Dubrovnik is always beautiful, but it is a little more special in December during the holidays! December in Dubrovnik means gorgeous Christmas trees, special events, entertainment programs, and fun-filled holiday wooden houses with a great gastronomic offer.
To unwrap the Winter magic of Dubrovnik, start with these festive things first.
Photo Credit: City of Dubrovnik
Every year in late November, DUBROVNIK WINTER FESTIVAL opens with the beautiful lighting of the first Advent candle. This year, the festival is scheduled for Saturday, November 27, 2022 – January 6, 2023. This time of the year features holiday market houses with a great gastronomical offer in different areas of Dubrovnik. These areas are the perfect place to buy a warm cup of drink and try delicious street food. You can also find fresh local products and Christmas goods like decorations and gifts on these special holiday wooden houses.
Photo Credit: Dubrovnik Winter Festival
Throughout the festive season, Dubrovnik will be bringing dozens of live performances by top singers and bands on the main street – Stradun. Stradun has long been a famous symbol of the Dubrovnik Winter Festival and it is the place to be on New Year’s Eve.
The festivities of Christmas day start early in the morning. Young and old gather in the Old City in their most beautiful dresses and suits. The city fills up with the singing of the “Kolendari”. “Kolendari” is a group of people who walk from house to house, churches, and hospitals to sing Kolenda (traditional Christmas Carol). This is an old tradition dating back to the 13th century but it is still very much alive and “lives” among the people.
Christmas Eve is one of the most awaited days in Dubrovnik so if you find yourself in the city – make sure you be there!
Photo Credit: Kazalište Marina Držića
One reason to visit Dubrovnik in the winter is the number of attractions and history you can experience indoors. Many museums around the city are still open and we suggest you visit some of these .
In this chain of remarkable buildings, we suggest you visit Marin Držić Theatre – the last remaining theatre from the old times of Dubrovnik. One of the most interesting decorative compositions is the ceiling painting of Double Coronation in Heaven and Earth, painted by one of the greatest artists in the region – Vlaho Bukovac.
If you like biking, you do not have to take a break in the winter. Winter times in Dubrovnik offer pleasantly warm temperatures so you still can explore the beautiful landscapes on a bike saddle.
Dubrovnik region offers great paths for biking, beautiful landscape, clean nature, and local cuisine making it the perfect destination for biking.
Check out different versions of biking tours here .
Yes, we know. This is one of the most touristy things to do when in Dubrovnik. But read on, you will thank us later.
Sometimes the best way to stay warm is to keep moving so we suggest you meet up with a local and let them show you their hometown. Why? Well, we can all agree that a local showing you their favorite spots and explaining a little bit more about the place you came to – gives a different feeling to the place you visit.
In the wintertime in Dubrovnik, you pretty much have the entire City Walls to yourself. You can take your time, enjoy your pace and explore in peace all the famous sites.