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ADVENT IN PTUJ

In the Best Cultural Heritage Town in Europe 2026

In December, Slovenia’s oldest town offers a boutique, heartfelt, and truly special festive experience. Music, cuisine, tradition, and creativity come together in a month-long celebration that begins with the ceremonial lighting of the holiday lights and ends with a joyful New Year’s Eve celebration.

Magical creatures and elves guide us into the most beautiful time of the year, kind winter characters visit the town, and children are delighted by performances, entertainment, and festive fun. The decorated streets come alive with a rich program, the scent of mulled wine and tea fills the air, and evenings are wrapped in festive melodies. A stroll through the historic streets offers holiday treats, charming shop displays, festive markets, and charity bazaars.

Advent is not only a festive experience, but also an opportunity to discover the rich cultural heritage of the town – the very reason Ptuj was honored with the prestigious title of Best Cultural Heritage Town in Europe for 2026.

You are warmly invited to take a few days and immerse yourself in the charm of our historic town and its magical holiday season.

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Lighting of the Christmas Lights and Start of Advent in Ptuj

Monday, December 1, 2025, from 4:45 PM, Mestni trg (Town Square)

Highlights

• A stroll through the decorated streets of the Best Cultural Heritage Town in Europe 2026
• Festive culinary and artisan markets
• Animations, workshops, fun activities, performances for children
• Evenings with live music and DJ
• Themed guided tours
• New Year’s Eve celebration for children
• Outdoor New Year’s Eve celebration

Fairytale Ice Rink

Spectacular Arrival of Santa Claus

Sunday, December 14 // 6:00 PM // Mestni trg (Town Square)

Santa’s House and Santa’s Mailbox

December 14–21 // 6:00–7:00 PM // Novi trg

Visit from Aunt Winter and Grandpa Frost

Friday, December 28 // 6:00 PM // Mestni trg (Town Square)

Fairytale Carousel

Duration

1-31 December, 2025

Locations

Mestni trg (main programme), Miklošičeva Street, City marketplace, old town center

Organizer

Public Institute Ptuj in cooperation with the Municipality of Ptuj and Public Services Ptuj

PROGRAM

Below you’ll find this year’s holiday highlights; the full program is continuously being updated.

ALL DECEMBER

FESTIVE CULINARY MARKET // Every day in the afternoon until late evening // Mestni trg (Town Square) and city marketplace
FAIRYTALE FUN FOR CHILDREN // Daily children’s animations and entertainment // Every day from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
DJ EVENINGS // A variety of festive melodies // In the evenings
FAIRYTALE ICE RINK // According to schedule // City Marketplace (Mestna tržnica)
FAIRYTALE CAROUSEL // According to schedule // Miklošičeva Street
FESTIVE ARTISAN MARKET // Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in the afternoon // Miklošičeva Street

MAIN EVENTS

December 1 // from 4:45 PM // CEREMONIAL LIGHTING OF THE HOLIDAY LIGHTS
December 8–12 and 15–19 // 5:00–7:00 PM // PRIMARY SCHOOL BAZAAR // Festive market with handmade items created by Ptuj primary school pupils
Twice in December // 5:00 PM // STORIES UNDER THE LIGHTS // Free family guided tour // Meeting point: TIC Ptuj, Mestni trg 4
Twice in December // 5:00 PM // STROLL UNDER THE LIGHTS // Free guided city tour // Meeting point: TIC Ptuj, Mestni trg 4
December 14 // 6:00 PM // SPECTACULAR ARRIVAL OF SANTA // Mestni trg (Town Square)
December 14–21 // 6:00–7:00 PM // SANTA’S HOUSE – Meet Santa & Santa’s Mailbox // Novi trg
December 15–19 // 5:30 PM // STARS ON THE FAIRYTALE STAGE // Performances by Ptuj primary schools
December 19–30 // 5:30 PM // FAIRYTALE STAGE OF IMAGINATION // Children’s program (theatre, concerts, festive fun) // Mestni trg
December 19–30 // 8:00 PM // LIVE MUSIC EVENINGS // Concerts by local and established musicians // Mestni trg
December 28 // 6:00 PM // VISIT FROM AUNT WINTER AND GRANDPA FROST // Mestni trg
One week in December // CHRISTMAS COOKIE BAKING IN SANTA’S HOUSE // Novi trg
December 31 // NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION // Mestni trg
- 10:30 AM // CHILDREN’S NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION
- 10:00 PM–4:00 AM // OUTDOOR NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY

A STROLL THROUGH THE DECORATED TOWN

While strolling through the festive streets of Slovenia’s oldest town, you’ll be enchanted by the sight of the majestic, illuminated Ptuj Castle seen through the Ptuj Ring. Wander through the decorated squares of Minoritski trg, Mestni trg, Novi trg, Slovenski trg, and the city marketplace, where beautifully adorned Christmas trees and magical photo spots await – including Santa Claus, a polar bear, a festive bench, and a sleigh with reindeer.

You can also take a walk up to Ptuj Castle – a stunning viewpoint overlooking the entire festive town of Ptuj.

^{The town’s decoration follows sustainable principles – all lights are energy-efficient LED bulbs, and durable materials were used to refurbish older elements, ensuring long-term use. This year, we’re adding several new light installations while preserving the thematic continuity that centers on the magic of the holiday spirit.}

FESTIVE CULINARY & ARTISAN MARKETS

In Slovenia’s oldest town, it’s not just the lights that will enchant you – the scents of the season also fill the air, evoking warmth and festive spirit throughout December.

Each afternoon and evening, you can stroll among the festive cottages on Mestni trg (Town Square) and at the city marketplace, where the aroma of mulled wine, tea, hot chocolate, and other winter delights will warm your hands and delight your taste buds. On special evenings, the cottages will stay open late into the night, creating a joyful and cozy outdoor atmosphere.

The festive artisan market will bring extra charm to Miklošičeva Street every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoon, featuring unique handmade products by local artisans.

FESTIVE CUISINE

December is a time for indulgence, and Ptuj’s restaurants and cafes are ready to treat you with special seasonal flavors. Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine, your favorite local wine or craft beer, try a new dish, and treat yourself to a slice of cake, a homemade dessert, or artisanal chocolate.

HOLIDAY SHOPPING

#COMETOTOWN for festive shopping and culinary meet-ups

You are warmly invited to explore the boutiques, local shops, wine cellars, cafés, traditional inns, and restaurants that give life to Ptuj all year round. Step inside and treat yourself – or someone you love – to something special this festive season. Or even better, enjoy it together.
Discover local gems:

TIC Ptuj – souvenirs, Kobal wines & Ptujska klet wines
ART Atelje Ptuj
Skrinjica unikatov – handcrafted items
Art Shop Rudolph
XOCOC Chocolate Boutique
GR Browery – kombucha, cold brew, teas
Ptujska klet – premium wines & spirits
Kobal Wine Boutique – tastings & wine shop
Osterberger Wine Boutique & Cellar – premium Slovenian wines
Gift vouchers for experiences and indulgence:
Terme Ptuj thermal resort, festivals, Arbadapark indoor play park, Mestni Kino Ptuj (cinema), Mestno Gledališče Ptuj (theatre)

STAY A LITTLE LONGER

Make the most of your visit and stay overnight. You can choose from a variety of accommodations:
from 4 Superior wellness hotels*, city hotels, boutique guesthouses, and hostels to private rooms, mobile homes, and camping sites.