The Ninth Dubrovnik Winter Festival

The Dubrovnik Winter Festival will be open from November 26, 2022, to January 6, 2023, giving visitors the chance to experience the atmosphere, sounds, and flavours of Christmas in Dubrovnik.

The impressive fair offers traditional crafts, hand-made Christmas decorations, concerts, and an extensive children's program from the North Pole Station in Lazareti, colourful winter in the Bay of Lapad with a special festive train and an ice rink, and various programs in the city's suburb, Mokošica. Dubrovnik Winter Festival will be enriched with Advent on Vojnović and Sunset Advent program on Sunset Beach. 

The lighting ceremony in front of the striking backdrop of Dubrovnik Cathedral and Rector’s Palace is at the centre of each advent week before Christmas. Immerse in a Christmassy ambiance surrounded by twinkling lights, wooden advent booths (kućice), and charmingly decorated Christmas trees. Graceful Christmas carols are a valuable part of the rich Croatian Christmas tradition and cultural identity, and they belong to the most diverse and beautiful in the world. Traditional Dubrovnik carolling kolende is believed to date back to the 13th century and the tradition is very much alive today. The festive spirit is emphasized by the sounds of guitars, harmonica, and mandolin.

The New Year's Eve program will be the festival's icing on the cake. One of the most popular Croatian pop performers, Petar Grašo, will entertain alongside Ante Gelo and his band. The start of the New Year will be celebrated with magnificent fireworks over the city.

A variety of gastronomic delicacies that warm our hearts are waiting for true foodies. Don’t miss national specialties such as sausages, sarma, black risotto, bakalar (dried cod), and manestra. Spread the holiday cheer with a delicious sweets selection and indulge over prikle, candied orange or lemon peel, quince sweets, or caramelized almonds. To keep your hands warm we recommend a cup of mulled wine, gin, or rakija. The annual Cod Fish Days in Dubrovnik restaurants, as well as the wooden advent booths (kućice) placed in various city sites, are an essential component of the Dubrovnik Winter Festival gastronomy tour.

Centuries-old Christmas traditions, warm hospitality, and charmingly decorated squares, plazas, and open areas are an invitation to spend the Christmas holidays in Dubrovnik. We are sure that you will experience unforgettable moments with your family and friends.

Photo credit: Archive Tourist Board Dubrovnik / Photographer: Igor Brautović