Date: 9. December 2025
Time to read: 1 min
Each year, a fairy-tale world of ice, light and theatre comes to life in the Mlačca Gorge in Mojstrana. The Icy Kingdom, one of Slovenia’s most distinctive winter experiences, is complemented by the legendary theatrical production Live Nativity Scene in Ice.
This is the only performance of its kind in Europe, taking place amid natural ice formations rising up to 40 metres high. With more than two decades of tradition, the project brings together local creativity, an exceptional natural backdrop and a dedicated cast who create an unforgettable Christmas story within the icy setting.
The Live Nativity Scene in Ice was first staged in 2002. To date, more than 400 performances have been held, with only two seasons cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Even the earliest performances featured live sheep, singing, contemporary elements in the narrative and between 15 and 25 performers. Over the years, the setting has evolved the most: the stable has grown, new scenes and scenic elements have been added, and the Icy Kingdom has become the central enhancement, welcoming visitors as they enter and leave the frozen gorge.
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Aside from the setting, which is the work of a local association of ice climbers, the Mlačca living nativity is unique in that they put a contemporary spin on the classic Christmas story. This year they have added dances by the angels, shepherds and kings. Photo: Elizabeta Skumavc
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Where breathtaking creations of nature, biblical message and art go hand in hand…Photo: Elizabeta Skumavc
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In addition to the biblical story, another story from everyday life that causes us to think is added every year. Photo: Elizabeta Skumavc
Active Local Community
One of the most remarkable aspects of the project is the strong involvement of the local community and the exceptional dedication of its performers. Most actors have been participating for many years, some for more than 15. In fact, two families perform together, with parents and children sharing the stage. The performers come from Mojstrana, Kranjska Gora, Jesenice and Ljubljana, and range in age from 8 to 60. For many, this is their first encounter with theatre, giving the project an important educational and creative dimension. The costumes are crafted by a retired local seamstress, whose precision ensures the visual coherence of the characters and scenes.
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The authors, Nataša Cotman and Elizabeta Skumavc, started the show in 2002. Photo: Elizabeta Skumavc
As the production takes place in an extreme environment, its preparation is exceptionally demanding. Due to humidity and low temperatures at the site, microphones cannot be used, so the performers record their voices in advance in a studio and then rehearse their movements in synchrony with the recordings. Rehearsals begin at the end of September and take place almost every weekend until December, with choreography also practised on site. The setting changes constantly due to natural processes.
In a way, it is recreated anew each night, for the ice creates towering natural ice formations that sometimes rise up to 40 metres.
Across an area of more than 500 m², over 5,000 lights are installed, creating a unique winter atmosphere. In more than 20 years, over 420 performers have appeared on the icy stage, which has been visited by countless locals and tourists.
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Living nativity scenes where actors act out scenes from the Bible are quite common in Slovenia, but in the Alpine village of Mojstrana, there is one that has an unparalleled backdrop, a 25-metre tall frozen waterfall. Photo: Elizabeta Skumavc
Special Features and New Developments
In favourable weather conditions, around 5,000 visitors experience the Icy Kingdom and its performances within a single week, including a significant number of international guests. In addition to visitors from Croatia, Serbia, Austria and Italy, tourists from South America, Australia, Asia and Africa have also visited Mojstrana. The attractive icy setting often encourages visitors to stop in Mojstrana on their way to or from Kranjska Gora, one of Slovenia’s most popular winter ski destinations.
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After the show, you can take a walk through the Ice Kingdom of the Snow Queen, the large crystal hall with frozen waterfalls and jets of water, and see another nativity scene, this time "inanimate", on your way to the parking lot. Photo: Elizabeta Skumavc
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This nativity scene is unique because most of the actors perform wearing traditional clampers, and the breathtaking ice backdrop is enhanced with lighting and other effects. Photo: Elizabeta Skumavc
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In the final days of December, the Mlačca Gorge in Mojstrana transforms into a true ice kingdom. As visitors enter the gorge, they are greeted by stunning ice sculptures, created by both nature and human hands. At the heart of this frozen kingdom, a towering ice wall serves as the backdrop for the annual live nativity scene. Photo: Elizabeta Skumavc
The Live Nativity Scene in Ice is also an important community project involving numerous local creative contributors. Songs for the performance are performed by various choirs and ensembles. The parish contributes to the production, while artisans, farmers, woodworkers and other craftspeople assist in building the scenery. A local restaurateur provides warm food and drinks for visitors.
This year brings an important new feature: for the first time, tickets can be purchased online, allowing visitors to select a specific performance and secure their entry.
