Dubrovnik Winter Festival 2025 – Your Updated Guide to Christmas Events
It’s official — the Old Town, one of the world’s most beautiful open-air stages, will glow beneath Christmas lights for the 12th time this year. The Dubrovnik Winter Festival will take place from November 29, 2025, to January 3, 2026, inviting visitors to experience the sights, sounds, and flavours of Advent in Dubrovnik.
This year’s festival brings together beloved traditions and exciting new features. Visitors can explore charming Christmas booths filled with handmade crafts, ornaments, and local delicacies, enjoy live concerts across the city, and discover a festive atmosphere perfect for families and travellers alike.
The Advent Wreath
Each week before Christmas, the lighting of the Advent wreath marks a special moment in front of the Dubrovnik Cathedral and Rector’s Palace, beginning with the first ceremony on November 29. Adding to the festive charm is the traditional Dubrovnik carolling — kolenda — a cherished part of Croatian Christmas heritage dating back to the 13th century. Accompanied by the sounds of guitars, harmonicas, and mandolins, these carols fill the Old Town with a true Christmas in Dubrovnik atmosphere.
Concert Line-Up on Stradun
The main stage on Stradun will once again host an impressive line-up of performances:
- Nov 29: Doris Dragović
- Dec 6: Đani Stipaničev, Klapa Ragusavecchia & Klapa More
- Dec 20: Vanna
- Dec 27: Parni Valjak
- Dec 28: Dražen Zečić
- Dec 30: Željko Bebek
- Dec 31: Main New Year Celebration with Dino Merlin & Hiljson Mandela
- Jan 1: Petar Grašo
- Jan 2: Tomislav Bralić & Klapa Intrade
Advent on Vojnović in Lapad will also feature a lively programme — details coming soon.
New Year’s Eve Celebration in Dubrovnik
The New Year’s Eve celebration will be the grand finale of the Dubrovnik Winter Festival 2025. The Children’s New Year Party will begin at 11:00, featuring Jacques Houdek and plenty of festive fun for the youngest visitors. Later in the evening, Hiljson Mandela will warm up the crowd for the main celebration on Stradun, where one of the region’s biggest stars, Dino Merlin, will lead Dubrovnik into 2026 with unforgettable music and a spectacular fireworks display over the Old Town.
Festive Cheer Throughout the City
Beyond the music, the festival brings a wide range of cultural, entertainment, and culinary events. The city will once again sparkle in its festive attire, with children enjoying the beloved Christmas train, ice rink, Cabrio bus, creative workshops, concerts, theatre performances, and exhibitions.
Christmas booths with festive food, drinks, and souvenirs will return to Trg od oružja, Gundulić Square, and Brsalje, where families will also be able to enjoy a carousel and other children’s attractions.
During the festival, public buses will run free of charge from 5 p.m., making it easy for everyone to experience Advent in Dubrovnik and explore every festive corner of the city.
Flavours of the Season
Food lovers visiting Dubrovnik in winter can look forward to a delicious selection of traditional treats. Warm up with local favourites such as sausages, sarma, black risotto, bakalar (dried cod), and manestra, or satisfy your sweet tooth with prikle, candied orange or lemon peel, quince sweets, and caramelized almonds. And to keep your hands warm, a cup of mulled wine, gin, or rakija is always a good idea.
Dubrovnik in Winter
Discover why Dubrovnik in winter is a hidden treasure, and let it capture your heart with timeless beauty and festive wonder. With its centuries-old traditions, warm hospitality, and beautifully decorated streets and squares, Dubrovnik invites you to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve 2025 in a truly special way.
Photo credit: Archive Tourist Board Dubrovnik / Photographer: Igor Brautović
