This year's edition brings the most diverse programme yet—from major musical performances, gala concerts, and cultural events to specially designed family zones for children and parents, all coming together to create a truly magical holiday atmosphere throughout the City.
The programme features a total of 14 concerts, including performances by the world-renowned ABBA tribute band MANIA, as well as performances by artists such as Doris Dragović, Domenica and Ante Cash at the traditional Torta Party, as well as Vanna, Parni valjak, Dražen Zečić, Željko Bebek, a special evening with the Friends of Dubrovnik Troubadours and Šperploča, and the major charity concert of spiritual music Mreža ljubavi, taking place on 3 January 2025 at the city sports hall, officially closing this year's festival.
The festival's grand finale will be the spectacular New Year's Eve celebration on Stradun, featuring Dino Merlin, Jakov Jozinović, and Hiljson Mandela. The New Year continues with a concert by Petar Grašo on 1 January, followed by T. Bralić & Klapa Intrade on 2 January. Adding to the festive spirit are the Dubrovnik Christmas Concert at Valamar Lacroma and the traditional New Year's Concert with oysters and sparkling wine in front of St Blaise's Church.
This year introduces a new concept of the festival's culinary and hospitality offer. Advent chalets and programmes will be positioned at three key locations—Trg oružja, Gundulić Square, and Pile (Brsalje), which becomes a new family hub featuring a large carousel and special activities for children and their parents.
A strong emphasis is placed on the authentic experience of the City. The concept fully aligns with the "Respect the City" strategy, honouring the space, the residents, and the rhythm of daily life while creating an event that attracts visitors and provides added value to the local community.
Stradun will shine brighter than ever this year through a collaboration with Dubrovnik restaurateurs, who are creating a new festive concept with numerous tables and seating areas designed for holiday gatherings.
Events will take place across multiple enchanting locations throughout Dubrovnik. "Colourful Winter in the Bay" with an ice rink, "North Pole Station" at the Pile Visitor Centre, and the rink and children's programme in Mokošica form the backbone of the family-focused activities, complemented by numerous events from Dubrovnik's cultural institutions.
The Children's Winter Festival brings its beloved traditions once again—meeting Santa Claus and his helpers in the Rector's Palace, festive workshops, rides on the Cabrio Bus, the arrival of the Moto Mrazovi on Stradun, and the popular children's New Year's Eve celebration with Jacques Houdek.
The City will shine in spectacular holiday décor, adorned with over a thousand metres of festive garlands, more than 1,200 light elements, illuminated trees, and over thirty Christmas trees throughout neighbourhoods and districts. Local hospitality venues and businesses add to the festive atmosphere with their own decorations, while the specially designed Poste od lentravanja offer visitors eye-catching photo spots for creating holiday memories. As always, the youngest artists from local schools and kindergartens will decorate shop windows along Stradun for the "Advent Calendar on Stradun", adding a heartfelt local touch to the festivities.
The programme also includes Advent on Vojnović with its concert lineup, Advent Park Dubrovnik in Gruž, and TIP TOP TUP, a special event for teenagers at TUP. Saturday morning folklore performances, traditional kolende on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, children's singing, and a series of free themed city tours in both English and Croatian complete the rich lineup.
To make it easier for residents and visitors to enjoy the festival, free Libertas bus transport will be available on all city routes from 5 p.m. to the last departure daily. Additionally, the price of the DU Pass—the joint ticket for Dubrovnik's major attractions—has been reduced from €40 to €20 during the Advent season.
This year, organisers anticipate a large number of visitors drawn to the festival's vibrant, diverse, and thoughtfully curated programme, reinforcing Dubrovnik's reputation as a year-round destination and offering both locals and guests the city's beloved festive atmosphere filled with traditional kolende and the aromas of Dubrovnik's holiday delicacies.
Dubrovnik is ready to shine in its most enchanting winter edition yet, once again proving why it is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful Advent destinations on the Mediterranean.
Full programme available at: www.dubrovackizimskifestival.com
