Maribor’s event season is far from over, even though 2019 might be coming to a close. Christmas lights are ready to light up the city and bring a breath a magic to the streets, and a whole spectre of events awaits visitors of all ages.
Festive December in Maribor. Photo: Dejan Bulut. Source: www.slovenia.info.
Champagne Dinner & Masterclass at Rožmarin
November 21st
This luxurious five-course dinner is a great choice for everyone who believed champagne to be liquid perfection. The tasting is organised by a representative from the champagne house Deutz, one of the six best champagne houses in the world. The whole menu is available here.
Winter Gathering at Zimska Luftarca
November 22nd
The first light to brighten the dark winter evenings will be lit at Luft 360, 11 floors above the ground. The terrace Luftarca changes its look every season. From November 22nd, you’ll be welcomed to a winter fairy tale where you can enjoy your mulled wine or creamy hot chocolate under a myriad of lights. More information here.
European outdoor film tour 19/20
November 27th
EOFT gathers the best outdoor and adventure films. Ten films filled with inspiring moments, breath-taking athletic fests, and as much adventure you could hope for are waiting for you. Screenings take place in different parts of Slovenia, and on November 27th, the tour stops in Maribor.
Films are in English with subtitles. Together with the supporting programme and the host’s presentation, each event lasts about two and a half to three hours. Full programme is available here.
Rajzefiber Walk: Wine Hour
December 3rd
The Old Vine is not the only reason Maribor is sometimes called a wine city. If you’d like to discover more, join Rjzefiber’s guided walk and discover the people, places, and hidden corners that wrote the story of wine in our town. The walk is free. More information here.
Explore Maribor on a guided walk. Photo: MP Produkcija. Source: www.slovenia.info.
Maribor Open, International Dance Tournament
November 29th–December 1st
Fans of ballroom dancing can enjoy three days of wonderful performances as couples compete in English waltz, tango, samba, cha-cha-cha, and other standard and Latin dances. Tickets and information here.
Festive December Programme
November 29th–December 31st
Open-air concerts, children’s programme, Christmas fairs—something is happening all through December. The programme begins on November 29th at 5:00 pm with the Christmas lights switch-on and ends with the New Year celebration in the largest square in Slovenia.
Enjoy mulled wine at Trg Leona Štuklja. Photo: Dejan Bulut. Source: www.slovenia.info.
Christmas Fair
Adults can enjoy a stroll amid the stalls of the Christmas fair where local craftsmen, potters, beekeepers, honey makers, farmers, and herbalists offer a whole range of high-quality products and traditional cuisine. Grajski trg square will come alive with a rich musical programme, the smell of mulled wine and street food, and sparkling lights.
Children’s Programme
Children will delight in the puppet shows, workshops, concerts, readings, and street theatre performances of the Fairy City at Vetrinjski dvor. A reading room will also be open every afternoon during the event. The Fairy City will open its doors to visitors on November 29th and greet them with dancing and music. More about the event here.
On December 7th, Grandfather Frost will descend from the slopes of Pohorje and wake up the fairy-tale creatures of the mountains on his way. He will stay in town until December 28th when he’ll say goodbye to children at Vetrinjski dvor.
Fairy City. Photo: Dejan Bulut. Source: www.slovenia.info.
SNG’s December Programme
If you enjoy theatre, opera, and ballet, SNG’s programme is worth checking out. December is the time when old performances are the most likely to reappear on the stage—most of them only once, so keep an eye out if you don’t want to miss those. Take a look at the programme here.
Ice Skating Rink
From December 3rd
Open ice skating rinks are part and parcel of every winter in town. Beside the already traditional rink in the old city centre, visitors can look forward to a new skating rink opening by Hotel Arena under Pohorje. This new rink opens on December 3rd. In contrast to the rink in town, it will be covered and thus open in any weather. Both ice rinks will offer ice skates and protective helmets (for children) for hire.
Outdoors fun for the whole family. Photo: MP Produkcija. Source: www.slovenia.info.
Rajzefiber Walk: Rockenrola
December 17th
This thematic walk through the city explores the connection between Maribor and Slovenian musicians. Dedicated to all whose songs are a monument to the city, this tour will take you to the places where the verses cease to be only words and become something more. If you’re interested, check out the event here.
Cafoodfest
December 19th and 20th
Student of the College of Hospitality and Tourism Maribor will be preparing delicious street food and showing of their skills at the Christmas stands against a backdrop of good music and Christmas lights. Find more about the event here.
New Year’s Events
Looking for a place to spend the longest night of the year? There is no shortage of options. Here a few suggestions for you.
If you enjoy live music and the electric atmosphere of a crowd, join the celebration at Trg Leona Štuklja and enter the new year in the company of the best Slovenian singers and bands. A little more exclusive is the celebration in the Festival Hall Lent, organised by the Net FM Radio. If you’d like to spend the night in a more sophisticated ambience, enjoy the culinary experience at City Terasa or Gostilna Maribor. Interested in a party with the best view in town? Then Luft 360 is the place for you.
We’re sure everyone can find something to do this December and enjoy this magical time. What do you think? Did we miss any events?