Festive December has once again turned Novi Vinodolski into a large open-air living room where families, friends, schoolchildren, and guests from the entire region meet. The central place of this year's Novi Advent program has become Frankopan Square, where the Winter Magic of the Frankopans was opened – an ice rink surrounded by Advent houses, twinkling lights, and the scents of winter delicacies. In the very heart of the city, just a few steps from the sea and the historic core, the square has turned into the liveliest meeting place during the holidays.

After the ceremonial lighting of the Christmas lights and the first programs on the Square of the Vinodol Law, Novi Advent, according to the organizers, "caught full swing" just last weekend, when Frankopan Square officially became the home of the Winter Magic of the Frankopans. Thousands of lights, carefully designed scenography, and a rich entertainment program created the atmosphere of a winter park where children's laughter, live music, and warm drinks from the houses alternate. For numerous visitors who decided on a short break and accommodation in Novi Vinodolski, precisely the new Advent stage was the main motive for coming to the sea in the middle of winter.

One of the most important assets of this year's program is the fact that skating at the Winter Magic of the Frankopans rink is free during the entire Advent period, all the way until January 11, 2026. This makes the stay and accommodation in Novi Vinodolski additionally attractive to families with children, school groups, and everyone who wants to combine an extended weekend by the sea with an active winter vacation. From day one, the ice surface has been the place for first skating attempts, but also late-night gatherings of more experienced skaters who enjoy the music and holiday atmosphere.

The organizers emphasize that they want every visitor to feel welcome – whether they are just learning to skate, watching children from the sidelines, or have arrived in the city as a tourist exploring the Advent offer of Kvarner. That is precisely why the Winter Magic of the Frankopans program is not limited only to the ice: workshops, storytelling sessions, concerts, stand-up performances, and numerous other events are tied to the rink, due to which many guests plan their weekend accommodation in Novi Vinodolski precisely during the dates of the most attractive programs.

Opening of the skating rink: A miraculous fairy tale on ice and favorite heroes

The central moment of the second Advent week was the opening of the Winter Magic of the Frankopans skating rink on Friday, December 12, 2025, at 5:00 PM. The program began with the attractive performance "A Miraculous Fairy Tale on Ice" performed by the Medo Skating Club. Characters from favorite cartoons took over the ice – from the Smurfs and the Grinch to Santa Claus and Elsa – so Frankopan Square at times looked like an animated film in a live version. With choreographies on ice, light effects, and carefully selected music, the opening grew into a real small open-air spectacle.

As stated by the Tourist Board of the City of Novi Vinodolski, the goal was for the visitors' first encounter with the new skating rink to remain remembered as a special experience, especially for children stepping onto the ice for the first time. Parents watched the performance from the edge of the rink, while the youngest took photos with their favorite heroes and impatiently waited for their skating slot. Part of the visitors decided on a one-day trip, while many were attracted by the idea of extending the weekend and choosing accommodation in Novi Vinodolski, in order to combine outdoor skating with a relaxed walk by the sea.

Already the next evening, on Saturday, the atmosphere on Frankopan Square was further lifted by the Bosutski Bećari. Their recognizable blend of tamburitza sound and pop melodies turned the square into a large dance floor, and the audience gladly sang along to famous hits and holiday covers. The mild December evening, with thousands of lights above the rink and houses, intensified the impression of togetherness – many singled out precisely that concert as the perfect introduction to the remaining part of the winter program.

Skating rink open every day until January 11, 2026

The Winter Magic of the Frankopans skating rink is located in the very center of Frankopan Square, surrounded by Advent houses and scenography inspired by a winter fairy tale. According to the published program, the rink is open daily until January 11, 2026, with a schedule adapted to families, schools, and evening outings. The first weekend of operation was marked by extended hours, while during working days afternoon and evening slots alternate, and on the eve of Christmas and holidays, visitors can enjoy skating from the morning hours.

Entry to the ice is organized every full hour, while the skating itself lasts 45 minutes, so that the ice surface can be prepared for the next group between slots. Such a schedule allows a large number of skaters to fit onto the rink in one day, while maintaining good ice quality and safety on the track. Although skating is free, the number of persons per slot is limited, so organizers recommend that guests, especially those coming on weekends or in the afternoon hours, plan their arrival in advance.

A special advantage is that all key contents are located within a few minutes' walk – from Santa Claus's House, through the space for workshops and the House of Culture, to Frankopan Square itself. Families arriving from other cities can thus easily fill the whole day with activities, and those who book accommodation in Novi Vinodolski near the old core particularly appreciate the possibility of simply walking back to their apartment or hotel after the evening program.

Creative workshops and storytelling for children and adults

The Winter Magic of the Frankopans is conceived as much more than just a skating rink – it is a small open-air creative festival that combines workshops, storytelling, and musical programs day and night. On the Monday after the opening, an excellently attended mosaic bauble making workshop was held. Participants, with the help of the leader, learned how to turn ordinary Christmas baubles into unique decorations by combining glass pieces, glitter, and colors. The tables were filled with families jointly making decorations for their homes, but also memories of the Advent visit to the city.

New creative meetings are announced already for Wednesday, December 17, 2025, when a workshop on making Christmas kokedamas is on the program. This attractive technique, which combines plants, moss, and decorative threads, has been an increasingly popular way of interior decoration in recent years. It is therefore no surprise that part of the visitors plan to take their creations home as a memory of the stay and accommodation in Novi Vinodolski during the holidays. The workshop is designed so that participants master the basic steps and go home with a finished, handmade decoration.

On the same day, December 17, the youngest visitors can expect a special storytelling session "Christmas Eve" in Santa Claus's House. In the space decorated like a fairy tale, children will listen to a story about the magic of Christmas Eve, hang out with Santa and his elves, and participate in small interactive games. Santa Claus's House is one of the most visited places in the city throughout Advent – many parents who have booked accommodation in Novi Vinodolski precisely around these dates plan their daily activities so that children can make it to the desired programs.

The Christmas concert of the music school, which will be held on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 5:00 PM in the hall of the Ivan Mažuranić Elementary School, further contributes to the holiday atmosphere. Young musicians will perform holiday compositions and popular melodies in a special guise, adapted to children's ensembles. For many students, this is one of the most important performances of the year, and the audience – from parents to guests staying in the city – most often returns to Frankopan Square after the concert, continuing the evening with skating and a walk between the Advent houses.

Changes in the program and cancelled events

Although the Novi Advent program is carefully planned, several unavoidable changes occurred this week. As announced by the organizers, the pub quiz "We Remember Christmas Forever", which was supposed to be held on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, in the space of the Kindergarten Fijolica, was cancelled due to organizational reasons. The Advent gathering in Ledenice, which was scheduled for Thursday, December 18, 2025, was also cancelled. Despite these changes, it is emphasized that the majority of the program on Frankopan Square is taking place according to plan.

Cancellations are an integral part of every major winter program, especially in a period when organizers depend on weather conditions and available resources. Nevertheless, key contents – the free skating rink Winter Magic of the Frankopans, Santa Claus's House, and a series of workshops and concerts – remain unchanged and continue as announced. Visitors planning a weekend or longer stay with accommodation in Novi Vinodolski are recommended to follow the official channels of the City and the Tourist Board, where all changes and updates to the schedule are regularly published.

Friday marked by a children's concert and Toy Factory

The upcoming weekend, which begins on Friday, December 19, 2025, brings a particularly rich program for children and families. At 5:30 PM in the House of Culture, a Christmas concert of the Kindergarten Fijolica titled "We Sing Christmas with Our Heart" will be held. The youngest, accompanied by their educators and musical associates, will perform holiday songs and recitations that they have been diligently preparing weeks in advance. After the concert, gift giving follows, one of the most touching moments of Advent for parents and grandparents.

After the program in the House of Culture, events move to Frankopan Square, where an interactive Toy Factory program has been prepared for children. As part of this animation program, the youngest make simple toys, participate in creative workshops, and discover how much imagination fits into one December evening hour. A special attraction is face painting, so the square will again be filled this Friday with superheroes, princesses, fairies, and snowmen running between the skating rink and Advent houses.

An indispensable part of the program is also the arrival of Santa Claus, who welcomes the little ones in his house on the square. Along with taking photos, talking, and occasional messages, children have the opportunity to share their holiday wishes and pick up symbolic gifts. For parents and visitors planning an extended weekend with accommodation in Novi Vinodolski, Friday evening is the ideal moment to combine the children's program, family skating, and relaxed hanging out with music and warm drinks.

In addition to all the above, Frankopan Square will again be filled on Friday with the scents of holiday delicacies from the Advent houses, while DJ Bleki will be in charge of the musical backdrop. Until late evening hours, popular hits and holiday melodies will alternate, creating a rhythm enjoyed equally by children and adults. In combination with free skating and a rich animation program, the square turns into a real little children's paradise, but also a meeting place for all generations.

Saturday stand-up, live music and evening out

The Advent program on Frankopan Square continues on Saturday, December 20, 2025, when the emphasis is on evening entertainment for young people and adults. From 7:00 PM, visitors can expect a stand-up performance by the duo from the Split Scene – Tomislav Primorac and Josip Škiljo. Their witty interpretations of everyday situations, recognizable Dalmatian humor, and improvisations with the audience have so far filled halls throughout Croatia, so an evening filled with laughter and spontaneous applause is expected in Novi Vinodolski as well.

Entry to the stand-up evening is free, which additionally encourages visitors to extend their stay in the city or book weekend accommodation in Novi Vinodolski. During breaks and after the performance, Trio Marinero will take care of the musical background, whose repertoire includes domestic and foreign hits adapted to the holiday atmosphere. The combination of stand-up comedy, live music, and relaxed hanging out by the Advent houses makes Saturday an ideal day for an evening out in the open, whether you come with company or as a couple.

At the same time, the Winter Magic of the Frankopans skating rink remains open on Saturday evening as well, so many visitors will combine evening skating with going to the stand-up program. Thanks to the central location of Frankopan Square, all contents are within a few minutes' walk, which further facilitates time organization for families and groups of friends. Those who have chosen accommodation in Novi Vinodolski near the old town particularly appreciate the fact that after the program they can reach their accommodation with an easy walk and once again pass through the festive illuminated streets.

Novi Advent as a reason for a winter escape to the sea

The entire program of the Winter Magic of the Frankopans and Novi Advent confirms what residents and guests have already noticed in recent years – Novi Vinodolski in December turns into a destination that offers much more than a classic Advent walk. The free skating rink, rich children's workshops, storytelling sessions, concerts, Santa Claus's House, evening concerts, and stand-up programs create a mosaic of events due to which more and more visitors plan a shorter or longer stay in the city. Many are seeking accommodation in Novi Vinodolski right now to spend at least one weekend in this winter atmosphere by the sea.

For local families, the Advent program means an opportunity to enjoy skating, creative workshops, and hanging out with peers almost every day with children, while for visitors it is a pleasant surprise – a combination of seaside ambiance and winter contents on ice. Frankopan Square, decorated with thousands of lights, has become a symbol of that combination, and the Winter Magic of the Frankopans its central place that gathers generations. With programs that follow until the end of December and the skating rink open all the way until January 11, 2026, Novi Vinodolski remains one of the liveliest Advent stages on the coast this winter.