Looking for a Christmas market break that's a little different from the usual Budapest, Prague or Kraków?
We've found a December break to Ljubljana, Slovenia from just £241pp, including direct return flights and four nights in a highly rated city-centre hotel.
And this one isn't just about the Christmas markets.
Ljubljana makes a great base for visiting Lake Bled, so it's possible to combine festive markets, one of Europe's prettiest capital cities and Slovenia's most famous lake in one affordable winter break.
There are two departure options we've found, including 4 nights from Manchester from £241pp and a Saturday-Tuesday break from London Gatwick from £259pp.
Prices are based on two adults sharing and were correct when checked. Flights and accommodation are booked separately.
Affiliate links are included in this post. Prices were correct at the time of writing but are subject to change and availability.
Ljubljana is Slovenia's compact capital, with a beautiful Old Town, Ljubljana Castle and restaurants and bars lining the banks of the Ljubljanica River.
During December, the historic centre is transformed for the festive season.
Festive December in Ljubljana runs from 27 November 2026 until 15 January 2027, so both of the dates we've found fall during the city's Christmas celebrations.
Expect Christmas lights throughout the centre, festive stalls, food and drink, concerts and events.
The markets are free to visit, making this an easy trip to keep relatively inexpensive once there.
We've found a stay at Hotel Center Ljubljana, which is rated 8.8/10 and has an excellent 9.6/10 location score.
The location is particularly useful for this trip.
Ljubljana's Main Square is around a 10-minute walk away, while the main bus and train station is only around 300 metres from the hotel.
That means it's easy to walk into the historic centre for the Christmas markets while also being well placed for public transport and a day trip to Lake Bled.
The rates we've found include free cancellation and payment at the property, so only the flights need to be paid for upfront.
Breakfast can also be added for £9pp per day.
One of the best things about using Ljubljana as a base is being able to add Lake Bled without needing to change hotels.
Regular buses connect Ljubljana and Bled, making it possible to visit independently for the day.
Once there, spend some time walking beside the lake, visit Bled Castle, take a traditional boat across to Bled Island or stop to try the famous Bled cream cake.
Winter weather can never be guaranteed, particularly this far in advance, so don't book expecting Lake Bled to definitely be covered in snow. However, December still gives this trip a completely different feel to visiting during the busy summer months.
Head back to Ljubljana afterwards for an evening at the Christmas markets.
Ljubljana Airport is approximately 25km from the city centre.
Public transport connects the airport with Ljubljana, so hiring a car isn't necessary for this itinerary.
Hotel Center Ljubljana is also only around 300 metres from the city's main bus and train station, making it a convenient base when arriving by public transport.
Finding the best-value Christmas market breaks means comparing flights, hotels and transport across multiple airports and destinations.
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Dates: 8–12 December 2026
Flights: Direct return flights with easyJet – £58pp
Hotel: Hotel Center Ljubljana – £365 per couple
Dates: 5–8 December 2026
Flights: Direct return flights with easyJet – £79pp
Hotel: Hotel Center Ljubljana – £359 per couple
Prices were correct when checked on 25 September 2026 and can change at any time.
Flights and accommodation are booked separately. Prices are based on two adults sharing one room and include an underseat bag only unless otherwise stated.
Disclaimer: Build a Break is not a travel agent or tour operator. We search for and share great-value travel price finds to help you plan and book your own holidays, potentially saving hundreds of pounds compared with traditional package holidays.
All holidays featured are DIY itineraries, with flights and accommodation booked separately using the links provided. Prices, availability and flight times can change at any time, so please check all details carefully before booking.
While we do our best to ensure the information is accurate at the time of publication, Build a Break cannot guarantee the accuracy of prices, availability or third-party content and accepts no liability for any changes, errors, cancellations or the performance of third-party providers. Please ensure you are happy with all booking details, terms and conditions, passport, visa and travel insurance requirements before making a booking.
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