The elegant 19th century resort town of Opatija is the ideal place to appreciate a Croatian Christmas market with a twist. The Opatija Christmas Market 2024 runs from the start of December 2024 to early January 2025 and offers cosy festive atmosphere made even more special by the backdrop of sparkling Adriatic Sea and romantic Hapsburg-era architecture.
While other European Christmas markets are heaving with tourists at this time. of year, Opatija Advent remains a local gem popular predominantly with Croatians and residents. In this guide our local experts will share their favourite experiences of the city's Christmas cheer, including the best street food, top concerts and performances for 2024, and the perfect places to view all those pretty Christmas lights.
Overview: Opatija Christmas Market 2024
1. Opatija Christmas Market Dates 2024
If you're planning to visit Opatija Christmas market, bear in mind that most activities run from early December to early January. You can view the full programme on the official website.
November 30th 2024 is the date of the official opening of the Opatija Christmas Market.
December 31st will be marked by open-air parties and live performances across the city. More information can be found here. Those with kids should check out the Children's New Year Eve Party at 12:00 at Opatija's Open Air Theatre.
January 1st 2025 is the traditional day for the Mayor's New Year Toast and the official opening of the Opatija bathing season.
January 6th 2025 is the final official opening day of the Christmas market.
What are the Opening Hours for Opatija Christmas Market 2024?
Market booths selling food, drinks, and artisanal products typically open from 11am to 11pm, and usually stay open later until 12pm or 1am on Fridays and Saturdays especially when there is live music.
How do I get Opatija Christmas Market tickets?
Entry to the official Opatija Christmas market is free of charge. You may need to purchase tickets for special events and concerts held at private venues in Opatija.
Opatija Christmas Market offers a unique blend of festive cheer and sparkling seaside vistas.
2. Transport Options for Opatija Christmas Market 2024
Getting to Opatija in winter:
Getting to and from Opatija in the winter months can be tricky. The closest international airport is Rijeka which is about a 40-minute drive, but flight options from here are very limited outside of the summer season. Your best bet may be to fly into Zagreb and then pick up a hire car or bus to Opatija. It's a 2-hour drive or 3-hour direct bus ride from Zagreb to Opatija.
How to get around the Opatija Christmas Market:
Walking: Opatija is a very walkable city since most of the main sights and Advent venues are in the compact town centre. We recommend taking a slow wander through the streets - it's pretty hard to get lost here!
Public transport: Public buses in Opatija probably aren't necessary unless you're exploring further afield or you're staying out of town. There is a free city bus run by Arriva that an be handy if you have mobility restrictions.
But is there Uber in Opatija?! Uber doesn't really exist in Opatija. If you need more flexibility or it's too cold to wait for the bus, taxi is another option. You can hail one on the street or pre-book from taxi companies like this one. Make sure to confirm the approximate price before setting off.
Winter in Opatija can be cold, but beautiful. Don't miss Opatija's famous Maiden with the Seagull statue on the seafront.
3. Winter in Opatija: Weather & Packing
Winter on the northern Adriatic coast is characterized by mild temperatures compared to many other European destinations thanks to the moderating effect of the sea.
December: Average daytime temperatures range from 6 to 11 degrees Celsius (43 to 52 degrees Fahrenheit). Nights can be chiller, falling to 1 to 6 degrees Celsius (34 to 43 degrees Fahrenheit). Rain is also common in December with an average of 9 rainy days. This part of the Croatian coast is known for its strong cold winter winds known as bura. Luckily temperatures rarely dip below zero in the city, so snowfall is unlikely in Opatija except on the nearby Učka mountains.
January: Average daytime temperatures range from 5 to 9 degrees Celsius (41 to 48 degrees Fahrenheit), and nighttime temperatures can drop to 0 to 5 degrees Celsius (32 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit). January also experiences on average 7-8 days of rain. Again, snow is unlikely at sea level.
What to pack for the Opatija Christmas Market?
Since most of the activities are outside, pack warmly for the Opatija Christmas Market. It's a good idea to bring thermal layers, a waterproof jacket, and hats, scarves and gloves. Don't forget comfortable shoes for walking around, and small umbrella in case of rain!
4. Local Tips for Visiting the Opatija Christmas Market 2024
1. Go in Early December: If you prefer to avoid the crowds, try to plan your visit to Opatija Christmas Market for early December or early January since it gets busy during Christmas period with locals and domestic tour groups.
2. Weekdays vs. Weekends: If possible, consider visiting on weekdays. The market is less crowded so you can explore the stalls, enjoy the entertainment, and savor local treats with more ease.
3. Try Local Delicacies: Indulge in local holiday treats and specialties. You can't miss "fritule," small freshly-fried donuts usually topped with icing sugar or chocolate sauce, which are served everywhere you look. And why not warm up with mulled wine or "rakija", Croatia's traditional fruit brandy. You'll find more recommendations below.
4. Arrive Early for Concerts: Be aware that live performances can busy, especially when they are free!
5. Take a Winter Dip in the Sea! If you're feeling adventurous, join the local swimming group for a cold water dip at Slatina beach on Sundays at 12:00.
6. Prepare for Cooler Weather: Winter in Opatija is a whole different beast to sunny summer days. Pack plenty of layers and a sturdy waterproof coat to stay warm and cosy.
7. Book Accommodation in Advance: Advent can be a busy time of the year in Opatija, so it's best to book your accommodation at least a month or two before to guarantee availability and a good price.
8. Carry Cash: While many places in Opatija accept cards, it's advisable to have some local currency (Euros) for small purchases at market stalls and smaller cafes and bars.
The Winter Garden at the Juraj Šporer Art Pavillon is simply stunning.
5. Must-See Opatija Advent Attractions for 2024
The Opatija Christmas Market is actually held in several different venues across the city which all put on their own light displays, live performances, and other festive events. Here are some of our favourite spots at the Opatija Advent 2024:
Winter Garden at the Juraj Šporer Art Pavillon
The rotunda overlooking the Adriatic sea is the focus of activities here, including ljazz, rock and pop performances and market stalls serving up piping hot mulled wine and street food. View the full schedule here.
Park Angiolina
One of our favourite spots at Opatija Advent, the park has elegant Christmas decorations and lights and live music performances from local bands every weekend in the bandstand. View the full schedule here.
Wander through the Christmas lights and decorations in Park Angiolina.
Ice Magic at Open Air Theatre
Opatija's Open Air Theatre is transformed into a winter wonderland with an ice rink, advent kiosks serving up treats, and even a small rural producers' fair. It's a great option for families thanks to the wealth of kids' activities on offer. There are also ice skating lessons available on Monday, Wedneday, and Friday afternoons. View the full schedule here.
6. Opatija Christmas Market Food & Drink
Opatija Christmas Market is the perfect occasion to sample hearty traditional Croatian wintertime food.
Kuhano Vino / Mulled Wine
No visit to a Christmas market is complete without a warming cup of mulled wine or kuhano vino as it is in Croatian. The Croatian version tends to be less sweet than those from its more northerly neighbours, and often has a darker, more anise-based flavour.
Fritule:
These delicious mini doughnuts are flavoured with things like raisins, nuts, citrus zest, rum or local liqueurs. They're best enjoyed piping hot and dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with chocolate.
Krk Pršut (Prosciutto):
Meat eaters have to try the local dry-cured ham from Krk island. Krk pršut is slow dried over the winter by the strong bura winds and rosemary and bay leaf are often added for additional flavour. The taste is more subtle than smoked Dalmatian pršut and pairs perfectly with crisp white wines from Krk island.
Kvarner scampi
These special scampi only live in the waters around the Kvarner Gulf which makes them a true local delicacy. They have a delicate flavour and thin shell. Look for them served up in pastas, risottos, or simply grilled. Some of our favourite places to eat Kvarner scampi include the fancy Plavi Podrum, Bevanda, and Ostaria Veranda in the pretty neighbouring village of Volosko.
Lovran cherries
Look out for cakes, sweets, and liqueurs made from local Lovran cherries.
Croatian Wines:
Istria and Kvarner boast a rich winemaking tradition which stretches right back to the ancient Greeks. Look out for local white wines like Žlahtina from the island of Krk and Istrian Malvasia, and red wines like the robust Teran.
7. Opatija 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 Opatija or in the Istrian interior. This year shop windows in the town will be traditionally decorated, with an official prize for the best, so make sure you take a wander through the city centre!
Traditional Croatian Sweets: While you're at the market you'll probably indulge in traditional Croatian sweets like fritule (small doughnuts). Market stalls and local shops often sell the mix to make these at home. There's also the traditional Opatija Camellia Cake made of chestnuts and chocolate, but this is probably better eaten on the spot!
Chocolate: Opatija is well-known for its chocolate scene, and even has it's own Chocolate Festival at the beginning of November.
Local Honey: Those with a sweet tooth should also try the local honey. We especially recommend the region's classic chestnut honey.
Rakija: This traditional fruit brandy is found across the Balkan region and beyond. You'll probably need to sample a few to discover your favourite! Local producers make it using the region's typical products like honey (known as medica), homegrown plums (šljivovica) or mistletoe (biska) and herbs from the Učka mountains.
Lavender Products: Croatia is well-known for its lavender fields, and you'll find a range of lavender-based products on offer, including sachets, oils, and soaps.
Olive Oil: This is a great opportunity to pick up some premium olive oil from the Kvarner region.
Experience a taste of Opaija's noble past when you stay at Hotel Kvarner.
8. Where to Stay for Opatija Christmas Market 2024
Opatija has become welcoming guests even before it was proclaimed the first official seaside resort on the Adriatic in 1889. So there's a wealth of beautiful hotels and guesthouses on offer to suit every kind of budget.
Need inspiration? Here are some of our favourite places to stay in and around Opatija:
Hotel Kvarner is one of Opatija's finest jewels and a true local landmark. The hotel officially opened its doors on March 20th 1884 as Opatija was emerging as a "climatic health resort" under the Austro-Hungarian Empire. In its heyday Hotel Kvarner attracted royal families, artists, and politicians from across Europe, cementing Opatija's reputation as the "Nice of the Adriatic." Today you too can feel like royalty when you stay at this 4-star hotel!
Amadria Park Hotel Milenij is another luxurious option near Park Angiolina which offers a perfect blend of modern luxury and Belle Époque style. Don't miss the stunning terrace with views of the Kvarner bay and the in-house wellness centre.
Apartment Nostalgie and Alba Opatija are great options if you're looking for your own private space close to the action. Both are very affordable and have excellent guest reviews.
Rijeka is a short drive away and offers its own bustling Advent market.
9. Other Things to Do in Opatija at Christmas
There's a reason why Opatija Christmas Market is known as "The most beautiful Advent by the sea"! The city transforms into a magical wonderland during the Christmas season. Here's our local tips on what else to do in Opatija to truly appreciate our elegant town:
Take a leisurely stroll along the scenic Lungomare promenade, which stretches 12 kilometers along the Adriatic coastline, adorned with festive lights and decorations.
Visit the historic Villa Angiolina and its beautiful park, a serene spot even in winter.
For something a little different explore the Croatian Museum of Tourism inside Villa Angiolina and The Art Pavilion Juraj Šporer. The museum showcases how Opatija became one of the earliest holiday destinations in Central Europe during the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Opatija is known for its luxurious spas and thermal baths, perfect for relaxing on chilly days. Top options include the specialist Thalasso Wellness Center Opatija which offers seawater treatments and 2,500 m² of saunas, pools, and relaxation facilities.
If you’re looking for adventure beyond Opatija, the vibrant port of Rijeka is just 20 minutes away. Rijeka is Croatia's third-largest city and boasts its own attractive Advent celebrations on the bustling promenade.
Adventurous types should check out Učka Nature Park, where you can hike or enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-dusted Kvarner Bay. If weather conditions allow, you could hike up one of the park's tallest mountains, Vojak and Veli Planik.
Planning to visit more Croatian Christmas markets? Check out our local guides and get inspired for your trip: