Christmas lights and festive events are drawing crowds to Ljubljana city centre at this time of year. To let the residents and visitors enjoy the holiday spirit without hustle and cars, Ljubljana city buses will run free of charge in the evenings starting from 21 December.

The municipality and the public transport provider Ljubljana Passenger Transport (LPP) have decided to make free rides available every day between 21 December and 7 January from 5pm until midnight.

The goal is to encourage sustainable means of transport to the city centre and reduce the number of cars.

As the number of visitors increases in December, and most arrive by car, the city centre has been packed with cars, including many that are not parked properly and hinder pedestrians and cyclists, the municipality said.

Free public transport services will provide visitors with a safe and comfortable transport to festive events and home, they say.

Those who still decide to come by car are advised to share the ride with other passengers or carpool. They are also urged to leave their cars in one of the P+R parking lots on the outskirts of the city.