Christmas time in Croatian cities - Top destinations

You do not need a calendar in Croatia to know that Christmas is approaching. Luminous decorations on every corner, small houses full of souvenirs with holiday motifs and the alluring scents of mulled wine and local cakes are signs that Christmas has come. 

It is difficult to decide which places to visit in Croatia during Advent, because each of them has its own charm. Whichever location you choose or at least peek into the Advent atmosphere through our cameras, you will feel the real Advent atmosphere.

Zagreb – European Best Destination

Advent in Zagreb will begin with the lighting of the first Advent candle on on Manduševac on 29. November and after that the lights on Zrinjevac will be lit  and opening of the Ice Park with an ice rink on Tomislav Square. Advent Zagreb is once again on the list of the most beautiful Christmas fairs in Europe. The multi-award-winning program of Advent and New Year's events will last until January 7, 2025. 

Fooling Around on the Oleander Terrace of the Esplanade Hotel, Caffe de Matoš on Strossmayerova Promenade, Ice Park on King Tomislav Square, Fooling Around on Strossmayerova Square with the theme Nature and Society, Advent on Zrinjevac in Zagreb's most romantic park, Baš Naš Advent on the main city square, EU Advent on the European Square with a thousand lights, Jinglinz on Kvatrić. You will also be amazed by the top locations for the best photo shoots: White Zagreb on Ban Josip Jelačić Square, Layers of Christmas in Masarykova Street, First Snow in Oktogon Passage, The Nutcracker in front of the Croatian National Theatre, Big, Big Christmas on Svačić Square, Wonderful Christmas on Cvjetni Square, Geometry of Silence in the Lapidary of the Archaeological Museum, Bells Ring in the Grič Tunnel, Winter Nocturne in Grič Park, Moon Garden on Strossmayer Promenade in the Upper Town, two ZET Christmas trams, numerous concerts, themed evenings and a great atmosphere.

Advent in Karlovac

Advent in the city on four rivers will be held from 13. until 31.12.2024. The Advent race on December 14 with the start and finish on the promenade near the Music Pavilion will be held for the fifth time in a row. Advent in Karlovac has positioned itself as one of the most diverse programs in Croatia, and with its gastronomic offer it is undoubtedly the richest event in Karlovac County. Well-known and favorite locations are waiting for you - Promenade of Dr. Franje Tuđman, City ice rink near Sokolski dom, City theater Zorin dom, Old town Dubovac, Aquatika, Cinema Edison and other locations. Get ready for great concerts, movies, workshops, ice skating and more.

Advent in Varazdin

Advent in Varaždin is located in the very heart of the historic city center. It is a favorite winter event, which was declared "The most beautiful Advent in Croatia" in 2023. The ice magic  Ice Wonderlandat one of the largest open-air ice rinks in Croatia, on Kapucinski trg, is just one of Varaždin's attractions.

Over the next six weeks, more than 130 programs of all kinds, colors and shapes for all tastes and ages will be held at eight locations in the beautifully decorated historical center of Varaždin.

The Magical City of Santa Claus located in the courtyard of Sermage Palace this year brings a new, unique Advent attraction in Croatia called "Rudolf's Magic Flight". Santa Claus will "land" in the city every day on his sleigh, led by Rudolph and friends, and thanks to a specially created zip line, he will descend right next to the Old Town, which will shine in its most beautiful holiday version this year. Varaždin's main square, the popular Korzo, is the heart of the city, so it is also the heart of Advent beauties. At Miljenka Stančić Square, you can buy special gifts, Christmas decorations and souvenirs and experience an unforgettable gastronomic adventure. The Advent ferris wheel in Gajeva Street at a height of 23 m will allow visitors to enjoy the view of the festively decorated Varaždin from a bird's eye view.

 Rijeka - source of good feelings

Advent in Rijeka lasts from 29.11.2025. - 07.01.2026. This year, Rijeka is celebrating Advent through seven stories: Korzo susreta – the main center of socializing, concerts and the holiday atmosphere, a place where all the paths of Rijeka's residents and guests meet, Rezolucija babaje – a dynamic zone of music, performances and good energy, for all those who like to celebrate the holidays with rhythm and a smile, Export Ice Box – an ice skating rink, ice attraction and the center of winter joys, a combination of industrial heritage and modern winter spirit that will be set up as part of Exportdrvo this year, Riva dozvoljaja – a maritime atmosphere of Advent with special light installations and the scents of winter by the sea with a rich musical program, Gradina svjetla – the historic Trsat Castle in its most magical version, illuminated by thousands of lights and Christmas details, Art kvart čarolije – where art, creativity and the holiday spirit will come together, and Kvartovi svjetla – an Advent story that spreads throughout the city and its neighborhoods, bringing holiday warmth and light to every district of Rijeka.

The opening of Advent begins with the lighting of 12 kilometers of Christmas lights on Trsat Castle. A traditional Gastrofest, a Christmas market, is held on Korzo, and the children will be delighted by Santa's train. 

Advent in Pula - L'Avvento a Pola

Advent in Pula is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful in Croatia. This year's edition of the event "Advent in Pula - L'Avvento a Pola" in five locations lasts from 30.11. 2025. - 11.01.2026. Traditional locations with concerts on the Portarata, children's programs in the Graz City Park and cottages in the Giardini. One of the highlights of the experience, for the first time in Pula, is the Ferris wheel – Pula Eye in the Karolina parking lot. It is 28 meters high and consists of 21 gondolas. The enriched visual experience of the Arena with last year's ice rink located in the central part of the Arena, 8-meter-long arcades decorated with lights, light tunnels, 111 snowy pine trees, an illuminated Roman chariot with horses and the builder's villa will not leave anyone indifferent.

The Pula Arena is once again transformed into an ice rink, unique in the country, while Portarata, as always, brings an excellent musical program.

Advent in  Zadar - city promenade

Advent in Zadar starts every year on Zadar City Day - the feast of St. Krševan, the patron of the city. This is the first and earliest opening of this year's Advent events in Croatia.The central location of the event is Trg Petar Zoranić and Trg pet bunara, where wooden catering houses will be located and concerts by famous performers will be held.

You can experience a real Christmas fairy tale in the atrium of the Cedulin Palace, where a life-size nativity scene has traditionally been set up in an appropriately decorated and illuminated space. There is also the unavoidable and appropriate Zadar Christmas Run, which is traditionally run from Borik to Zadar.The traditional event "Winter Park" will once again take place in the Sports Center Višnjik.

Šibenik Adventure - the best Advent o the coast

The top ten is the name of this year's Adventure, which will once again turn Šibenik into a real Christmas magic on three floors of the garden, on Poljana and in the Arsen House of Art. And this Adventura is plastic free and zero waste, a sign of toasting from reusable cups.

The main setting is the beautiful Perivoj by Roberto Visiani, where Gibonni opens the magical Advent, while the neighboring Poljana is home to an ice rink.Right next to Perivoje is the Christmas ŠuŠur, an event that will bring delicious snacks and great music along the Sibenik waterfront.Exciting and fun Advent events will be the best introduction to the biggest festival of the year: the welcome in front of St. James's Cathedral.

Advent in Split

Advent in Split, this year under the motto "To you and your family". The central place of musical evenings and concerts will be Pjaca, while a varied and entertaining program awaits us at numerous other locations - from Zvončac and Mertojak to Riva and Prokurativ. The Advent atmosphere will be further enriched by the decorated Peristyle, Diocletian's Cellars and the illuminated Riva, while the New Year's Eve on the Riva will be marked by a concert by Dubioza Kolektiv, creating an unforgettable end to the year.

The Advent program also includes special events in Split and the surrounding areas. Traditionally, children will welcome St. Nicholas and Luka on Gaje Bulata Square, while on Christmas Eve portions of cod will be distributed, along with caroling and klapa performances in the kalas, piazzas and vaults. Citizens will be treated to a performance at the Croatian National Theater, and a New Year's ball will be held at the Croatian Home.

Dubrovnik Winter Festival

Back in 2014, Dubrovnik started the Winter Festival, an event that takes place from the end of November to the beginning of January. The 11th Dubrovnik Winter Festival begins on December 1st with the lighting of the first Advent candle on Stradun and the switching on of decorative holiday lighting, with a special emphasis on programs within the Children's Winter Festival. You can enjoy the ice rink in Lapad and Mokošicca, as well as Baš Baština in Lazareti, and special programs will be held from day to day in many attractive locations throughout the city. This year, the events will take place in several locations in the historic center, first of all on Stradun, where numerous concerts and a spectacular New Year's Eve  ith Zucchero and Cetinski. There are also North Pole Station in Lazareti. The celebratory atmosphere on the last day of 2024 begins already at noon, when Dubrovnik bartenders prepare New Year's cocktails in front of the City Cafe. Already traditionally, on January 1, a waltz will be danced on Stradun at noon, accompanied by the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra.

Crikvenica Riviera - Magic by the sea

Advent in Crikvenica is held in three locations - the center of events will be on Stjepan Radić Square, Preradovićeva Street also offers an interesting music and entertainment program, and the traditional Advent Park is also nearby. Houses with catering are located in Preradovićeva Street and Stjepan Radić Square.Ice skating rink Ledena morska bajka will attract visitors to Trg Stjepana Radić this year, and Santa's House will also find its place there. In addition to the ice rink, an ice slide, as long as 35 meters, has been prepared.Pancake Festival Pancake Day is December 14, where visitors will be able to enjoy their favorite delicacy.In the Advent park, socializing with St. Nicholas and a ride on the Christmas train are organized, as well as various shows and workshops.It will be interesting again this year at the end of December, when Crikvenica celebrates the New Year.

Advent in Samobor

Advent in Rovinj - L'avvento Rovigno

This year, the holiday spirit will come to life in Rovinj with a rich musical program as part of the Advent events that will last from December 6 to January 4, with more than 30 concerts on the city's main square.

Christmas from the sea – Natale sur mare. Rovinj batana, a symbol of Rovinj's maritime and fishing tradition, is the backbone of the new concept of Advent in Rovinj. Sail on the advent batana through Rovinj's history and heritage all the way to the modern part of Rovinj. Taste the autochthonous Istrian flavors through specially created Advent menus, with lots of good music, entertainment and festive festive moments for everyone. 

On Valdibora Square, which is the main Advent location, there are Advent houses that offer a variety of appropriate Advent and autochthonous dishes and drinks, as well as a rich program that will be accompanied by live concerts every day on a stage where the old town center will be the perfect backdrop.