This year’s Christmas and Advent in Zadar celebrations feature a popular ice skating rink, a bustling Christmas market, and lots of food!
You might think that Zadar, sitting pretty on the Dalmatian Coast, is only a summer destination. Wrong!
My hometown has loads to offer all year round; it’s just that you may never see that side on those ‘lists’ that do the rounds on social media. Zadar winters are mild and crowd-free.
Be sure to jump on a plane and enjoy Zadar outside of summer. There are way fewer people in your way, and there are fun things to do other than swim at the beach.
Winter in Croatia, and especially in Zadar, is quiet. There is no question about that, but that’s the charm if you ask me. During Advent, the city comes alive with lights, scents of delicious mulled wine and Croatian sweet treats in the air, music plays in the square, and you can don your ice skates.
There is an air of fun for everyone! After a two-year break, the Zadar Christmas Market is back for its sixth edition! This year’s holiday season will once again feature heartwarming music, delicious treats and holiday foods, and lots and lots of winter fun.
See below for an extensive overview of what to do during the Advent in Zadar period and why you should visit Zadar.
Zadar Advent Activities
This is a five-week-long program of events that will entice even the Grinch to come out and play. Lasting from November 24th to January 2nd, there is a fun-filled feel around the entire city.
This year (2024), the celebrations will start on November 24, which is also the City of Zadar Day, with the traditional lighting of the first Christmas candle at the Church of St. Simeon. The festivities will continue until January 2, 2024. Pass the mulled wine!
You can expect children’s workshops, sweet treats, local delicacies, music, concerts, dancing, and face painting, all served with a side of mulled wine and craft beers. Maybe you’ll find Santa handing out delicious candies and having his photo taken with eager children!
Most of the events take place in Petar Zoranic Square. However, you will find celebrations spreading out across the rest of the city, too, including the People’s Square and Five Wells Square.
The square lights up almost like a fairy tale, and it’s undoubtedly an Insta-worthy snap for your collection!
| Event | Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening of the Children’s Advent 2024 | November 24, 2024 | 10:00 – 11:30 | Narodni trg / People’s Square |
| Zadar Christmas Market 2024 | November 24, 2024 – January 2, 2025 | All day | Trg Petra Zoranića / Petar Zoranić Square |
| Zadar Christmas Market Opening | Mladen Grdović | November 24, 2024 | 20:00 – 22:30 | Trg Petra Zoranića / Petar Zoranić Square |
| Višnjik Winter Park 2024 | November 24, 2024 – January 12, 2025 | All day | ŠC Višnjik |
| Cambi | November 29, 2024 | 20:00 – 22:30 | Trg Petra Zoranića / Petar Zoranić Square |
| Opća Opasnost | December 6, 2024 | 20:00 – 22:30 | Trg Petra Zoranića / Petar Zoranić Square |
| Advent Play | December 3, 2024 | 17:00 – 18:00 | Narodni trg / People’s Square |
| Advent Play | December 10, 2024 | 17:00 – 18:00 | Narodni trg / People’s Square |
| Advent Play | December 17, 2024 | 17:00 – 18:00 | Narodni trg / People’s Square |
| Advent Play | December 24, 2024 | 17:00 – 18:00 | Narodni trg / People’s Square |
| Advent Play | December 31, 2024 | 17:00 – 18:00 | Narodni trg / People’s Square |
| Advent Workshop | November 30, 2024 | 10:00 – 12:00 | Narodni trg / People’s Square |
| Advent Workshop | December 1, 2024 | 10:00 – 12:00 | Narodni trg / People’s Square |
| Advent Workshop | December 7, 2024 | 10:00 – 12:00 | Narodni trg / People’s Square |
| Advent Workshop | December 8, 2024 | 10:00 – 12:00 | Narodni trg / People’s Square |
| Advent Workshop | December 14, 2024 | 10:00 – 12:00 | Narodni trg / People’s Square |
| Advent Workshop | December 15, 2024 | 10:00 – 12:00 | Narodni trg / People’s Square |
| Advent Workshop | December 21, 2024 | 10:00 – 12:00 | Narodni trg / People’s Square |
| Advent Workshop | December 22, 2024 | 10:00 – 12:00 | Narodni trg / People’s Square |
| Advent Workshop | December 28, 2024 | 10:00 – 12:00 | Narodni trg / People’s Square |
| Advent Workshop | December 29, 2024 | 10:00 – 12:00 | Narodni trg / People’s Square |
| Jole | December 14, 2024 | 20:00 – 22:30 | Trg Petra Zoranića / Petar Zoranić Square |
| Zadar Christmas Run 2024 | December 21, 2024 | All day | Zadar |
| Tomislav Bralić & Klapa Intrade | December 15, 2024 | 20:00 – 22:30 | Trg Petra Zoranića / Petar Zoranić Square |
| Advent Workshop – Merry Elves | December 21, 2024 | 11:00 – 13:00 | Narodni trg / People’s Square |
| Maja Šuput | December 21, 2024 | 21:00 – 23:30 | Trg Petra Zoranića / Petar Zoranić Square |
| Advent Workshop | December 22, 2024 | 11:00 – 13:00 | Narodni trg / People’s Square |
| Zadar City Music | December 22, 2024 | 19:00 – 20:00 | Narodni trg / People’s Square |
| Vista Band | December 22, 2024 | 19:30 – 21:00 | Trg Petra Zoranića / Petar Zoranić Square |
| Zoran Jelenković | December 23, 2024 | 19:30 – 21:00 | Trg Petra Zoranića / Petar Zoranić Square |
| The Arrival of Santa Claus | December 24, 2024 | 10:30 – 12:30 | Promenada Trg pet bunara – Forum |
| Vjeko Ključarić, Eni Jurišić, Daniel Jurišević & Sabrina Hebiri | December 24, 2024 | 11:00 – 13:00 | Trg Petra Zoranića / Petar Zoranić Square |
| Forum Band & Ivana Kindl | December 25, 2024 | 20:00 – 22:30 | Trg Petra Zoranića / Petar Zoranić Square |
| Vocal Group Feral | December 26, 2024 | 19:00 – 20:00 | Narodni trg / People’s Square |
| Zorica Kondža | December 26, 2024 | 20:30 – 23:00 | Trg Petra Zoranića / Petar Zoranić Square |
| Stage Control by B. Group Petrinja | December 27, 2024 | 19:00 – 20:30 | Trg Petra Zoranića / Petar Zoranić Square |
| HPGD Zoranić | December 27, 2024 | 19:00 – 20:00 | Narodni trg / People’s Square |
| Cubismo | December 27, 2024 | 21:00 – 23:00 | Trg Petra Zoranića / Petar Zoranić Square |
| Matija Cvek & The Funkensteins | December 28, 2024 | 21:00 – 23:30 | Trg Petra Zoranića / Petar Zoranić Square |
| Sexymotherf***ers | December 29, 2024 | 20:00 – 22:00 | Trg Petra Zoranića / Petar Zoranić Square |
| Black Coffee | December 30, 2024 | 11:00 – 12:30 | Trg Petra Zoranića / Petar Zoranić Square |
| Superstar Show Tribute to Jackson One | December 30, 2024 | 20:00 – 22:00 | Trg Petra Zoranića / Petar Zoranić Square |
| Dino Dvornik Tribute Band | December 31, 2024 | 11:30 – 13:30 | Trg Petra Zoranića / Petar Zoranić Square |
| Children’s New Year’s Eve | December 31, 2024 | 12:00 – 13:00 | Narodni trg / People’s Square |
| Rockatansky Band | December 31, 2024 | 21:00 – 22:00 | Trg Petra Zoranića / Petar Zoranić Square |
| Superstar Show Tribute | December 31, 2024 – January 1, 2025 | 22:00 – 02:00 | Narodni trg / People’s Square |
| Dražen Zečić & Banana Band | December 31, 2024 – January 1, 2025 | 23:00 – 02:00 | Trg Petra Zoranića / Petar Zoranić Square |
| Kanella Band | January 1, 2025 | 20:00 – 22:30 | Trg Petra Zoranića / Petar Zoranić Square |
Zadar Christmas Market At Petar Zoranic Square
Alright, mark your calendars, folks! From November 24th, 2024, to January 2nd, 2025, Petar Zoranić Square is the place to be in town. This year’s event lineup is packing some serious heat with a mix of musical genres, choirs, theater acts and activities.
The market will kick off with a grand opening performance by Mladen Grdović at 8:30pm on November 24th, with other artists such as Cambi, Neno Belan, Opća Opasnost, Grše, Jole, the Husar sisters, and more, performing later in the season. They’ll be dishing out everything from rock to pop to traditional melodies, ensuring there’s something for everyone’s musical taste.
But it’s not just about the beats – you can also join in on some workshops to flex your creative muscles. And here’s the kicker: Santa Claus himself is making a grand entrance as part of the festive cheer (see below for Children’s Advent).
So, where’s all this happening? Right at the heart of the action, Petar Zoranić Square is your go-to spot for these holiday shenanigans.Clear your schedule, gather your friends and family, and get ready for a month-long celebration that’ll make your winter unforgettable!
- Zadar Christmas Market runs from November 24th, 2024, to January 2nd, 2025
- Located in Petar Zoranić Square, Zadar
- Features 25 charming wooden stalls adorned with lights
- Offers holiday treats like gingerbread cookies, mulled wine, fritule, and kroštule plus traditional delicacies
- Creates a magical winter wonderland atmosphere
Arguably, the main event and location during Advent in Zadar in 2024 is the Christmas Market at Petar Zoranic Square. Decorated with countless atmospheric Christmas lights, this square in the Old Town really is the place to be in Zadar at the end of the year.
There’s also an extensive musical program at the Zadar Christmas market, which will satisfy all tastes. There’s no lack of musical choices, from traditional Croatian bands to DJs, pop singers, and soul musicians.
Children’s Advent At The People’s Square & Five Wells Square
Head to the People’s Square (Narodni trg) for the opening of Children’s Advent on November 24th at 11am. Programs and workshops geared towards children will continue here throughout the holiday season.
Expect mascots, entertainers, face painting, disco dance parties, music and theatrical performances that will delight children of all ages and bring magic to the streets.
And don’t miss the arrival of Santa Claus!
On December 24th, a parade featuring Santa will run from 10:30am – 12:30pm, along the following route:
Five Wells Square – Narodni trg Square – Kalelarga – Roman Forum, returning along the waterfront to the Five Wells Square. During the parade, Santa will hand out candy and treats to children.
On New Year’s Eve, the People’s Square will also host a Children’s New Year’s Eve party, suitable for even the youngest of guests.
Ice Skating At Višnjik
No need to be a pro skater to enjoy this. Ice skating and Christmas go hand in hand in Europe, so don your skates and attempt to glide around this huge open-air rink of 800 square meters at the Višnjik Sports Centre.
The rink at the Winter Park in Zadar is open for adults and children alike and is particularly magical during the evening. You can rent everything you need – including ice pushchairs for the littlest of guests.
The plan is to open the Winter Park on November 24th and for the event to last until January, 12th.
In addition to the ice skating rink, the Winter Park at Višnjik Sports Centre will also feature:
- Covered ski slope and sled slope intended for the youngest, covering an area of 500 square meters
- Colorful and joyful amusement park
- Several food kiosks
- Concerts by local musicians
- Various children’s theatre performances
Indulge In Amazing Food At Christmas In Croatia
The Christmas market in Zadar’s Petar Zoranic Square is so amazing because of its typical Christmas atmosphere. It features cozy lights, a welcoming vibe, and lots of sensational food. Pass the fritule.
There, you’ll find dozens of booths where you can buy various gastronomic delights, from warm smoothies and mulled wine to ćevapi, smoked bacon sandwiches, homemade appetizers, and lots of different sausages (this is Croatia, after all!).
You better start getting hungry already! Some of the food options that we recommend at the Zadar Christmas market are game sausages, ćevapi, breaded codfish balls, sarma, and stani-pani crêpes, just to name a few.
We suggest simply strolling around this incredibly atmospheric market to check out all the options.
Grab Your Walking Shoes And “Stroll Around The City”
Put on your best travel shoes, as the Advent period is when Zadar’s businesses all join forces and offer the “Stroll Around The City” initiative.
This traditional program aims to get visitors and locals mingling, enjoying everything the city offers, doing some shopping, and checking out the local sights you might otherwise miss.
Coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, and museums all offer something fun-filled every single day, with music, lights, and general merriment.
Foodies, especially, will enjoy this initiative since various Zadar restaurants will participate once again this year. They’ll offer affordable holiday menus, along with special discounts and offers.
In addition to many restaurants in Zadar, the city’s museums also have various fun, informative, and entertaining programs going on during Advent in Zadar.
Most of them involve discounted prices for souvenirs and tickets.You can see whether or not a business or institution is participating in these events by their Stroll Around The City labels and signs.
Run-Off Excess Christmas Calories At The Zadar Christmas Run
Also, the Zadar Christmas Run is part of the Advent in Zadar festivities. The first edition of this festive sporting event was hugely successful, attracting 600 runners.
The race route spans from Puntamika to Advent, and as a fun piece of memorabilia, red Christmas caps are prepared for all competitors, as well as commemorative red T-shirts.
This year, the Zadar Christmas Run takes place in December 21st. So strap on your running shoes and red Christmas hat and run, Forrest, RUN!
The Zadar Christmas Market and Advent in Zadar are back in 2024! So grab your Santa hat and look forward to tons of joy and merriment at Advent in Zadar 2024!
Do you think they will have these in 2022 also?
Ohhh yes!!! Without question they will.
nice work
Finally, something useful to get started. Thanks for such a valuable piece.
Hello!!
Nice post . Thank you for sharing with us.
Thanks for the info. Can you clarify, will the markets be open on Nov 24 and 25? It says the candle lighting is Nov 24 but then says the markets will take place Nov 26? I can only come Nov 24 and 25. Thanks
Thanks for your comment, this post is from 2022. I am updating the information as it gets confirmed. As of yet they have not yet announces the opening days for the markets. Stay tuned.
Great article, we are looking forward to coming.