It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and TCN is here to bring you some of the best ways to celebrate the holiday season. While it’s never easy choosing, here are some of the best Christmas Advents taking place in Croatia this year.

Zagreb: 26 November to 08 January, 2017 | We might as well start off with the master of the Advent in Croatia, and winner of the Best Christmas Market 2016 - Zagreb. Having won last year for a truly spectacular Christmas celebration, this year, Zagreb has further expanded Advent to 10 new locations, with even more to see and imbibe in this time around. In addition to the ice skating rink, live nativity scenes, and winter cottages propped up in various squares around the city, this year also brings new locations in Zagreb’s famous WWII tunnels, on Stross, a fashion advent, and even an advent at the Museum of Contemporary Arts! Surely one you shouldn’t miss, here is the full program.

Rijeka: 27 November to 07 January, 2017 | Beginning this weekend, the Advent in Rijeka will run through the 7th of January. Rijeka's Advent is filled with festive concerts by regional bands and domestic "Klapa", a skating rink with performances by ice skating group “Sea Flakes”, and let’s not forget about the Tower Winterland complete with bowling, disco skating, and the Happy Land amusement park for kids. In addition, Rijeka boasts a wonderful gastronomic event for Advent, including a “gastro corner” serving up local delicacies and culinary workshops. You can find the full program for Advent in Rijeka here.

Image by Advent in Rijeka

Zadar: 02 December to 06 January, 2017 | The only Advent on the list that begins in December, the Advent in Zadar is a culinary treat. In addition to the aromas, flavors and music that shines through the Christmas cottages, foodies find their sanctuary through the many restaurant promotions and discounts offered during Advent - including the many participating restaurants who offer a daily menu for 60 kuna. The Zadar museums even offer special programs with discounts on tickets and souvenirs, and you’ll be sure to not miss the ice skating rink, complete with a plethora of programs, disco nights, and even hockey matches. You can find the full program here.

Split: 26 November to 07 January, 2017 | The Christmas Fair in Split (also known to many as Advent or “Kućice”) is celebrated with Christmas cottages lined along the riva, in “Fruit Square” (Voćni trg), Prokurative and Pjaca, spreading holiday cheer throughout the city center. Commemorative souvenirs, jewelry, ornaments, and all the crafts you could dream up will be on display, and let’s not forget, perhaps most importantly, the markets that serve up a variety of delicacies, fritters, and mulled wine that marry perfectly together with the numerous music programs and festive events. You can find more information here.

Dubrovnik: 19 November to 08 January, 2017 | Already in full swing, the Dubrovnik Winter Festival decorates the UNESCO protected town and favorite summer destination in holiday spirit. An ice skating rink, Christmas plays, mulled wine and food-filled Christmas cottages on Stradun are just a few of the perks Dubrovnik has to offer this holiday season. Dancing and live music will take place in front of Church St. Blaise, and you can even learn how to prepare some of Dubrovnik’s most loved traditional delicacies. The first official Advent Candle Lighting takes place on 26 November. You can find the full program here.