In the center of one of the most visited Dalmatian towns, on a square that every winter turns into a stage of lights, scents, and music, a new edition of the winter program is being prepared that has delighted both locals and guests from all over Croatia in recent years. From December 12, 2025 to January 3, 2026, Vodice will once again live to the rhythm of the holidays – with a concert marathon, the scents of mulled wine and spices, children's smiles, themed workshops, and a whole host of details that make this Dalmatian Advent special. The center of events remains the well-known – Trg kneza Branimira (Prince Branimir Square) and the park that spreads around it into a true holiday neighborhood, with thousands of lights, photo corners, and houses where the flavors of tradition and modern street food intertwine. If you are planning to come, consider staying in the city itself – check out accommodation in Vodice and book on time to be one step ahead of the crowd.

Planning a multi-day visit and a tour of the surrounding attractions? In that case, open our overview of accommodation in Vodice now – in one place you can compare various types of apartments and hotels, which makes planning a holiday escape by the sea easier.

A City that Shines – why the Advent spirit in Vodice is special

In recent years, Advent in Vodice has grown from a local holiday atmosphere into an event with a regional impact. Several factors contribute to this: attractive coastal scenery, a spontaneous and warm Dalmatian atmosphere, a carefully curated music program, and the concept of a "small big city" – just compact enough that everything is within reach, and yet diverse enough that everyone can find their own story. The streets of the old part of the city and the promenade by the sea create a naturally fairytale setting, while Trg kneza Branimira establishes itself as the main point of meeting, taking photos, and evening socializing. If you plan to stay for a few days, bookmark the accommodation options in Vodice – the proximity to the square is a real bonus when choosing.

Key dates and location

This year's program takes place from December 12, 2025 to January 3, 2026 in the city park and Trg kneza Branimira. The schedule is designed to offer at least one reason to go out every day for more than three weeks: daily workshops and animation for the youngest, an afternoon gastro rhythm, and an evening climax with concerts, DJ performances, and themed evenings. For visitors coming from outside the city, timely planning of arrival and parking is recommended, and for those who want to experience the full atmosphere – from the first lighting of the lamps to the final New Year's flair – we advise them to check accommodation in Vodice and take advantage of the proximity of the location.

A musical stage that fills the square

One of the trademarks of Advent in Vodice is the concert series that fills the square with positive energy night after night. This winter, the stage will feature well-known regional names and popular bands: Maja Šuput with her recognizable stage performance and dance hits, hip-hop artist Vojko V who brings the freshness of urban sound, the cult Split band TBF with a catalog of songs that are sung aloud, the always gladly listened to Giuliano, the author of timeless choruses Neno Belan, and the Mediterranean chansonnier Ićo Sikirić. In addition, DJ sets and accompanying bands are expected to awaken the audience before and after the main concerts. The program is designed to cover several musical genres – from pop and rock, through funk and hip-hop, to the Dalmatian flair – so that each evening has a different rhythm and an audience of all generations gets their fill.

It is important to emphasize that the musical program is carefully distributed throughout the week – weekends bring "main event" concerts, while weekdays feature more frequent acoustic gigs, DJ evenings, and themed parties. Year after year, the organizers pay special attention to the sound in the open air, the stage design, and the lighting effects that turn the square into a setting like a movie set. In this context, it is also worth considering accommodation in Vodice in the immediate vicinity of the event so that you can easily "hop" from a warm room or apartment to the concert wave.

Gastro: warm classics and creative street food

The Advent houses arranged around the square and the park have for years been a synonym for the scents that spread through the cold air – cloves and cinnamon, mulled wine, chocolates, but also savory notes that are reminiscent of the sea and fishing tradition. The offer is expected to include fritule (fritters) according to a homemade recipe, uštipci (donuts) and waffles with toppings, sausages with gourmet fillings, burger interpretations with a Mediterranean twist, aromatic lunch on the go, and drinks that warm your hands. A special emphasis is on interpretations of Dalmatian cuisine – fish bites, pâtés, cod in several variants, olive oil, and aromatic herbs. The houses often cooperate with local family farms, so jams, liqueurs, dried citrus fruits, lavender, and handmade sweets can be found among the souvenirs.

The gastro segment of Advent in Vodice is increasingly introducing an educational element: workshops for children on the basics of cooking, tasting of olive oils and wines, short presentations by local producers, and humanitarian actions in which funds are collected through the sale of traditional holiday dishes. If you plan to taste for more than one evening, it is practical to book accommodation in Vodice so that you can go through as many houses as possible without rushing and test different menus.

Family content and children's program

In the morning and afternoon, the square and park turn into a large children's playground: creative workshops, ornament making, face painting, storytelling sessions, and meetings with Santa Claus create an atmosphere where even the youngest get their own Advent world. Educators and animators design activities that encourage imagination and fine motor skills – from making collages and coloring to small theatrical improvisations. Children's choirs and dance groups often have their small performances, which gives parents the opportunity for a coffee or a warm drink accompanied by their favorite melodies. Families coming from outside Vodice often choose accommodation in Vodice near the park to more easily coordinate their children's routine with the rich program.

Quizzes, themed evenings, and prize games

In addition to music and gastronomy, Advent in Vodice also nurtures the habit of socializing through quiz evenings and themed parties. Park kviz (Park Quiz) is one of the most fun points – teams of friends or colleagues compete in knowledge of music, movies, general culture, or local interesting facts. Preparing for the quiz turns into a ritual: a short warm-up with snacks, a discussion about tactics, and, of course, competing for symbolic prizes that often include gourmet gift vouchers or souvenirs from local craftsmen. Some dates also bring themed dress code challenges – for example, the "ugliest Christmas sweater," which further encourages a playful spirit.

Visual identity and photo points

Lighting and scenography are key ingredients of the Advent magic in Vodice. The square and the park are dressed in layers of light – from classic string lights to modern light installations and projections. Popular photo points are thoughtfully placed to capture both the sea in the background and the stage in the foreground; they are designed to suit both family photos and "story" formats. The organizers regularly prepare "light-on" moments in which part of the lighting is symbolically "turned on," with musical accompaniment and a suitable program. For visitors who want to make the most of night photography, it is recommended to choose accommodation in Vodice within walking distance of the square – this makes it easier to return to the room for additional equipment or a warm scarf between two performances.

Accessibility and safety

The area of Trg kneza Branimira and the park is generally flat and accessible, which makes it easier for people with reduced mobility and parents with strollers to move around. It is still worth counting on a crowd in the evening, especially during concerts of the most sought-after performers. The organizers standardly provide sanitary facilities, basic medical support, weather condition announcements, and safety corridors. Layered clothing is recommended – the bora wind and humid air can enhance the feeling of cold – and comfortable footwear for standing all evening. For families and older visitors, the choice of accommodation in Vodice closer to the center of the events provides additional safety and comfort.

Sustainability and local community

Advent in Vodice is increasingly focused on sustainable practices: the use of returnable or biodegradable cups, proper waste disposal, and responsible consumption are encouraged. Cooperation with local family farms and craftsmen brings added value – the funds invested in the holiday cheer are retained in the community and help preserve traditions. Workshops for children often have an educational note about ecology, recycling, and creative reuse of materials, which makes Advent a small school of sustainable living. In this sense, an extended stay in the city – with accommodation in Vodice – allows you to experience the daily content that is easily overlooked during a one-day visit.

How to get there: traffic and parking

Vodice is well connected by road with all major Dalmatian centers. If you are coming by personal car, the easiest way is to follow the state roads that branch off from the A1 highway towards the coast; during Advent evenings, expect increased traffic around the center and temporary regulations to keep pedestrian zones safe. Parking spaces are located at several points in the city environment – it is advisable to arrive early and plan a short walk to the square. If you are traveling by public transport, bus lines regularly run between neighboring cities in the Šibenik-Knin County. For those who want to "jump" directly from the winter evening into a warm bed, accommodation in Vodice near the square is the most practical solution.

Planning your visit: practical tips

• Schedule and announcements: the program is published in sections – music, children's activities, gastro, quiz – so it is worth checking the schedule occasionally before arriving.


• Arrive early: for concerts, expect a crowd; arriving half an hour to an hour early ensures a better position in front of the stage.


• Carefree stay: consider accommodation in Vodice – staying within walking distance of the square makes it easier to take breaks between programs.


• Clothing and equipment: dress in layers, bring gloves and a hat; for photography, full batteries and protection for devices are recommended.


• Dogs and children: crowds can be intense; plan a "quiet zone" for the youngest and pets, i.e., occasional trips to quieter streets.

For excursion lovers: sea, history, and short routes

If you are staying longer, Advent in Vodice can be a base for short "winter" excursions: a walk along the coastal promenade, a visit to nearby viewpoints, exploring nearby places and small islands, and a tour of local wine cellars. A good idea is a morning coffee by the sea, a light lunch in one of the taverns, and a return to the square when the first lights come on. The weekly schedule can be easily arranged around the evening concerts – one evening pop, another hip-hop, a third Dalmatian evergreen – while the day remains reserved for exploring the city. For a comfortable rhythm, find accommodation in Vodice that suits your travel style.

Local craftsmen and holiday souvenirs

In winter, the Advent houses become a small fairground: ornaments made of wood and olive branches, hand-painted baubles, ceramic miniature boats, Christmas wreaths, souvenirs inspired by the sea, and traditional textiles. In the evening, "craftsman's minutes" are often organized – short presentations of skills such as wool felting, macrame making, or miniature sculpting workshops for children. If you are looking for a gift with a story, this is the place where you will find it. The advantage of proximity is that after shopping you don't have to go home – but you can walk to the accommodation in Vodice and put down your bags before the concert.

In the rhythm of the day – what a "typical" Advent day in Vodice looks like

The morning starts slowly: a warm coffee with a view of the sea, a walk through the old streets, and buying trinkets for the Christmas tree. Around noon, the city park fills with families; the kids catch snowflakes from the artificial snow, and the parents look for the ideal combination of savory and sweet. The afternoon is reserved for workshops and special performances – small choirs, dance points, and special storytelling sessions. In the early evening, DJ sets begin, and as soon as the sun sets, the lights take over the stage. Depending on the day, the main concert starts earlier or later, but always with the encouragement of guests to stay even after the last song – that's the moment when the scents from the houses get their final chord. After midnight, the advantage is having accommodation in Vodice near the square: a short walk turns into a dot on the "i" of an Advent evening.

Why Vodice this winter

Many Dalmatian cities have their Advent events, but Vodice stands out for several details: a focus on quality music and diversity of genres, an intimate spatial setting that keeps everything in one place, and an authentic Dalmatian humor and cheerfulness that "carries" the program from evening to evening. In addition, the city breathes more slowly in the winter months, which allows visitors to inhale the cleanliness of the sea air without the summer hustle. The combination of a good program, moderate size, and Mediterranean taste is the reason why visitors return. If your plan is to spend a few days by the sea in December, note the dates and immediately study accommodation in Vodice – the best places fill up quickly.

Information worth remembering

• Period of holding: from December 12, 2025 to January 3, 2026.


• Main location: Trg kneza Branimira and the city park.


• Program: concerts (Maja Šuput, TBF, Giuliano, Vojko V, Neno Belan, Ićo Sikirić and others), DJ evenings, children's workshops, park quiz, rich gastro offer.


• Recommendation: book accommodation in Vodice early, especially for weekends and days of the biggest concerts.

Useful links for planning

For general information about the city and additional cultural programs during the winter, it is useful to occasionally follow the official announcements of the City and the tourist board. Visit the official pages of the City of Vodice and the Tourist Board of the City of Vodice to supplement your plans, and then return to our overview of accommodation in Vodice and book a stay that will give the Advent story the ideal tempo.

To live Advent, and not just visit it

The true value of the winter program in Vodice is the feeling of belonging. Even if you come as a guest, after one evening you start to adopt the rhythm of the place – you greet the same waiters, you recognize the performers in passing, you sit on "your" edge of the bench. In that sense, Advent in Vodice is not just a series of dates and performances, but also a common space for relaxation, conversation, and laughter. If you plan to repeat the experience multiple times, accommodation in Vodice for a few nights will allow you to experience the program without rushing, choosing evenings and content according to your mood.

Most frequent questions from visitors

Is the entrance free? Most of the program on the square is traditionally open and available to everyone, with possible exceptions for specific events. The organizers' announcements timely emphasize all the specifics.

What if it rains? The open-air program adapts to weather conditions; part of the content can be moved or changed. It's a good idea to have a backup plan – for example, a shorter tour of the houses before or after the downpour.

Where is the best place to stand at a concert? It depends on the musical taste and the dynamics of the performer. For dance performances, space is sought closer to the mixing desk, for acoustic ones – the first lines bring a more intimate experience. The best advice is to arrive early.

Can I come with a dog? In principle yes, with a leash and respecting the crowds; avoid the crowded areas in front of the stage. If you plan a longer stay, choose a pet-friendly accommodation in Vodice.

Is cashless payment available? The Advent houses generally accept cards, but it is always practical to have some cash for symbolic payments or smaller souvenirs.

Note on the publication of the detailed schedule

The organizers announce that a detailed daily schedule and times of concerts, children's workshops, quizzes, and special themed evenings will be published on the eve of the event. It is recommended to follow the current announcements and our portal, as well as the official channels of the organizers, so that you can catch your favorite performances on time and plan your evenings – especially for weekends and holiday dates when the attendance is highest. In the meantime, choose accommodation in Vodice according to your wishes and budget and take advantage of the proximity of the location.

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