What will the Advent markets be like in Maribor? Program and important information in one place

Advent is uniquely captivating, especially in one of Slovenia’s beautifully decorated towns or cities.

Modern-day fairytales intertwine with the legends of the past, while the winter embrace and festive illumination accentuate the architectural charm of these picturesque locations.

The magical glow of Christmas lights inspires leisurely walks through streets filled with tales of Advent and festive celebrations.

Get inspired by our article and visit the wonderful Slovenian city of Maribor!

Advent Markets Maribor

Maribor, the second largest city ​​in Slovenia, is transformed into a winter paradise every year during December. The city is lit up with lights, and the Christmas markets, which take place on the Glavni Trg and Trg Leona Štuklja squares, also contribute to the festive atmosphere.

Christmas markets in the city center

What can you look forward to?

• impressive Christmas decorations
• a magnificent Christmas tree
• numerous stalls with a diverse range of products

When and where does everything take place?

Maribor Advent Market Program

While Trg Leona Štuklja will pamper visitors with its stalls offering delicious food and drinks,  Glavni Trg will be transformed into a Christmas market of local craftsmen, the centerpiece of which will once again be the Ferris wheel, which will provide visitors with a breathtaking view of Maribor illuminated for Christmas.

The festive lighting of the Christmas lights will take place on November 28, 2024, between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Visitors can also look forward to live music concerts, street and puppet theater, exhibitions in cultural institutions, and street performances. The Fairy Town, or Fairytale Town, will enchant the youngest visitors again.

The following video will show you what the Christmas markets in Maribor look like:

Christmas Lights - MARIBOR - Slovenia

Interesting places in Maribor

Maribor is the second-largest city in Slovenia after Ljubljana. This 100,000-person city is characterized by its rich architecture, winemaking tradition, and varied gastronomy.

Stara Trta

A visit to Maribor should not be complete without seeing what is somewhat of its symbol. On the facade of one of the houses is the oldest grapevine in the world, which has been growing here for over 440 years. This vine is used to make the “Black Velvet” wine, of which only about 25 liters are produced annually.

A museum was created in its honor, where, among other things, a certificate of entry into the Guinness Book of Records can be seen. The museum contains a brief history of the vine and a beautiful floor mosaic created in 2014, depicting the Drava River and other symbols and events of the city.

Glavni trg

Glavni Trg, or Main Square, is a beautiful Renaissance square that was the site of the city’s market in the Middle Ages. Today, it is lined with restaurants and cafés, and in December, the Maribor Advent Fair is held here.

In the middle stands a monument to the victims of the plague, erected in 1681 as a sign of the city’s gratitude to the Virgin Mary for ending the epidemic. On the other side of the square stands the Renaissance town hall, built in 1515 and rebuilt several times.

Grajski trg

Maribor Castle is not one of the traditionally understood castles, but rather a Renaissance palace that occupies the southern side of another beautiful square and is now home to the Maribor Regional Museum.

From an architectural point of view, the building stands out with a rare Rococo staircase decorated with sculptures by Jozef Straub, a famous artist of Slovenian Baroque sculpture.

Conclusion

Every city, big or small, creates its unique holiday story during Advent. Festive stalls, offering something special for everyone and their loved ones, are set amidst dazzling decorations that reflect the character of each destination.

No matter which Slovenian town you choose, the magic of Christmas will sweep you off your feet. We’ve selected one of the most enchanting destinations in Slovenia to spark your holiday inspiration – trust us and visit Maribor.