ADVENT MAGIC IN ISTRIA, KVARNER, AND GORSKI KOTAR

Advent is a special time of the year that precedes Christmas, and many cities and places around the world mark it with holiday events and decorations. Poreč, Rovinj, Motovun, Pula, Umag, Pazin, Medulin, Labin, Rijeka, Crikvenica, Opatija, Krk, Cres, Malinska, Baška, Fužine, Delnice are just some of the places in Istria, Kvarner, and Gorski Kotar that don a completely new look in December, filled with lights, decorations, the scent of cinnamon and cloves, and a magical atmosphere. In this text, we will highlight some of the Advent events in these parts of Croatia, but wherever you go in December, the Christmas magic will not elude you.

Rijeka
During this special time, Rijeka gets special decorations, and the Rijeka Advent encompasses numerous locations and events. The inevitable stalls are set up in various locations, where holiday treats and handcrafted items, perfect as Christmas gifts, can be purchased. Rijeka’s Advent also features a seaside ice rink, making it truly unique, along with activities for the youngest: a cheerful Santa’s train, Santa’s post office, as well as meetings with beloved Santa Claus and elves. But Rijeka wouldn’t be Rijeka if the Advent events didn’t include cultural offerings, which will take place in collaboration with numerous cultural institutions.

Opatija
Opatija, known for its elegant architecture and coastal charm, has also embraced the Advent season. The city is adorned with lights and decorations, creating a magical atmosphere, but there is also an ice rink, stalls with mulled wine and sweets, and accompanying musical programs.

Crikvenica
Crikvenica, already focused on tourism, makes a special effort with its Advent offer. In addition to the customary decorations, stalls with gastronomic offerings, and concerts, Crikvenica has much more to offer. There are numerous creative workshops, including a wine workshop, an ice rink that also offers skating lessons, a children’s program that includes Santa Claus’s Forest, storytelling, and workshops for children, as well as many other activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy.

Pula
Pula also offers a rich Advent program. There are, of course, the inevitable food stalls, mulled wine, and handicrafts, as well as accompanying concerts and an ice rink. However, that’s not the end of the Advent offer in Pula. Advent here includes a very rich program for children, featuring storytelling sessions, performances, meetings with Santa Claus, workshops, and other activities for the youngest. There are also movies and exhibitions with a special Christmas theme, but what makes Advent in Pula particularly special is the dance program.

Rovinj
Rovinj also joins the Istrian Christmas magic, and the festive atmosphere in Rovinj is enhanced by the city’s unique architecture and picturesque surroundings. Take a stroll through the narrow streets of the old town, where you can find decorated squares, Christmas markets, performances, concerts, workshops… every day!

Delnice
To this list, we add Delnice, the “highest” town in Gorski Kotar and Croatia. Here, Christmas magic brings the aroma of mulled wine, sausages, fritters, and other sweets, as well as fairy tale readings and workshops for the youngest, performances, concerts, skating, sledding, carriage or Christmas train rides. And what makes Advent in Gorski Kotar particularly magical is the inevitable snow.

These are just some of the numerous Advent events throughout Croatia. Also, thanks to the increasingly rich Advent offer, December has become an important tourist season in cities. That’s why it’s essential to secure accommodation in your desired destination on time, and the best accommodation can be found on the Molo Longo agency’s website.