Bucket List Worthy New Year’s Eve Sea-side Destinations

A Warm Welcome to Winter

Poreč in Istria

Croatia, with its picturesque landscapes and inviting climate, offers an idyllic setting for a New Year’s Eve celebration in a slightly different way. 

Explore the region of Istria from Poreč or Rabac, Makarska Riviera, Dubrovnik or the islands of Krk and Rab. Escape the chilly temperatures and embrace the pleasant temperatures of the Adriatic coast. Imagine celebrating the arrival of the new year with your loved ones under a starlit sky, surrounded by the soothing sounds of the sea.

Advent and Christmas by the Adriatic Sea

Advent on Krk

In December, the town of Krk once again turns into a stage for festive magic. From 6 to 31 December, the historic centre, Veli Park and the central semi-dome become a warm, sparkling meeting place where tradition and modern spirit blend into an unforgettable Advent experience.  The fifth Advent in Krk offers a rich music programme, charming festive stalls with seasonal food and drink, children’s performances and creative workshops, as well as a new feature – Krk Winter Trails, an outdoor programme that combines the holiday atmosphere with active time in nature.

The Centre for Culture of the Town of Krk has prepared a Christmas programme for children and adults, with performances, workshops and concerts starting on Saturday, 30 November, and continuing throughout December. The highlight is the Christmas Concert in Krk Cathedral on 21 December at 7:00 pm, featuring the Croatian Baroque Ensemble and the Megaron Chamber Choir (Slovenia) performing Georg Friedrich Händel’s Messiah, with soloists Franko Klisović (conductor and countertenor), Ivana Lazar (soprano), Ruairi Bowden (tenor) and Josip Galić (bass).

 Advent Returns to Rab 

Advent magic on Rab beneath twinkling lights and palms.

The most enchanting island Advent returns to Rab from 29 November to 7 January! As the festive season begins, Rab turns into a fairytale island of light, music and warmth, where every street is filled with Christmas spirit. Rapski Advent offers something for all generations – from the scent of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine to colourful stalls with crafts, local specialities and sweet treats.

The festivities open on 29 November in Municipium Arba Square with the ceremonial lighting of the Christmas tree, followed by weeks of concerts, theatre performances, children’s events, and a rich gastronomic offer. A special attraction is the ice rink in the heart of the town, bringing extra winter fun for all ages. Put on your ice skates, enjoy the flavours of the season and let Rab’s winter magic sweep you away – and find full programme details.

 Advent in Poreč

Magical Advent fun with Santa and winter fairytale characters in Poreč.

Advent in Poreč is rich in festive delights! From 6 December 2025 to 4 January 2026, Poreč once again becomes the centre of Istria’s Christmas magic. The largest Advent in Istria offers a varied entertainment, cultural, musical and gastronomic programme for the whole family, turning the town squares into spaces filled with joy and warmth. Highlights include concerts by popular artists such as Maja Šuput, Neno Belan, Gustafi, Alen Vitasović, Željko Bebek and Klapa Intrade, as well as local bands and DJs. New Year’s Eve will be marked by Tony Cetinski on Trg Slobode and MIAch on Trg Matije Gupca. 

The programme also features pub quizzes, comedy nights, live nativity scenes, traditional food events, a family day and the arrival of Santa Claus. Children can enjoy theatre performances, treasure hunts, creative workshops, dance and a fire show, while the free ice rink provides winter fun for all ages. Find full details on the Advent in Poreč website.

Advent in Makarska 

Advent in Makarska offers the festive magic beneath Biokovo! From 30 November 2025 to 1 January 2026, this coastal town turns into a sparkling Christmas destination, filled with music, lights and the scent of mulled wine and seasonal treats. The celebrations open on 30 November with the first Advent candle, Christmas lights and a concert by Silente, followed by a rich music programme throughout December with performances by Sandi Cenov, PEKI, Urban & 4, Jakov Jozinović, Maja Šuput, Jole, Minea with the Mascot Festival, and Dražen Zečić at the New Year’s Eve concert. A special attraction is the ice rink in the town centre, open daily until 6 January, offering winter fun with a sea view. Children will love “Mali Advent”, the largest children’s Advent on the Adriatic, taking place across three locations with Santa Claus’  igloo, workshops, shows and family activities. Click here for full programme details.

Christmas in Labin  

On 19 and 20 December, the traditional Christmas in Labin will take place in the town centre on Zelenice Street. Friday brings an after-work party with local DJs,  followed by The Rock Star Show multi-tribute concert.  On Saturday morning, children can enjoy three hours of shows and animation with the Birikina from Pula, while the evening features a concert by regional music legend Željko Bebek, with the cover band Grooversi performing before and after the main act. See you at Christmas in Labin 2025!

Advent in Dubrovnik – Festive Nights on Stradun!

From 29 November 2025 to 3 January 2026, the 12th Dubrovnik Winter Festival brings a series of concerts on Stradun, featuring stars such as Doris Dragović, Vanna, Parni Valjak, Dražen Zečić, Željko Bebek, Hiljson Mandela, Dino Merlin, Petar Grašo and Klapa Intrade, plus a special children’s New Year’s Eve programme and the traditional New Year’s Day concert by the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra. 

On 22 December, the Dubrovnik Christmas Concert at the Valamar Lacroma Hotel will present the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra with conductor Ivan Hut, 4 Tenors, sopranos Renata Sabljak and Marija Vidović, and the Blasius Choir. 

Valamar Hotels: Your Gateway to Holiday Magic

Valamar Diamant Hotel Indoor Pool & Spa Zone

Valamar Hotels, renowned for their hospitality and commitment to creating unforgettable experiences, have curated a special entertainment program to ensure that your New Year celebration is nothing short of magical. From festive decorations to the aromas of mulled wine and delectable local specialities, every detail is designed to immerse you in the holiday spirit.

New Year’s Eve: Accommodation Fit for Royalty

One of the perks of celebrating New Year’s Eve on the coast is the availability of more favourable accommodations. Valamar Hotels offers a range of options to suit every preference, from cosy rooms with sea views to luxurious suites overlooking the coastline.

In December, Poreč glows with Advent lights, Christmas markets and concerts, creating a cosy seaside atmosphere perfect for a winter escape. For New Year’s Eve, Valamar’s hotels in Poreč offer special stays with festive New Year’s Eve dinners, from elegant seafront boutique options in the old town to wellness and family-friendly hotels close to the beach, so you can welcome 2026 with good food, music and a stylish stay by the Adriatic.

Elegant bar setting at Jadran Heritage Hotel

Ring in the New Year at Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik Hotel, where elegant interiors, gourmet dinners and wellness facilities create a stylish setting for your celebration. Just a short stroll away, the President Hotel offers luxurious sea-view rooms and festive New Year’s Eve programmes on the very edge of the Adriatic. Toast to midnight on spacious terraces overlooking the Elaphiti Islands, then wake up to the first sunrise of the year over Dubrovnik’s sparkling coastline.

Valamar Sanfior Hotel & Casa in Rabac

If interested in island vibes, take into account the Valamar Padova Hotel on the island of Rab with a view of Rab’s historic centre. You can also enjoy an indoor pool with a new children’s corner, family sauna and Vitality corner.

Relax on your balcony with views of Rab’s historic skyline.

Spend New Year’s Eve at Valamar Camping Ježevac on the island of Krk, where comfortable mobile homes and seaside pitches are just a short stroll from the historic town centre. Use the camp as your cosy winter base while you enjoy island Advent events, concerts and New Year’s Eve celebrations in nearby Krk.

Enjoy the charm of our carefully selected locations, each promising a unique and enchanting experience.

Wellness and Relaxation: A Perfect Start to the New Year

Unwind in the soothing wellness lounge at Valamar Padova Hotel

While the winter chill takes hold in other parts of the world, Croatia’s mild climate allows you to enjoy the outdoors comfortably. Take advantage of Valamar’s wellness offers, rejuvenate your body and soul and start the new year feeling refreshed. Whether it’s a spa treatment or a stroll along the beach, the options for relaxation are as endless as the sea itself.

Booking Your Sea-Side Escape

The Town of Rab

This holiday season, make the smart choice and book your New Year’s Eve with Valamar Hotels. Indulge in the beauty of the Adriatic coast, revel in the festive atmosphere, and create lasting memories with your loved ones. From the pleasant temperatures to the world-class hospitality, Croatia’s coastal celebration promises to be an experience like no other.

Choose your destination, discover the special offerings, and let Valamar Hotels be your host for a New Year’s Eve in Croatia that will linger in your heart long after the last firework has lit up the night sky. Here’s to a new year filled with joy, peace and the magic of the Adriatic coast!