A number of cities across Slovenia officially turned on their Christmas lights yesterday evening. Slovenia’s capital Ljubljana, Koper and Maribor kicked the season off at 5 p.m., followed by Velenje at 6 p.m. Celje and Kranj will turn their lights on today and tomorrow.

You know Christmas is coming when Ljubljana’s Old Town is transformed by sparkly, glowing lights. (photo: Dean Dubokovic)

Ljubljana will also feature an exhibiton of ice sculptures, with sculptures that recall the city’s past. Ice rinks will also be set up in some towns.

Christmas decorations at Tito Square in Koper, the largest city on the Slovenian coast. (photo: Jaka Ivancic)

A Christmas tree in Maribor. (photo: Matej Vranic)

The main Tartini square in Piran at Christmas. (photo: James Smith)

An Alpine Village is set up in the village of Kranjska Gora every winter. (photo: Matej Vranic)

The Festive Winter Village in Bled alongside the lake. (photo: Matej Vranic)