Dubrovnik Advent Time

Christmas in Dubrovnik is about so much more than just decorations... Even in challenging times like the pandemic, it is a wonderfully magical time, thanks to its long-standing local traditions that take place during this magic period.

However, a vibrant gastro-entertainment program, on the other hand, does add to the whole flair, so we are delighted that Advent in Dubrovnik 2021 is officially back! After the majority of the program was cancelled in 2020, the City of Dubrovnik decided to celebrate Christmas time in accordance with appropriate epidemiological measures.

So what can we look forward to?

From November 27th 2021 through January 6, 2022, the Advent Programme will offer Dubrovnik residents and visitors a variety of cultural and entertainment programmes, with a holiday offer of gastronomic delicacies, unavoidable Christmas songs and the traditional Dubrovnik carolling in the Old Town, Lazareti area and Lapad.

A large yellow luminous teddy bear, the winter program's mascot and a popular photo opportunity, will also return to town, just like the photo booth in Luža. Advent booths will offer a variety of gastronomic winter delicacies such as sausages, sarma – a national cabbage & minced meat speciality, daily offer of local dishes, delicious dumplings, prikle (fritule), traditional Christmas sweets, and, of course, aromatic drinks such as mulled wine or gin.

Foodies will also be able to enjoy traditional „Cod days“ in Dubrovnik restaurants and brand new culinary initiative „Božićni tratamenat“ in villages of Dubrovačko Primorje.

Wooden cottages loaded with holiday decor and handcrafts will be available along Stradun and on Pile plaza for anyone looking to purchase a new tree ornament or a festive local memento. Not to mention the fabulous Christmas shop Nostalgia, which is open all year in the Old Town.

The advent season in Dubrovnik would not be complete without the lighting of four advent candles, one on each of the four Sundays preceding Christmas. The first candle on the large Advent wreath in front of the Cathedral will be lit on November 27 to mark the start of the Advent program in Dubrovnik. Visitors can look forward to several live concerts during December, like Neno Belan & Fiumens Band, Magazin Band and Marko Škugor, all depending on the favourable epidemiological situation.

The highlight of the program will be a New Year’s celebration with live performances of bands Silente and Vatra on Silvester's Eve on the main stage in front of in the heart of the Old Town. Visitors can also enjoy typical classical concerts by the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra, especially on January 1st with New Year's classics.