November 28, 2023 – As the cherry on top of the year 2023, throughout December, Osijek will shine with thousands of lights, the air will once again be filled with the scents of festive treats and hot drinks, all with a live soundtrack. Double winner of the title of “The Most Beautiful Advent in Croatia”, Advent in Osijek transforms the city into winter magic, especially illuminating cultural and historical gems and locations.
Discover what’s new in this year’s program and why this event is the crown of all events in the city, as SiB notes. This year, too, the main backdrop for Advent activities will be the magical baroque core of the city, the Fortress, divided into three fun and magical locations all through December!
On Juraj Križanić Square, at the foot of the baroque towers of the Church of St. Mihovil, there will be a sweet, savoury and traditional offer of Advent desserts and drinks, as well as an offer of handmade souvenirs and other local products in the period from December 1 to 25. Explore the beloved flavours such as baked sausages in pastries, langošice, sarmicas and the must-have fritule while enjoying a musical program of the best local artists.
The ideal weekend zone for all-night entertainment can traditionally be found in Franjevacka Street. Check the full program below:
MUSIC PROGRAM:
(main stage)
01.12. MARKO TOLJA
02.12. VANNA
08.12. KLAPA INTRADE
09.12. VATRA
15.12. BANG BANG
16.12. SONGKILLERS
22.12. GELATO SISTERS
23.12. MIA DIMŠIĆ, NO JAZZ BAND
As the main link between these two locations, the main square of Holy Trinity will host a handful of richly decorated Christmas trees and other magical installations. The best view of the Fortress will once again be from the largest Ferris wheel in Croatia, and this year, a special treat for the youngest will be the opening of Santa’s Central Office in Osijek, where Santa Claus will visit every day from December 15 to 24. Get your cameras ready, because a themed light festival awaits on the square on weekends!
The little ones will once again be delighted by the amusement park in King Držislav Park, and the most beautiful children’s and New Year’s Eve party will take place in Tvrđa.
In the city center, the co-cathedral of St. Peter and Paul with a beautiful Advent wreath, a central pine and a nativity scene will once again be the ideal starting point for the most beautiful Advent walk. From the co-cathedral, the walk stretches along the heart of the city center through the European Avenue. The charming street known for its art nouveau series and historicist palaces and Osijek’s most beautiful parks (Sakuntala Park, King Tomislav Park and King Petar Krešimir IV Park) is one of the must-see locations not only during Advent, but during any visit to Osijek.
Find the joys of winter and an Advent atmosphere at the city’s Sokol ice rink. The first skates are released on December 1st, and you can enjoy your favourite ice fairy tale every day of the week!
To the joy of both adults and children, the beautiful Osijek Christmas tram will return on December 4! Although the trams are waiting for a new line, the most beautiful Advent tram in Croatia has provided great entertainment for its youngest friends, which it will offer in a stationary form right next to the romantic Fortress and central Advent events in the city. Decorated with over 30,000 Christmas lights, it will delight visitors again throughout December. The theme of this year’s entertaining interactive children’s play is The Snowman, playing from 4 to 30 December at the following times: Mon-Fri 5:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Make sure to secure your place in the Christmas fairy tale on the Osijek tram by calling the phone numbers: 228-351 and 228-303, on work days from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
