The festive season in Croatia offers a magical winter wonderland for travellers. Across the country, there are more than twenty major Advent celebrations in cities, and Zagreb alone hosts more than fifteen separate Advent locations within its official Christmas programme. New research by Villsy, local Croatian rental villa company, has identified the five most popular “Advent” Christmas markets in Croatia, based on Instagram hashtag trends and local accolades.
From the award-winning capital Zagreb to charming coastal towns, these destinations promise a unique holiday experience for UK visitors. Below are the top five Croatian Advent cities and their trending Instagram hashtags:
|
City |
Hashtag |
Number of posts |
|
Zagreb |
#adventzagreb |
35,600 |
|
Zadar |
#adventzadar |
1,000 |
|
Opatija |
#opatijaadvent |
1,000 |
|
Dubrovnik |
#adventdubrovnik |
100 |
|
Split |
#splitadvent |
100 |
1. Zagreb: The Award-Winning Winter Wonderland
Voted the ‘Best Christmas Market in Europe’ for three consecutive years, Advent in Zagreb is a must-see.
The entire city center transforms into a festive wonderland with numerous markets, an enormous ice-skating rink in King Tomislav Square, and magical light displays, like the one in the Grič Tunnel.
One TripAdvisor reviewer wrote: “Whoever writes so badly here wasn’t there. The Advent market runs through the entire city centre. Take the cog railway up and then down through the various squares and alleys to the main square from there towards the station and if that is not an experience I don’t know either. Wrap up the skates and hit the rink. Live music everywhere and something for everyone. An experience and safe again.”
Another said: “Amazing experience, amazing people, beautiful town and amazing food, I recommend everyone to come and enjoy!”.
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How to get there: Direct Ryanair flights are available from London Stansted (STN) to Zagreb (ZAG), with one-way fares starting from approximately £43–£52. Flights from Dublin to Zagreb are also operated by Ryanair, with prices starting around £52, though they can rise to over £215 depending on demand. The average flight time from both cities is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.
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Don’t miss: A ride on the festive Christmas Tram, driven by Santa Claus himself.
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Food Prices: Expect to pay around €4-€5 for a hearty sausage and €3-€4 for a portion of fritule (sweet fried dough balls).
2. Zadar: Lively Seaside Advent for Young Travellers
Advent in Zadar takes place at the picturesque Five Wells Square, creating an energetic and festive atmosphere in the heart of the city. Although it’s a small city, its Advent is one of the liveliest in Croatia. Every Friday and Saturday, live concerts bring the square to life, and the party at the Christmas huts continues into the early morning hours. It’s an ideal spot for young travellers looking for fun and a vibrant nightlife.
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How to get there: Fly into Zagreb Airport, then drive around 3 hours to Zadar. Renting a car is a great way to explore the Dalmatian coast.
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Local insight: ‘Đir po gradu’ (A walk through the city) is a Saturday morning tradition where locals dress up and head to the city for coffee. It’s perfect for those who love to be seen – photographers are everywhere, and many end up featured on the eZadar news portal.
3. Opatija: The Most Elegant Seaside Advent
Known as the “Advent by the Sea,” Opatija goes all-in on festive decor, with over 20km of lights. This charming and peaceful coastal town is perfect for older visitors and couples looking for a quiet, romantic winter escape filled with seaside strolls and timeless elegance.
Stroll through the beautifully decorated Angiolina Park and along the Lungomare coastal path for a truly romantic Christmas experience.
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How to get there: Fly into Zagreb Airport, then drive about 2 hours to Opatija. Renting a car is a great way to explore the wider Istrian region.
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Don’t miss: The Chocolate Festival, which often coincides with the Advent period, offering delicious treats from Croatian and international chocolatiers.
4. Dubrovnik: A Fairytale Festive Getaway
Dubrovnik, one of Croatia’s most iconic and luxurious destinations, transforms into a festive haven each winter with its Winter Festival centred on Stradun. As one of the more expensive coastal cities, visitors can expect slightly higher prices for food and drink—mulled wine can cost around 4€, and meals in nearby restaurants are generally above average. Ideal for older couples, well-off families, and those who enjoy a touch of luxury.
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How to get there: Ryanair operates direct flights from London Stansted (STN) to Dubrovnik (DBV) twice a week, with one-way fares starting from just £15.
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Don’t miss: Listening to a traditional Dalmatian klapa choir perform Christmas carols in the historic streets.
5. Split: A Roman Palace Christmas
Advent in Split takes place across several city spots, mainly on the seaside Riva—beautiful, but often chilly, so dress warm. Highlights include Đardin park, Prokurative, and festive walks through the old town. For a local touch, check out “Advent na Kampusu” in the Split 3 neighbourhood, popular with students.
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How to get there: Direct flights from London Heathrow (LHR) to Split (SPU) are operated by Croatia Airlines, with a flight time of around 2 hours and 30 minutes. One-way fares in December start at approximately £172.
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Don’t miss: Mulled wine on the Riva, a walk through lit-up streets, and Advent inside Diocletian’s Palace – few places offer Advent with palm trees and palace walls.
About Villsy:
Villsy is a leading Croatian villa rental company specializing in hand-picked, quality-inspected luxury villas in Istria, Kvarner and Dalmatia. Founded by Toni Hrelja, Villsy is dedicated to providing exceptional holiday experiences with a focus on local knowledge and customer satisfaction.