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Among the highlights of festive Ljubljana are the lightning designs by artist Zmago Modic. His original master project entitled "The Universal Ljubljana" focuses on life and consists of 59 galaxies and over the years he has upgraded it with "Path of Life" and "Birth of Forms" light arrangements. This year the novelty is the "Bearers of the Light" on Prešernov Square - puppets which are going to descend from Kresija towards the Christmas tree and bring light. In addition, lights simulating a white-blue wave are going to be placed above the Ljubljanica river.
The over 180,000 lights in 60 kilometres of light garlands were switched on simultaneously on 3 December at the traditional "People, let's light the light" event. The ceremony was dedicated to two Slovenian classical literary authors: poet France Prešeren who was born on that day, and the most popular Slovenian humorist of all time Fran Milčinski Ježek whose poem the organisers borrowed to name the event which, every year, marks the start of the December festivities in Ljubljana.

A place to be

The Festive Fair has been at the core of the city social life every year. Its jubilant green cottages will be opened until 2 January when the festive programme will end. Visitors will have a chance to indulge in mulled wine, hot tea, various liquors and a wide selection of dishes. The other cottages will sell a rich selection of holiday and winter products, local arts and crafts and also young designer items which are mostly not available in the shops.
Apart from fairs, a rich cultural programme is going to entertain locals and tourists alike who are visiting the centre of Slovenia's capital. Numerous concerts in different venues catering for various preferences, good fairies granting wishes in front of City Hall, street theatre with clowns and other artists at the Butcher's bridge, Grandpa Frost processions and New Year's Eve celebrations and countdowns in four squares will ensure every visitor is in a merry mood. In the second half of the month, special guided tours around festive Ljubljana will be organised daily, with Father Christmas as a tour guide.

Focus: children

The already rich programme will also see many novelties this year. The main highlight is the Fairy Town in Zvezda Park. Aimed at children, it will include puppet shows, creative workshops and various games. The festive decorations in the park will also be the children's domain. Also new are a festive book fair, choir evenings in the Zvezda park pavilion and two stages - the one at Novi Square and at Kongresni Square which is going to replace the one from Prešernov Square.
The very good news for anyone who wishes to join in the festivities is that all events are free of charge to attend. There is also free parking in Vodnikov Square in the evenings (and all day on Sundays and holidays) in December. There is no doubt that the festive season in Ljubljana is going to be magical and not to be missed.