Opatija, known as the pearl of the Adriatic, proudly announces this year's "Most Beautiful Advent by the Sea", which begins on November 29th with the lighting of holiday lights at the city market. The refreshed festive attire of the market is adorned with a combination of Glagolitic letters and marine motifs, paying tribute to the rich folk heritage. The city will shine in full splendor, and the special attraction will be impressive nativity scenes located in front of the medieval church and monastery.

The exoticness of Opatija's parks and promenades, often described as paradise oases, will further come to the fore during Advent. In the spirit of sustainability and preservation of horticultural heritage, for the first time electric timers will be used to manage light decorations in these historical green spaces.

During Advent, every corner of Opatija becomes a stage for creating unforgettable memories. Under the glow of thousands of lights and magical light installations, parks, promenades, and richly decorated streets invite enjoyment of the festive atmosphere. With the sounds of Christmas songs and the scent of cinnamon and mulled wine, visitors will encounter Santa Claus rooms, playful teddy bears, snowmen, richly decorated giant snowflakes, sea horses, shells, snails, a choir of dwarves, and Opatija ladies, creating unique holiday scenes. Every visitor can feel royal, taking photos on the magnificent throne with nutcrackers on the staircase of Villa Angioline, while the blazing heart in its fragrant ground floor pulsates with romance.

Cultural and Entertainment Program

Advent in Opatija offers a rich cultural and entertainment program for all generations. The youngest will enjoy "Ice Magic" at the Summer Stage, which transforms into a fairy-tale ice rink during winter, along with ballet and theater performances, musical acts, and entertaining animations. Children will have the opportunity to interact with Santa Claus at Xmas Street Lungomare Advent, at Poklon where he will arrive directly from Finland, and at the Continental hotel during breakfast with him.

From December 13th to 15th, the "Christmas Fairy Tale" in Učka Nature Park will offer an Advent fair, creative workshops, winter carriage rides, and a rich gastronomic offering in a unique mountain setting. In the Milenij Choco world, children will be able to paint chocolate balls, while at the Imperial hotel’s Kavana, they will participate in a workshop titled "The Arrival of St. Nicholas".

Musical Program

The musical program includes diverse artistic performances, including classical music concerts, choir and cappella performances, and DJ sets throughout Opatija. In the "Winter Garden" in front of the Juraj Šporer Art Pavilion, visitors can enjoy a rich selection of holiday meals and drinks, while numerous events will take place at Xmas Street Lungomare Advent along the coastal promenade, from the Villa Angioline promenade and St. Jacob's Park to the city market and numerous hotels and restaurants. For those seeking different activities, Opatija offers Nordic walking with a professional guide, Christmas walks with Mario Mlinarić, a skating school at the Summer Stage, Xmas salsa party, and even New Year’s bathing with Opatija frogs.

Mayor Fernando Kirigin emphasizes that Advent in Opatija has become a recognizable symbol of the city, winning numerous awards for its uniqueness. Every year it brings innovations related to local culture and additional protection of natural heritage, with an emphasis on the quality of events and the arrangement of individual locations. This event traditionally concludes and begins a new annual cycle of Opatija’s events.

New Year's Eve

New Year’s Eve celebrations will be held at various locations, including the city market, Tomaševac, Juraj Šporer Art Pavilion, and Xmas Street Lungomare Advent. The youngest will celebrate the arrival of the New Year at noon at the Small Summer Stage, while the traditional New Year’s greeting by the mayor will be held at noon on January 1st on the terrace of the Kvarner hotel, with a glass of champagne and a performance by the Lovran Puhac Orchestra.

Suzi Petričić, director of the Opatija Tourist Board, emphasizes that Advent in Opatija captivates visitors with its fairy-tale atmosphere and unique blend of tradition, romance, and holiday magic. With a rich program and recognizable Opatija views in the most splendid festive attire, "Most Beautiful Advent by the Sea" creates experiences that continuously attract loyal visitors and enchant those discovering it for the first time.

All news about Advent events, which are also held this year with the sponsorship of Zagrebačka banka, are available on the website visitopatija.com and on the social networks of the Opatija Tourist Board. On the "Most Beautiful Advent by the Sea" every moment becomes royal, and all who wish to experience its festive magic will surely find it here.