Advent In Zadar 2025: Christmas Market Guide

Advent in Zadar 2025 is set to be one of the longest and most diverse Christmas celebrations in Croatia. Running from 24 November 2025 to 1 January 2026, the city’s Old Town transforms into a month-long festival of music, food, tradition, family events, and nightlife.

This year, Zadar expands its Advent footprint even further with the introduction of a brand-new zone alongside the main square, creating distinct experiences for different audiences.

Main Advent In Zadar Old Town

The heart of Advent in Zadar takes place at Trg Petra Zoranića, where the main Advent zone opens on 24 November 2025 and runs until 1 January 2026.

The official opening ceremony begins on 24 November at 20:30, featuring Ivica Sikirić Ićo and a guest performance, followed by the lighting of the Advent decorations. From that evening on, the square hosts daily programming that blends traditional Dalmatian culture with contemporary music and entertainment.

Throughout the Advent season, visitors can expect a packed schedule of concerts and performances, including klapa singing, pop and rock artists, choirs, orchestras, DJ evenings, and special holiday concerts. Performances take place both during the day and in the evening, making the square lively from late morning through the night.

Highlights include performances by Buđenje, Marko Škugor, Kuzma & Shaka Zulu, Tajči, Jole, Silente, Elemental, Rišpet, Klapa Diadora, 4 Tenora, and Maja Šuput. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day bring special festive concerts, while New Year’s Eve features a large-scale evening program culminating in a midnight celebration.

Children’s Advent & Family Events

Advent in Zadar places a strong emphasis on family-friendly programming. The children’s Advent officially opens on 30 November 2025 and runs throughout December with a series of workshops, creative activities, performances, and storytelling events.

Children can take part in holiday-themed workshops, attend theatre performances, and enjoy visits from St. Nicholas and St. Lucia. On 31 December, a special children’s New Year celebration takes place at 11:00, allowing families to mark the occasion earlier in the day before the evening festivities begin.

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New For 2025: Božićni Gramofon

One of the most notable additions to Advent in Zadar 2025 is Božićni Gramofon, a new Advent zone that introduces a more modern, nightlife-oriented concept. Gramofon runs from 28 November 2025 to 1 January 2026 and is located near the old market area and Zlatarska Street, just a short walk from the main square.

Unlike traditional Advent markets, Gramofon is designed as a social and music-driven space, focusing on DJ nights, alternative music, and a relaxed bar atmosphere rather than craft stalls.

The zone is anchored by three permanent houses:

• Moša, operated by Backstage Bar
• Foša, hosted by Papica with Brewtal Beer
• Stooša, run by Pinčo Bar

Božićni Gramofon officially opens on 29 November at 20:30 with a live performance by Nipplepeople. The program continues throughout December with DJ-led evenings, student-focused Advent nights, genre-based music events, and late-night social gatherings. Gramofon remains active through New Year’s Day, making it one of the longest-running nightlife zones of the season.

Food, Drinks & Market Stalls

Across the Old Town, Advent brings a wide selection of food and drink offerings. Wooden stalls serve traditional seasonal treats such as fritule, mulled wine, roasted nuts, and sweets, alongside heartier street food options. Craft stalls offer handmade gifts and locally produced items, making Advent a popular time for holiday shopping.

Bars and pop-up houses across the city contribute to the festive atmosphere, with warm drinks, winter cocktails, wine, and craft beer available well into the evening.

Main Advent Program Highlights (Trg Petra Zoranića)

The main Advent stage at Trg Petra Zoranića runs from 24 November 2025 to 3 January 2026 and hosts the largest and most diverse part of the Advent program. Events take place daily, combining major concerts, traditional performances, and family-friendly programming.

• Official Opening of Advent – 24 November at 20:30, featuring Ivica Sikirić Ićo and a guest performance
• Major Concert Evenings – Live performances by Buđenje, Marko Škugor, Kuzma & Shaka Zulu, Tajči, Jole, Silente, Rišpet, Klapa Diadora, 4 Tenora, Elemental, and Maja Šuput
• Traditional Dalmatian Music – Klapa concerts, choirs, and cultural associations performing throughout December
• Children’s Advent Opening – 30 November, marking the start of family-focused programming
• St. Nicholas and St. Lucia Events – Promenades, workshops, and themed performances for children
• Christmas Eve Program – Holiday promenades and festive concerts on 24 December
• Christmas Day Concert – Special Christmas performance on 25 December
• Zadar Christmas Run – 27 December, a festive sporting event through the Old Town
• New Year’s Eve Concert Program – Evening concerts leading up to midnight on 31 December
• Post–New Year Concerts – Continued live music and performances through 3 January

Božićni Gramofon Program Highlights

Božićni Gramofon runs from 28 November 2025 to 1 January 2026 and introduces a modern, music-driven Advent concept focused on nightlife, DJs, and social gatherings. The zone is centred around three permanent houses and a dedicated music program.

• Gramofon Opening Night – 29 November at 20:30 with a live performance by Nipplepeople
• Moša (Backstage Bar) – Evening gatherings, DJ sets, and late-night social atmosphere
• Foša (Papica & Brewtal Beer) – Street food and craft beer-focused evenings paired with music
• Stooša (Pinčo Bar) – Wine-focused house with curated music and relaxed social vibes
• DJ and Decade Nights – Themed evenings featuring music from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and 2000s
• Student Advent Nights – Alternative and regional music evenings aimed at students and younger crowds
• Genre-Focused Music Nights – Indie, alternative, reggae, pop-rock, and electronic sets
• Christmas Week DJ Program – Continuous music events from 24 to 30 December
• New Year’s Eve Gramofon Party – Late-night DJ showcase leading into the New Year
• New Year’s Day Closing Events – Final celebrations on 1 January

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New Year’s Eve In Zadar

New Year’s Eve on 31 December 2025 is one of the busiest and most festive days of the Advent season. Daytime events cater to families and children, while the evening brings large concerts, DJ performances, and open-air celebrations across multiple zones.

The main square hosts a headline New Year’s Eve program leading up to midnight, while Božićni Gramofon continues with music and celebrations into the early hours of the new year.

Closing Dates

Božićni Gramofon concludes on 1 January 2026. The main Advent program at Trg Petra Zoranića continues through 3 January 2026, allowing visitors to enjoy the festive atmosphere well beyond Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Why Visit Advent in Zadar

Advent in Zadar stands out for its long duration, diverse programming, and city-wide approach. With multiple zones catering to families, music lovers, and nightlife crowds, the event feels less like a single Christmas market and more like a winter festival woven into daily life in the Old Town.

Whether you are visiting Zadar for a short winter break or spending the holidays on the Adriatic coast, Advent 2025 offers a lively, welcoming, and distinctly local way to experience the season.