The time of the year in Croatia, as well as in the neighboring countries, is a real magic time of the year. With the coming of December, cities are turned into some sort of radiant winter with warm lights, cozy Christmas markets, seasonal aromas, and traditions that unite people. You want to spend your winter holidays in a comfortable winter resort, enjoy your romantic holidays, or celebrate your New Year in Croatia and the nearby area; these are some of the most unforgettable moments in Europe.

The spirit of the holiday in Croatia comes in early particularly in Zagreb. Awesome Advent, which is the winning award in the city, turns the streets into a happy winter wonderland. A stroll in the Upper Town reveals adorable market carts, well-adorned squares, stands of mulled wine, and the sound of celebratory music resounding along the small cobblestone streets. The Christmas Market in Zagreb has been chosen as one of the best in Europe and it is easy to understand why each of the corners is created to delight. The ice skating, quality street foods, live entertainment and cozy city lights make it the best place to be during the season with families, couples, and anyone who is enamored with the magic of Christmas.

A totally different but, no less fascinating, holiday experience is provided by Dubrovski to the south. Although the snow is not common, the ancient walls of the city and the marble pavements give the impression of a film set. The Dubrovski Winter Festival transports the traditional Dalmatian music, festal decorations, and sweet and tasty holiday treats to the UNESCO-protected Old Town. It is very close, airy and Mediterranean. Tourists are able to listen to concerts, local artisan crafts, holiday foods such as festivals pastries and mulled wine, and a cozy seaside atmosphere which is invigorating in winter. The New Year celebration in Dubrovski is really unforgettable, live performances are performed in front of St. Blaise Church and the atmosphere is truly lively and lasts late until the night.

Out of Croatia, the area is blessed with fantastic festive destinations all of which have their individual personalities. The lovely capital of Slovenia is called Ljubljana and it is radiant in the month of December. It boasts of a Christmas market that is classy, innovative and cozy. A stroll along the Ljubljanica River when it is glittering with lights makes him feel like he is walking into a winter fairytale. The artistic lighting systems around the city are known throughout Europe and they make it a great destination of those who want to have smaller and more cozy winter experience with good food and friendly people. But Vienna, it is the epitome of European Christmas. It has imperial architecture, classical music, and well-decorated squares, which have formed a classical festal ambience. The numerous Christmas markets of the city, such as the classic Rathausplaz to the romantic market at the Schoenbrunn Palace lure crafted gifts, luxury sweets, hot beverages, and a clear Christmas spirit.

Vienna is the best place to go to the culture, to spare some touch of elegance and a reindeer season that is full of custom and taste. This magic circle of the region is finished by Budapest with its warm holiday atmosphere. The Vöro smarty square market and the Basilica of St. Stephen are famous in outstanding Hungarian food, handicraft and vibrant concerts. The thermal baths in Budapest can further make winter travel special, as the sight of taking a bath in warm pools outside in the middle of winter with the warm winter air can be most amazing after a fantastic time visiting a Christmas market.

Budapest is one of the most atmospheric destinations to spend winter in Europe because of the lighted Danube, gala cruises and theatrical buildings. It has one of the best New Year Eve parties in the area that brings tourists to the country. When celebrating Christmas and New Year in Croatia and the nearby area, one can expect both the mixture of cultures, flavors, traditions, and the atmosphere of memorable holidays. Since Zagreb has the most award-winning Advent and Dubrovski festivities to the coast, Ljubljana has class, Vienna has glamour and Budapest has an energetic soul, each place has something unique. Be it sitting in the mulled wine in the old city lamps, gathering to a concert in an old square, taking up winter delicacies, or counting the seconds to the New Year with a big finale, this section of Europe ensures that memories, even after the holidays are over.

InTravel Croatia is a company that develops customized Christmas and New Year tours, hotel accommodation packages, personalized tours, visits to local markets, dinners, and festivity packages in Croatia and the surrounding capitals. And in case your dream winter holiday is you and a fantastic journey, we will design it to be perfect.