Split is going bigger than ever for the 2026/27 festive season. The city's Advent programme, running from 27 November 2026 to 6 January 2027, has been unveiled with its largest line-up to date — and it mixes serious regional music acts with the kind of Dalmatian Christmas traditions you won't find anywhere else.
The main stages are the Riva waterfront and the Prokurative square, though the fun spreads across the city this year. A panoramic Ferris wheel and a carousel are new for 2026, the ice rink returns to Đardin park, and a nativity scene will sit inside a geodesic dome in front of Prokurative. Even the university campus gets its own mini-Advent.
The music is the real draw. Opening night on 27 November brings Alan Hržica to Prokurative, followed by an early run that includes the Husar sisters, klapa groups Cambi, Šufit, Kampanel and Iskon, and rock veterans Crvena jabuka. Later in the season: Miroslav Škoro, Bijelo dugme, Psihomodo Pop, Dalmatino, Silente, Zorica Kondža, Tony Cetinski, Sergej Ćetković and Vatra, plus a tribute evening to the late Oliver Dragojević and a sacred music concert.
The closing days are stacked. Christmas Eve sees the traditional preparation of bakalar — salted cod — at the Peškarija fish market, with Neno Belan playing at Pjaca square. Dino Merlin headlines the Riva on 30 December, and New Year's Eve runs all day: Jacques Houdek in the afternoon, then Jelena Rozga and Jakov Jozinović on the waterfront for the countdown.
Families get a dedicated programme too, including Saturday morning dance sessions, children's theatre and the weekly lighting of Advent candles starting 28 November. Split's mayor Tomislav Šuta framed the event as both a reason for locals to stay in the city and a hook for visitors from across Croatia and neighbouring countries — and with decorations extending beyond the main squares, the plan is to give the whole city a festive feel.
For travellers, Advent in Split is a chance to pair a Christmas market with mild Adriatic winter weather, seafront strolls and Diocletian's Palace as a backdrop. Book Diocletian's Palace, or nearby Zagreb — Croatia's famous advent city — as a second stop. Fly into Split Airport (SPU), well connected across Europe in winter; ferries and buses link the city to the islands if you want to extend the trip. Expect a mixed programme of free and ticketed events, so check the official Advent Split schedule as dates approach and reserve NYE spots early.
