Advent in Ptuj
| Region | Drava Statistical Region |
| Starting point | Park here Zadružni trg P+R |
| Route length | as you wish |
| route duration | 2-4h |
| Best time to visit | whole year |
| Appropriate for | Baby Strollers , Baby Carriers , 3-6 years of age , 6+ years of age , Dandy Horses |
| Level of difficulty | easy |
Route Description
When December puts on its lights, we all start looking for ideas on where to go to admire a fairytale land, sparkling trees, or the smiling good old man.
In 2025, we decided to visit our oldest town, Ptuj, which proudly carries the title of the Best Cultural Heritage City in Europe for 2026.
You can truly find something interesting to see in every season. In summer, you can cycle around the lake, or in winter, relax in the nearby thermal spas. In autumn, you can admire the vineyards wrapped in a palette of colors, and in spring, visit the baroque-style garden with touches of an English park – the Turnišče castle park.
Advent in Ptuj lasts from December 1 to 31 and offers a wide range of events. The festive boutique atmosphere can be felt throughout the whole town, which you can explore over several days and treat yourself to a weekend getaway in this region. Local vendors are represented at the stalls, and there is something lovely or delicious for everyone. In the town center, a stage is set up, along with a huge spruce tree and, of course, lights everywhere. For those seeking more action, we recommend heading to the town ice rink, where skate rental is also available.
Since February 2025, it has been possible to visit and explore the Town Tower. It has been restored with great love and dedication. Steep stairs lead to the top, and history waits for you at every corner. You can peacefully watch a short film — The Keeper of Time — or read about the clock mechanism. At the top, there is a large bell and a limited but charming view of the town. Especially in December, everything below the tower sparkles in festive colors.
If you are looking for something small, charming, and heartfelt, we recommend visiting the town of Ptuj… in December or at any other time of the year.
OUR TIP: Visit one of the many themed festivals in summer or relax in the nearby thermal spas in winter. In autumn, admire the vineyards wrapped in a palette of colors, and in spring, cycle around Ptuj Lake.
Interesting Facts
The city of Ptuj bears the Cross of St. George in its coat of arms, as he is the town’s patron saint. The most well-known legend tells how George slew the dragon. This is how you will see him if you visit the castle, where you can find a replica of the statue of St. George standing on the dragon. In old times, the dragon symbolized the devil.
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Gostinski lokal v bližini
Musikafe – House of Culture
Many travel experiences led them to the decision that the world should simply come to them. In Ptuj, Slovenia’s oldest town, they restored a house from 1618 and filled it with diverse content.
Their experience in set design, costume design, and music was poured into the soul of the house, which they named muziKafe House of Culture.
Highly recommended!
Jadranska ulica 5
2250 Ptuj
+386 2 7878 860 (Café)
Vita, Olja in Juna Recommend
Kids will always choose water, the sea, or pools over anything else on offer… which in this case is perfect, because you’re very close to Ptuj Thermal Spa. Its development began after 1975, when a 1,050-meter-deep well of warm mineral water was discovered. The thermal park with its 12 indoor pools is a great way to wrap up an already lovely trip. And in summer, it’s wonderfully splashy and refreshing too — you can see for yourself!
