STA, 27 November 2020 - Christmas light displays will be turned on in a number of Slovenian cities and towns today. The epidemiological situation permitting, scaled-down on-site events are planned in some cities in December, however most will be held online. A leisurely stroll through the festively illuminated streets is another way to get into the holiday mood though.
The Christmas lights of Ljubljana will be switched on today, however this time around there will be no mass event celebrating the occasion.
A Christmas market is still on the cards in the capital, depending on epidemiological developments. If the event is given a go-ahead, the stalls could be rented at a 75% discount, Tourism Ljubljana said.
There will be no open-air holiday concerts or the St. Nicholas procession in the capital this year though.
Maribor citizens will get to see decorations and illuminated sculptures of the Elf City turned on today as well. The organisers of the magical and intimate festival will stage an online concert today.
The Elf City, running until 28 December, will aim to adjust to the situation on the fly. So far, the organisers have prepared either virtual events or creative activities for families or individuals that heed social distancing protocols.
"Due to these strange times we find ourselves in, we need miracles more than ever, but elves will create them in a safe way to make sure we all stay healthy," the organisers said.
Holiday lights are expected to be switched on in Maribor on 3 December, followed by the city's Christmas market as well, epidemiological circumstances permitting.
The arrival of Grandpa Frost, one of the three mythical gift-bringing figures in Slovenia, has always been a much anticipated event, however this year he will visit Maribor only via a televised appearance on 12 December.
In other cities and towns, St. Nicholas, Santa and Grandpa Frost will address children either online or they will ride their sleighs through the streets and wave from a safe distance.
Celje will turn on its festive lights on Saturday. The city does not plan any major events, however a festive market might still take place.
Ptuj intends to switch on the Christmas lights display next week. Moreover, residents will be able to enjoy Christmas songs outdoors while running errands in the city centre.
The oldest Slovenian town earmarked funds that used to go for firework displays to give gifts to children and the elderly in the past couple of years. This year, it will continue with this practice, also bringing gifts to vulnerable groups and safe house residents.
Kranj, the town where Slovenia's most famous poet France Prešeren spent his last years, will again decorate its streets with excerpts from his poems.
Lakeside resort Bled is to boast a life-size nativity scene and the biggest decorated Christmas tree in Slovenia.
Nova Gorica has vowed to display an innovative set of lights and plans to hold a book fair in mid-December. The municipality decided to allocate part of funds intended for the holiday entertainment programme to charity.
It has already donated EUR 5,000 to the local hospital to help purchase medical equipment to treat Covid-19 patients.
