Piran Christmas Market 2024: Weekends in Portorož

Piran is known for its Venetian architecture and coastal views. In winter, Tartini Square is beautifully decorated. For Christmas markets, visit nearby Portorož, where stalls are open until the New Year.

This article provides the 2024 dates and information to plan your visit.

Piran and Portorož Christmas Markets

Dates – Partially Confirmed

Portorož dates: 30th November 2024 to 5th January 2025 (confirmed).
Piran dates: Not announced.

Expected Update: Last year’s dates were announced in October. Want to know when dates are confirmed? Sign up for our newsletter to get notified as soon as they become available.

Source: Information from the organiser is available here.

Plan Your Visit

Location and Times

Location: Hotel Kempinski Palace, Portorož and some events in Tartini Square, Piran.
Opening times:
Friday to Sunday: 3pm to 9pm.
From 22nd December:
Daily: 3pm to 9pm.
Christmas Eve: 3pm to 6pm.
Christmas Day: 3pm to 9pm.
New Year’s Eve: 3pm to 6pm.
In case of bad weather: Closed.

Travel and Accommodation

Public transport: Bus.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Where to stay: Art Hotel Tartini is right in the centre of Piran.

Amenities and Attractions

Admission: Free.
Christmas lights: No switch on date.
Santa: No.
Ice skating: No.
Reason to visit: Slovenian food and stunning sunsets.

Dietary Options

Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Limited. Ask individual vendors, but beware of cross-contamination.
Food specialities: Seafood platters, honey brandy, olive oil, fig desserts.

Accessibility

Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: No.

Convenient Hotels

I recommend Art Hotel Tartini for its location in the heart of historic Piran, right by the waterfront.

What to Expect

I spent some time in Piran and love it! With its beautiful architecture and stunning coastal views, it’s reminiscent of a mini-Venice.

The local seafood is exceptional, always fresh, full of flavour and sourced directly from the region.

While Piran is a lovely holiday spot, nearby Portorož is the commercial centre and where you’ll find the main Christmas stalls. It’s a small but charming market located in front of the Kempinski Palace Hotel.

Winter in this region is peaceful, with fewer tourists than the busy summer season. You can enjoy incredible sunsets, savour delicious local food, and explore historic sites without the usual crowds.

Local Specialties

• Potica: Bread roll that typically includes tarragon, poppy seeds, walnuts, or honey, each layer offering a different flavour experience.
• Krafi: A seasonal delicacy resembling ravioli and is usually filled with sweetened cheese, raisins, and aromatic lemon zest.
• Baklava: While not originally from Slovenia, baklava is popular, especially thanks to the many migrants from the surrounding Balkan regions.
• Slovenski Medeni Likér (Slovenian Honey Liqueur): A honey liqueur.
• Kuhano Vino (Mulled Wine): A winter classic.
• Fige v Čokoladi (Chocolate-covered Figs): Dried figs, a product of the sunny Istrian climate, are dipped in dark chocolate.

Gifts and Stocking Fillers

• Rokodelski Izdelki (Handicrafts): Vendors sell everything from hand-painted ceramics to intricately woven baskets.
• Piranska Sol (Piran Salt): Harvested from the nearby Sečovlje Salina Nature Park.
• Oljčno Olje (Olive Oil): Known for its quality and distinctive flavour, thanks to the region’s ideal olive-growing conditions.
• Slovenska Vina (Slovenian Wines): An interesting variety is available.
• Leseni Izdelki (Wooden Products): Range from toys to kitchen utensils.
• Slovenski Med (Slovenian Honey): Local honey, including flower, forest, and fir types.
• Istrski Tartufi (Istrian Truffles): Truffles are a prized delicacy from the Istrian region.
• Sestavljanka (Puzzle): Often features scenes of Piran and its beautiful landscapes.
• Lavanda (Lavender Products): They come in dried bouquets, essential oils, or sachets.

Sustainable Travel Tips

• Choose Eco-Friendly Hotels: Book a hotel that uses renewable energy and has implemented sustainability measures.
• Reduce Food Waste: Consider sharing dishes with your travel companions, which allows you to sample more without the excess.
• Ethical Consumption: When shopping at the market stalls, focus on buying items that you truly need and know will be used.
• Sustainable Diets: Focus on local vegetarian and plant-based dishes.
• Transport: Get around Piran by walking and cycling. For longer distances, take the bus.

Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.

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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.