Most Wonderful Time of the Year: Festivities and Celebrations in December in Zadar and Zadar County

We have reached the final stretch of 2025 and its very last month, December. Across cities and small towns, rich Advent programs and Christmas market festivities have already been announced, and people are eagerly looking forward to the most wonderful time of the year: Christmas.

If you find yourself in Zadar, we reveal the must-see locations where you can experience the warmest festive spirit, the most enchanting Advent in Zadar atmosphere, and the true charm of the Christmas markets in this Dalmatian city and its surrounding coastal destinations.

Christmas Market in Zadar

The Zadar Christmas Market officially opened on November 24, on the Feast of St. Chrysogonus, and will continue all the way into early January, bringing weeks of festive joy to the old town. Visitors can look forward to a warm and welcoming atmosphere, along with excellent gastronomic specialties prepared by Zadar’s renowned caterers.

This year, Advent in Zadar expands to some new locations. In addition to the traditional festive hubs at Petar Zoranić Square and Five Wells Square, the Christmas market now spreads for the first time into Zlatarska Street and the plateau behind Cedulin Palace, creating an even larger and more magical Christmas experience by the sea.

During the Zadar Advent and Christmas Market, guests can indulge in the aromas and flavors of traditional Dalmatian holiday treats, enjoy live music and family-friendly entertainment, and soak in the enchanting spirit of one of the most beautiful seasons of the year. The 2025 edition features a richer and more diverse program than ever before, with daily concerts, workshops, themed evenings, and cultural performances.

To explore the full calendar of Christmas events in Zadar and plan your visit, check the official website of the Zadar Tourist Board, and make sure you don’t miss your favorite festive moments: Upcoming Christmas Events in Zadar (Source: Zadar Tourist Board, 30.11.2025).

Another favourite gathering place for children and families is Winter Park Višnjik. During the Advent season, the Višnjik area transforms into a central hub of joy and entertainment.

Between November 24 and January 10, visitors can explore a wide selection of activities:

• Spacious covered ice rink
• Festive Advent stalls with seasonal specialties
• Luna Park Madi amusement rides
• Moon Fun children’s trampoline zone

The ice rink is the heart of Winter Park, a place where first skating steps are made, laughter echoes, and memories are created that last long beyond the holiday season. Thanks to its covered design, the rink welcomes skaters in any weather and is open throughout the week, including weekends. The programme features themed days, prize competitions, children’s entertainment, and evening live music with a relaxed social atmosphere. (Source: Sports Center Višnjik, 30.11.2025).

Christmas Market on the Island of Vir

Vir is one of the region’s favourite festive destinations, attracting locals and visitors from Zadar and beyond to enjoy its wide variety of events and the magical holiday atmosphere the island creates every December. Thanks to the bridge connecting it to the mainland, this beautiful island is easily accessible by car, with no special travel planning required. The island has long been recognized for excellence — nine years ago, Vir received the prestigious tourism award Simply the Best for the best-organized Advent in rural Adriatic areas. The award honors creativity, quality, and innovation in tourism, presented by UHPA and Way to Croatia magazine (Source: Facebook: Virski List, 30.11.2025).

A Grand Opening and Musical December Nights

This year’s festive program opens on Saturday, 29 November, when Jure Brkljača will officially start the celebration with an open-air concert. The evening programme will also feature performances by the Vir Majorettes and the vocal group Klapa Puntadura, followed by the symbolic lighting of the first Advent candle, a treasured tradition marking the beginning of the holiday spirit.

And this is only the beginning. Throughout December, the main square, Trg svetoga Jure (St. George’s Square), becomes the beating heart of winter life on Vir. With its illuminated stalls, live music, and the sound of laughter, it feels like stepping into a warm seaside Christmas postcard.

Flavors of Dalmatia: Fritulijada, Lignjijada & Local Delicacies

One of the most beloved parts of Advent in Vir is its celebration of traditional island food.

Lignjijada — 6 December
Squid-fishing competition followed by fresh squid dishes, live music by Vista Band & lighting of the second Advent candle.

Fritulijada — 13 December
The sweetest day of the season — fritule freshly prepared on the square with music by Prvi Plan Band.

For the Youngest: Christmas Village & Festive Guests

Children are at the heart of Christmas on Vir. Throughout the Advent season, a charming Christmas Village near Muja becomes a place of wonder with workshops, decorations, treats, and special holiday visitors.

• St. Nicholas arrives on 6 December
• St. Lucia visits on 13 December
• Santa Claus arrives on 18 December

Their festive arrivals — complete with songs, gifts, and cheerful crowds — are magical moments for families and a cherished tradition that keeps the spirit of Christmas alive for all ages.

Christmas & New Year’s Eve on Vir 2025

On 25 December, the island celebrates Christmas on Vir with a gentle and soulful evening: the release of glowing lanterns into the night sky and a emotional concert by beloved Bibinje singer Ivica Sikirić – Ićo.

The very next day, 26 December, tradition takes the lead again with the 40th Annual Cycling Tour from Zadar to Vir, ending with a festive celebration and live music by the Zaratino Band.

But the peak of the celebration is, without question, New Year’s Eve.
On 31 December, St. George’s Square transforms into a massive open-air stage where the crowd gathers under winter stars to welcome the arrival of 2026.

• 023 Band will warm up the audience
• The main star of the night — music icon Nina Badrić
• Spectacular fireworks and special effects at midnight. (Source: Facebook: Virski List, 30.11.2025).

Advent in Pag 2025 – Winter Magic at Pijaca

From 28 November to 31 December 2025, Pag will come alive with festive spirit during Advent in Pag – Winter Magic at Pijaca. Created by the City of Pag and the Tourist Board of Pag, the celebration offers concerts, performances, workshops, and family-friendly activities, creating a magical holiday atmosphere in the heart of the town.

The central hub is Pijaca, featuring beautifully decorated spaces and live music, while additional events take place in the Cultural Center and the Duke’s Palace. Children will enjoy the ice rink at II Magazin, creative workshops, visits from Santa Claus and St. Lucia, and a children’s New Year’s Eve celebration with Mario Petreković.

Highlights of the program include:

• 28 Nov – Official opening and concert by Dalmatino
• 29 Nov – 20 Dec – Lighting of the four Advent candles, performances by local schools, concerts by Trio Sol, Duo Kumpanji, 023, and Klapa Galijota, creative workshops, and sports tournaments
• 24 Dec – Christmas Eve celebrations with live music by Mate Grgat and Duo Eleganca
• 25–28 Dec – Holiday concerts, DJ sets, and community events
• 31 Dec – New Year’s Eve celebration with Lidija Bačić and Notturno, plus a humanitarian lantern-lighting initiative

Advent in Pag 2025 brings together music, tradition, and family fun, offering locals and visitors a joyful festive experience filled with lights, performances, and holiday spirit. (Source: Pag Tourist Board, 30.11.2025).

Advent at Maškovića Han

This winter, the historic Maškovića Han in Vrana transforms into a vibrant holiday village as it hosts its first-ever Advent celebration, from 28 November to 21 December 2025. Known as the most prominent Ottoman-era summer residence in the Ravni Kotari region, the Han opens its gates free of charge to all visitors eager to experience a blend of heritage, gastronomy, tradition, and festive joy.

With its rich blend of gastronomy, music, children’s entertainment, and traditional crafts, Advent at Maškovića Han promises to become a cherished annual event. Wrapped in history and illuminated by holiday lights, the Han offers a magical setting to experience the best of winter in Ravni Kotari.

Festival highlights include:

• Gourmet evenings & themed dinners
• Creative workshops for children and adults
• Oriental brunches and open-air BBQ
• Live performances and family programmes
• Arrival of St. Nicholas and Santa Claus
• Knight’s dinner by Chef Melkior Bašić with guest appearance by the Knights of Vrana and the presentation of the new gin Templar’s Ghost

Below you can also find the complete programme overview, so you don’t miss any of the great festive events planned at Maškovića Han.

Friday, 28 Nov

• 16:00–21:00 Opening: Han Winter Welcome (mulled wine, warm gin, cocktails, BBQ)
• 20:00 Secret Dinner (4-course surprise menu)

Saturday, 29 Nov

• 11:00–14:00 Family Time + teddy bear mascot (Medo ljubavi)
• Children’s workshop by Igran.se: mini wreaths (FREE)
• Han Winter Welcome
• 15:00–17:00 Wreath workshop for adults (Chloris by Helena)
• 19:00 Night of Forgotten Dishes: Four-courses dinner with Karaba wines

Sunday, 30 Nov

• 10:00–13:00 Advent brunch
• 13:00-16:00 Oriental snack afternoon
• 16:00-18:00 Kids’ workshop: “My mum and I” by Igran.se
• 16:30 Lighting of the first Advent candle

Fri, 5 Dec

• 16:00–21:00 Christmas market
• 16:00–18:00 Workshop for adults by Igran.se: macramé and mulled wine
• 20:00 Honey & cheese night (Nana Kaas + OPG Malčić) + live music by Jure Brkljača

Saturday, 6 Dec

• 11:00 Family Time + children’s show by Preschool Gardelin
• 12:00 Arrival of St. Nicholas (gifts)
• 11:00–21:00 Christmas market
• 15:00–17:00 Workshop “Sip & Paint: Winter Edition” by Association Rekreativci
• 19:00 Night of Local Brandies with Nana Kaas goat cheeses

Sunday, 7 Dec

• 10:00–13:30 Advent brunch
• 14:00-17:00 Oriental snacks afternoon
• 14:00-16:00 Art workshop for adults and children 7+ by Nastako: Line Art & mixed media
• 17:00 lighting of the second Advent candle

Friday, 12 Dec

• 16:00–21:00 Christmas market
• 16:00–18:00 Wreaths workshop for adults (Chloris by Helena)
• 20:00 Turkish cuisine night + Duo Fenix live music

Saturday, 13 Dec (St. Lucia's Day)

• 11:00–13:00 Family Time (free Christmas workshops for children by Igran.se)
• Arrival of St. Lucia + sweet gifts
• 14:00-16:00 Natural cosmetics workshop by Rivor: DIY body butter with orange notes
• 19:00 Candles & Cocktails in Timar bar

Sunday, 14 Dec

• 11:30–13:30 Advent brunch
• 14:00-17:30 Oriental snacks
• 14:00-16:00 Art workshop for adults and children 7+ by Nastako: Christmas cards
• 16:45 Lighting of the third Advent candle

Friday, 19 Dec

• 16:00–18:00 Mini Christmas trees workshop for adults (Chloris by Helena)
• 17:00-19:00 Concert by Klapa Condura from Nin
• 20:00 Sax & dine: special dinner with live music by Tony Bullet & Dražen

Saturday, 20 Dec

• 11:00–12:30 Family time: Workshop for children by Igran.se: Letters to Santa (FREE)
• Arrival of Santa Claus + gifts
• 11:00-21:00 Christmas market
• 19:00 Knight’s dinner by Chef Melkior Bašić with a guest appearance by the Knights of Vrana and the presentation of the new gin Templar’s Ghost

Sunday, 21 Dec - Closing Day

• 11:30–13:00 Advent brunch
• 14:00-17:00 Oriental snacks afternoon
• 14:00-16:00 DIY workshop by Nastako: Christmas tree decorations
• 17:00 Lighting of 4th Advent candle

Discover the Magic of Advent Across Zadar County

Advent in Zadar and Zadar County shines as one of the most magical festive seasons in Croatia, offering an unforgettable blend of tradition, culture, coastal charm, and holiday joy. From vibrant Christmas markets and family-friendly activities to live concerts, gourmet events, and spectacular New Year’s Eve celebrations, every destination, from Zadar to Vir, Pag to Vrana, brings its own unique sparkle. Whether you’re planning a winter gateway or discovering the region as a local, December invites you to experience warmth, wonder, and celebrations that create memories to last a lifetime.