Best Christmas markets in Croatia 2025
Christmas Magic on the Adriatic and Continent: A Detailed Guide to the Best Advent Markets in Croatia (2025/2026)
The Christmas season is fast approaching, and Croatia is transforming into a winter wonderland. Forget summer; Croatia has cemented itself as a leading European Christmas tourism destination, with its Advent markets consistently winning prestigious awards both domestically and internationally. Whether you are seeking the metropolitan charm of the capital, the fairytale ambiance of continental winners, or wish to glide on an ice rink right by the sea, Croatian Advent has something for everyone.
We bring you a detailed overview and calendar of the best
Advent destinations for the 2025/2026 season:
Izvor: Turistička zajednica grada Varaždina
The Continental Kings: Award Winners
1. Zagreb – The European Phenomenon
Zagreb is synonymous with the European Christmas destination.
As a three-time winner of the Best Christmas Market in Europe title (2016,
2017, 2018), it offers a metropolitan experience that merges tradition with
modern entertainment.
Attractions: Advent in Zagreb spans more than 25
locations. The huge, beautifully illuminated ice rink in King Tomislav Square
is the heart of winter fun. The program is rich with classical music concerts,
theatrical performances, museum exhibitions, and traditional carriage rides.
Dates: November 29 – January 07
More info: adventzagreb.hr
Izvor: Turistička zajednica grada Varaždina
2. Varaždin – Croatia's Most Beautiful Advent
Varaždin is known as the city
that brings visitors a true winter fairytale. Thanks to its unique
attractions and magical atmosphere, this Advent has twice won the title of the "Most
Beautiful Advent in Croatia" in a public vote (large city category).
Dates: November 28 – January 06
Key Attractions:
Čarobni grad Djeda Mraza
(Magical City of Santa Claus): The heart of
the entire Advent. This is a special area where fantasy and reality merge. It
houses Santa Claus’s home, who is known for his humorous and kind nature.
Unique Experiences: The program includes Rudolfov čarobni let i
čarobni lift (Rudolph's Magical Flight and Magical Lift), which transport
children directly into a fairytale.
Ledena Čarolija (Ice Magic): A large, beautifully decorated ice rink that has
become a symbol of Varaždin.
Panoramic View: The popular Panoramski kotač (Ferris Wheel)
and carousel are unmissable, offering wonderful views of the illuminated
historic center.
Romance: For a more intimate atmosphere, visit Advent na
Stančiću (Stančić Square), described as the most romantic market.
Gastro and Tradition: On the main square, Korzo, you will find a
rich gastronomic offer, traditional fritule, and souvenirs.
More info: adventuvarazdinu.com
Izvor: Turistička zajednica grada Varaždina
Adriatic Holiday Charm: Advent by the Sea
Advent markets by the Adriatic Sea offer a unique charm—strolls along beautifully decorated promenades in a mild climate, and skating with a view of the Adriatic.
Izvor: Turistička zajednica grada Opatija
3. Opatija – Romance on the Kvarner Riviera and Most Beautiful Advent by the Sea
Opatija is synonymous with elegance and Christmas romance.
Thanks to its luxurious decorations, historic architecture, and mild winter,
Opatija regularly earns the title of the "Most Beautiful Advent by the
Sea."
Dates: November 28 – January 06
Key Attractions and Locations:
Ledena čarolija na Ljetnoj pozornici (Ice Magic at the
Summer Stage): The ice rink is right by the sea! It is the biggest
attraction, offering skating just steps from the Adriatic Sea with a unique
view.
Advent u Parku Angiolina and Šporer Pavilion: These
historic venues are the center of events. Angiolina Park is magically
illuminated, while the Šporer Pavilion features a rich gastronomic offer and
live music.
Xmas Street Lungomare Advent: The famous coastal
promenade is fully lit and lined with stalls, ideal for romantic walks.
Božićna bajka u Parku prirode Učka (Christmas Fairytale
in Učka Nature Park): Santa Claus has his residence on the nearby slopes of
Mount Učka, which is a great outing for families.
Local Experiences: Programs are also held at the city
market (Advent na Mrkate). The brave can also participate in the
traditional Zimsko kupanje na Slatini (Winter Swimming at Slatina).
More info: visitopatija.com/advent-u-opatiji
Izvor: Turistička zajednica grada Opatija
Izvor: Turistička zajednica grada Opatija
4. Split – Advent on the Diocletian's Riva
In Split, the Christmas atmosphere merges with
millennium-old history on the iconic Riva promenade and numerous other newly
enriched locations throughout the city. Advent in Split stands out for its
authentic warmth and exceptionally rich programme on its main squares.
Dates: November 27, 2025 – January 07, 2026
Attractions:
Prokurative – The Singing Square: This location is
the hub of the largest Advent celebration, featuring a central ice rink and
a rich gastronomic offer.
Musical Highlights at Prokurative: Performances like
Dalmatino (Dec 3) and Luka Nižetić (Dec 23).
PJACA – The Festive Square: The main city square,
retaining a traditional Advent charm. Pjaca serves as the central location for
the Christmas celebration.
Concerts at Pjaca: The programme includes
performances by prominent artists such as Danijela Martinović (Dec 24) and
Miroslav Škoro (Dec 26).
ZVONČAC – Advent in Colour: The old dance garden,
which transforms into an open-air concert stage on weekends.
Concerts at Zvončac: Nina Badrić (Dec 19) and Ivan Zak
(Dec 20).
Other Programmes: A colourful Children’s Advent with
performances and the traditional New Year's Eve celebration.
More info: advent.split.hr
5. Zadar – Dalmatia’s Longest-Running Advent
Zadar, known as the city where the sun kisses the sea, hosts
its Advent markets in the main squares of the old town, preserving an authentic
Mediterranean charm.
Attractions: Music, local food specialties, and
Christmas markets in the historic centre.
Dates: November 24 – January 01
More info: after5.hr/zivot-iza-5/advent-zadar-2025/
Izvor: Archiva JU Pula film festival
6. Pula – Christmas Spectacle at the Roman Amphitheatre
Pula offers one of the most spectacular festive settings in
Croatia, featuring a unique blend of ancient history and a modern Advent
programme. The event is situated adjacent to and within the magnificent Roman
Amphitheatre (Arena).
Dates: November 30, 2025 – January 11, 2026
Attractions:
Ice Rink in the Arena: The main winter attraction,
located within the Arena premises, provides visitors with a truly unparalleled
backdrop for skating. Grand Opening: Scheduled for December 5, 2025,
at 5:00 PM.
Panoramic Wheel: Set up as a new attraction, it
offers a unique, spectacular view of the illuminated city, the Arena, and Pula
Harbour.
Amusement Park: A rich offer of entertainment (Luna
Park) is ensured, guaranteeing fun for families and all age groups.
Programmes: A diverse Music Programme is announced
for evening hours, along with a comprehensive Children's Programme during the
day (including themed workshops such as "Santa Claus’s Factory" and
"Winter Treasure Trove of Games").
More info: adventupuli.hr
Izvor: Archiva JU Pula film festival
7. Rijeka – Advent in the Port City
Rijeka combines a modern Christmas program with urban
energy. Its Advent is known for a rich schedule of concerts and diverse
gastronomic offerings.
Attractions: The main activity takes place on the
Korzo (promenade) with popular Christmas markets.
Dates: November 29 – January 11
More info: visitrijeka.hr/rijeka-advent/
The Middle Gem: Category Winner
8. Virovitica
Virovitica proves that smaller towns can create a
spectacular Advent. It won the Most Beautiful Advent 2024/2025 title in the
medium-sized city category.
Dates: November 29 – January 11
More info: Facebook Advent u Virovitici
Croatian Advents: Why You Don't Have to Choose Just One?
Having thoroughly explored many key Advent destinations—from continental gems like Zagreb and award-winning Varaždin, to Adriatic stars Opatija, Pula, and Split—the choice has become tougher than we anticipated.
Each city offers a unique enchantment: Opatija its romantic seaside idyll, Pula its ancient spectacle with an ice rink in the Arena, and Split its lavish energetic feast. Given that every Advent in Croatia is a story worth remembering, how does one decide?
Perhaps the only true solution is not to choose just one location, but to visit several and experience both the continental and the Mediterranean Christmas spirit.
Izvor: Turistička zajednica grada Opatija
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