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A building lit up with festive lights during Ljubljana's Christmas market

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.

At a glance

Dates
January 1–2027 (day: 2)
Where
Nationwide
Price
Free
Official link
www.gov.si

Last updated:

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