Festive December

Yes, it's that time of year again... Ljubljana's festively decorated city center will come alive from 3 December to 2 January 2007 with a range of events intended for people of all ages. Here is just a short intro of what to expect. More details will follow in coming days...

The month-long festival traditionally begins on December 3 with an event called "Let's Turn on the Light!" which celebrates the start of the festive season with the lighting up of the Christmas street lights. It will culminate on 31 December with open-air New Year's Eve celebrations taking place at Presernov trg, Mestni trg and Kongresni trg, along with a traditional fireworks display launched from the Ljubljana Castle to mark the beginning of the new year.

Throughout the entire month of celebrations, decorated stalls at the marketplace and along the river will be selling trinkets and other items suitable for holiday gifts, and of course, hot drinks and snacks will be available everywhere.

CHRISTMAS CRIBS
Delightfully decorated Christmas cribs will be on display throughout the holiday season at the following locations, all with free admission:
The Church at Krizanke (11 - 21 Dec). Open every day from 10:00 to 18:00.
The Chapel of St George at the Ljubljana Castle (25 Dec - 2 Feb). Open every day from 10:00 to 18:00.
The Cathedral of St. Nicholas (24 Dec - 2 Feb).
The Franciscan Church at Preseren square (24 Dec - 2 Feb).

GRANDPA FROST PROCESSIONS
From 26-30 December at 17:00, Grandpa Frost (no relation to Jack Frost) will be parading along the following route: Krekov trg - Ciril-Metodov trg - Mestni trg - Stritarjeva ulica - Presernov trg - Wolfova ulica - Zvezda Park. Grandpa Frost (Dedek Mraz in Slovene) is a friendly old man who, like his well-known cousin Santa from up North, visits the children each year and gives them presents. Accompanied by a procession of animals and fairy-tale creatures, he will be passing through the streets of Ljubljana towards the Fairy-Tale Town at Zvezda Park.

Via Ljubljana Life Magazine.