Christmas Day in Ljubljana – What is Open
What is Open on Christmas Day in Ljubljana
I spent Christmas Day of 2023 in Ljubljana, Slovenia. One of my first questions was, “What is open in Ljubljana on Christmas Day?” I couldn’t find a good source of information, so I decided to create this page.
The answer to the question of what is open on Christmas Day in Ljubljana is that it depends on the time of day. On Christmas morning, before 10:00 am, almost nothing was open. After 10:00 am, quite a few restaurants were open, including McDonald’s, which became quite crowded within minutes of opening.
In Ljubljana, before 10:00 am on Christmas morning, only a few small cafes were open. Many of these cafes were serving food in addition to coffee.
I was surprised to learn that the Ljubljana Castle was open on Christmas Day, as was the cable car that takes visitors to the hill where the castle was located.
By the time it was early afternoon on Christmas Day, most businesses were open. It seemed that many places closed early on Christmas Eve and then opened back up between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm on Christmas Day. Overall, Ljubljana was a great place to celebrate Christmas Day, as there were plenty of tourist activities open.
Christmas Day in Ljubljana - Table of Contents
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Christmas Decorations in Ljubljana
During the Christmas holiday, there are a bunch of Christmas decorations on display throughout Ljubljana. One of the best places to visit during the Christmas season is Prešernov Trg Square, as the square has a large Christmas tree on display.
Another great place to see Christmas decorations is the Ljubljana Castle. I was surprised that the Ljubljana Castle was open on Christmas Day.
Christmas Markets in Ljubljana
One of the reasons I love to visit Europe during the holiday season is the Christmas markets. Most major European Cities have Christmas markets where local businesses sell everything from hand-made crafts to delicious food. Ljubljana had Christmas markets throughout a few different locations. The first location was Prešernov Trg Square. On Christmas Day, the Christmas markets opened around 10:00 am.
There were also a few Christmas markets located in Kongrensi Trg. I visited Kongrensi Trg before 10:00 am on Christmas morning, so in the photo below, the Christmas markets were closed.
Ljubljana Castle also had a few Christmas markets located in the middle of the courtyard. The Christmas markets at Ljubljana Castle were open on Christmas Day.
My Experience Visiting Ljubljana on Christmas Morning
Walking Around Old Town Ljubljana on Christmas Day
I really enjoyed walking around Ljubljana on Christmas Day. Around 8:00 am, I left my hotel and then crossed the Dragon Bridge on my way to Old Town Ljubljana.
I did not go inside the Ljubljana Cathedral as it was Christmas morning, and a Christmas service was taking place.
Prešernov Trg Square on Christmas Day
Instead, I continued towards Prešernov Trg Square. Early morning Christmas Day is a great time to walk around Ljubljana. The normally busy streets of Ljubljana were basically empty, and it felt like I had the entire city to myself.
After spending some time viewing the large Christmas Tree in Prešernov Trg Square, I headed towards the famous Triple Bridge. As I was walking to the Triple Bridge, all of the church bells began ringing at once to announce the Christmas Holiday. The ringing occurred at 10:00 am, and I believe it might have been marking the beginning of the Christmas Worship Service. Below is a video that I recorded of the church bells all ringing at once.
I then walked across the usually crowded Triple Bridge. As I continued walking around Ljubljana on Christmas Morning, I was shocked by how few people were out and about.
To me, December in Ljubljana was quite pleasant as I am used to sub-zero winters in Minnesota. The Ljubljana locals have a different perspective on what is cold. Throughout Ljubljana, there were warming stations like the one pictured below.
Businesses in Ljubljana Begin Opening on Christmas Day
Between 10 am and noon, businesses began to open. By evening on Christmas Day in Ljubljana, most major businesses had opened their doors
Ljubljana Castle on Christmas Day
The highlight of Christmas Day in Ljubljana was a trip to Ljubljana Castle. Not only was the castle open on Christmas Day, it was not at all crowded.
The best place for photos at Ljubljana Castle is the Viewing Tower. In the photo below, you can see that even in early afternoon, Prešernov Trg Square is not crowded. Christmas Day is truly the best time to avoid the crowds in Ljubljana.
Ljubljana Tours and Packages
A tour is not necessary to enjoy the main sights in Ljubljana. That being said, I know some people prefer to be led around by a local guide. I have linked a few Ljubljana Tours below that caught my eye. Please note that I am an affiliate of Viator. If you purchase a tour using one of my links, I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no additional cost to you.