Portorož and Piran will soon once again transform into a magical seaside scene.
The Sea of Winter Experiences programme will take place from 29 November 2025 to 4 January 2026
offering more than 130 events for children, parents, grandparents and everyone seeking warmth, homeliness and festive spirit by the sea in December.
Wellness, culture and relaxation at a winter pace
Winter is the ideal time for slow, pleasant enjoyment. In our destination, a special place is reserved for the wellness offer, which allows families effortless relaxation: pleasantly warm pools, saunas, massages, thalassotherapy programmes and the beneficial sea air.
You can start the day with a leisurely walk by the sea, continue with a visit to museums, galleries or other cultural sights, and finish with pampering in one of the many hotels with wellness centres.
A festive seaside story – Sea of Winter Experiences
The Sea of Winter Experiences programme is truly rich, so we have arranged it into clear sections – just like on our website and in the programme booklet. This way, you’ll find the perfect experiences for your family even more easily.
Holiday Markets and the Christmas–New Year Fair
In December, Portorož & Piran transform into a seaside fairy tale with numerous lively venues.
- Christmas–New Year Fair at the Trg prekomorskih brigad in Portorož (29 Nov–4 Jan)
- Holiday Market at Tartini Square in Piran (19 Dec–4 Jan)
- Holiday Festivities in Lucija (13, 14 & 27 Dec and 3 Jan)
At the fairs you’ll find products by local artisans, festive treats, gifts, mulled wine, Istrian delicacies and a sweet programme for the little ones.
The Ice Rink in Magazin Grando, children’s favourite winter spot
Did you know that the Magazin Grando features the largest covered ice rink in Istria?
The Portorož ice rink in the former salt warehouse comes to life every year as the central stage of winter excitement. The opening on 29 November will bring a true festive spirit to the town, and the day will be especially magical, as skating will be free of charge.
An hour of skating will otherwise cost only €5, and helmet and adorable penguin aids for children learning to skate will also be available.
The programme will be enriched by creative workshops, children’s shows and popular birthday packages, creating the most beautiful December memories on the ice. While children skate with big smiles, parents can enjoy a moment of rest, a warm drink and a photo capturing the festive seaside atmosphere forever.
Discover the full programme of the Magazin Grando ice rink here.
Teddy Bears in Magazin Grando – a magical charity activity
A special part of the festive events is a lovely charity initiative in Magazin Grando. Children are invited to bring their own teddy bear, which they wish to gift to a new owner, and in return they receive a free skating ticket.
Children’s Programme
December, made for the little ones
In December, Portorož and Piran truly come alive in a child-friendly rhythm. The programme is designed so richly and playfully that families can easily surrender to the festive spirit—without rushing and without worries.
Magical performances in Magazin Grando
The stage of Magazin Grando will transform into a true fairytale theatre during the festive weeks. Children will dive into a world of imagination, where laughter, surprises and sparkling eyes intertwine.
See the varied programme of holiday shows for the youngest here.
Visits from the season’s kind-hearted figures
Arrival of Saint Nicholas (7 Dec)
Arrival of Santa Claus (24 Dec)
Father Frost at the Piran lighthouse (31 Dec)
Creative workshops
The creative workshops will take children into a world of colours, glitter, natural materials and festive symbols. Together with animators, they will make wreaths, flower arrangements, decorations and little works of art to take home as a memory of the festive seaside winter.
Discover the creative workshops here.
December atmosphere in Portorož and Piran
December atmosphere in Portorož and Piran never passes without music — it connects generations,
fills the squares and creates that true festive warmth by the sea. The programme offers a wide range of concerts, and a few stand out in particular.
Opening with the band Čuki
The festive season will begin with a lively performance by the band Čuki, whose evergreen hits always create an atmosphere that warms the hearts of both children and parents. The concert and the ceremonial lighting of the festive lights will symbolically open the Sea of Winter Experiences and attract many smiling families. The event will take place at Trg prekomorskih brigad in Portorož on Saturday, 29 November, at 4 p.m.
New Year’s Eve spectacle with Tequila Band & Petar Grašo
The highlight of the December celebrations will once again be the traditional New Year’s Eve celebration at Tartini Square. This year’s music programme will be especially powerful, with performances by the Tequila Band and one of the biggest music stars in the region, Petar Grašo.
First day of the New Year in Portorož: Kingston + fireworks
On 1 January at 4:30 p.m., the popular band Kingston will perform in Portorož, and at 6 p.m. the sky above the sea will be illuminated by a wonderful New Year’s fireworks show. It will be the perfect start to the new year by the sea.
A vibrant music programme throughout December
Various venues will host concerts by numerous performers, such as Vagabunda, Etienne Huskič & Tempera Band, Duo Black Jack, Martin Arbi, Luka C. & Band, klapa ensembles, The Bullets, Prizma, Benjamin Shock, Marsell & Miriam and the outstanding RTV Slovenia Orchestra, who will perform at the New Year’s Gala Concert.
You can find the full event calendar and all details on our website, where you can check exact dates, times and locations of each concert.
12th Sparkling Wine Festival, the festive gem of Portorož
One of the most iconic December events returns this year in all its splendour. The Sparkling Wine Festival will, for the twelfth consecutive year, fill the crystal hall of the Kempinski Palace Portorož on 26 December.
This year, more than 30 sparkling wine producers will present their creations, placing the festival among the very top events of its kind in Slovenia. You will be able to taste over 200 samples of sparkling wines from Slovenia and abroad, accompanied by selected gourmet bites that perfectly complement the golden bubbles.
We recommend securing your spot in advance. The festival sells out every year and is extremely popular among both local and international visitors. Pre-sale tickets go on sale on 1 December 2025.
New Year’s Eve by the sea
Piran is always something special on New Year’s Eve. Tartini Square shines in festive lights, and the calm sea creates a backdrop you can hardly find anywhere else. At 9 p.m., the grand New Year’s Eve concert begins, featuring Tequila Band and Petar Grašo. The concert is free of charge.
The festive atmosphere on the last day of the year will be enriched by a morning visit from Father Frost at the Piran lighthouse, a children’s show with Father Frost by the Portorož ice rink, and a New Year’s Eve theatre performance at the Avditorij Portorož.
The first day of the New Year by the sea
The first day of the new year in Portorož starts lively, marked by the traditional New Year’s plunge into the sea at the central beach. More here.
At 4:30 p.m., the band Kingston will perform in Portorož, and at 6 p.m. the sky above the bay will be illuminated by a festive fireworks show.
If you are looking for a December full of sparkling experiences, festive melodies, warm lights and countless moments for the whole family, Portorož & Piran are the right choice.
Sea of Winter Experiences awaits you!
