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Aerial view over Ljubljana's old town with the Ljubljanica river winding through it

Love Ljubljana

New Year Holiday (Slovenia)

Slovenia marks the New Year with two consecutive work-free public holidays on 1 and 2 January. Most shops, banks and public offices in Ljubljana close, though cafes and the city centre stay lively after the New Year's Eve celebrations.

Confirmed edition

At a glance

Dates
January 1–2, 2027
Where
Nationwide · Nationwide
Price
Free
Official link
www.gov.si
Source check
Verified June 20, 2026
Review by
November 2, 2026
Congress Square (Kongresni trg) in Ljubljana with its grand facades and the castle hill behind
Photo: Rok Hodej · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

What to expect

  • Two work-free days to start the year (1–2 January)
  • Public transport runs a reduced/holiday timetable
  • Many museums and most shops are closed

Planning tips

  • Stock up on groceries before 31 December — supermarkets often close on both days.
  • Restaurants and cafes in the old town generally stay open; book ahead.
  • Check the LPP city-bus holiday schedule before travelling.

Build a day around it

Ljubljana events work best when the day stays walkable. Treat the event as one anchor block, then add one food stop and one calm river/Old Town loop — with buffer so nothing feels rushed.

  • If you have 2–3 hours: arrive early → event → short river walk to decompress.
  • If you’re making a full day: one Old Town loop + event + a calm dinner plan.
  • If the weather turns: keep walking minimal and use cafés/museums as your buffer.

Before you go

  • Confirm the details: check the official link for last-minute schedule or venue updates.
  • Arrive with buffer: 15–30 minutes early usually makes the whole experience calmer.
  • Have a weather plan: keep one indoor “warm stop” in mind in case the day turns.
A cobbled old-town lane on Stari trg in Ljubljana, lined with pastel townhouses and café terraces
Photo: Ljuba brank · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons