Dubrovnik is magnificent at any time of year, but we think the city is at its most charming and beguiling during the Dubrovnik Christmas Market. Officially known as the Dubrovnik Winter Festival, this year's celebrations run from 30th November 2024 to early January 2025. It's the most magical time of the year when things slow down a bit and the locals come out to reclaim the city as their own.
In this guide you'll find everything you need to know to enjoy the Dubrovnik Christmas Market 2024 like a local, including the best mulled wine, top live bands, and the perfect places to view those pretty Christmas lights.
Want to experience Dubrovnik Christmas Market like a local? Need help to plan your trip? Check out our Ask a Local service where you can ask our local experts anything you want!
Overview: Dubrovnik Christmas Market 2024
1. Dubrovnik Christmas Market Dates 2024 and Opening Hours
If you're planning a Christmas market trip to Dubrovnik, bear in mind that most activities run from early December to early January. The city tends to be quieter at this time of year compared to the busy summer months, but you can still expect crowds of locals and domestic tourists on weekends and public holidays!
Here's a few highlights to put in your calendar:
November 30th 2024 is the official opening of the Dubrovnik Winter Festival 2024.
December 6th 2024 there will be traditional celebrations in front of the Rector's Palace to mark St Nicholas's day. He's celebrated in Dalmatia as a patron saint of sailors, travellers and small children.
December 21st 2024 will be an exciting free concert on Stradun featuring Baby Lasagne, Croatia's Eurovision entry for 2024, and Croatian rapper Grše.
December 26th 2024 is the day of the Santa Claus Parade where hundreds of motorbikers drive along Stradun in Santa outfits! They spread a little festive cheer and give out gifts to the children of Dubrovnik.
December 31st 2024 will be marked a big celebration on Stradun, the main thoroughfare in Dubrovnik's Old Town, featuring performances by Italian singer Zucchero and Croatian pop singer Tony Cetinski, and fireworks to ring in the New Year.
January 6th 2025 is the final official opening day of the Advent market.
You can view the full programme of events on the official Dubrovnik Winter Festival website.
What are the Opening Hours for Dubrovnik Christmas Market 2024?
Christmas market booths selling food, drinks, and artisanal products typically open from 11am to 11pm in Dubrovnik city centre. They often stay open later on Fridays and Saturdays during Advent, especially when there is live music.
How do I get Dubrovnik Christmas Market tickets?
Entry to the Dubrovnik Winter Festival is free of charge. You may need to purchase tickets for special events and concerts held at private venues.
Dubrovnik's Old Town is the perfect backdrop for festive Christmas celebrations.
2. Transport Options for Dubrovnik Christmas Market 2024
Flying to Dubrovnik in winter:
Getting to and from Dubrovnik can be a little trickier during the winter months with fewer flight options. Direct flights are available from key European hubs like London, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam. It's worth also checking airports in nearby cities, such as the capital Zagreb, Zadar, and Split, and then transferring on to Dubrovnik via bus or hire car. If you have the time, we highly recommend the beautiful drive along the coastal road from Split to Dubrovnik or vice versa!
How to get from Dubrovnik Airport to Dubrovnik City Centre:
Shuttle bus from Dubrovnik Airport to Dubrovnik Old Town
The shuttle bus for Dubrovnik city centre leaves right outside the terminal building and there's a small kiosk in arrivals where you can buy tickets. Tickets cost 10 euros or 15 euros return. The shuttle bus is usually synchronized to meet arriving flights or you can check the schedule and buy tickets online here.
The first bus stop is right outside the Old Town at Ploče gate and then at the main Gruž bus station. Note that the bus takes a different route from the city to the airport, stopping at Grawe station, the cable car stop in the Old Town, and the Srebreno station (in front of One Suite hotel).
Prebooked Private Transfer from Dubrovnik Airport to Dubrovnik City Centre
If you're arriving late or you'd rather have more certainty, you can prebook a private transfer from the airport direct to your hotel or apartment. Below you'll find our preferred options for private and shared transfers that we've personally used before and had no issues with. Transfers should cost 55-65 euros per car depending on where your hotel is in Dubrovnik.
Taxi and Uber from Dubrovnik Airport to Dubrovnik City Centre
Alternatively you can take a taxi or Uber to Old Town for between 40-50 euros. The ride takes roughly 30 minutes. Make sure you check the price before you leave since there have been stories of tourists in Dubrovnik being ripped off for hundreds of euros by rogue taxi drivers!
How to get around the Dubrovnik Christmas Market:
Walking in Dubrovnik: Cars aren't permitted within the City Walls, so it's the perfect place to explore on foot and get lost down all the ancient little streets! Stroll along. the main thoroughfare Stradun and sample street food and mulled wine from the many Advent market stalls along your way.
Public transport in Dubrovnik: The primary mode of transport is the city’s bus network, operated by Libertas Dubrovnik. Buses run frequently, especially between the Old Town and popular areas like Lapad and Gruž (the main port). Tickets can be purchased at kiosks, from bus drivers (slightly more expensive), or via the Libertas website.
Uber and taxis in Dubrovnik: If you need more flexibility or it's too cold to wait for the bus, Uber is the best option. Prices tend to be significantly cheaper than hailing a regular taxi in the street.
Planning Your Trip to Dubrovnik Christmas Market
If you need help with planning your trip, why not check out our popular and affordable Ask a Local service where you can ask our local experts anything about your trip to the beautiful Dubrovnik Christmas Market! We're happy to help with any queries and recommendations or assistance with finding good flight, car hire, hotel, and public transport options.
Winter in Dubrovnik is a mixture of mild sunny days and cool rainy weather.
3. Winter in Dubrovnik: Weather & Packing
Winter in Dubrovnik tends to be a mixture of mild sunny days and cooler rainy days thanks to the influence of the Adriatic Sea. In southern Dalmatia it's extremely rare to have a White Christmas!
December: Average daytime temperatures range from 8 to 13 degrees Celsius (46 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit). Nighttime temperatures can drop to around 4 to 9 degrees Celsius (36 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit). December tends to be one of the wetter months in Dubrovnik with an average of 9 rainy days. Some days can be very windy and cold - perfect for cosying up in an Old Town bar with a hot chocolate.
January: Average daytime temperatures range from 7 to 11 degrees Celsius (45 to 52 degrees Fahrenheit), and nighttime temperatures can drop to 2 to 7 degrees Celsius (36 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit). January also has on average 8-9 days of rain along with it's fair share of cloudier days.
What to pack for the Dubrovnik Christmas Market?
Since you'll be outside most of the time, pack warmly for the Dubrovnik Christmas Market. We recommend bringing thermal layers, a waterproof jacket, and cozy accessories like hats, scarves and gloves. Opt for comfortable shoes for walking around, and don't forget a compact umbrella in case of rain!
Stradun in the Old Town is the centre of Christmas festivities in Dubrovnik.
4. Local Tips for Visiting the Dubrovnik Christmas Market 2024
1. Go in Early December: If you prefer to avoid the crowds, try to plan your visit to Dubrovnik Christmas Market for early December or early January since it can gets hectic from mid-December onwards with locals and domestic tour groups.
2. Weekdays vs. Weekends: Consider visiting on weekdays if you can. The market is generally less crowded, allowing you to explore the stalls and enjoy the festive vibes in a more relaxed way.
3. Take a Walking Tour: The best way to see Dubrovnik is on foot! The Old Town is that's great for exploring thanks to the labyrinth of ancient streets and hidden delights. GetYourGuide has some fun options like this ultimate Dubrovnik walking tour that includes visits to several scenic spots around Dubrovnik including Srđ high above the city as well as a guided tour of the Old Town.
4. Try Local Delicacies: Look out for local festive treats like smokvenjak (fig cake), quince sweets, fritule (mini fried doughnuts), and rakija (fruit brandy). You'll find more foodie recommendations below.
5. Arrive Early for Concerts: Live performances can be very busy, especially when they are free! Arrive a little early to find a good place to stand or a table if you're really lucky.
6. Stay Close to Dubrovnik Old Town: Dubrovnik has a wealth of great accommodation options in and around the Old Town which are just a few minutes' walk from the main Christmas market venues. Staying inside the Old Town is a very atmospheric and festive experience, giving you a glimpse into life in this UNESCO-listed historic gem. If you don't mind being a little further out, you could also look at smaller towns nearby like Cavtat which also has its own Advent festivities to enjoy.
7. Admire the Christmas Lights from the Dubrovnik City Walls: The City Walls offer stunning views over the Old Town, and it's also one of the best places to soak up the festive atmosphere from above! You can either tour the walls independently or take a tour with an experienced local history buff.
8. Save Money with the Dubrovnik All Access Pass: Attractions in Dubrovnik can be expensive. We strongly recommend you check out the Dubrovnik All-Access Pass which gives you access to the walls AND all the museums in Dubrovnik AND free public transport for just 45 euros. Entry to just the walls alone is 35 euros!
9. Book Accommodation in Advance: While it's way less busy than the summer months, Advent can be a busy time of the year in Dubrovnik. It's best to book your accommodation at least a month or two before to guarantee availability and a good price.
10. Carry Cash: While many places in Dubrovnik accept cards, we recommend carrying some Euros in cash for leaving tips and purchases at market stalls and smaller local businesses.
Don't miss this year's live concerts on Stradun - just get there early to get a spot!
5. Must-See Dubrovnik Advent Attractions for 2024
The Dubrovnik Christmas Market is actually held in several different venues across the city. Here are some of our favourite spots at the Dubrovnik Winter Festival 2024:
Stradun
Stradun is the main street running through Dubrovnik's Old Town and it's an elegant setting for appreciating the city's Christmas lights and festive vibes. The thoroughfare will be lined with Christmas market stalls selling street food and drinks.
There are free concerts on Stradun every weekend including performances by Psihomodo Pop, Luka Nižetić, Baby Lasagne, Croatia's Eurovision entry for 2024, and Croatian rapper Grše. This is also the location to be on New Year's Eve with performances by Italian singer Zucchero and Croatian pop singer Tony Cetinski, and fireworks to ring in the New Year.
Plus on January 1st 2025 there's a special New Year's Day concert by the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra at 12:00 with oysters and sparkling wine.
Check the official website to see the full schedule for Stradun this year.
Advent on Vojnović
There's also a busy schedule of events for kids and adults in front of the Student Centre in Dubrovnik. Highlights include Maja Šuput's concert on November 29th, Diktatori playing on December 3rd, and Bosnian singer Halid Bešlić on December 20th 2024.
There's also a special event for kids on the December 7th to mark St Nicholas's day. For more kids' events, check the full programme here.
Colorful Winter in Uvala
Over in Lapad Bay on the other side of Dubrovnik near the main port there will be an ice rink and festive train rides for both kids and adults. This is aways really popular among local families!
Don't miss trying fresh fritule, or mini donuts, at the Dubrovnik Christmas Market.
6. Dubrovnik Christmas Market Food & Drink
Dubrovnik Christmas Market is the perfect occasion to sample traditional Croatian street food and festive snacks.
Kuhano Vino / Mulled Wine
The Croatian version of mulled wine is known as "kuhano vino" and it's just. the thing to warm you up while you wander the streets of Dubrovnik's Old Town. It tends to be less sweet than other European versions with more usage of anise and bitter spices.
Fritule:
If you're visiting Croatia in winter time you can't miss these small, deep-fried doughnuts! They're are a festive staple that go great with mulled wine. Fritule are often dusted with powdered sugar or served with chocolate sauce. Look for market stalls serving up freshly-made fritule.
Soparnik:
This traditional Croatian pie is made from very thinly rolled dough, swiss chard, and garlic. You should find it on market stalls or local bakeries and it is usually suitable for vegans.
Brudet:
This hearty fish stew is traditionally prepared with tomatoes, garlic, and spices, and it's the perfect hot meal to warm up on a cold winter's day. Look out for it in Dubrovnik's more traditional restaurants.
Rožata:
And finally you can't leave Dubrovnik without trying this traditional dessert pictured below that's a bit like flan or creme brulee. It's made from a liqueur made from roses known as Rosalin along with milk, eggs and sugar. Try it at the Gverović Orsan or Moskar Street Food restaurants.
7. Dubrovnik Christmas Market Souvenirs & Gifts
If you're searching for unique gifts to take home for the holidays, look out for these traditional products made locally in Dubrovnik or on the nearby islands. Note that the Christmas street stalls mostly sell food and drink, so you'll need to pop into local souvenir stalls to find these.
Lavender Products: Croatia is known for its lavender fields, and you'll find a range of lavender-based products at the market, including sachets, oils, and soaps.
Traditional Lacework: The intricate lace made by skilled artisans is a hallmark of Dubrovnik’s cultural heritage. Look for delicate tablecloths, napkins, or framed lace pieces that make elegant gifts and stunning home decor.
Homemade Sweets and Candies: Treat your loved ones to the taste of Dubrovnik with traditional sweets like candied orange peels, mantala (grape must jelly), or dried figs.
Konavle earrings: These gold hoop-style earrings are part of the traditional folk dress of the Konavle region of Croatia to the south of Dubrovnik.
Olive oil and honey: Croatia produces exceptional honey and olive oil. At the local market in Dubrovnik you can find beautifully packaged jars and bottles, often infused with herbs like rosemary or truffle.
Villa Orsula is a beautiful luxury hotel option in Dubrovnik.
8. Where to Stay for Dubrovnik Christmas Market 2024
Finding accommodation in Dubrovnik outside of the main summer season is so much easier! You should find lots of options in the Old Town as long as you book in advance. In our opinion this is the best place to stay as you're very close to the main Advent venues and you can easily walk everywhere you need to go. Those looking for a little more peace and quiet might want to look at the Bacvice or Firule areas which are close to the beach but see less foot traffic.
Need inspiration? Here are some of our favourite places to stay in and around Dubrovnik:
Luxury hotels in Dubrovnik: Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik, Villa Orsula, Sun Gardens Dubrovnik, Villa Dubrovnik, Rixos Premium Dubrovnik
Boutique and designer hotels: St. Joseph's, Kazbek Hotel, The Pucić Palace
Mid-range hotels and apartment rentals: Apartments Festa, Miracle Apartments, City Hotel Dubrovnik
Hostels and budget accommodation: Hostel Sol, Anna Guesthouse
For more ideas, check out our dedicated guide to the best places to stay in Dubrovnik for every type of traveller.
Dubrovnik has a quiet, cosy charm during winter.
9. Other Things to Do in Dubrovnik at Christmas
Dubrovnik is quieter in the winter months, but we still recommend spending a few days exploring the city and the wider region if you have time. If the weather is good, why not take a trip out to one of the nearby Elafiti Islands like Lopud for a hike and a hearty lunch at a local restaurant. Or head along the coast to Ston which is famous for. its pristine oysters and exceptional wines from the Peljesac peninsula. See below for a few more day trip ideas.
You can also the most of the low season to enjoy the city's main attractions without the crowds. Guided walking tours like this one by our friend Branko give you a bite-sized introduction to Dubrovnik's noble past plus a bunch of witty anecdotes and sarcastic commentary on modern-day city life.
If you'd rather explore on your own, we recommend you make time to ride the cable car up Mount Srđ for breathtaking aerial views of the city, visit key landmarks like Stradun, Rector’s Palace, and Sponza Palace, and walk the iconic Dubrovnik City Walls.
LOCAL TIP FOR VISITING THE DUBROVNIK CITY WALLS
If you plan to walk the walls, don't forget to save money by buying the Dubrovnik All-Access Pass. It includes entrance to the walls AND all of Dubrovnik's museums as well as free public transport for just 45 euros. Entry to the walls alone is 35 euros. Looking for more ideas? Check out our local guides and get inspired for your trip:
Planning to visit more Croatian Christmas markets? Here's some more ideas: