After two years characterised by the coronavirus pandemic, this year the programme takes place without any restrictions. More than 100 programmes have been prepared that citizens and guests will be able to enjoy as well as visitors and tourists. “In Kobler square, on 26 November at 5 pm, the first Advent candle will be lit, following this the programme will move to Corso, where the Dutch group Close Act will present themselves.

As for the programme in the squares and streets of Rijeka, the Trsat Castle will certainly attract a large number of visitors. For the second year in a row near the Theatre in Verdi St., in addition to the gastronomic offer, a stage will be set up where 30 musical programmes will be performed. In Kobler square, in addition to the gastronomic offer, a stage will also be set up for musical programmes, aimed mainly at the younger population.

The traditionally rich gastronomic offer awaits visitors in the squares of the Rijeka Resolution and of the 128th Brigade.

To the joy of the youngest, the Santa Claus train will ride along Corso this year again.

Advent in Rijeka will take place from 26 November 2022 to 8 January 2023

Visitors who sojurn more than two days in Rijeka during Advent will be able to use the Winter Pass, that allows them free visits to cultural institutions, the Astronomy Centre and the Kantrida swimming complex.

Christmas lights at the Trsat Castle will be more than 12 kilometres long. The lights were replaced by new ones, that not only give visually more intense light, but also consume 20 to 30 percent less electricity. At the entrance to the castle, this year, for the first time, the largest light decoration ever installed in the region will be placed, and it is an interpretation of the Christmas gift almost 6 meters high. Overall 16 programmes will be held until the end of Advent on 6 January.

Also this year, for the 20th consecutive year, the skating rink “Morska pahuljica” (Sea Snowflake) will be installed on the Carolina pier and will be open from 25 November to 15 January. In collaboration with the Youth Home, a skating school will be organised during school holidays. Children who attend elementary schools in Rijeka will be able to skate for free on weekdays until 4 pm, while from 4 pm to 10 pm the skating rink will be reserved for citizens. On weekends, the skating rink will be open from 10:00 to 22:00. In addition to numerous other programmes, at the skating rink the traditional arrival of Saint Nicholas will be organised for all children.

The mayor of Rijeka, Marko Filipović, expressed his satisfaction with this year’s rich programme of Advent in Rijeka. “This year’s Advent programme is the first to be held without any restrictions since 2019 and I believe it will be well attended, because people are eager to socialize, have fun and be happy,” said the mayor, who also highlighted the humanitarian action “Christmas baubles of good wishes” launched a few years ago on the initiative of several students from Rijeka, which every year arouses great interest among citizens.

The sale of Christmas baubles begins tomorrow on Corso and all the proceeds from their sale this year go to the “Svjetionik/Lighthouse” association, which brings together children and young people with developmental disabilities, and I hereby invite citizens, as many of you as possible, to take part in the action to help the work of the association, and to wish them the best holiday wishes”, said the mayor.

This year the traditional Gastro festival will be organised again on Christmas Eve on Corso. The mayor reiterated that the bands Vatra and Queen Real Tribute and DJ Voljen Korić would introduce us into the new year, and he expressed his belief that the citizens of Rijeka and all our guests would enjoy an entertaining New Year’s programme.