Top 8 things to do For Christmas 2024 in Croatia

Croatia is a beautiful jewel of the Adriatic, a Southeast European country, but it is really stunning when it comes to the festive season. A traditional and long history of centuries, dazzling lights, delicious food, and lively markets mark Christmas in Croatia. Want to spend Christmas somewhere magical? Walking through the historic cities or relishing local delicacies, the joy of spending Christmas in this part is special in its own way. 

Croatia offers a unique Christmas experience that combines its picturesque landscapes, history, and Christmas tradition. The hustle and bustle of the markets, idyllic islands, beautiful villages, and so much more here are sure to make your vacation memorable.

Check out this list of the top 8 things you can do in Croatia for Christmas –

1. Explore the Advent Festival in Zagreb 

As the capital, Zagreb gets into the winter-wonderland spirit during the Advent Festival with ice rinks, glowing lanterns, and festive stalls selling handcrafted gifts and tasty local treats, including fritule (mini doughnuts). This festival also gives a chance to enjoy live music and cultural shows that take place throughout the city during this festive season.

2. Visit Dubrovnik’s Old Town Christmas Fair

Dubrovnik is a popular tourist destination that boasts medieval charisma and is pretty attractive during the holiday season. Twinkling lights and Christmas decorations are hung on the main street, the Stradun. 

The Christmas Fair offers the chance to savor traditional sweets, enjoy mulled wine, and purchase interesting souvenirs, all while appreciating the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site. 

3. Celebrate Christmas Eve in Split 

The carnival atmosphere of Split will get you. The waterfront promenade in the city, Riva, is, however, well lit, and events such as concerts and food stalls go on. People meet and attend the Midnight Mass at the Cathedral of St. Domnius on Christmas Eve; it is a solemn yet joyful event with locals.  

4. Take a Festive Stroll in Rovinj

The picturesque landscapes of Rovinj, including cobblestones and colored houses, turn into a fantasy during the Christmas season. The town square is a hub of activity, from markets selling artisanal products to live music. Its romantic atmosphere creates a very intimate and cozy impression and can be regarded as a paradise getaway.  

5. Enjoy Ice Skating in Rijeka

Rijeka’s outdoor ice skating rink also provides a sporty addition during the festive season that is popular with families and young explorers. And then there are perennial stalls of hot chocolate, roasted chestnuts, and old-fashioned pastries. 

6. Savor Croatian Christmas Treats

Croatian Christmas is incomplete without having Christmas food. Have sarma (cabbage rolls with minced meat and rice), pa sticada (a slow-cooked beef dish), and other holiday cookies. Your meal can be accompanied by a glass of rakija, a local brandy that can warm you up. 

7. Attend a Nativity Scene in Trogir 

Trogir is a treasure of a city that serves as a special treat to celebrate Christmas with real birth scenes presented live. These reenactments are based on the biblical story in the beautiful squares of this town that are surrounded by traditional songs and stories. 

8. Experience a Winter wonderland at Plitvice Lakes 

The coast of Croatia is luminous in lights, whereas the inland turns into a snowy paradise. Plitvice Lakes National Park is dazzling during winter, with the waterfalls in winter being frozen and the landscapes covered in snow, giving a surrealistic feeling. It is an ideal place to visit for nature lovers and photographers.