Zadar Advent & Christmas Market Guide for 2024

The holiday season in Zadar is a truly magical experience, as the city’s historic streets come alive with festive lights, cheerful music, and the inviting scents of holiday treats. Known for its vibrant Advent and Christmas markets, Zadar transforms into a winter wonderland, where both locals and visitors can feel and enjoy the holiday spirit. This guide covers everything you need to know about Zadar’s Advent festivities for 2024, including key dates, top locations, and must-try holiday specialties. And if you’re looking for the perfect place to stay or dine during the festivities, Hotel A’mare is ready to welcome you with warm hospitality and festive specials.

Photo source: ezadar.hr

Key Dates for 2024

Opening and Closing Dates for Zadar’s Advent Festivities

The Advent season in Zadar begins with a time-honored tradition on November 24, a date that holds special significance as it celebrates both St. Krševan’s Day, the city’s patron saint, and Zadar’s City Day. The festivities are launched with a grand opening concert in Petar Zoranić Square, headlined by the popular Croatian singer Mladen Grdović, creating an atmosphere of excitement and joy that sets the stage for the weeks ahead.

Zadar’s Advent and Christmas markets open the same day, running from November 24 through January 2, 2025. This five-week celebration offers an enchanting blend of festive cheer, with ample time to explore charming market stalls, enjoy live entertainment, and bask in the magical holiday ambiance that transforms the city into a winter wonderland.

Special Event Dates to Add to Your Calendar

The Advent season in Zadar features many special events, including Christmas concerts, local performances, and holiday workshops that bring the community together. Be sure to mark these key dates on your calendar for 2024:

• November 24: The season begins with the Official Advent Opening Ceremony, a magical moment that illuminates the city and sets the festive tone.
• December 6: St. Nicholas Day brings excitement for children across Zadar, with gift-giving traditions and family-friendly activities spread throughout the city.
• December 13: St. Lucia Day adds to the seasonal charm, offering cultural celebrations to honor this beloved tradition.
• December 24: The Traditional Christmas Eve Morning Celebration is a highlight of Zadar’s holiday season. The Old Town becomes a lively gathering place where locals meet for drinks and food, before retreating for the serene evening festivities.
• December 31: The New Year’s Eve Celebration is the perfect way to bid farewell to 2024. Join the crowds in the heart of Zadar for live music, a vibrant midnight countdown, and a spectacular fireworks display.

The Christmas Eve morning tradition in Zadar is truly special, with locals of all ages gathering in the city center to meet friends, enjoy a coffee or a glass of mulled wine, and soak in the festive spirit. The lively atmosphere is a heartwarming celebration of the community’s close-knit bonds and cherished holiday customs. Afterward, families head home to enjoy a traditional bakalar—a beloved Christmas Eve dish made from dried salted cod, marking the start of a festive holiday meal.

Photo source: Zadar Tourist Board

Zadar Christmas Market Locations

The heart of Zadar’s Advent celebrations lies in the historic Old Town, specifically Petar Zoranić Square. Here, charming wooden stalls line the cobbled streets, offering an array of local delicacies and festive drinks. Surrounded by the city’s stunning Roman and medieval architecture, this central location creates a uniquely timeless atmosphere. Just a short stroll away, People’s Square (Narodni Trg) and the iconic Kalelarga Street become lively gathering spots, ideal for leisurely shopping or sipping a warm drink beneath the glow of twinkling holiday lights.

A must-visit spot is the Atrium of Cedulin Palace, exquisitely decorated for the season, featuring a beautiful nativity scene.  During the Advent, the City of Zadar’s Tourist Board transforms the 13th-century palace atrium into a magical destination, ideal for families and anyone who delights in the charm of the season. Adults will be captivated by the fairytale-like setting, while children will be mesmerized by the lights and vibrant decorations.

 

Photo source: Zadar Tourist Board

Top Things to Do at Zadar’s Christmas Market

Holiday Shopping – Local Crafts and Unique Gifts

Zadar’s Christmas markets are a treasure trove of holiday shopping, with stalls offering an impressive selection of local crafts, artisanal goods, and one-of-a-kind gifts. You’ll find everything from handmade jewelry and home decor to traditional Croatian ornaments. For a special memento, look for souvenirs crafted from local materials, such as olive wood carvings or lavender sachets. These markets are a fantastic place to find unique gifts for family and friends or to add a bit of Croatian charm to your own holiday decor.

Live Entertainment and Festive Shows

The holiday season in Zadar wouldn’t be complete without lively performances and entertainment. Throughout the Advent period, you can enjoy a rotating schedule of concerts, choirs, and dance performances on outdoor stages. Local musicians and choirs bring traditional Croatian carols and holiday songs to life, adding to the warm ambiance. In the evenings, check out the main stage on the Petar Zoranić Square, where popular Croatian bands and dancers perform for enthusiastic crowds.

Photo source: znet.hr

New Year’s Eve Celebration at Hotel A’mare

For an unforgettable New Year’s Eve, Hotel and Restaurant A’mare hosts an exclusive celebration. Guests can enjoy a rich buffet , expertly prepared with local flavors, followed by live entertainment and a DJ-led dance party. The evening culminates with a champagne toast at midnight and a dazzling fireworks display to welcome 2025. The festive décor and vibrant atmosphere make it an ideal venue for ringing in the new year in style. For additional details and reservations, visit Hotel A’mare’s event page.

Traditional Food and Drink to Try at Zadar’s Advent

Warm Up with Croatian Holiday Favorites

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in Zadar’s Christmas markets is by savoring the delicious array of traditional holiday foods and drinks. Treat yourself to iconic Croatian dishes such as kobasice (grilled sausages) and sarma (cabbage rolls stuffed with meat and rice), each offering comforting flavors that define the season.

Photo source: ezadar.hr

Must-Try Local Treats – From Fritule to Mulled Wine

No holiday experience in Zadar is complete without sampling the sweet treats that fill the markets. Fritule are a must-try—light, fluffy fried dough balls often infused with rum and citrus zest, then dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with chocolate, making them the perfect festive snack. Another local favorite is paprenjak, a honey-spiced cookie combining pepper, honey, and nuts—Croatia’s delightful twist on gingerbread. For a truly cozy experience, warm up with a cup of kuhano vino, Croatia’s version of mulled wine, brimming with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and citrus zest.

And while you stroll through the market, don’t miss the comforting aroma of roasted chestnuts, a simple yet satisfying snack to enjoy in the festive atmosphere.

Photo source: ezadar.hr

Conclusion

Zadar’s Advent and Christmas markets are a joyful celebration of tradition, community, and holiday spirit. From the beautifully decorated Old Town to the bustling markets filled with unique gifts and local foods, there’s no better way to experience the festive magic of Zadar.

Whether you’re here for the shopping, the food, or the city’s cherished traditions—like the lively Christmas Eve morning celebration—this guide will help you make the most of your holiday season in Zadar. And for a cozy and memorable stay, Hotel and Restaurant A’mare offers the perfect base with its welcoming ambiance, festive dining options, and close proximity to all the main attractions.

We look forward to celebrating with you this holiday season!