In December, Dubrovnik turns into a Christmas tale, while thousands of lights and Christmas decorations enhance its astonishing beauty.
From late November to early January, Dubrovnik swaps its summer crowds for Christmas lights, music and the scent of mulled wine. The 12th Dubrovnik Winter Festival turns the Old Town and several neighborhoods into a city-wide celebration of light, genuine local flavors and holiday magic.
If you’re curious how Advent concerts, choirs and street performances fit into the city’s artistic traditions, discover the background in our article on culture in Dubrovnik.
For 2025/26, the festival runs from 29 November 2025 to 3 January 2026, bringing concerts on Stradun, themed events in Lazareti, Lapad and Mokošica, ice rinks, children’s workshops and plenty of cosy spots to warm up with local food and wine.
The Dubrovnik Winter Festival offers a rich and diverse program, blending fun, culture, gastronomy, and art in Dubrovnik-the city of festivals and celebrations. Events will take place on the city’s most iconic stages, including Peskarija, Stradun, Pile, and Lazareti, all illuminated with festive holiday lights.
This forty-day festival is filled with reasons to gather and celebrate. Enjoy activities like skating with your children, watching the Christmas Tale show, sipping mulled wine, and savoring doughnuts by the Cathedral. Dance under the tent near Orlando’s Column, or warm up with cultural activities such as theater performances, gallery and museum visits, and workshops on traditional Dubrovnik sweets.
If you're visiting Dubrovnik in winter, don’t miss our detailed guides on the Best Things to Do in Dubrovnik and Best Day Trips from Dubrovnik.
When is Dubrovnik Winter Festival 2025?
The official dates of the Dubrovnik Winter Festival 2025/26 are:
- Festival period: 29 November 2025 - 3 January 2026
- Opening night: 29 November 2025 - concert by Doris Dragović on Stradun
- New Year’s Eve on Stradun: 31 December 2025 - Dino Merlin, Hiljson Mandela and Jakov Jozinović
- New Year’s Day concerts: 1 January 2026 - Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra midday concert and evening performance by Petar Grašo
Events spread across several locations, so it’s worth planning a couple of evenings in the Old Town plus time in Lapad and Mokošica to catch the family program and ice rinks.
Dubrovnik Super Saver:
Cable Car Ride and Old Town Walking Tour plus City Walls
Discover the charm and history of Dubrovnik on this unforgettable journey. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dubrovnik Old Town's narrow and winding streets, and admire the mesmerising views from the 16th-century city walls. Take your experience to new heights with a cable car ride to Mt. Srđ for panoramic views. Book your tour now with a knowledgeable expert.
What’s new for the 12th Dubrovnik Winter Festival?
The 2025 edition introduces a refreshed concept that puts even more focus on light, local food and the whole city, not just the main street:
- Restaurants on Stradun: instead of classic wooden cabins along the promenade, restaurants and cafés in the Old Town take the lead with special Advent menus, drinks and desserts served from their own premises.
- Christmas stands in new locations: festive houses and food stalls are concentrated on Gundulić Square and at Pile (Brsalje), with additional events and installations in neighborhoods like Lapad and Mokošica.
- City of light: more than a thousand decorations, illuminated streets, trees and facades turn Dubrovnik into a huge open-air Christmas display, with photo spots scattered across the historic center and seaside promenades.
- Family-first approach: the festival mascot Medo the Bear, the North Pole Station and popular ice rinks return, making this a genuinely family-friendly winter city break.
Festival highlights & major concerts 2025/26
Music lovers will find plenty of reasons to visit Dubrovnik in December. Headliners and key concerts include:
- Opening night on Stradun - 29 November 2025: legendary Croatian singer Doris Dragović kicks off the 12th Dubrovnik Winter Festival.
- ABBA Tribute - 12 December 2025: MANIA - The ABBA Tribute brings classic hits like “Dancing Queen”, “Mamma Mia” and “Waterloo” to Stradun.
- Stradun rock & pop: performances by Vanna, Parni Valjak, Dražen Zečić and Željko Bebek keep the main street busy on December weekends.
- Dubrovnik Christmas Concert - 22 December 2025: a gala event at Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik Hotel featuring the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra and guest vocalists.
- New Year’s Eve 2025/26: New Year’s programme on Stradun with Dino Merlin, Hiljson Mandela and Jakov Jozinović, plus a daytime kids’ celebration with Jacques Houdek.
- New Year’s Day & closing evenings: the traditional New Year’s Day Concert on Stradun with the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra, followed by Petar Grašo and, later in the festival, Klapa Intrade and other performers.
Smaller stages at Lazareti, Lapad and Mokošica host local bands, choirs, folklore groups and DJs throughout the season, so check the official daily schedule while you’re here.
Family & children’s programme
If you’re visiting Dubrovnik with children, the Winter Festival is one of the best times of year:
- Medo the Bear and elves: the festival’s mascot appears across the city, greeting kids at events, workshops and photo corners.
- North Pole Station at Pile: storytelling, creative art sessions, glowing Christmas card workshops and themed activities for preschool and school-age children.
- Ice rinks in Lapad and Mokošica: open throughout the festival with special family times, weekend events and appearances by Medo.
- Theatre & shows: children’s performances such as Šapice, fairy-tale plays, puppet shows and Christmas stories at the Marin Držić Theatre and cultural centres.
- Workshops & reading rooms: holiday craft workshops and festive story hours at Dubrovnik Libraries, plus educational programmes at museums and galleries.
Many children’s events are free or very low-cost, but some theatre shows require tickets, so it’s wise to book in advance once the programme is confirmed.
Christmas markets, food & local flavours
Instead of one central Christmas market, Dubrovnik Winter Festival 2025/26 spreads food and drink across several spots:
- Gundulić Square: holiday houses serving sausages, fritule (mini doughnuts), mulled wine and regional specialities, with live music on select evenings.
- Pile & Brsalje: stands with street food, sweets and drinks right by the Old Town gate and the carousel, ideal for families with younger kids.
- Restaurants along Stradun and in side streets: special Advent menus in traditional konoba-style taverns and modern bistros, featuring seafood, slow-cooked meat dishes and classic festive desserts.
- Neighbourhood festivals: Mokošica and Lapad host their own smaller events, often run by local associations, with homemade cakes, charity stalls and live music.
For more ideas on where to eat before or after festival events, see our guide to things to do in Dubrovnik and local food experiences.
To boost participation, free public transport is provided in the afternoons and evenings, and the Dubrovnik Pass, which includes city walls, museums and public transport, currently starts from around €40 for a 1-day pass - always check the official website for the latest prices and inclusions.
The festival's beloved mascot, Medo, along with cheerful elves, will bring joy to the city streets. The singing Pop-up Kolenda bus will spread festive tunes across all neighborhoods, while children can look forward to the magical North Pole Station, the ice rink, and the Advent train in Lapad Bay.
Dubrovnik Winter Festival 2025 programme
Below you’ll find the full day-by-day Dubrovnik Winter Festival 2025 programme, including concerts, theater performances, workshops, children’s events and New Year’s Eve celebrations, organised by date, time and location.
Most concerts on Stradun and many neighborhood events are free to attend, but some theater performances, workshops, ice rinks and special experiences may require tickets or a small participation fee. Always double-check details on the official festival website and at local tourist information centers shortly before attending.
28/11/25
19:30 Parking at the former Remiza / Vukovarska 36-40
Teatar band
Concert
20:00 In front of the Student Dormitory
Adi Šoše
Concert
29/11/25
09:00 Residence Bunić - Kaboga
Young botanists
Educational workshop for children
09:30 Pile Tourist Information Centre
Saturday Winter Morning in Dubrovnik
Free themed tours of the City and Folklore performance
10:00 Lapad bay
Colorful Winter in Uvala
11:00 Marin Držić Theatre
ŠAPICE
Velika scena - S. Sobin / directed by K. Baban / S. Sobin
14:00 Parish of the Most Holy Savior
Waiting for Christmas in Mokošica
15:00 Rector's Palace
Santa Claus (Christmas fairy tale)
19:30 Parking at the former Remiza / Vukovarska 36-40
Trash party by DJ AlexG
20:00 Stradun
Doris Dragović
12th Dubrovnik Winter Festival Opening
30/11/25
11:00 Marin Držić Theatre
ŠAPICE
Velika scena - S. Sobin / directed by K. Baban / S. Sobin
11:00 Parking at the former Remiza / Vukovarska 36-40
Medolino Animators and Tinker Labs Workshop
Children's programme
14:00 Parish of the Most Holy Savior
Waiting for Christmas in Mokošica
15:00 Rector's Palace
Santa Claus (Christmas fairy tale)
16:00 Armory Square
Držićevi suvremenici
Free Themed Guided Tour
01/12/25
10:00 Marin Držić Theatre
ŠAPICE
Velika scena - S. Sobin / directed by K. Baban / S. Sobin
11:00 Marin Držić Theatre
ŠAPICE
Velika scena - S. Sobin / directed by K. Baban / S. Sobin
15:00 Rector's Palace
Santa Claus (Christmas fairy tale)
02/12/25
10:00 Marin Držić Theatre
ŠAPICE
Velika scena - S. Sobin / directed by K. Baban / S. Sobin
11:00 Marin Držić Theatre
ŠAPICE
Velika scena - S. Sobin / directed by K. Baban / S. Sobin
18:00 Lazareti - The Second Boat
From Swimming to Christmas
Performance by the Dubrovnik Children's Choir
20:00 In front of the Student Dormitory
Giuliano & Diktatori
Concert
03/12/25
10:00 Marin Držić Theatre
ŠAPICE
Velika scena - S. Sobin / directed by K. Baban / S. Sobin
11:00 Marin Držić Theatre
ŠAPICE
Velika scena - S. Sobin / directed by K. Baban / S. Sobin
19:30 Parking at the former Remiza / Vukovarska 36-40
Stand-up Comedy - Splicka Scena
Josip Škiljo and Ivica Lazaneo
04/12/25
15:00 TUP
TIP TOP TUP
15:00 Pile Gate
Advent Walk Through the City
Meeting Point: North Pole Station (TIC at Brsalje)
17:00 Dubrovnik Libraries - Children's Department of the City Library
St. Nicholas
Story room
17:30 Dubrovnik Libraries - Cavtat Branch
Creative Christmas Workshop
Coordinator: Ivona Perak
19:30 Parking at the former Remiza / Vukovarska 36-40
Themed DJ Party
20:00 Marin Držić Theatre
Filomena Marturano
Velika scena - Guest Performance by the Tivat Cultural Center
05/12/25
09:00 City of Dubrovnik
Cabrio bus
Performance by Backstage Boys, Medo, PS Lazareti, St. Nicholas, Krampus
10:00 Porat - old city port
Galijon Tirena
12:00 Rector's Palace
St. Nicholaus
Organized by the Our Children Association Dubrovnik
15:00 TUP
TIP TOP TUP
16:00 Rector's Palace
A Stroll by Tram
Workshop
16:00 Parking at the former Remiza / Vukovarska 36-40
Afterwork mingle
17:00 Dubrovnik Libraries - Children's Department of the City Library
Christmas Art Workshops
Coordinator: Lena Kramarić
19:30 Parking at the former Remiza / Vukovarska 36-40
Trash party by DJ AlexG
20:00 In front of the Student Dormitory
Prljavo kazalište
Concert
06/12/25
10:00 Lapad bay
Colorful Winter in Uvala
15:00 Pile Gate
Advent Walk Through the City
Meeting Point: North Pole Station (TIC at Brsalje)
16:00 Parish of the Most Holy Savior
Waiting for Christmas in Mokošica
18:00 Marin Držić Theatre
Little Buzzing Bees
Velika scena - KD Aster
19:30 Parking at the former Remiza / Vukovarska 36-40
Duška Brčić Šušak
Concert
07/12/25
11:00 Parking at the former Remiza / Vukovarska 36-40
Medolino Animators, St. Nicholas and Krampus
Children's programme
14:00 Parish of the Most Holy Savior
Waiting for Christmas in Mokošica
16:00 Armory Square
Držićevi suvremenici
Free Themed Guided Tour
08/12/25
13:00 Dječji vrtić Mala kuća, Put na more 11, Mokošica
Christmas magic
"Zelena menestra" cooking workshop with Matičević parents
17:00 Dječji vrtić Mala kuća, Put na more 11, Mokošica
Christmas magic
Opening of the “Christmas Magic” event with a traditional oak log ceremony performed by children from Trsteno Kindergarten, the setting up of live Nativity scenes accompanied by Advent songs performed by the children's choir from Mala Kuća Kindergarten.
19:00 City Library Exhibition Area
“Miniature” Exhibition Opening
20:00 Marin Držić Theatre
Santa Claus is the worst
Velika scena - directed by Draško Zidar
09/12/25
17:00 Dječji vrtić Mala kuća, Put na more 11, Mokošica
Christmas magic
The performance of “The Hedgehog’s Little House” by the Kolarin Theatre Company- followed by friendly gathering with prikle and warm tea.
19:00 Dubrovnik Libraries - Lapad
The Joy of Christmas
Chat room and workshop
20:00 Marin Držić Theatre
Naked in a Cage
Velika scena - Guest Performance by Moruzgva Theatre
20:00 In front of the Student Dormitory
Sabioncello band
Concert
10/12/25
17:00 Dječji vrtić Mala kuća, Put na more 11, Mokošica
Christmas magic
Aster Theatre Association's performance "The Three Little Pigs" - hot dog sales with hot tea
17:00 Marin Držić Cultural Centre
Christmas at the Marin Držić Cultural Centre
Educational Workshop
19:30 Parking at the former Remiza / Vukovarska 36-40
Music Quiz
20:00 Marin Držić Theatre
Naked in a Cage
Velika scena - Guest Performance by Moruzgva Theatre
11/12/25
15:00 TUP
TIP TOP TUP
17:30 Art Gallery Dubrovnik
Christmas workshop for kids
Workshop Leader: Ivona Šimunović
19:30 Parking at the former Remiza / Vukovarska 36-40
Branko Medak
Concert
20:00 Marin Držić Theatre
It’s a big house; you can’t carry it.
Velika scena - directed by Romano Nikolić
12/12/25
10:00 TUP
TIP TOP TUP
Art up fair
15:00 TUP
TIP TOP TUP
16:00 Parking at the former Remiza / Vukovarska 36-40
Afterwork mingle
17:00 Residence Bunić - Kaboga
Architectural Time Machine: A Walk Through the Centuries of Residence Bunić - Kaboga
Professional guidance
17:00 Dubrovnik Libraries - Children’s Section of the City Library
Christmas art workshop
Workshop Leader: Lena Kramarić
19:30 Parking at the former Remiza / Vukovarska 36-40
Trash party by DJ AlexG
20:00 Franciscan Monastery
International Advent and Christmas Songs
Mixed Choir "INA"
20:00 In front of the Student Dormitory
Hrvatske ruže
Concert
21:00 Stradun
Mania The ABBA Tribute
Concert
13/12/25
10:00 TUP
TIP TOP TUP
Art up fair
11:00 Stradun
Cake Party
Concert Domenica and Ante Cash
13:30 Lapad bay
Colorful Winter in Uvala
14:00 Pile Gate
Advent Walk Through the City
Meeting Point: North Pole Station (TIC at Brsalje)
15:00 Parish of the Most Holy Savior
Waiting for Christmas in Mokošica
15:00 TIC Pile
North Pole Station
Stories about Advent holidays, traditions and Christmas carols, accompanied by singing and the planting of wheat.
16:00 Parish of the Most Holy Savior
Waiting for Christmas in Mokošica
17:00 Rector's Palace
Stage and Music Presentation of Christmas Traditions
Podravske Sesvete Retirees’ Association
17:30 Fort Lovrijenac
Grinching at Fort Lovrijenac
18:00 Marin Držić Theatre
Goldilocks
Velika scena - Guest Performance by GKM Split
18:00 Atelier Zlatarska 1
Space for Small Formats
Exhibition Opening - Lena Kramarić
19:30 Parking at the former Remiza / Vukovarska 36-40
Daleka Obala
Concert
14/12/25
10:00 Residence Bunić - Kaboga
Light Up the Holidays - Clay Lantern Workshop
Workshop for children and adults
10:00 TUP
TIP TOP TUP
11:00 Marin Držić Theatre
Goldilocks
Velika scena - Guest Performance by GKM Split
11:00 Parking at the former Remiza / Vukovarska 36-40
Aster “Buzzing Bees” and Medolino Animators
Children's programme
14:00 Mokošica
Cabrio bus
Performance by: klapa Feral, Entertainers: Medo, PS Lazareti
14:00 TIC Pile
North Pole Station
A City in the Colors of Imagination
17:00 Bunić Kaboga Summer Villa
Traditional Dubrovnik Christmas carol
Final Evening of the Caroling and Christmas Song Workshop, organized by the Dubrovnik Children’s Choir
17:30 Fort Lovrijenac
Grinching at Fort Lovrijenac
18:00 Rector's Palace
Presentation of the Pannonian Christmas Nativity Scene
Concert: Ivana Jelača, fortepiano; Marija Lešaja, soprano (Croatian-Austrian Society)
20:00 Church of the Franciscan Monastery of the Friars Minor
Advent Concert of Klapas and Choirs of the Dubrovnik Diocese
16/12/25
17:00 Hall of the Church of St. Saviour
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
For First Communion children
19:00 Dubrovnik Libraries - Lapad
The Joy of Christmas
Chat room and workshop
19:00 Art Gallery Dubrovnik
Opening of the Retrospective Exhibition - Josip Škerlj
19:00 Marin Držić Theatre
Magical Advent
Dance Show
20:00 In front of the Student Dormitory
Sabioncello band
Concert
17/12/25
18:00 Marin Držić Theatre
Step ‘n Jazz: Christmas Rhythm Class
18:00 Cinema Visija
Gathering of Carolers and Well-Wishers
Dubrovnik Youth Forum
19:30 Parking at the former Remiza / Vukovarska 36-40
Music Quiz
20:00 Marin Držić Theatre
Step ‘n Jazz: Christmas Rhythm Class
18/12/25
15:00 TUP
TIP TOP TUP
17:00 Parish of the Most Holy Savior
Waiting for Christmas in Mokošica
19:00 Marin Držić Theatre
The Nutcracker
Directed by Paolo Tišljarić
19:30 Parking at the former Remiza / Vukovarska 36-40
Dino Dvornik Tribute
19/12/25
10:00 Dubrovnik restaurants
Days of codfish
11:00 City of Dubrovnik
Cabrio bus
Performance by Taliri quartet; Entertainers: Medo, PS Lazareti
15:00 TUP
TIP TOP TUP
16:00 Parking at the former Remiza / Vukovarska 36-40
Afterwork mingle
17:00 Rector's Palace
The History of the Dubrovnik Tram from 1910 to 1970
Professional guidance through the exhibition
17:00 Dubrovnik Libraries - Children’s Section of the City Library
Christmas art workshop
Coordinator: Lena Kramarić
18:00 City Public Library
Stories from Ragusina: Fotez and Gavella at the Theatre of Dubrovnik Summer Festival
Lecture by theatre scholar Petra Jelača
19:00 Marin Držić Theatre
The Nutcracker
Directed by Paolo Tišljarić
19:30 Parking at the former Remiza / Vukovarska 36-40
Trash party by DJ AlexG
20:00 In front of the Student Dormitory
Magazin
Concert
20/12/25
09:30 Pile Tourist Information Centre
Saturday Winter Morning in Dubrovnik
Free themed tours of the City and Folklore performance
10:00 Dubrovnik restaurants
Days of codfish
10:00 Lapad bay
Colorful Winter in Uvala
14:00 Parish of the Most Holy Savior
Waiting for Christmas in Mokošica
14:00 TIC Pile
North Pole Station
Creative Holiday Workshops for Preschool Children
15:00 TIC Pile
North Pole Station
Painting Workshop: The Joyful Snowflake
16:00 Parish of the Most Holy Savior
Waiting for Christmas in Mokošica
19:00 Marin Držić Theatre
The Nutcracker
Directed by Paolo Tišljarić
19:30 Parking at the former Remiza / Vukovarska 36-40
Retro party by Old school DJ'S
20:00 Franciscan Monastery
Folklore Ensemble Linđo
Christmas Concert
21:00 Stradun
Vanna
Concert
21/12/25
10:00 Dubrovnik restaurants
Days of codfish
11:00 Parking at the former Remiza / Vukovarska 36-40
Children's Choir Dubrovnik and Medolino Animators
14:00 TIC Pile
North Pole Station
Creative Workshop: Children Give Memories - Making Personalized Christmas Cards
17:00 In front of the Cathedral
Live Nativity
19:00 Marin Držić Theatre
The Nutcracker
Directed by Paolo Tišljarić
22/12/25
10:00 Dubrovnik restaurants
Days of codfish
19:00 Dubrovnik Libraries - Children’s Department of the City Public Library
Seasonal Christmas Reading Session
19:00 Ethnographic Museum “Rupe”
Gruški Škar - 500 years since its founding
Opening of the exhibition
20:00 Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik Hotel
Christmas concert
Concert
23/12/25
10:00 Dubrovnik restaurants
Days of codfish
10:00 City of Dubrovnik
Cabrio bus
Performance by klapa Bava, Entertainers: Medo, PS Lazareti
19:00 Marin Držić Theatre
The Nutcracker
Directed by Paolo Tišljarić
20:00 In front of the Student Dormitory
Bosutski bećari
Concert
24/12/25
10:00 Dubrovnik restaurants
Days of codfish
12:00 Stradun
Christmas Eve Carol
Linđo Folklore Ensemble, Libertas Choir, Dubrovnik City Orchestra
13:30 Parking at the former Remiza / Vukovarska 36-40
Christmas Eve DJ
25/12/25
19:30 Parking at the former Remiza / Vukovarska 36-40
Siniša Vuco
26/12/25
12:00 Stradun
Motorcycle Santas
19:30 Parking at the former Remiza / Vukovarska 36-40
Trash Party by DJ Alex G
20:00 In front of the Student Dormitory
Silente
27/12/25
09:30 Pile Tourist Information Centre
Saturday Winter Morning in Dubrovnik
Free themed tours of the City and Folklore performance
10:00 Lapad bay
Colorful Winter in Uvala
14:00 Mokošica
Cabrio bus
Performance by klapa Bakus, Entertainers: Medo, PS Lazareti
14:00 TIC Pile
North Pole Station
Scientific Christmas with Tinker Labs
16:00 TUP
TIP TOP TUP
20:00
21:00 Stradun
Parni Valjak
Concert
28/12/25
11:00 Parking at the former Remiza / Vukovarska 36-40
STEP'N JAZZ Dubrovnik and Medolino Animators
14:00 TIC Pile
North Pole Station
Glowing Christmas Cards
15:00 TIC Pile
North Pole Station
Glowing Christmas Cards
21:00 Stradun
Dražen Zečić
Concert
29/12/25
20:00 Marin Držić Theatre
Christmas concert of the City Music Dubrovnik
Velika scena
20:00 In front of the Student Dormitory
Jole
Concert
30/12/25
20:00 Stradun
Prijatelji Dubrovačkog Distonavanja i Šperploča
Concert
21:00 Stradun
Željko Bebek
Concert
22:00 In front of the Student Dormitory
Matko i Brane
Concert
31/12/25
11:00 Stradun
New Year's Eve Party for children
Jacques Houdek
11:00 Parking at the former Remiza / Vukovarska 36-40
Day Program and New Year's Eve DJ Party
12:00 Stradun
New Year's Eve cocktail party by Dubrovnik bartenders
21:00 Stradun
New Year's Eve Party
Jakov Jozinović, Dino Merlin, Hiljson Mandela
01/01/26
11:00 Stradun
New Year's Day Concert
Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra, Ivan Josip Skender - Conductor, Marija Lešaja - soprano, Lovre Gujinović - tenor
11:00 Parking at the former Remiza / Vukovarska 36-40
Kids’ New Year Celebration & Evening DJ Party
20:00 Stradun
Petar Grašo
Concert
02/01/26
17:00 Dubrovnik Libraries - Department for Children and Youth
Winter Tales Reading Room
19:30 Parking at the former Remiza / Vukovarska 36-40
Trash Party by DJ Alex G
20:00 Stradun
T. Bralić & Klapa Intrade
Concert
03/01/26
09:30 Pile Tourist Information Centre
Saturday Winter Morning in Dubrovnik
Free themed tours of the City and Folklore performance
11:00 Lapad bay
Colorful Winter in Uvala
19:30 Gospino Polje Sports Hall
Network of Love
Charity concert
19:30 Parking at the former Remiza / Vukovarska 36-40
Closing Program
05/01/26
16:00 TUP
TIP TOP TUP
Dubrovnik Winter Festival official web site: Dubrovnik Winter Festival
Practical tips - getting to Dubrovnik & getting around
Although winter is the low season, Dubrovnik stays well connected and easy to navigate during the festival.
How to get to Dubrovnik in winter
There are fewer direct flights than in summer, but you can usually reach Dubrovnik via Zagreb or other European hubs. Buses and car rentals run all year, and the roads are generally clear even in December.
- For route options, check our detailed Dubrovnik guide on how to get to Dubrovnik.
- If you plan a winter road trip or day trips into the countryside, compare prices and options in our rent a car in Dubrovnik section.
- Ferries run on reduced schedules in winter; see Dubrovnik ferries if you want to combine the festival with a visit to nearby islands.
Getting around the city
Most festival events in the Old Town are easily reached on foot. For Lapad, Mokošica and other neighbourhoods, local buses run frequently, and during the festival some routes operate extended hours or special services to key venues.
If you plan to explore beyond the festival area, our main Dubrovnik travel guide covers public transport, taxis and airport transfers with additional pages for more details.
Where to stay for Dubrovnik Winter Festival
For the best experience, stay within walking distance or a short bus ride from the Old Town:
- Old Town & Ploče: ideal if you want to walk to concerts on Stradun, late-night DJs at Brsalje and early-morning coffee under the Christmas lights.
- Lapad & Babin Kuk: quieter, with seaside promenades and easy bus connections to the Old Town, plus one of the festival’s ice rinks.
- Mokošica: a good choice if you’re travelling with family and want to be close to the local winter programme, ice rink and Cabrio bus events.
Browse our accommodation pages for more detail:
More things to do in Dubrovnik in December
Even if you’re here mainly for the Winter Festival, leave room in your itinerary for some classic Dubrovnik experiences:
- Walk the city walls on a crisp winter morning when they’re far quieter than in July.
- Join a guided tour, wine tasting or sunset walk from our overview of things to do in Dubrovnik.
- Add a day out to nearby islands or the countryside with ideas from our day trips from Dubrovnik guide.
- Check what else is happening during your stay on our events in Dubrovnik page.
Weather & what to pack
Winter in Dubrovnik is mild compared to much of Europe but can still be chilly and wet, especially in the evenings. Expect daytime highs around 10-15 °C and cooler nights.
- Pack a warm, waterproof jacket and layers - the bora wind can feel cold on the seafront.
- Bring comfortable shoes with good grip for polished stone streets that may be damp.
- Add a hat, gloves and scarf if you plan to stay out late for concerts and New Year’s Eve.
For a broader overview of seasonal conditions, see our page on weather in Dubrovnik.
Practical FAQs about Dubrovnik Winter Festival
Is Dubrovnik Winter Festival worth visiting?
Yes. If you prefer festive lights, good food and live music to crowded beaches, the Dubrovnik Winter Festival is one of the best times to visit. You get the beauty of the Old Town with far fewer visitors, plus concerts, markets and a full family programme.
How many days do you need for the festival?
Plan at least 2-3 nights if you want to combine a big concert on Stradun with a visit to the Christmas stands, one or two children’s events and a relaxed day exploring the Old Town. If you also want day trips, stay 4-5 nights.
Are most events free?
Many outdoor concerts, children’s workshops and public events are free to attend, while theatre performances and some special concerts require tickets. Always check the official programme for details and consider booking popular shows in advance.
Can you visit the city walls and attractions during the festival?
Yes. Major sights remain open on winter schedules, so you can walk the city walls, visit museums and explore Dubrovnik’s landmarks during the day, then enjoy the festival in the evenings. To plan your days, start with our main Dubrovnik guide and things to do pages.