Cultural and Gastronomic Day at Ormož Castle with the Holiday Lights Switch-On
Experience Title: Cultural and Gastronomic Day at Ormož Castle with the Holiday Lights Switch-On
Event Date: 3 December 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Location: Grajski trg 1–3, 2270 Ormož, Slovenia
The Cultural and Gastronomic Day at Ormož Castle with the Holiday Lights Switch-On is a unique green cultural event that combines heritage, local gastronomy, and sustainable living in the magical December atmosphere. Set within the historic surroundings of Ormož Castle, the event offers visitors a special festive experience where past and present come alive for all generations. On this special day, Ormož Castle — proud holder of the Green Key environmental label and the Slovenia Green Attraction certificate — opens its doors with free all-day admission. Visitors can also enjoy a complimentary costumed guided tour, where cultural heritage is presented through engaging storytelling and immersive experiences.
Food lovers can take part in a paid gastronomic workshop with Nika Krmec, where Nikina Eco-Local Bowl is prepared. The workshop highlights premium local and seasonal ingredients certified under the Jeruzalem Slovenija Territorial Collective Brand.
The highlight of the day is the symbolic Holiday Lights Switch-On and the opening of the ice rink in front of the castle, transforming Ormož into a magical winter fairytale setting.
Visitors are encouraged to travel sustainably by public transport and extend their stay in the Jeruzalem Slovenija Destination, where culture, nature, and local life blend into an unforgettable winter experience.
Don’t let the festive experience end after one evening: https://www.jeruzalem-slovenija.si/nastanitve/razprseni-hotel
After your visit, we kindly invite you to share your feedback at: info@gradormoz.si
PROGRAMME
ORMOŽ CASTLE – Free Admission
10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Perched on a hill above the town of Ormož, Ormož Castle stands as a place where rich history meets contemporary cultural life. Visitors can explore the castle courtyard, discover fascinating museum collections, and experience stories spanning centuries of cultural heritage.
The castle is not only a historic building but also a vibrant cultural hub. With its location and beautiful views of the surrounding landscape, it offers the perfect setting for a pleasant excursion, a romantic walk through the castle park, or a family outing. Visitors experience the authentic hospitality of the Jeruzalem Slovenija Destination and discover a castle where history and modern life connect in a meaningful way.
GUIDED CASTLE EXPERIENCE WITH IRMA – Free of Charge
10:00 AM
12:00 PM
7:00 PM
Visitors explore the castle through the eyes of the Countess Irma and discover its stories from a unique perspective. The guided experience leads through mysterious corridors, the courtyard, and exhibition rooms, where history becomes vivid and engaging. Irma shares fascinating castle stories, lesser-known secrets, and insights into the lives of nobility and servants. With warmth and a touch of elegance, she creates an experience suitable for adults, families, and curious explorers of all generations.
The guided tour lasts 1 hour.
Afterwards, visitors may watch the film Doroteja (20 minutes), telling the story of a woman accused of witchcraft, as well as a film by Dr. Majerič (20 minutes), one of the earliest films created in the region.
The guided tour is conducted in Slovenian.
CASTLE GASTRONOMIC WORKSHOP WITH NIKA KRMEC
NIKINA ECO-LOCAL BOWL (MEAT AND VEGETARIAN OPTION)
Paid workshop with prior registration
3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Visitors join Nika Krmec for a culinary workshop and discover how Nikina Eco-Local Bowl is created — a modern and sustainable interpretation of regional flavours from the Jeruzalem Slovenija Destination. The workshop is based on local, seasonal, and organically produced ingredients, with special emphasis on certified products of the highest local quality under the Jeruzalem Slovenija Territorial Collective Brand. Participants learn about short supply chains and responsible food preparation while creating a colourful and nutritious dish inspired by the local environment — a perfect combination of authentic flavours and sustainable thinking.
Participation is limited; prior registration is required.
Price: €50 per person.
The price includes presentation, sustainable packaging, and organic products from the Jeruzalem Slovenija Destination used during the workshop.
The workshop is conducted in Slovenian.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS SWITCH-ON – Free Admission
5:00 PM
Visitors experience the magical countdown and the symbolic switch-on of the holiday lights, an event that brings generations together in festive anticipation. Under thousands of sparkling lights, Ormož Castle and the town transform into a winter fairytale setting filled with tradition and joy. The event offers a festive atmosphere where visitors can enjoy warm drinks and local specialities. A special highlight of the evening is the opening of the ice rink in front of the castle.
Together, we light up the holiday season — in the town, at the castle, and in the hearts of visitors.
RESERVATIONS AND INFORMATION
Public Institute for Tourism, Culture and Sport of the Municipality of Ormož
Grajski trg 3
2270 Ormož
Tel: +386 51 437 700
Please send your registration details for invoice issuance:
First Name
Last Name
Address
Phone
E-mail
Nikina Eco-Local Bowl (meat option) – Number of participants
Nikina Eco-Local Bowl (vegetarian option) – Number of participants
Experience Date: 3 December 2026, between 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM