10 Things to Do in Dubrovnik in December

In December, the medieval pearl of the Adriatic is transformed into a festive paradise. From delicious mulled wine to Kolenda, ice skating and enchanting festivals, there are plenty of things to see and do in Dubrovnik.

With the arrival of Advent, the Ragusan city is immersed in winter magic. Some of the best things to do in Dubrovnik include sampling the spicy mulled wine while strolling through the old town. The iconic Iron Throne, a gem for Game of Thrones fans, is also on the agenda. Joining the traditional Kolenda, full of music and festive cheer is another activity that feeds the Christmas spirit. Want more? Join me on this tour of Dubrovnik in December.

Christmas celebrations in Dubrovnik are truly a magical experience not to be missed. From the early hours of the morning, young and old alike gather for their own version of a tour of Dubrovnik's Old Town guided by the sound of the "Kolenda".

The participants go door to door singing Christmas classics. It is hard to resist the harmony of the unison sound of the joyful carols with the group dressed in their finery, eagerly awaiting the start of the festivities.

This tradition has been passed down from generation to generation and is still very much alive among the people. If you ever find yourself in Dubrovnik during this special time, be sure to embrace the festive atmosphere that seasonal caroling brings.

The Christmas markets here are part of the Dubrovnik Winter Festival. This event is held all over the city and offers a creative mix of traditional and modern festivities.

The festival opens after the beautiful lighting of the first Advent candle transforming Dubrovnik into a city of light with hundreds of thousands of lights, handicrafts, toys, clothes and Christmas decorations painting the city skyline.

During this time, you can find Christmas markets with great gastronomic offers in different areas of the city such as the Zagreb Advent Market or the amazing fair held in the atrium of St. Clare's Convent. These areas are perfect places to tour Dubrovnik in 1 day, enjoy a cup of hot drink, buy gifts, taste delicious street food and traditional dishes.

Have a magical experience this December by watching the enchanting Nutcracker at one of **Dubrovnik'**s best theatres. The Marin Držić Theatre is one of the treasures of ancient times that includes this captivating performance in Ragusa in its programme.

Decorated with exquisite paintings, including Vlaho Bukovac's masterpiece, the Double Coronation in Heaven and Earth, the theatre is transformed into a visual feast with trees, lights and Christmas ornaments. Soak up the festive atmosphere as history comes to life in this historic setting.

Another gem is the Croatian National Theatre, where giant Nutcrackers and illuminated decorations adorn the square. Inside, the atrium and foyer are decked out in Christmas cheer. I recommend making it one of the things to do in Dubrovnik at night, when the lights dance over this neo-baroque building, creating the perfect backdrop to capture the festive spirit on a postcard.

A museum tour is one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik during December. Although they are all worth a visit, I recommend you to visit these museums in particular:

• Museum of Cultural History: This museum is located in the Rector's Palace, and aims to recreate the historical events of Ragusa. Its collection of works of art is exquisite and the facilities are a visual delight. It will allow you to explore Dubrovnik's rich cultural heritage. Address: Ribarnica ul. 1, Rector's Palace.
• The Maritime Museum: Located in Fort St John, this museum focuses on the Dubrovnik region's famed nautical history, with a constant display of exhibitions.
• In Rupe is the Ethnographic Museum, the largest repository in the Republic. It displays the traditional culture of the Dubrovnik region in an authentic historical setting. Highlights here are the collections of traditional costumes from towns such as Dubrovačko primorje to the Elaphite islands and its Christmas exhibition with the "Sweet Saints" with St. Nicholas as the star. Visit them at Ul. Rod Rupa 3, 20000.

The city of Ragusa is renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage, and the last month of the year hosts a series of concerts as part of the Dubrovnik Winter Festival. The programme usually includes more than a dozen concerts, with different musical styles and genres, ensuring a unique experience for every music lover.

The festival includes performances by legendary Croatian rock bands such as Prljavo Kazalište, the irreverent Zdravko Čolić as well as Punk and Folk bands that bring a special touch to the music scene on the Dalmatian coast.

For those who prefer klapa songs, the Revelin Fortress is the perfect place. And we can't overlook the stellar participation of the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra, who add a classical touch to the festival with their Christmas concert. Other not-to-be-missed performances are the jazz bands at the Marin Držić Theatre; between clarinet and saxophone, they are already a tradition.

If you're looking for things to do in Dubrovnik with kids in December, make a note of the Winter Children's Festival. From the triumphant arrival of Father Christmas from Lapland to the parade of Santas on motorbikes in Stradun, the event is packed with fun activities for the family.

Enjoy captivating performances, including the enchanting Nutcracker from the Marin Držić Theatre, and take part in exciting concerts, plays, storytelling and workshops. With a packed programme of entertainment, the highlight is the monumental New Year's Eve Party along Stradun Street, where local bands add the perfect note to the experience.

Iceskating is one of the best things to do in December, and in Dubrovnik, the meeting point is called Lapad. It is located on the tennis courts of Uvala Lapad, and is open from Monday to Sunday from 09.00 - 22.00 hours.

Enjoy the breathtaking views of the surroundings while skating. You can also combine your visit with Christmas shopping, as Dubrovnik' s Christmas market is close by. During the festive season, the charm is even greater, with stalls offering local crafts, mulled wine and cheerful Christmas spirit. And if that's not enough, you can hop on the cars of a polar train that links the local attractions from Sunset Beach in the Bay. Other options?

Radisson Blu Resort offers its ice-skating rink overlooking the sea throughout December. The resort also hosts a Christmas fair every year. You can also glide around the Mokošica skating r ink which is open from 10:00 to 21:00.

In all cases adults and children, professionals and amateurs have fun with a complete experience that is often enlivened by local bands.

With Advent just around the corner, it's time to embrace the traditions that make them special. In Croatia, mulled wine, also known locally as kuhano vino, is an integral part of the celebrations. The sweet and spicy aroma of this traditional Christmas drink especially permeates the air in Dubrovnik's Old Town. All restaurants include in their seasonal specials their house recipe wine.

Drink it in a paper cup, glass or tumbler, at the Stradun Street Fair, for example, the combination of wine, oranges, lemons, cinnamon and spices are served in all sorts of presentations. D'Vino is one of the bars recommended by Time Out, while Vogue recommends Villa Orsula's Victoria Restaurant & Lounge Bar to enjoy your mulled wine away from the crowds. Where do the Ragusa go?

They go to other squares such as Petar Zoranic, the Roman Forum, or Five Wells. There you will usually find better prices, a more family-friendly atmosphere and the offer also includes: workshops for children, concerts, local delicacies and the chance to rub shoulders with Santa Claus.

Another of the things to see and do in Dubrovnik in December is to enjoy the Croatian gastronomy that is caught in the Adriatic Sea. The atmosphere is a festival of sensations with lights, sumptuous food and delicious Croatian sweets filling the air along with bacon sandwiches. You can take a gastronomic tour through restaurants and bars or at local fairs and markets (my recommendation).

If you're wondering where to start, the answer is the smoked bacon sandwiches, sarma, stani-pani pancakes and the variety of ćevapi or game sausages, a recommendation from food experts and locals alike.

Other must-try cod dishes include brudet or fish soup with potatoes, and breaded cod meatballs, which are so important that there are Cod Days. And to accompany them, nothing better than a good Croatian wine, such as Malvasia, plavac or dingac. These dishes are a must during Advent and are sure to leave you satisfied.

Which markets to visit? There are the ones in the city centre. On the other hand, a visit of at least 3 days in Dubrovnik will give you enough time to visit those a little further afield, such as the popular Zagreb Christmas Market, one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe. Dubrovnik is a foodie's paradise- visit in December on an empty stomach and let your taste buds do the talking.

Discover Dubrovnik's spiritual richness during December by taking a tour of its iconic churches and monasteries. Immerse yourself in the majesty of St. Blaise Church, adorned with a Baroque altar in honour of the city's patron saint.

Admire the art treasure and relics in the cathedral, and visit the Franciscan Monastery Museum, whose 14th-century pharmacy is the oldest in Europe. Explore the Dominican Monastery, with its Gothic cloister and a museum full of paintings and sculptures. Of note, this tour takes you along **Dubrovnik'**s imposing city walls, which are almost 2 kilometres long and have 16 towers.

Enjoy the Christmas decorations on the iconic forts such as Minčeta Tower, Revelin, Bokar, St. Lawrence and St. John, which enhance the magic of the season. Let yourself be enveloped by the spiritual and festive essence of Dubrovnik in December.

If you feel like escaping the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoying nature, you can take a Games of Thrones tour of Lokrum Island in Dubrovnik at the best time of the year.

Yes, this is one of the most sought after tours in the city, however, December is traditionally a month when Croatians take to the streets of the city centre, and the tourist influx decreases, giving you the opportunity to sign up for the more popular activities with fewer people around.

Tours to Lokrum Island are among the best excursions from Dubrovnik. Located just 15 minutes by boat from the old harbour, this island is a green paradise where peacocks gracefully greet visitors. You can also visit the Benedictine Monastery, the botanical garden, the Royal Fort and the Dead Sea. In addition, spectacular flora fills the landscape where the Iron Throne from Game of Thrones is located.

In December, Dubrovnik offers mild but humid weather, with an average temperature of around 11°C. Although the season sees lows of 10°C, winter clothing is recommended for comfort.

Weather statistics reveal variations from a high of 17°C to a low of -6°C, but you can also check the weather conditions in real timeat any time of the day. When exploring the city this month, be prepared for cooler days and milder nights, ensuring that your clothing suits the changing conditions of December in Dubrovnik.

Be sure to pack warm layers, as temperatures can drop to as low as 8°C. A windproof coat, scarves and gloves will keep you comfortable as you stroll around the charming old city.

Don't forget a pair of comfortable shoes for walking the cobbled streets. Also include waterproof clothing, as rain showers are possible. To make the most of Christmas, add something festive - a Christmas jumper or festive-themed accessories - and you'll be ready to discover the magic of Dubrovnik in the winter season.