10 Best Christmas Markets In Croatia In 2026 (+MAP!)
Croatia is quickly becoming one of the most popular destinations in Europe for Christmas market lovers. While the Zagreb Christmas market is well-known worldwide, you may wonder if there are other Croatian Christmas markets worth visiting.
As a Croatian local and big fan of Christmas markets, I set out on a mission to visit as many as possible to bring you this list of the best Christmas markets in Croatia that should be on your radar this winter.
Let’s get started!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you purchase through a link. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.
1. Zagreb Christmas Market
🎄 Dates: 29 November 2025 to 07 January 2026
Zagreb Christmas Market put Croatia on the map of holiday destinations, and it’s truly the best Christmas market in the country. If you can only visit one Christmas market in Croatia, it should be Zagreb.
I studied in Zagreb, and for the first couple of years, there was only the main square market with a big tent and a stage. Fast forward a few years, and Zagreb was awarded the best Christmas Market in Europe 3 years in a row and had over 10 different markets around the city.
Nowadays, we have the main market at Ban Jelacic Square every year, but other locations vary depending on the year. With 2 days in Zagreb, you’ll have enough time to see all my favorite spots like Zrinjevac Park with the ice skating rink and Gornji Grad.
Where to stay in Zagreb for Christmas Markets?
I suggest staying around the city center, so you’re close to all the events. There are many studio flats and apartments for rent in the city center, so you’ll have plenty of places to choose from. You don’t have to worry about the noise, as the city center is quite calm after midnight.
- TOP Pick: Boutique Hotel HOH
- Best Mid-Range Option: MANDA Heritage Hotel
- Budget Pick: Swanky Mint
2. Dubrovnik Christmas Market
🎄 Dates: 29 November 2025 to 03 January 2026
If you want to see Dubrovnik without crowds while still enjoying a festive and lively atmosphere, Advent is the perfect time to visit. The Christmas market in Dubrovnik is called the Dubrovnik Winter Festival, and it takes place throughout December in the Old Town.
So, what to expect if you visit Dubrovnik during the Christmas season? Unlike summer in Dubrovnik, winter is more popular with local tourists than foreign tourists. That makes for a unique opportunity to enjoy the city as a local and join some of the many events and concerts.
Where to stay in Dubrovnik for Christmas Markets?
The best part of visiting Dubrovnik in winter is that the prices of accommodation are much lower than in the summer. That means that beautiful places around the Old Town are more affordable, and it’s well worth staying in the city.
- TOP Pick: Hotel Excelsior (my literal DREAM view)
- Mid-Range option: Hotel Lapad
- Backpacker Hostel: Old Town Hostel
3. Opatija Christmas Market
🎄 Dates: 28 November 2025 to 06 January 2026
Opatija is known as one of the most elegant seaside towns in Croatia, and that’s exactly the vibe you’ll get during December. I absolutely loved seeing twinkling Christmas lights and decorations with the sea in the background.
The city really goes all out with the decorations, and the best areas to admire are Saint Jakov Park, Angiolini Park, Slatina, and Lungomare. Opatija was named one of the best Christmas light destinations in Europe, so you know you’re in for a treat.
Where to stay in Opatija for Christmas Markets?
Opatija is a small town, so you’ll be fine wherever you stay in the city. Also, you can get great deals on luxury hotels along the seafront at this time of the year!
- TOP pick: Hotel Ambasador
- Best Mid-Range Hotel: Amadria Park Grand Hotel
- Budget Pick: Hotel Imperial
4. Pula Christmas Market
🎄 Dates: 30 November 2025 to 11 January 2026
I grew up in Pula, and while we always had some holiday events throughout December, the idea of a big Christmas market with wooden chalets is actually quite new.
These days, December in Pula feels really lively, there’s live music and concerts almost every weekend, and the city always throws a big outdoor celebration for New Year’s Eve.
The main Christmas Market takes place in Giardini, but there are several other locations with chalets and activities like Portarata, Forum, and Pula Market. One of my favorite things to do in Pula must be the ice skating rink inside Pula Arena. It’s definitely the most unique place for ice skating in the country!
Where to stay in Pula for Christmas Markets?
Ideally, you’d stay around the city center as that’s where most events take place. While hotels near Pula beaches might be affordable, you’ll need to take a bus to the city center. Driving and parking in the city center can be complicated during December, as some streets may be closed for the Christmas market.
- TOP Pick: Villa Brandestini
- Mid-Range Option: Apartments Forum
- Backpacker Hostel: Hostel Antique
5. Rijeka Christmas Market
🎄 Dates: 29 November 2025 to 7 January 2026
Rijeka is home to one of the most unique Christmas markets in Croatia. As December rolls around, Trsat Castle overlooking the city gets wrapped in Christmas lights and hosts a charming Christmas market. It’s a beautiful spot to enjoy the holiday spirit while admiring the views over the city and the sea.
Back in the city center, the main walking street, Korzo, is covered with twinkling lights and lined with wooden stands selling holiday gifts and delicacies. Trg Riječke rezolucije is where you’ll find more food and drinks chalets, as well as the traditional spot for live music during the Christmas season.
Where to stay in Rijeka for Christmas Markets?
I suggest staying in the city center, close to the main walking street, Korzo. Keep in mind that Rijeka gets very hilly the further you are from the sea.
- TOP Pick: Grand Hotel Bonavia
- Mid-Range option: Casa Veneziana
- Backpacker Hostel: Das Hostel (Trsat area)
6. Split Christmas Market
🎄 Dates: Dates not announced yet, usually throughout December
The biggest coastal city in Croatia shines in December with its own Adriatic twist on the festive season. The Split Christmas Market, also known as Advent u Splitu, stretches along the Riva promenade. I love how relaxed the atmosphere was compared to Zagreb; locals come out for live music, hot drinks, and delicious Dalmatian specialties like fritule (mini donuts).
The Christmas lights reflecting off the sea make the Riva feel magical, especially in the evening. This is also a great opportunity to enjoy tourist attractions in Split, like Diocletian’s Palace, without crowds.
Where to stay in Split for Christmas Markets?
Winter is the best time to enjoy beautiful accommodation in the city center of Split for a fraction of the price they charge during the summer months.
- TOP Pick: Dioklecijan Hotel & Residence
- Mid-Range option: Apartments Lana Spalato
- Backpacker Hostel: En Route Hostel
7. Samobor Christmas Market
🎄 Dates: Dates not announced yet, usually throughout December
Back on the mainland, Samobor is one of the smallest towns on this list, but it is definitely worth visiting if you’re already in Zagreb. The city is located just a short drive from Zagreb, making it a perfect day trip to escape the crowds in the capital.
The Zagreb region is perfect if you want to experience Croatian Christmas markets like a local. If you have a car, take a festive road trip and visit nearby towns like Velika Gorica, Dugo Selo, Sveta Nedjelja, Zaprešić, and of course, Samobor.
Where to stay in Samobor for Christmas Markets?
Samobor is a small and walkable town, so no matter where you stay, you’ll be close to the main square and Christmas market. That said, if you don’t have a car, I’d recommend basing yourself in Zagreb and taking a day trip to Samobor instead.
- TOP pick: Hotel Livadić
- Best Mid-Range Option: Apartman Rudi
8. Varaždin Christmas Market
🎄 Dates: 28 November 2025 to 06 January 2026
Varaždin isn’t on most people’s Croatia itinerary, but this charming northern town is a great day trip from Zagreb. Its Christmas market has a cozy, local vibe, which is perfect if you want to skip the crowds and experience a more authentic festive atmosphere.
Some of the main attractions are the Varaždin ferris wheel, Santa Claus town, and one of the biggest ice skating rinks in the country. Most Varaždin squares get a festive makeover, with the main Christmas market on Korzo promenade and Starčević Square.
Where to stay in Varaždin for Christmas Markets?
Varaždin is also a small town with not that many hotels to choose from. If you don’t have a car, stay close to the city center, as public transport is not as frequent as it is in the bigger cities.
- TOP pick: Hotel Turist (I stayed here for a friend’s wedding and loved it!)
- Best Mid-Range Hotel: Hotel Istra
9. Zadar Christmas Market
🎄 Dates: Dates not announced yet, usually throughout December
Another popular summer holiday destination, Zadar, gets a festive makeover in December, transforming into a cozy seaside Christmas market destination. With 1 day in Zadar, you’ll have enough time to see all the festive decorations.
The city’s main market is on Petar Zoranić Square and Five Wells Square, where you’ll find wooden chalets selling local delicacies, mulled wine, and handmade crafts. There’s also a traditional Christmas run in the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
Where to stay in Zadar for Christmas Markets?
I suggest staying in the city center, so you don’t have to walk long at night after watching the Christmas lights. Zadar has a lot of accommodation options in the Old Town, and you can find great seasonal deals in December!
- TOP pick in Zadar: Almayer Art & Heritage Hotel
- Best Mid-Range Hotel: Three Pearls Deluxe Rooms & Studios
- Best Hostel In Zadar: Downtown Boutique Hostel
10. Osijek Christmas Market
🎄 Dates: Dates not announced yet, usually throughout December
Finally, we have the largest city in one of Croatia’s least-visited regions – Osijek. Most tourists never make it this far, which makes Osijek perfect if you’re after a real local vibe and a market that feels authentic rather than commercial.
December in Osijek is very lively, with live music and events almost daily throughout December. It was even named the best Christmas market in Croatia in 2022, which is a significant recognition given that it was competing with Zagreb!
Where to stay in Osijek for Christmas Markets?
Osijek is a large city, so stay in the city center for the best experience.
- TOP pick: Hotel Osijek
- Best Mid-Range Hotel: Boutique hotel Tvrđa
- Best Hostel Option: City Center Osijek
MAP: Best Croatian Christmas Markets
Want to visit multiple Christmas markets, but not sure which ones are in the same area? This map will help you plan your itinerary!
What is the best city in Croatia in December?
The best city to visit in Croatia in December is Zagreb. The Croatian capital is home to one of the best Christmas Markets in Europe, and it’s the most lively place throughout December. I love how there are Christmas decorations everywhere, clubs and bars have holiday-themed events, and live music concerts take place on the main square several times a week.
Summary: Best Christmas Markets in Croatia
Christmas Markets became very popular in Croatia, so you’ll find one in most Croatian towns. I was surprised that even a small coastal town near my hometown has one now.
However, they’re not all the same!
Zagreb traditionally has the best Christmas market in Croatia, with more than 10 locations around the city, almost daily live music concerts, and stunning decorations. If you want to escape the crowds and enjoy a more local atmosphere, consider Dubrovnik, Opatija, and Rijeka.
Finally, you don’t even need to choose! Spend a week in Croatia and discover as many of them as you can on a festive road trip.
