As towns across Slovenia are gearing up to enter the festive season, the country's fourth largest city, Celje has been declared the European Christmas City 2025 by the Christmas Cities Network.

Celje transforms into a fairytale destination each December with its signature event, Fairytale Celje, the Christmas Cities Network notes on its website.

The city offers visitors "a magical experience with performances, markets, and sustainable initiatives". This year it will switch on its Christmas lights on 30 November.

The highlights include The Fairytale Land featuring storytelling, artistic displays, and themed decorations, and the Treasure Trove of Gifts market with handcrafted goods and live music.

Visitors should not miss medieval holiday activities at Celje Castle and the city's unique light installations, which blend history with festive charm.

The Christmas Cities Network, an organisation supported by the European Parliament, gives out three top holiday destination titles every year, with Celje winning the title given to cities with a population between 10,000 and 100,000.

Vilnius was declared the European Capital of Christmas, the title reserved for places with more than 100,000 residents, and Noja in Spain became the European Village of Christmas, given to places with a population of less than 10,000.

The cities "have been recognized for their outstanding holiday traditions, commitment to community spirit, and creative festive experiences," the Christmas Cities Network said. "Each offers unique attractions and magical settings that make them must-visit locations during the holiday season."

Celje will receive the title at a ceremony in Brno, the European Capital of Christmas 2024, on 15 December from Waterford, Ireland, the Christmas city 2024.

The city's culture and tourism organisation Zavod Celeia Celje welcomed the title as a recognition of the city's commitment to "creating an authentic and inclusive Christmas experience".

Celje Mayor Matija Kovač said next year they "want to go beyond the conventional and create a festive experience that is unique and attractive for both locals and visitors".