Twinkly lights, festive cheer, and the backdrop of the ancient Roman palace and sparkling Adriatic Sea make the Split Christmas Market 2025 one of the best Croatian Christmas markets. This year's edition runs from the start of December 2025 to early January 2026 and is packed with delicious fresh fritule (tiny fried donuts), hot mulled wine, and the sounds of popular local bands.
In this guide you'll find everything you need to know to enjoy the market like a local, including the best mulled wine, the top performances, and the perfect places to view those pretty Christmas lights.
Want to experience Split 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: Split Christmas Market 2025
2. Transport Options for Split Christmas Market 2025 |
4. Local Tips for Visiting the Split Christmas Market 2025 |
5. Must-See Split Advent Attractions for 2025 |
8. Where to Stay for Split Christmas Market 2025 |
9. Other Things to Do in Split at Christmas |
1. Split Christmas Market Dates 2025 and Opening Hours
If you're planning a Christmas market trip to Split, bear in mind that most activities run from early December to early January.
November 30th 2025 is the date of the official opening of the Split Christmas Market.
December 31st will be marked a big celebration on the Riva featuring popular Bosnian band Dubioza Kolektiv.
January 6th 2026 is the final official opening day of the Advent market.
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.
The ancient Roman Old Town is the perfect backdrop for Split's Advent celebrations.
2. Transport Options for Split Christmas Market 2025
Flying to Split in winter:
Arriving in Split during the winter months comes with its own charm, albeit 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 Dubrovnik, and then transferring on to Split via bus or hire car.
Getting from Split Airport to Split City Centre:
There's a few different options to travel from the airport to the city centre, depending on your budget and what time you arrive at the airport.
Public bus from Split Airport to Split City Centre
The most affordable option is to take the local bus number 37 which leaves from the main road outside the airport every 20-30 minutes. It costs 2-3 euros depending whether you pay with cash to the driver or you buy the ticket via the Promet app. Bear in mind that the journey takes around 1 hour to Sukoisan bus station in Split, and it can be very busy at certain times of the day. The last bus leaves at around 23:45 every day except important public holidays (like Christmas and New Year's Day). You can check the timetable on the Promet website here.
Shuttle bus from Split Airport to Split City Centre
After you land in Split look for the convenient shuttle bus to the city center which leaves from right outside the terminal building. The shuttle bus is usually synchronized to meet arriving flights. Payment can be made either in cash on the bus (€8) or purchased online in advance.
Private transfer from Split Airport to Split City Centre
If you arrive late at night or you'd rather just have peace of mind that someone will be there waiting to pick you up from the airport, a private transfer is a good idea. It should cost around 30-35 euros per person or 60-70 euros per car. Below you'll find a couple of companies that we've used before and we've never had any issues with.
How to get around the Split Christmas Market:
Walking: Split is a very walkable city since most of the main sights and Advent venues are within the ancient Roman palace in the centre. You can walk from one side of the Old Town to the other in 10 minutes, as long as you don't get lost in the narrow winding streets!
Public transport: Buses in Split are easy to navigate thanks to the Promet app which allows you to plan your journey and buy tickets. It's cheaper to buy tickets on the app (€1 for a single journey within Split) than from the driver.
Uber and taxis in Split: 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.
Travel around the Balkans is fairly straightforward, but it can be more complicated during the winter months. Check out our popular and affordable Ask a Local service where you can ask our local experts anything about your trip to experience the beautiful Split Christmas Market! We're happy to help with any simple queries or finding good flight, car hire and public transport options.
Winter in Split can be cold, but beautiful.
3. Winter in Split: Weather & Packing
Winter in Split, Croatia, is characterized by mild temperatures compared to many other European destinations thanks to the moderating effect of the Adriatic Sea.
December: Average daytime temperatures range from 7 to 12 degrees Celsius (45 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit). Nighttime temperatures can drop to around 2 to 7 degrees Celsius (36 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit). December is one of the wetter months in Split with an average of 8 rainy days, and you can expect some very heavy rain showers. Since temperatures usually stay above zero, snowfall is extremely rare in Split except on the mountains.
January: Average daytime temperatures range from 6 to 10 degrees Celsius (43 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit), and nighttime temperatures can drop to 0 to 6 degrees Celsius (32 to 43 degrees Fahrenheit). Similar to December, January experiences on average 8 days of rain, and there's a possibility of several cloudy days.
What to pack for the Split Christmas Market?
Since you'll be outside most of the time, pack warmly for the Split Christmas Market. bringing thermal layers, a waterproof jacket, and cozy accessories like hats, scarves and gloves. Opt for comfortable shoes for walking around, and consider a compact umbrella in case of rain!
Crowds at the the Prokurative Advent. Arrive early for concerts during the Split Christmas Market to grab a table.
4. Local Tips for Visiting the Split Christmas Market 2025
1. Go in Early December: If you prefer to avoid the crowds, try to plan your visit to Split Christmas Market for early December or early January since it gets very busy from mid-December until the Christmas period with locals and domestic tour groups.
2. Weekdays vs. Weekends: If possible, consider visiting on weekdays. The market is generally less crowded, allowing you to explore the stalls, enjoy the entertainment, and savor local treats with more ease.
3. Try Local Delicacies: Indulge in local holiday treats and specialties. Don't miss trying "fritule," small freshly-fried donuts usually topped with icing sugar or chocolate sauce, and warm up with a cup of mulled wine or "rakija", Croatia's traditional fruit brandy. You'll find more recommendations below.
4. Arrive Early for Concerts: Live performances tend to be very busy, especially when they are free! Arrive 30 minutes to an hour before the published start time to try to bag a table or an area to stand.
5. Check Schedules in Advance: It can be hard to find information about what is happening where during the Split Christmas Market. Each venue usually posts their programmes on their Facebook and social media accounts, so it's good to check these out when you're planning your trip.
6. Stay Close to Split's Old Town: Split has a wealth of great accommodation options in and around the old palace which are just a few minutes' walk from the major Split Christmas Market venues. Staying inside the Old Town itself can be 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 Trogir or Solin which also have their own Advent festivities to enjoy.
7. Explore the Old Town in Peace: A big advantage of coming to Split in winter is that you'll probably have the Old Town all to yourself. It's the perfect time to wander the narrow streets and get lost in the city's magnificent ancient Roman and medieval past. We personally recommend taking this Old Town walking tour with a local guide to really discover the city and visit places most tourists don't even find. To be honest, every time we take this tour we still discover something. new and we're Split locals! Below you'll see a couple more fun options we recommend for exploring Split in winter when things are quieter and you can experience more of local life here.
8. Book Accommodation in Advance: Advent is a busy time of the year in Split, so it's best to book your accommodation at least a month or two before to guarantee availability and a good price.
9. Carry Cash: While many places in Split accept cards, it's advisable to have some local currency (Euros) for small purchases at market stalls.
5. Must-See Split Advent Attractions for 2025
The Split Christmas Market is actually held in several different venues across the city which all put on their own light displays, live performances, and clusters of festive market stalls. Here are some of our favourite spots at the Split Advent 2025:
Split's Riva promenade is always decorated beautifully during Advent.
Advent Riva 2025
Split's seaside promenade the Riva is always beautifully decorated for Advent. This year there will be a big stage set up for the NYE celebrations featuring popular Bosnian band Dubioza Kolektiv.
There will also be free concerts and other events held every weekend in December featuring local bands and DJs. View the full schedule here.
Also on the Riva you'll find numerous bars serving piping hot mulled wine and a row of festive huts selling local products like olive oil, lavender, and cured meats.
The highlight of the Split Christmas Market for kids is the ice rink in Prokurative.
Prokurative Advent 2025
During Advent Split's Prokurative square gets taken over by a large ice rink which is hugely popular with local kids and adults alike. The 600 square metre rink is open from 9am until 11pm every day.
If you're rather keep your feet on solid ground, this is a good place to sample local cuisine. The food stalls in the square are typically run by Bajamonti, Restaurant Adriatic, Pizzeria Skipper, Adriatic Sushi & Oyster bar Split, Pizzeria Sette Sorelle, Konoba Laganini, Chops Grill, Portofino, Paradiso bar Split, Pizzeria Portas and The Fat Boar.
There is also a busy programme of live music featuring local bands and DJs every weekend. View the full schedule here.
The Advent fair at Zvončac is a new addition to the Split Christmas Market.
Advent Fjera Zvončac 2025
Just introduced last year is the Advent fair at Zvončac, an open area about 10 minute walk from the centre of town, close to the ACI Marina and Sustipan park. The big advantage of this venue is that the space is enclosed, protecting you from that icy winter chill and from rain (which is a surprisingly common occurrence in December!).
Tuck in to tasty fast food from the stalls here and enjoy some of the best mulled wine we've found in Split (so far).
The impressive Advent programme here includes several popular Croatian and ex-Yugoslavian bands. Highlights include Senidah on December 13th, SARS on December 14th, MORT on December 21st and Vesna Pisarović on December 28th. View the full schedule here.
Split Christmas Market for Kids
This year's Christmas celebrations in Split will also have a special programme for kids. There'll be a range of festive workshops on offer for kids as well as storytelling events, concerts, carriage rides in Žrnovnica and a living nativity. View the full schedule here.
Don't miss trying fresh fritule, or mini donuts, at the Split Christmas Market.
6. Split Christmas Market Food & Drink
Split Christmas Market is the perfect occasion to sample traditional Croatian wintertime food. If you're looking for more local tips on where to eat in Split, don't miss our guide to The Best Restaurants in Split.
If you're a big foodie, we also recommend checking out this small group food tour which is run by some of the friendliest guides in Split! Say hi to Antonia and Marta if you end up taking this tour :)
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 small, deep-fried doughnuts are a festive staple that go great with mulled wine. Often dusted with powdered sugar or served with chocolate sauce, fritule can be enjoyed plain or with added flavors like raisins or citrus zest.
Pršut (Dalmatian Prosciutto):
Before moving to the main course sample Dalmatian prosciutto, a dry-cured ham that is a delicacy in the region. Served thinly sliced, it pairs well with local cheeses and bread.
Codfish
If you're in Split on December 24th, don't miss the traditional distribution of codfish at 11am in the Prokurative square. This free event has been held for generations here in Split, celebrating the festive season and the abundance of the seas.
Don't miss the opportunity to try peka at a local restaurant during your trip to the Split Advent festivities.
Peka
While not as portable, peka is a traditional Croatian dish worth trying. It involves slow-cooking meats, often lamb, veal, or octopus, and vegetables under a metal bell-like lid. The best place to try it is in a local konoba or "tavern" where it is usually made hours in advance and must be reserved the day before. Our personal favourites in Split are Kod Joze, Konoba Varoš, or Pimpinella.
Croatian Wines:
Croatia boasts a rich winemaking tradition which stretches right back to the ancient Greeks. Sample local reds like Plavac Mali or whites like Pošip. Many stalls and bars at the market will offer a selection of Croatian wines.
7. Split Christmas Market Souvenirs & Gifts
If you're searching for unique gifts to take home for the holidays, look out for these traditional Dalmatian products made locally in Split or on the nearby islands:
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. The nearby island of Hvar is especially famous for its lavender, so look out for handmade products from there!
Dalmatian Olive Oil: Dalmatia is renowned for its high-quality olive oil. Look out for stalls selling oil from producers based on the island of Brač, just 50 minutes away from Split by ferry. Many locals consider this island to produce the best oil in all of Croatia!
Traditional Croatian Sweets: While you're at the market you'll probably indulge in traditional Croatian sweets like fritule (small doughnuts). Market stalls often sell the mix to make these at home - the perfect taste of Croatia to take back with you!
Rakija: This traditional fruit brandy is popular all over Croatia and comes in an infinite variety of flavours. Look for borovnica (blueberry), rogač (carob) and medica (honey) for those with a sweet tooth or travarica (flavoured with bitter herbs) and šljivovica (plum brandy) for those who prefer something stronger.
Enjoy incredible views of the Old Town and five-star luxury at Split's new Hotel Ambassador.
8. Where to Stay for Split Christmas Market 2025
It is much easier to find accommodation in Split outside of the main summer season, so 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 Split:
5-star Luxury hotels: The brand-new Hotel Ambassador has a stunning location right on the waterfront just a few minutes' walk from Split Old Town. It's easily the best place to stay in town if you're looking for serious luxury,
Boutique and designer hotels: Cornaro Hotel, Villa Split Heritage Hotel, Hotel Marmont
Mid-range hotels and apartment rentals: Villa Mala Apartments, Korta Apartments, Hotel Marul
Hostels and budget accommodation: Hostel Split Backpackers, Tchaikovsky Hostel
For more ideas, check out our dedicated guide to the best hotels in Split for every type of traveller.
9. Other Things to Do in Split at Christmas
If you're planning to spend a few days in Split for the Christmas Market, you'll have the opportunity to see the city and many of its historic and cultural sites without the bustling crowds of summer.
Linger in the Peristil square in the heart of Diocletian's Palace, visit the Cathedral of Saint Domnius and climb to the bell tower for panoramic views of the city. Spend another day visiting charming small towns like Trogir, take a trip to the island of Brač or Hvar, or drive out to see the magnificent waterfalls at Krka National Park. Below you'll find a few more ideas for day trips while you're in Split.
Looking for more ideas? Check out our local guides and get inspired for your trip: