December activities in Croatia are mostly centered around Advent and Christmas, mixing the traditional with the modern. We take you on a stroll around Croatia.
If you're visiting Zagreb for a few days during Advent, set aside an afternoon to see the spectacular Salaj Light Magic, located 60 km from Zagreb near Čazma. On their private estate, the Salaj family has created a Christmas fairytale destination that, for 23 years, has been enchanting both young and old with hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights.
Do you enjoy ringing in the New Year outdoors while mingling with locals? Many cities around the country host organized celebrations, and some have prepared spectacular musical experiences to say goodbye to 2024 and hello to 2025. In Zagreb’s main square, you’ll welcome the New Year with an exciting lineup of young performers that include Miach, Grše, Hiljson Mandela, Eurovision 2024 favorite Baby Lasagna, and the timeless Croatian diva Josipa Lisac. Šibenik, known for attracting international stars in recent years, will feature Mario Biondi on this special night. Similarly, Dubrovnik invites you to end the year by singing with the iconic Zucchero on Stradun. Split has gone all out, hosting celebrations across six locations, with performances by local favorites Frajle, 4 Tenors, Klapa Cambi, Hari Rončević, Detour, Bore Balboa and Peki, Matija Cvek, and Bosnian heroes Dubioza Kolektiv.
The most famous traditional New Year's Eve celebration — now in its 24th year — takes place at noon in Fužine, a town in Gorski Kotar. On December 30, you can also participate in the traditional torchlit walk, adding a magical touch to the festivities.
A popular activity during Advent enjoyed by all ages is ice skating. Zagreb’s King Tomislav Square is home to **Ice Park Zagreb**, arguably the most popular ice rink in Croatia, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Other cities like Rijeka, Metković, Čakovec, Varaždin, Osijek, and Split will also host ice rinks as part of their Advent festivities.
If you enjoy more intimate local Christmas celebrations combined with an active lifestyle in nature, you'll find them in Gorski Kotar and on the Dalmatian islands. Gorski Kotar and Plitvice Lakes offer small ski slopes, sledding, and winter sports, while those seeking leisurely seaside strolls will be warmly welcomed by the scenic promenades of popular coastal and Dalmatian islands such as Rab, Lošinj, Brač and Hvar.
Čakovec, a city located in northern Croatia, has decided to take a different approach to Advent this year. Moving away from the predominantly commercialized events, the city is focusing more on tradition, spirituality, family, and similar values.
After all indulging and fun, The brave can kick off the first day of the New Year with a swim at the traditional New Year's Day swims organized in the following cities:
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