Slovenia, Europe

Lake Bled in December

Advent market, lights around the lake, and a festive atmosphere. The holiday week between Christmas and New Year gets busy.

GoodCold, highs near 39F (4C), snow possible

Lake Bled, Slovenia — Lake BledPhoto: Abrget47j, CC BY-SA 3.0

The straight answer

December is a good month to visit Lake Bled. Advent market, lights around the lake, and a festive atmosphere. The holiday week between Christmas and New Year gets busy.

Weather: Cold, highs near 39F (4C), snow possible
Crowds: 2 of 5
Prices: 2 of 5

What December is like in Lake Bled

December is cold, with highs near 39F (4C) and snow possible. The lake feels festive, with an Advent market on the shore and lights around the lake. Crowds stay low until the holiday week between Christmas and New Year, which gets busy. Vintgar Gorge is closed for winter.

It suits families and couples who love holiday markets and winter scenery. Book the Christmas to New Year week early, since hotels fill. For a calmer and cheaper visit, come in early December and enjoy the market on weeknights. For hiking and swimming, plan on June or September.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Lake Bled this month.

Advent in Bled

A Christmas market on the lakeshore and lights around the lake make December evenings special.

Snowy castle views

When snow falls, the castle and island look their best from the lake path.

Winter at Vogel

The ski slopes above Lake Bohinj usually open for the season in winter.

What to pack for December

A warm winter coat
Waterproof boots
Hat, gloves, and scarf
Hand warmers for evenings at the market

Our timing tip

Visit the Advent market on weekday evenings in early December, before the holiday week brings the biggest crowds.

Book Lake Bled for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Lake Bled
Opens a hotel search for Lake Bled in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Lake Bled
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Lake Bled
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Lake Bled for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in December

Advent in Bled

Late November through early January

A Christmas market on the lakeshore, lights around the lake, and a festive program through the holidays.

Things to do in Lake Bled

Full guide

Bled Island by pletna

The boats leave from several points around the lake; the ride is part of the experience. Rowing boats can also be rented in season.

Tickets and tours →

Bled Castle

The clifftop castle has a museum, a printing workshop, and the best view of the lake. Go at opening in summer.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Vintgar Gorge

Wooden walkways over a turquoise river canyon a few miles from town. Timed tickets are required in season, and it closes in winter.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Ojstrica and Mala Osojnica viewpoints

Short, steep hikes from the lake's west end to the classic view over the island and castle. Sunrise is the time.

Tickets and tours →

Walk around the lake

About 3.7 miles (6 km) on a mostly flat path. Early morning is peaceful; midday in summer is crowded.

Tickets and tours →

Lake Bohinj and Savica waterfall

A bigger, quieter lake inside Triglav National Park, about 30 minutes away, with the Vogel cable car above it.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Walk the lake and climb to Ojstrica before 8am. The coaches from Ljubljana start arriving mid-morning.
Stay overnight in Bled or Bohinj rather than doing a day trip; the evening and early morning hours are the calm ones.
Book Vintgar Gorge's timed entry for the first slot of the day in summer.
On peak summer days, move to Lake Bohinj, which gets a fraction of Bled's visitors and has better swimming.

Know before you go

Bled does not close for winter. Hotels, restaurants, the castle, and the Advent events operate year-round.
Vintgar Gorge closes for winter, typically from late autumn until spring, depending on conditions. Check before you go.
Pletna boats run most of the year but can pause in bad weather or if the lake freezes.
High mountain trails in Triglav National Park are usually snow-bound until June and after October.

Lake Bled in December, quick answers

Is December a good time to visit Lake Bled?

December is a good month to visit Lake Bled. Advent market, lights around the lake, and a festive atmosphere. The holiday week between Christmas and New Year gets busy.

What is the weather like in Lake Bled in December?

Cold, highs near 39F (4C), snow possible.

Is Lake Bled crowded in December?

December is one of the quieter months in Lake Bled; most sights can be done without long waits.

What is happening in Lake Bled in December?

Advent in Bled (late november through early january).