Ljubljana, Maribor and Celje recognised for their holiday season celebrations

European Best Destinations has compiled a list of the best sustainable Christmas markets ahead of the holidays season, with Maribor placing second only to Essen and Ljubljana in fourth place, with Budapest between them.

Maribor is praised for going "beyond traditional holiday decor, showcasing natural and recycled materials throughout the town".

Decorated Christmas trees and other ornaments, largely crafted from eco-friendly materials, light up the streets, the travel portal says, also highlighting live trees in pots lining many pathways.

Meanwhile, the Ljubljana Christmas market uses green energy, the portal says, adding that the market is pet-friendly and offers many vegan and vegetarian options.

Moreover, Celje, a charming place with rich history that is in ongoing rivalry with Kranj for the title of the country's third largest city, has been declared the European City of Christmas 2025.

The Christmas Cities Network, an organisation supported by the European Parliament, gives out three top holiday destination titles every year, according to the site of the city, with Maribor receiving the title given to cities with a population between 10,000 and 100,000.

Vilnius was declared the European Capital of Christmas, the title reserved for places with more than 100,000 inhabitants, and Noja in Spain became the European Village of Christmas, given to places with less than 10,000 inhabitants.

The cities "have been recognized for their outstanding holiday traditions, commitment to community spirit, and creative festive experiences," the Christmas Cities Network said. "Each offers unique attractions and magical settings that make them must-visit locations during the holiday season."

Celje will receive the title at a ceremony in Brno, the European Capital of Christmas 2024, on 15 December.