic facilities.

Visit Piran

Piran is one of Slovenia’s oldest towns and its many inhabitants through the years have left traces of their backgrounds in the architecture and the way of life. This beautiful coastal city comes to life in December, its narrow medieval streets and Tartini Square decorated with festive lights and trees.

Buy products from local artisans and producers at the Christmas market and, if you’re in luck, catch a free festive concert in the square.

Stay at elegant Hotel Piran, right in the heart of the old city and only a few footsteps away from the Adriatic sea.

Want more itineraries to wow your travel clients? Get in touch with us for more inspiration from Roundabout Experiences, a DMC specialising in travel to Croatia, Slovenia and Montenegro. Get access to their sales toolbox or set up some training for your team.