Croatia’s Christmas markets in full swing + Róisín Murphy to appear at NYE celebration in Šibenik

Triple award-winning Advent Zagreb’s Christmas market opened on 26 November and will run until 7 January 2023 – meaning there is still plenty of time to experience the magic of a Zagrebian Christmas. Part of the magic comes from the hospitality of the locals who use this magical time of year to showcase their city in all its festive glory and they don’t do things by half – creative shop-window displays, shimmering lights and decorations adorning the cobbled streets of the upper town are nothing short of a picturebook scene.

Croatian cuisine takes pride of place during Advent in Zagreb, with holiday menus showcasing traditional dishes, paired with wonderful local wines. Guests are invited to sit down, relax and dine on terraces at many popular Zagreb restaurants, or to enjoy a mulled wine and a bite to eat at festive stalls. Favourites include roast chestnuts, sarma (sour cabbage rolls filled with minced meat), paprenjaci (peppery gingerbread cookies) and vanilla half-moons.

For more information see www.adventzagreb.hr/?lang=en

Opatija, until 8 January: Named as one of Europe’s best holiday events and hailed as ‘the most beautiful advent by the sea’, Opatija’s advent celebrations have also captured the hearts of many. Advent in Opatija comes with a coastal twist: an ice-rink overlooking the sea, illuminated century-old cypresses, romantic seaside walks accompanied by the sound of Christmas carols all make this town a must-see winter destination.

The spectacular Juraj Šporer Art Pavilion is the centre piece to all the magic, with kiosks offering festive specialities, divine desserts and mulled wine. For world-class restaurants, head to the charming fishing village of Volosko, which looks even more like a fairy tale covered in a layer of snow. For more details see www.visitopatija.com/en/opatija-advent/