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Join the Street Party Next to the Ljubljanica River

Every year, city officials organise a massive New Year's party on the streets of Ljubljana's medieval 'old centre.' Traditionally, the main party is held on Presernov Trg by Tromostovje (The Three Bridges), with a perfect view of Castle Hill. There is also a programme for the younger generation on Kongresni Trg, where they will be entertained by Mambo Kings, Shank Rock, and Big Foot Mama. This year the party extends onto Mestni Trg, Gornji Trg, and Trg Francoske Revolucije (French Revolution Square) where a number of rock bands are lined up to entertain you all night long.

The city is lavishly decorated, and complemented by a festive fair that has around 50 vendor stands with all the trimmings. Almost inevitably, the town is covered by snow to create the picture perfect New Year atmosphere. And plenty of mulled red wine to keep you warm!

And then, at midnight, the skies above Ljubljana will be set alight by fireworks from the castle hill that will bring to a close the end of 2009 and announce the beginning of 2010. The New Year programme starts at 9pm and ends at 3am.

Party Down the Slopes

For the young and energetic and those who love the snow, the Pohorje ski slopes above Maribor are the perfect place. On New Year's Eve, the slopes are open until 10pm, with the last cable car going up at 9pm. The party atmosphere is fantastic, with little bar huts situated along the slope, playing all kinds of music to suit your party mood. So, get on your skiis or snowboard, and while you're heading towards the bottom of the slope, stop off for a drink or two and warm your bones. The cable cars are free of charge at night so there's no extra cost for this privilege. The view - breathtaking; the sound - exhilarating; the feeling - unforgettable.

For those who'd like to enjoy night skiing as a prelude to a more sophisticated entry into the New Year, Hotel Habakuk is situated at the bottom of the Pohorje ski slope. There will be a great programme offered, with live music and dinner late into the night. You can enjoy great views of the Maribor center when the fireworks go off at midnight.

The Romantic Souls

If you are planning to spend New Year's Eve alone with that someone special, Lake Bled is the perfect location. Head up to the restaurant at Bled Castle to make the most of the romantic nature of the place, and where views of the lake and its surroundings are pristine. Town officials are also organising a street party so you can enjoy the full view of the fireworks at midnight. A New Year's dinner at the restaurant costs 150EUR per person and includes aperitif, eight-course meal, gentle, romantic live music, a new year's gift, and a glass of champagne at midnight.

So Close, Yet so Far Away from the Snow

If you prefer milder temperatures, a bit of a winter sea breeze, and not so much snow, then head to the Slovenian seaside. With a coast that is only 46km long, all towns are close together and allow you to easily bop to different parties in different places. In Piran, the main celebrations are on Titanijev Trg, starting at 9.30pm and continuing until 3am. The square itself is reminiscent of an open-air museum, with narrow streets and densely built houses that give it a special charm.

In Portorož, the organisers have put up a large tent by the marina where the band Platana with Nuša Derenda will be entertaining guests from 8pm until 2am. The traditional New Year fireworks are held at 6pm but plenty more happen at midnight.

Underground Christmas

The Postojna Cave, the mysterious underground beauty, also offers sanctuary to the heroes of the Bethlehem story about the birth of the Saviour in this time before Christmas. This is the twentieth year that the enactment of the nativity scene will take place in this cave. The biblical story takes place in the most beautiful stalactite rooms of the cave. The visitors can look at the nativity scenes casually, as they walk through the cave. Choirs from all over Slovenia and abroad will contribute to the holiday spirit in an original way. The nativity scene will be accompanied by a Christmas fair, a chocolate fair and by festivities on the platform in front of the entrance to the cave. The special feature of this year's nativity scene is that it is enriched by music because every enactment will feature the greatest Slovene diva Helena Blagne and musical legend Oto Pestner.

The music that accompanies the scenes is timeless, the theme is Christmas and is appropriate for this occasion. The nativity scene is performed by young people from Postojna and the surrounding areas.