Spend Christmas in one of the most beautiful parts of the Alps – Slovenia’s magical at this time of year, with festive markets at Ljubljana, Lake Bled and Bohinj, decorated pine trees and fairy lights galore.
The nation holds its main celebrations on Christmas Eve, and there are often visits from Father Christmas and Grandfather Frost on the lead up. While a white Christmas isn’t guaranteed, it’s certainly not uncommon – anyway, even without a speck of snow this part of the world is spectacular.
Hotels are Slovenia’s main type of ski accommodation, and there are some super properties to spend Christmas in – all costing less than you’d spend on hotels of the same ratings in France or Switzerland. At the top end of the scale, 4 and 5-star properties have swimming pools and spas for a spot of yuletide pampering.
Choose a Half Board package if your perfect Christmas contains minimal hassle – each day, 2 out of 3 main meals are included in the price of your stay, served moments from your bedroom. Or to sample the local festive menus throughout your week, opt for B&B.
We don’t have bundles of self-catered apartments in Slovenia, but if you want to do Christmas your own way (cooking up family classics, board games in your PJ’s, a Die Hard movie marathon…) the properties we do have are just the ticket.
Most resorts have a Mercator supermarket, where you can get groceries (and last-minute stocking fillers) – or if you want to eat out you’ll find a range of restaurants, many with festive set menus. Including self-contained cottages and bigger apartment blocks, our best properties come with flights and airport transfers.
Slovenia’s ski resorts aren’t the most snow sure in the Alps by a long stretch – nor are they the biggest (France is best in these departments). But with Christmas markets, lakes to wander around and castles to visit, most people don’t come here to ski non-stop anyway.
The Vogel ski area near Bohinj gets good natural snowfall and is sometimes known to open in November – which means there’s often a good build up on the slopes by the end of December