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The picturesque medieval streets of Dubrovnik come alive with Christmas spirit, adorned with twinkling lights and festive decor. The Old Town of Dubrovnik warmly welcomes locals and tourists alike to celebrate the Christmas season. Let's check out how to explore Dubrovnik Christmas Market.
Exploring Dubrovnik’s Christmas Market
How to Reach Dubrovnik’s Christmas Market
By Air:
Dubrovnik’s international airport connects to various destinations. During the summer season, you can find more frequent flight options. The airport is located around 20 km from the city center. Travel options include convenient airport shuttles and Uber rides that take you right to Dubrovnik's heart.
By Bus:
Several local bus operators provide services from different parts of Croatia and neighboring countries to Dubrovnik. While we traveled from Zagreb to Dubrovnik by bus, it wasn’t the most pleasant journey. We found that it’s not the most comfortable option.
Essential Tips for Visiting Dubrovnik Christmas Market:
Dress Warmly: The winter weather in Dubrovnik is milder than in northern Europe. However, since it’s on the Adriatic Sea, it can get chilly at night. Be sure to prepare accordingly.
Local Currency: Most of the stalls primarily accept cash. Therefore, it’s wise to carry some local currency with you.
Public Transport: The public transport system is quite efficient, with buses stopping right at Pile Gate.
Try Local Specialties: Don’t miss the opportunity to sample Croatian specialties available at the stalls.
Enjoy Performances: Various performances, including live music and Advent concerts, are held during the season. Keep an eye out for the schedule.
Culinary Delights at Dubrovnik’s Christmas Market
Fritule: These are small, fluffy Croatian doughnuts dusted with sugar.
Soparnik: This traditional Croatian pie contains thin dough filled with chard and garlic.
Brudet: A hearty fish stew made with tomatoes, garlic, and spices, typically available at food stalls.
Rožata: A traditional Dubrovnik dessert resembling caramel custard, similar to flan.
The Heart of the Market: Dubrovnik Christmas Market
1. Pile Gate
The entrance to the Old Town, Pile Gate, is beautifully decorated with lights and Christmas decor. Small stalls near the bus stop (outside of the Old Town) offer Christmas specialties.
Pile Gate is a perfect spot for capturing holiday photos with wonderful lights and decorations.
2. Stradun:
Stradun, the main street with polished limestone, is beautifully lit with chandeliers and decorations.
Festive stalls on both sides of the street sell holiday treats like Croatian snacks, waffles, fries, gingerbread, and drinks. Additionally, there are stalls offering handmade ornaments.
The historical buildings are adorned with festive lights. You can also enjoy live performances by local choirs, musicians, and folk dancers. On Christmas Eve, everyone was dancing, singing, and celebrating together.
3. Gundulić Square:
Gundulić Square is known for its daily farmer market and transforms into a holiday festivity space during the Christmas season, with its festive lighting and decor.
Here, you can find authentic Croatian products such as honey, olive oil, lavender products, and artisan gifts.
Don't forget to taste holiday specialties like fritule (small Croatian doughnuts) and pršut (Dalmatian prosciutto).
4. Other Locations to Visit:
You can enjoy Christmas festivities at Luza Square and Sponza Palace, where additional stalls are set up.
Advent concerts, theatrical performances, and art exhibitions are also hosted by Dubrovnik during the holiday season.
5. Other Christmas Celebrations in Dubrovnik:
We were amazed to see that the streets of Dubrovnik, along with restaurants, cafes, and bars, are adorned with festive lights. There are numerous Christmas Eve parties almost at every bar, featuring live performers who engage the crowd with music and fun.
It was one of the most intimate Christmas Eves we experienced in the Old Town of Dubrovnik.
On Christmas morning, the churches in the Old Town were packed with visitors. All the street cafes and restaurants were bustling with people.
6. Santa Claus Parade:
On December 26th, we were pleasantly surprised by the Santa Claus parade featuring Santa on sports bikes in Dubrovnik Old Town.
With around 200-250 Santas on motorbikes, accompanied by lively music, it felt as if they had invaded King's Landing. The crowd cheered and welcomed them with excitement.
Ending Note:
Based on our experience, Dubrovnik is a charming city. Local transportation operates efficiently, even during the night on Christmas Eve. We used the local bus to commute from our rented accommodation to the Old Town, which dropped us off at Pile Gate.
Overall, Dubrovnik during the Christmas season is magical, full of festive activities, delightful food, and a warm atmosphere that captivates both locals and tourists alike.
Dubrovnik’s Christmas market is a festive must-see, offering a mix of holiday shopping, delicious local foods, and traditional crafts. Visitors can explore a charming atmosphere of lights and decorations while enjoying live performances and local delicacies like fritule. The market is located in the heart of the Old Town, making it a perfect spot to experience the city's beauty during the holiday season. Markt Cannobio