Christmas & New Year Tours in Croatia
What if you explore Zagreb's historic Gornji Grad and Kaptol, tour the UNESCO-listed Plitvice Lakes National Park, and experience the Sea Organ's melodies in Zadar? Discover the ancient Roman Diocletian's Palace in Split, and walk Dubrovnik's medieval walls and historic sites. Croatia during the holidays is magical, full of festivities and traditions to enjoy.
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The tour itinerary was well planned and organized. The hotels were all excellent and centrally located, making it easy to visit the various landmarks and get to the meeting points for the group tours. The transfers were prompt and efficient, especially Dino, who handled our transfer from Split to Trogir. He was very pleasant and accommodating, particularly when we wanted to return early because of the uncomfortable heat. It was also great to experience Croatia by train and catamaran. The only suggestion we would make is to book the train from Zagreb to Split earlier in the day. It is an eight-hour journey, and by the time we arrived at Split Station, it was 10:00 p.m., dark, and empty. We then got totally lost trying to find our hotel. After half an hour of dragging our luggage along some rugged back roads up some steep hills, we eventually found it, only to be told that reception was scheduled to close at 10:00 p.m. A special shout-out to the hotel staff, who kindly waited for us until after 10:30. But all in all, we are very happy with the experience and thoroughly enjoyed our trip.
8 Days in Croatia by Train.Everything about the tour was great, especially the RideWithGPS application and Tomo, who did our orientation. If I were to change one thing, it would be to update the wheel/tire combination to something closer to 32-36mm. There is room in the frame and that would allow softer tire pressure to smooth out the roads a bit.
Self Guided Cycling Tour from Split to DubrovnikVery organised and communication was excellent
Cycle the Dalmatian Coast and Islands
10 best Christmas & New Year Croatia tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaCroatia travel expert at TourRadar
- Croatia Unveiled: An 8-Day Small Group Journey
- 8 Days in Croatia by Train.
- 8-Day Self-Guided Tour of Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik by Bus
- Private - Balkan Extended from Ljubljana to Dubrovnik
- Tailor-Made 9 Days Classic Croatia Tour, Daily Depart & Private Guide
- 6 Day Split, Trogir and Dubrovnik Self Guided
- Best of Croatia: 8-Day Small-Group Tour
- Cycle the Dalmatian Coast and Islands
- Customized Classic 11 Days Croatia Tour, Daily Start & Private Guide and Car
- Cycling Dalmatia, self guided tour
Check out Croatia's Christmas markets in Zagreb's historic Gornji Grad district, where lights brighten medieval streets around St. Duje Cathedral. Ring in the New Year walking Dubrovnik's UNESCO-listed Old Town walls, with optional boat trips to the Elaphiti Islands and a farewell dinner.
Duration 8 days Destinations Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Zadar, Trogir, Split, Dubrovnik Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Omega Tours From
- US$2,446
8 Days in Croatia by Train.
“The hotels were all excellent and centrally located. It was also great to experience Croatia by train and catamaran.”
David, traveled in August
The festive charm of Croatia unfolds from Zagreb's Christmas-lit St. Mark's Church to Split's illuminated Diocletian's Palace. The holiday spirit comes alive in Dubrovnik with funicular rides to Mount Srđ, seasonal markets and decorated medieval streets.
Duration 8 days Destinations Zagreb, Split, Trogir, Dubrovnik Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Remaz Tours GmbH From
- US$1,901
Spend the festive season across Croatia's beautiful cities, checking out Zagreb's colorful St. Mark's Church with its tiled roof and the historic streets of Split's Diocletian's Palace, a 4th-century Roman fortress. Later, wander Dubrovnik's medieval walled city and the famous Stradun Street.
Duration 8 days Destinations Zagreb, Trogir, Split, Dubrovnik Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator STM Tours LLC From $2,004
25% off- US$1,503
Holiday magic fills Croatia from Zagreb to Dubrovnik. Christmas markets brighten Split's Diocletian Palace, winter walks wind through Plitvice Lakes' snowy trails, and New Year's festivities enliven historic coastal towns. Lapad hotel provides cozy comfort during the magical season.
Duration 11 days Destinations Ljubljana, Lake Bled, Postojna, Smartno, Portoroz, Groznjan, Motovun, Porec, Rovinj, PulaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Balkan and more From $9,612
30% off- US$6,729
Tailor-Made 9 Days Classic Croatia Tour, Daily Depart & Private Guide
“The tour arranged excellent hotels, had very good and interesting suggestions for restaurants, and a fine itinerary.”
Alvin, traveled in October
Winter festivities in Croatia showcase Zagreb's markets and Dubrovnik's illuminated walls. Seasonal wine tasting in Pelješac and cozy stays at Hotel Dubrovnik Zagreb highlight Croatian holiday traditions.
Duration 9 days Destinations Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Zadar, Sibenik, Trogir, Split, Biševo, Hvar, Ston, PeljesacSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Agate Travel From
30% off- US$7,399
Ring in the New Year along Croatia's Adriatic coast with stays at 3-5 star hotels in Split and Dubrovnik. You'll walk through UNESCO-listed Diocletian's Palace in Split, where Roman ruins mix with medieval buildings, then see the 16th-century Sponza Palace and Franciscan Monastery in Dubrovnik.
Duration 6 days Destinations Split, Trogir, Dubrovnik Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator STM Tours LLC From $1,178
30% off- US$824
Duration 8 days Destinations Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Zadar, Trogir, Split, Dubrovnik Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Click Tours From $3,560
36% off- US$2,278
What our customers ask about Christmas & New Year Tours in Croatia
What are the most popular Christmas & New Year attractions and events in Croatia?
Zagreb stands as Croatia's holiday centerpiece having earned recognition as Europe's top Christmas market destination. The city's Advent celebration transforms public spaces into winter wonderlands. The Mandusevac fountain becomes the base of a grand Advent crown while Zrinjevac Park glows with holiday lights. At Tomislav Park visitors can glide across 2,000 square meters of ice. Beyond Zagreb the festivities extend to Dubrovnik's Stradun Street and Split's Diocletian's Palace where local artisans and food vendors create lively market scenes.
What are the typical temperatures and weather conditions during Christmas & New Year in Croatia?
The Croatian climate varies significantly between coastal and inland regions during the holiday season. Coastal cities like Split and Dubrovnik maintain mild temperatures around 50-55°F (10-13°C). Inland destinations such as Zagreb and Plitvice Lakes see cooler conditions with temperatures ranging from 35-40°F (2-4°C) often accompanied by snow. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The weather was perfect for exploring - cool but not too cold on the coast and we got to experience beautiful snow in Plitvice Lakes which made it magical during the holiday season."
Where are the best places to stay during Christmas & New Year in Croatia?
Leading hotels embrace the holiday spirit with special seasonal offerings. The Esplanade Zagreb Hotel provides festive packages amid elaborate decorations while the Valamar Lacroma Hotel in Dubrovnik hosts a New Year's gala dinner. The Hotel Park in Split offers prime viewing for holiday fireworks displays. One TourRadar traveler mentioned: "Staying at the Esplanade Zagreb during Christmas was magical - the hotel's decorations and holiday atmosphere made our experience truly special."
What special holiday events and activities are available during Christmas & New Year tours in Croatia?
The holiday calendar fills with events across Croatia's major cities. Zagreb's acclaimed Advent Market anchors the season while Split's waterfront transforms into a Christmas Fair. Dubrovnik rings in the New Year with citywide celebrations. Visitors can attend traditional concerts at Zagreb's St. Mark's Church explore snow-covered Plitvice Lakes or participate in local traditions like the St. John's Day wine blessing. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The Zagreb Christmas Market was incredible - the whole city comes alive with lights music and the smell of mulled wine. Don't miss the ice skating rink in King Tomislav Square!"
What traditional Croatian Christmas & New Year foods can I expect to try?
Holiday menus showcase Croatian culinary traditions. Key dishes include bakalar (dried codfish) served on Christmas Eve sarma (cabbage rolls) and mlinci (flatbread) paired with turkey. Dessert often features fritule sweet fried dough balls. Coastal regions emphasize seafood in their holiday fare. A TourRadar traveler commented: "The Christmas Eve dinner at a local restaurant in Split was unforgettable - we tried all the traditional dishes and the host explained each custom."
What special New Year's Eve celebrations can I experience in Croatia?
Each Croatian city welcomes the New Year with distinct celebrations. Dubrovnik's Old Town fills with live music culminating in harbor fireworks. Split's Riva promenade hosts outdoor concerts with midnight pyrotechnics over the water. Zagreb draws crowds to Ban Jelačić Square for one of the country's largest New Year's gatherings. As mentioned by a TourRadar traveler: "The New Year's celebration in Dubrovnik's Old Town was magical with music echoing off the ancient walls and fireworks lighting up the Adriatic."