The holiday period at the end of December once again turns Gospić into a warm and glittering center of Advent magic. The event “Advent in the Heart of Lika – Gospić” takes place from December 17 to December 24, 2024, at two key locations – in Kolakovac Park and in the courtyard of the Lika-Senj County building at Dr. Franjo Tuđman Street 4. As part of the program, visitors can expect concerts by popular Croatian performers, sports events, a rich gastronomic offer, and an ice skating rink with various contents for children and families. Those planning several days in the holiday atmosphere can choose accommodation in Gospić during Advent in time and combine rest with enjoyment of the program.

The organizers, Lika-Senj County and the City of Gospić, have been systematically developing the Advent story in the heart of Lika with joint forces in recent years. With lighting, thematic decorations, the scents of mulled wine and local delicacies, “Advent in the Heart of Lika” has become a recognizable winter event that attracts visitors from the entire region, but also wider. Special emphasis is placed on the family atmosphere – so that children, young people, families with smaller children, but also older visitors looking for relaxed holiday socializing feel equally good in the same space.

In the days leading up to Christmas, the city center turns into a vivid open-air scene, where musical performances, children's workshops, sports tournaments, and occasional events alternate. Visitors coming from other parts of Croatia can combine sightseeing of the city, visiting nearby attractions, and comfortable accommodation in the heart of Lika in one weekend, and then end the evening with concerts and socializing at the Advent stalls.

Opening in Kolakovac Park and ice skating rink until January 7

The Advent program symbolically begins on December 17 in Kolakovac Park, a green oasis close to the center of Gospić. It is precisely this park that becomes the colorful backdrop of the Advent story during the holidays – with trees decorated with lights, thematic installations, and children's laughter coming from the ice skating rink. In the afternoon hours, visitors can first expect an entertainment program for children, and at 5:30 PM the ice skating rink officially opens, which will be a favorite gathering place for families and young people in the coming weeks.

The ice skating rink in Kolakovac Park remains open until January 7, 2025, giving Advent events in Gospić an extended winter framework. Children can try their first skating steps, while those more experienced on the ice will enjoy faster rides and social games. Throughout the entire period, numerous events, thematic games, animations, and workshops are organized at the skating rink, and local associations, school groups, and sports clubs often join the program.

For parents, it is especially practical that the skating rink is located in the immediate vicinity of the center, so going out skating can easily be combined with short walks through the city or a visit to the Advent stalls. Those visiting Gospić for a few days can plan evening hours with concerts and performances, and during the day an opportunity for an active stay in the fresh air, which makes a perfect blend of rest and recreation. Well-positioned accommodation near Kolakovac Park also helps with this, thanks to which one can reach the skating rink after just a few minutes of walking.

First day: music school concert and Klapa Luka

Along with the opening of the ice skating rink, Monday, December 17, also brings a musical introduction to this year's “Advent in the Heart of Lika – Gospić”. At 7 PM in the Dr. Ante Starčević Public Open University, a Christmas concert of the Elementary Music School at the Dr. Jure Turić Elementary School will be held. Under the guidance of their professors, students will perform holiday compositions and popular songs adapted to the Advent atmosphere, and the audience will have the opportunity to hear young talents who have been participating in the cultural life of the city for a number of years.

After the students' performance, the evening continues outdoors – in the courtyard of the Lika-Senj County, where the female klapa “Luka” performs from 8:30 PM. This well-known vocal group from Lika cherishes traditional Dalmatian and klapa songs, but also appropriate Christmas carols. The performance outdoors, in a courtyard surrounded by Advent decorations, is a special experience for everyone who loves the combination of tradition and holiday atmosphere. The fact that the County courtyard is close to the main square fits ideally into this atmosphere, so visitors can easily visit the stalls with food and drinks before or after the concert and walk to their accommodation in the center of Gospić.

Second day: Maja Šuput ignites the atmosphere in the County courtyard

On Tuesday, December 18, the program continues with a concert by Maja Šuput, one of the biggest domestic stars of entertainment music. Her performance in the courtyard of the Lika-Senj County begins in the evening hours and announces a real entertainment explosion ahead of the holidays. Known for energetic performances, Maja brings a mix of her greatest hits and appropriate songs that always bring the audience to their feet.

The concert is imagined as a big city party outdoors, open to all generations. Younger visitors will enjoy the dynamic stage performance, while older ones will find their place with warm drinks and the gastronomic offer of the Advent stalls. This concert is also a great opportunity for visitors from other parts of Croatia to embark on a weekend trip – with the reservation of accommodation in Gospić, it is possible to combine an evening out with discovering the natural beauties of Lika and visiting nearby excursion destinations.

Third day: spiritual atmosphere with Ivana and Marija Husar

Wednesday, December 19, brings a somewhat calmer, but equally impressive musical experience. In the courtyard of the Lika-Senj County building at 8:30 PM, Ivana Husar and Marija Husar Rimac, known for their powerful vocals and spiritual music, are performing. The Advent concert titled “Meeting Christmas” is imbued with messages of hope, togetherness, and gratitude, and with a carefully selected repertoire creates an atmosphere reminiscent of the intimacy of church choirs, but in a space open to the entire community.

This concert is particularly attractive to visitors who experience Advent as a period of quieter reflection and preparation for Christmas. After an energetic evening with Maja Šuput, the program with Ivana and Marija Husar offers a contrast – a gentler, more meditative atmosphere with glittering lights and a quiet winter evening. Visitors who have settled in one of the numerous accommodation capacities in Gospić can linger in the County courtyard without rushing, enjoy Christmas songs, and then return for the night with a light walk.

Fourth day: the legendary Daleka obala

Thursday, December 20, is marked by rock and pop – at 8:30 PM in the County courtyard, the legendary Daleka obala performs. The band, recognizable by timeless hits and characteristic Dalmatian atmosphere, brings to Gospić a set of songs that are gladly sung in company. The Advent stage thus becomes a rock stage for one day, and older generations return to the time of their youth with familiar choruses.

The concert of Daleka obala is a logical continuation of the idea that “Advent in the Heart of Lika – Gospić” offers a program for different musical tastes. While the first days are more oriented towards children and families, the performance of the cult band attracts an audience from the entire region. Many will combine a weekend trip to Lika with a stay in the city precisely because of this concert, book accommodation near the Advent stage, and spend a few days exploring the surroundings.

Fifth day: Džentlmeni bring a dance evening

On Friday, December 21, at 8:30 PM, the popular group Džentlmeni arrives on the stage in the courtyard of the Lika-Senj County. Their performances are known for dance rhythm and good fun, so this concert often turns into a large pre-holiday gathering outdoors. A multitude of visitors traditionally begin the weekend right here – with music, socializing with friends, warm drinks, and specialties from the Advent stalls.

Saturday evening is ideal for those who want to combine daily activities in Lika with evening entertainment. After a trip to the surrounding mountains, visiting nearby villages, or sightseeing cultural landmarks, visitors return to the city, stop by their accommodation facilities in Gospić, and then head towards the County courtyard where a dancing atmosphere awaits them.

Sixth day: football tournament “Marakana gori” and GS Big Band

Sunday, December 22, is content-wise one of the richest days of “Advent in the Heart of Lika – Gospić”. The 10th indoor football tournament “Marakana gori” is held in the city sports hall from 12:30 PM to 6 PM. It is an already traditional sports event that gathers recreational and competitive teams and attracts numerous spectators. The tournament is ideal for everyone who wants to combine cheering passion with the holiday atmosphere and socializing in the stands.

The evening is reserved for lovers of jazz and large orchestral soundscapes – at 8:30 PM in the courtyard of the Lika-Senj County, the GS Big Band performs. This ensemble brings a combination of classic swing standards, covers of domestic and foreign hits, and appropriate holiday melodies. In combination with warm drinks and the light of lamps, Sunday evening offers a special atmosphere reminiscent of movie scenes of Christmas metropolises, but in a more intimate, Lika setting.

For visitors planning an extended Advent weekend in this part of Croatia, Sunday is precisely ideal for the last evening before returning home. After a sports day and a musical evening, it is easy to pack in one of the local accommodation facilities in the heart of Lika, and then head home full of impressions.

Seventh day: Zsa Zsa and children's program

Monday, December 23, is intended primarily for families with children, but also for everyone who loves pop and soul sound. In the County courtyard at 8:30 PM, Zsa Zsa, a young musician recognizable by her powerful vocals and emotional performances, is performing. Along with her concert, a special children's program is organized, so a large number of the youngest visitors is expected on this day.

Before the evening performance, children and parents can spend the afternoon at the ice skating rink in Kolakovac Park, participate in workshops and animations, and then head towards the concert. For families coming from other cities, Zsa Zsa's performance can be the final part of a short winter vacation. With timely reservation of family accommodation in Gospić, it is possible to organize several days filled with contents adapted to children – from skating and workshops to musical evenings.

Christmas Eve in Kolakovac Park: final Advent program

The peak of “Advent in the Heart of Lika – Gospić” arrives on Christmas Eve, December 24, when the program moves to Kolakovac Park. In the evening hours, visitors can expect a special holiday program, imagined as the finishing touch to the entire cycle of Advent events. In a relaxed atmosphere, with appropriate music, visitors can socialize with family and friends, share Advent impressions, and prepare for Christmas morning.

Kolakovac Park on Christmas Eve is especially impressive – lights, decorated trees, stalls with warm drinks and the scent of traditional dishes create the impression of a small Christmas village. Many visitors use this evening for a final walk through Advent locations, buying small gifts at stalls, or photographing memories. Those who stayed in one of the accommodation facilities near Kolakovac Park can return quickly and safely to rest in the late hours, without the need for a longer drive.

Gastronomic offer and Advent stalls

Along with the musical and sports program, an important part of “Advent in the Heart of Lika” is made up of Advent stalls with a rich gastronomic offer. In the County courtyard and in the area around Kolakovac Park, visitors can taste various traditional dishes and drinks – from hot soups and homemade sausages to sweets with honey, walnuts, poppy seeds, and other local ingredients. The offer also includes hot drinks like mulled wine, punch, hot chocolate, and various non-alcoholic variants for children.

Lika is known for authentic cuisine that relies on local ingredients, and during Advent, this gastronomic identity is further emphasized. Visitors can thus taste specialties that are rarely found in classic urban Advent offers. Those who decide on a stay of several days can use accommodation in Lika as a starting point for visiting local family farms and tasting rooms, by which the Advent story also gains a gastro-excursion dimension.

Children's workshops, playrooms, and family contents

Special emphasis of “Advent in the Heart of Lika – Gospić” is placed on the youngest visitors. Along with the ice skating rink, children can expect a series of workshops and playrooms that take place in Kolakovac Park throughout the entire duration of Advent. The program is designed by educated animators and collaborators, and themes range from Christmas decorations and handmade gifts to creative games and storytelling.

Parents thus have the opportunity to take a short break at the Advent stalls, while children socialize with peers and learn new skills along the way. Many workshops are imagined so that children take home self-made decorations or small souvenirs from Gospić, by which memories of Advent also take on a tangible form. Families coming from other regions can choose accommodation adapted for children in Gospić, which further facilitates the planning of activities and rest between individual contents.

Advent in the Heart of Lika as a starting point for exploring the region

Besides the program itself, “Advent in the Heart of Lika – Gospić” is an excellent opportunity for discovering the wider area of Lika. Numerous visitors extend their stay to several days in order to visit attractions outside the city itself – from the “Nikola Tesla” Memorial Center in nearby Smiljan to the natural beauties of Lika's rivers and forests. The winter period brings a different atmosphere to these parts, and the Advent event offers a warm framework for such excursions.

The tourism development strategy in Gospić has in recent years recognized the Advent program as an important part of the year-round offer. The combination of cultural events, sports activities, gastronomy, and family contents makes the event attractive to a wide circle of visitors. With a well-organized program and diverse possibilities for accommodation in Gospić and the surroundings, Advent in the Heart of Lika is becoming an increasingly serious reason for plans for a December vacation to be tied precisely to this part of Croatia.

Useful information for visitors

The program of “Advent in the Heart of Lika – Gospić” takes place at several key locations in the city. The ice skating rink and part of the children's program are located in Kolakovac Park, while most concerts and Advent stalls are located in the courtyard of the Lika-Senj County at the address Dr. Franjo Tuđman Street 4. The schedule of events by days – from the opening of the skating rink on December 17 to the final program on Christmas Eve – is published on the official pages of the organizers, and it is recommended to check it before arriving in the city to plan the visit in detail.

Considering that concerts and most of the program are outdoors, layered clothing and warm footwear are recommended, especially for visitors planning to stay longer at concerts or watch children's games on the ice. Families with smaller children often combine shorter stays outdoors with a return to their apartments or rooms, so in this regard, it pays to book accommodation near Advent locations in Gospić in advance. Thus, it is easier to organize shorter breaks, changing children's clothes, and preparation for evening concerts.

For all current information about the program, possible schedule changes due to weather conditions, and additional contents, visitors can follow the official announcements of the City of Gospić, Lika-Senj County, and the City Tourist Board. News, photos, and announcements are regularly published on their websites and social networks, which further facilitates planning arrival to “Advent in the Heart of Lika – Gospić”.

Regardless of whether you are coming for just one concert, combining the skating rink and Advent stalls on the weekend, or planning a multi-day stay with comfortable accommodation in the heart of Gospić, this event offers enough content for every visitor to find something for themselves. The blend of music, sports, gastronomy, and family programs makes the Advent atmosphere in Lika special, and transforms holiday days spent in Gospić into an experience that is gladly repeated.