The third Advent weekend of Rijeka Advent, from Friday, December 19 to Sunday, December 21, 2025, transforms the city center into a densely interwoven network of events – from concerts and DJ sets, through workshops and fairs, to winter attractions on ice and the smell of fritule on the historical walls of Trsat. The multi-location program offers enough content to fill the entire day, and provides guests planning an extended weekend in accommodation in Rijeka near Advent locations the opportunity to experience the city in its most glittering edition.

Under the collective slogan “Source of Good Feelings”, this year's Advent in Rijeka gathers seven thematic units: Meeting Corso, Resolution of Fun, Export ice box, Riva of Experiences, Castle of Light, Art District of Magic, and Neighborhoods of Light. Each location has its own rhythm and audience, and during the weekend from December 19 to 21, the programs follow one another, making it easy to plan a route that combines morning family activities, afternoon workshops, evening concerts, and late-night DJ performances – all within a few minutes' walk through the city center.

Resolution of Fun: musical epicenter at the Square of the Rijeka Resolution

In the very heart of festive Rijeka, at the Square of the Rijeka Resolution, Resolution of Fun once again becomes one of the key destinations for everyone who experiences Advent through live music, socializing, and a rich catering offer. The stage surrounded by Advent houses, light installations, and scents of winter specialties will host numerous bands and DJs during December, and the third Advent weekend brings a combination of after-job gatherings and concert evenings.

Friday, December 19, at the Resolution of Fun is marked by the after-job concept. In the evening, the audience is warmed up by Jablani Afterjob, with the rhythms of DJ Eric. The program is designed so that the office tempo naturally transitions into informal socializing – visitors come to the square after work, grab a warm drink or a street food snack, and the music gradually lifts the atmosphere from relaxed conversation into dancing. Combined with Advent houses offering winter cocktails, mulled wine, craft beers, and a small but carefully selected gastro offer, the evening at the Resolution quickly becomes a spontaneous urban living room in the open.

Saturday evening, December 20, maintains the emphasis on live music. The stage is taken over by B Bend, with guest performances by Frankiness, so the weekend program transitions from after-job to a classic concert format. The repertoire includes covers of local and foreign hits, pop and rock classics, and holiday standards in dance arrangements, which makes Resolution of Fun attractive to a wide circle of visitors: from the local audience looking for a proven evening out, to guests staying in Advent accommodation in Rijeka who want to immediately “enter” the rhythm of the city.

Sunday, December 21, is traditionally somewhat calmer, but the weekend at the Resolution is far from silent – the evening is closed by DJ Bruno, who takes over the role of host for the final part of the third Advent weekend at this location. A slightly shifted rhythm, a combination of current and retro hits, and a somewhat more subtle sound production make this evening set ideal for all who want to extend the weekend, but without Saturday's intensity. For many visitors and guests who will only leave their weekend accommodation in Rijeka the next day, it is precisely Sunday evening that is the moment for a last walk between the houses and a photograph with a view of the illuminated square.

Riva of Experiences: Pier Advent, sea and music late into the night

Riva of Experiences, located on Adamić Pier, connects the Advent story with the sea. Pier Advent is envisioned as an extension of the city promenade towards the sea: a walkway by the ships, light installations, selected catering points, and a stage facing the harbor create the atmosphere of a holiday open-air club with a view of the city lights. Guests who have chosen an apartment near the Rijeka waterfront often start or end their evening tour of Advent right here.

On Friday, December 19, the evening program brings a performance by Night Express, a band that has profiled itself as a regional live attraction in recent years, with DJ Modrix on the afterparty part. The concept of Friday at the Riva of Experiences is emphatically club-like: the combination of a concert performance and a DJ set allows the energy to gradually rise, and the audience on the pier stays until late hours. The sea in the background, lighting that follows the rhythm, and winter cocktails create a visually and sonically recognizable image of Rijeka's Advent.

Saturday, December 20, is reserved for Secret Saturday – a program whose name suggests carefully chosen guests behind the DJ booth and a musical selection that is revealed only to those who come to the pier. The emphasis is on dance music and a relaxed, club atmosphere without too many formalities. Visitors often combine Saturday evening at the Riva of Experiences with an earlier visit to concerts in the city center or with skating at the Export ice box, before returning to the pier for the later part of the evening.

Sunday, December 21, changes focus – Riva of Experiences then becomes the stage for the family program Family Sunday & Christmas Wishes. From 4 PM to 8 PM, workshops for children, creative activities, animations, and socializing with Santa Claus are organized, making this location a natural choice for parents with younger children. While the youngest write letters, make decorations, or pose for photos, adults can enjoy a somewhat calmer rhythm, warm drinks, and the view of the harbor. For families staying in family accommodation in Rijeka, Sunday's Riva of Experiences is often the “final stop” before returning home.

Art District of Magic: creative workshops, comics, film and concerts in Benčić

Art District of Magic, located in the renovated Benčić complex, offers an all-day program on the third Advent weekend in which literature, comics, film, design, and music intertwine. The Rijeka City Library and the Children's House, with the support of partners, transform this district into a laboratory of holiday creativity – from morning fairs and workshops to evening concerts and performances.

The program on Friday, December 19, starts already in the morning hours with Artoteka fairs and a review of high school cooperatives. Visitors can browse designer items, handicrafts, Christmas decorations, and creative works of students, find original gifts, and get to know local authors and creatives. Simultaneously, workshops for children and adults are held – from making small useful items to illustration and basic art techniques – which makes the Art District an ideal place for all who want their Advent weekend to be more than a classic walk through the city.

In the afternoon and evening hours, Art District of Magic transitions into cultural mode. In focus are meetings with authors like Irena Jukić Pranjić, who through conversation, comics, and illustration brings her work closer to the audience, and the musical part of the program in the sign of the Ri-Rock winners. Mitraljez, Degenerali, and Hefest play on the Art District stage – bands that with original songs and live performances bring rock energy into the holiday context. For guests staying in accommodation in Rijeka near the Art District, this combination of culture and concerts is particularly interesting as it offers a different, less stereotypical Advent experience.

Saturday, December 20, in the Art District of Magic is dedicated to creative and educational content under the auspices of Radio Benčić. During the day, workshops for making Christmas cards, medallions, and lanterns are organized, intended for children, youth, and families. Educators, artists, and volunteers participate in the program, encouraging the imagination of the youngest through practical work and reminding that the holiday period is also a time of joint creation. Special attention is drawn to the afternoon Jedi Academy demonstration, which turns the popular film franchise into a fun educational activity – with “lightsabers”, basic choreography, and an emphasis on fair-play and team spirit.

The evening part of the Saturday program in the Art District of Magic brings the play “Dance Light Fury”, which combines dance, light effects, and music into a stage experience intended for a wide audience. The play is followed by a concert by Belfast Food, a Rijeka band that has for years been a synonym for the combination of Celtic sound and Mediterranean temperament. In combination with the holiday lighting and the architecture of Benčić, Saturday evening in the Art District can easily become one of the highlights of the entire weekend, especially for visitors who have taken the time to get to know the contemporary cultural scene of the city alongside Rijeka Advent.

Export Ice Box: indoor skating rink and disco on ice

One of the most attractive novelties of this year's Advent in Rijeka is certainly the Export ice box – a large skating rink in the former industrial hall Exportdrvo. From November 29, 2025, to January 11, 2026, visitors have at their disposal more than 500 m² of ice surface in an indoor space, which means that winter fun on the ice does not depend on rain, bura, or temperature. The skating rink is envisioned as the focal point of the winter program: along with regular public skating sessions, themed days, animations for children, concerts, and special events alternate throughout the Advent period.

The third Advent weekend, from December 19 to 21, is particularly active on the ice. On Friday evening, the skating rink transforms into a disco zone with the Disco on Ice program. DJ Tommy takes care of the musical background, and LED lighting and special light effects turn the ice into a dance floor. The program is intended for all generations – from teenagers to adults – and is a great alternative to a classic evening out, especially for those who want to warm up by dancing on skates.

Saturday, December 20, on the ice is reserved for the youngest, but also for everyone who wants to try their hand at a recreational sports program. During the day, the Little School of Olympism is held, an educational-animation content that through play and simple exercises brings the values of sport, fair-play, and healthy movement closer to children. A special atmosphere is brought by the animation “Greetings from the North Pole”: a large igloo is set up on the ice, and animators create a magical winter story adapted for children. In the evening hours, the skating rink switches back to disco mode with Disco on Ice, this time accompanied by DJ Lucca, making Saturday in the Export ice box a dynamic day in which sports and entertainment segments complement each other.

Sunday, December 21, maintains the focus on families and the youngest. On the program is another edition of the Little School of Olympism, along with socializing with the mascots Angel & Stitch on the ice. Children can skate accompanied by likeable characters, take photos, and participate in animations, while parents enjoy warm drinks and the atmosphere of the indoor skating rink. Export ice box thus profiles itself throughout the weekend as an ideal destination for a family day, but also as a place for a different evening out for visitors staying in accommodation in Rijeka who want to combine recreation with music.

Castle of Light and Fritulijada: Winter at the Castle at Trsat Castle

On the hill above the city, Trsat Castle shines again this winter as part of the Winter at the Castle manifestation. Thousands of lights, light installations, special photo corners, and a rich program during December transform the historical castle into one of the most photogenic Advent stages in Kvarner. The historical walls, the view of the city and the sea, and the combination of music, catering offer, and family content make Trsat an unavoidable station for everyone who wants to experience Advent in Rijeka from a different perspective. For guests staying in accommodation in Trsat or the wider Rijeka area, an evening visit to the Castle is the perfect way to round off a day in the city center with a panoramic view and a walk through the light magic.

The third Advent weekend is particularly interesting because of the Fritulijada, which is held on Saturday, December 20, from 12 PM to 3 PM at Trsat Castle. The smell of freshly fried fritule fills the space, while teams of contestants – from hobbyists and family teams to caterers – strive to win the title of “Best fRItula”. Basic ingredients are provided by the organizer, and contestants bring their secret ingredients, recipes, and little tricks that give their fritule a special taste. An expert jury evaluates the appearance, texture, and taste, while visitors have the opportunity to taste different variants of this traditional sweet.

Along with its competitive character, the Fritulijada on Trsat also maintains a strong social dimension. The musical program, often led by DJ Tommy, creates a relaxed atmosphere on the castle plateau, and between tasting fritule and taking photos under the lights, visitors can enjoy warm drinks and conversation. The event traditionally also has a humanitarian note: according to the organizers' announcements, donations for the Social Supermarket Bread of St. Elizabeth are collected during the Fritulijada, so a Saturday visit to the Castle combines pleasure, socializing, and solidarity.

Rijeka Advent as a “source of good feelings” for the entire weekend

During the weekend from December 19 to 21, Rijeka Advent fills the city with layers of programs that follow one another: morning workshops and fairs in the Art District of Magic, afternoon family activities on the Riva of Experiences and on the ice of the Export ice box, evening concerts and DJ sets at the Resolution of Fun and Pier Advent, and Fritulijada with a view of the city at Trsat Castle. In addition, Meeting Corso with its Advent houses, gastro offer, and walkway through the holiday lighting remains a constant axis that connects all these points into one whole.

For visitors staying for the entire weekend in Advent accommodation in Rijeka, it is possible to combine a different “thematic itinerary” every day: spend Friday with an after-job gathering at the Resolution and Disco on Ice in the Export ice box, start Saturday in the Art District, continue with the Fritulijada on Trsat and end the evening at the Riva of Experiences, while Sunday is reserved for family programs on the pier, another round of skating, and a relaxed walk along the Corso. Precisely this possibility to interweave culture, sport, gastronomy, music, and humanitarian actions in one weekend makes Rijeka Advent truly justify its slogan – a source of good feelings for all generations.