From 29th November to 6th January 2025

Christmas Fairy tale in Opatija

Visit Opatija Christmas Market, one of the Best Christmas Markets in Croatia with Zagreb Christmas Market and Dubrovnik Christmas Market. Winter always brings a special, romantic atmosphere to Opatija – when snowflakes start to dance above the sea, there's an aroma of sweet delicacies, hot tea and mulled wine wafting in the air, and the town's streets and parks host live music performances and other interesting programmes for all ages.

Enjoy a fascinating Advent by the sea in the festive atmosphere of Opatija. Stroll through the beautifully decorated town and spend an unforgettable Christmas holiday.

Luxuriously decorated streets and squares, an ice skating rink, and various musical and theatrical performances at numerous magnificent locations are just a small part of the enchanting Advent in Opatija programme. The sound of Christmas carols can be heard all around, and the delightful scents of mulled wine and hot chocolate guarantee a truly memorable experience for all visitors. A festive atmosphere, mild winter climate and the closeness of the sea together make the perfect recipe for the Advent of your dreams.

Just like a beautiful festive picture book, Opatija will connect all these experiences and offer a fantastic festive atmosphere by day and great visual attractions by night. Splendid Christmas decorations transforms St. James’ Park and the famous Angiolina Park into a popular backdrop for holiday photographs.

Giant figures of the Nutcracker, glittering gifts, illuminated century-old cypresses and many other unique decorations will be perfect companions for a walk through the heart of the town that will remind you of a kingdom from children’s imagination this winter. Exhibition of classic dresses made exclusively from the natural materials of Opatija’s parks and the exhibition dedicated to Nutcrackers, unique artistic figures have become a trademark of Opatija’s Advent.

Opatija's Open Air Theatre, which is often referred to as the most attractive open-air stage in the Mediterranean, will be transformed into an ice skating rink surrounded by stands and offering evening programmes at the weekends as part of the 'Ice Magic' event.

Giant figures of the Nutcracker, glittering gifts, illuminated century-old cypresses and many other unique decorations will be perfect companions for a walk through the heart of the town that will remind you of a kingdom from children’s imagination this winter. Especially interesting is the exhibition of classic dresses made exclusively from the natural materials of Opatija’s parks and the exhibition dedicated to Nutcrackers, unique artistic figures that have become a trademark of Opatija’s Advent.

Just like a beautiful festive picture book, Opatija will connect all Christmas experiences and offer a fantastic festive atmosphere by day and great visual attractions by night. The splendid Christmas decorations transform St. James’ Park and the famous Angiolina Park into a popular backdrop for holiday photographs. Charming tiny Christmas houses in front of Šporer Art Pavillion offer a variety of typical Christmas food and excellent mulled wine. 

On the sweetest weekend of the year, the first weekend in December, chocolate lovers have the opportunity to enjoy the fantastic flavours of chocolate desserts in one place. Opatija’s Chocolate Festival offers a wide range of delicious chocolate specialities that will surely delight you. Take in the intoxicating chocolate scents wafting through the air and indulge in fantastic chocolate specialities!

Every December and January, the event called "Ice Magic" turns Opatija's Open Air Theatre into an idyllic winter resort where visitors can experience the true festive spirit and children but also grown up can enjoy ice skateing just a few steps from the sea. Beautiful Christmas fair, with rustic wooden kiosks offering mulled wine and sausages, traditional sweets and hot chocolate while the scent of cinnamon and cloves fills the air.