
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By lunchtime, we had left the castle and moved in to the town, the calm had been replaced by the hum of festive energy in the town square.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.
Don’t forget to subscribe for more tales from our journey around the world. Your next adventure might just be a story like ours.