Our visit to Lake Bled felt like stepping into a postcard. The serene turquoise waters, framed by snow-capped mountains, created a magical backdrop for our family adventure. Topping it all off was the majestic Castle Bled, perched high on a rocky hill, offering panoramic views that took our breath away.

We began our day at Castle Bled, exploring its rich history and marvelling at the stunning vistas of the Julian Alps and Lake Bled below. The castle itself was a treasure trove of medieval architecture, museums, and even a wine cellar where you can bottle your own wine. The sunshine lit up the lake, creating an ethereal glow, and we couldn’t resist taking dozens of photos from every angle. We spent a couple of hours immersing ourselves in the castle’s charm before heading down to the town for the next part of our adventure.

The Christmas market on the edge of the lake was pure festive magic. Stalls selling handmade gifts, ornaments, and delicious local treats lined the waterfront. The aroma of mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and traditional Slovenian dishes filled the air. We decided to have lunch at the market, enjoying a hearty plates of festive food and warming up with cups of hot chocolate.

After lunch, we strolled along the lake’s shoreline, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere. The lake was like a mirror, reflecting the surrounding mountains and the iconic island church at its centre. The walk was peaceful yet invigorating, a perfect way to work off our meal and take in the beauty of Lake Bled from every angle.

As the day wound down, we reluctantly said goodbye to this enchanting place, knowing it had given us memories to treasure.

If you ever find yourself in Slovenia, make sure this gem is at the top of your list!

Learn more about Lake Bled Beauty!

Learn more about Lake Bled Beauty!

The post A Winter Wonderland: A Day at Lake Bled and Castle Bled appeared first on Tantrumming Trailblazers.

Boxing Day often has a sense of calm after the Christmas festivities, but in Celje, Slovenia, we discovered a day brimming with magic, adventure, and unexpected activities.

The morning began with a chill in the air having been -5 over night we had a sense of excitement as we made our way to Celje Castle it is perched high above the town, the medieval fortress seemed to beckon us with its towering walls and storied past. Georgia raced ahead, exploring every hidden corner and climbing every stair she could find and considering she didn’t want to go at first it was a quick turnaround. From the battlements, we gazed out at the rolling hills and the town below, imagining knights and nobles who once called this castle home.

By lunchtime, we had left the castle and moved in to the town, the calm had been replaced by the hum of festive energy in the town square. The Christmas markets were in full swing, their wooden stalls overflowing with handmade crafts, local food, and the comforting scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts and everything you can think of at Christmas markets. Dotty’s eyes sparkled as she pointed at the twinkling lights above us, while Georgia busied herself searching for the perfect souvenir as always!.

Hunger eventually led us to a little Japanese restaurant just off the square. It was a surprising find a tiny escape offering fresh sushi that was cheap authentic and something no dotty loves. Georgia hesitated at first, eyeing the seaweed skeptically, but soon she was eating Ramon soup and taking bites off our plates.

As dusk fell, the magic of the markets transformed into something even more spectacular.

Little did we know but It was Slovenia’s Independence Day, and the square erupted into celebration with a live concert. The band began with ABBA classics, and before we knew it, the entire crowd was singing along to Dancing Queen. Ali Georgia and I swayed to the music, and even Dotty giggled as she clapped along. It was one of those rare, unplanned moments that stay with you forever in the bitter cold the energy warmed the air!

Just when we thought the day couldn’t get any better, Georgia spotted something she couldn’t resist a giant elastic trampoline. With the Christmas lights twinkling above her, she bounced higher and higher, her laughter echoing through the square. Watching her joy reminded us how much happiness can be found in the simplest of moments.

As we walked back to our car, the streets of Celje sparkled with holiday lights, and the sounds of the concert lingered in the air. It had been a Boxing Day unlike any other, filled with history, celebration, and laughter.

Celje gave us a day we’ll never forget a mix of medieval wonder, festive cheer, and pure family fun.

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The post A Boxing Day unlink any we have had before, in Celje. appeared first on Tantrumming Trailblazers.

Christmas Eve this year was nothing short of magical as we found ourselves surrounded by the picturesque winter wonderland of Slovenia. With a light dusting of about two inches of snow blanketing the ground, we decided it was the perfect opportunity to embrace the festive spirit and build a snowman together as a family.

The snow was soft and perfect for rolling, and Georgia was thrilled to get started. She eagerly helped shape the snowman, adding a splash of creativity with a bright red hat and a cosy pink scarf. Her excitement was infectious as she proudly stood next to our frosty friend once he was complete.

Dotty, however, wasn’t as enthusiastic about the snow. She found the clear path far more appealing than the soft, snowy patches. We couldn’t help but laugh as she watched us from her safe, snow-free zone, her curious yet cautious expressions adding a touch of humour to the day. While she didn’t get hands-on with the snowman, she seemed content observing all the action from the sidelines.

As for us, the joy of working together to create something so quintessentially Christmas brought warmth to the chilly afternoon. The experience was a beautiful reminder of why we embarked on this journey – to create special moments as a family in places we’ve never been before.

Slovenia’s serene, snow-covered landscape provided the perfect backdrop for this unforgettable day. It felt like something out of a storybook crisp winter air, laughter ringing out, and the sparkle of snow under the soft December light.

This Christmas Eve may not have been traditional for us, but it was certainly one to remember, currently watching the snowman on TV as I write this. We hope wherever you are, you’re finding your own moments of joy and magic this festive season.

Merry Christmas from all of us to you!

Learn more about Christmas in Slovenia!

Learn more about Christmas in Slovenia!

Learn more about Slovenian Christmas Experience!

Learn more about Slovenian Christmas Experience!

The post A Magical Christmas Eve: Building a Snowman in Slovenia appeared first on Tantrumming Trailblazers.

We started bright and early with one last swim to kick-start the day. After a quick breakfast and the usual game of “how do we fit everything in the car,” we were ready to hit the road. Excitement bubbled as we left the indoor pool behind (haha) and made our way from Croatia to the Slovenian hills.

On the way, we stopped at Westgate shopping centre to pick up a few Christmas essentials (feels like we never left Thanet) and, of course, stock up on some treats for the week ahead. The atmosphere was buzzing with holiday cheer, twinkling lights, festive music, and the bustle of people preparing for the season.

By the time we arrived at Villa Katarina, it was 6 PM, and the dark had already fallen over the hills. Even so, the lodge greeted us with its cozy charm, nestled quietly in the heart of the Slovenian countryside. With its rustic design and modern comforts, it felt like stepping into a Christmas card scene.

The lodge is perched in a spot that offers incredible views over the hills. We couldn’t see much in the dark, but the promise of waking up to such a stunning landscape had us all eager for the morning. The kids were thrilled to explore their new surroundings, and we immediately felt the warmth of this cosy villa.

Villa Katarina will be our base for the week, and it couldn’t be more perfect for a family Christmas. The fireplace crackles softly as I write this, and the lodge’s inviting atmosphere has already helped us unwind. Tomorrow, we’ll take our first full day to explore the area and enjoy the beauty Slovenia has to offer.

We can’t wait to see what the week has in store, hopefully some snow to complete the picture!

Stay tuned for updates as we celebrate Christmas in this magical Slovenian setting.

Learn more about Christmas in Slovenian Villa!

Learn more about Christmas in Slovenian Villa!

The post A Cozy Lodge the start of a Christmas Week in Slovenia appeared first on Tantrumming Trailblazers.