Writer: Helena Bergström
Updated: August 2026 | What's it like to celebrate Christmas in Split, Croatia? We traveled to one of our favorite Croatian cities over Christmas and experienced Christmas-decorated alleys, Advent events, a Christmas market and Croatian Christmas food – but also mild temperatures, outdoor cafes and walks by the Adriatic Sea. Here we tell you about our Christmas in Split and give you tips on what to expect if you travel here in December.
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What is it like to celebrate Christmas in Split?
One of the reasons for celebrating Christmas in Split was to experience a milder climate and a little more sunlight. Croatia is located in southern Europe and Split offered around 15 degrees during the day and sun mixed with clouds. Really nice!
Many restaurants keep their outdoor seating open in winter, and it looks cosy, doesn't it? Some have heat lamps around the tables, which also makes it warm and cosy.
In general, it's great that people are hanging out so much outdoors, which is easier when the climate is a bit milder. It also turned out that many people were really dressed up during Christmas, so it was fun to just stand and watch people. A bit like a fashion show!
Christmas decorations and Christmas atmosphere in Split
Split also turned out to be a very well-decorated city. Everywhere you see Christmas trees, garlands, gnomes and various decorations that are lit up in the evening. Nice!
Advent in Split – Christmas Market and Events
Along the entire promenade we found a Christmas market with stalls, where you can buy things like crafts, delicacies and the popular pastry "fritule", which resembles doughnuts.
There was also a skating rink in one part of town, which was very popular, especially with families with children.
Next to it was an area with tables and food tents, where you could buy everything from sushi to grilled food.
This place was also open in the evening and even on Christmas Day evening, when many other restaurants were closed. On Christmas Eve, many Croatians go out on the town, but on Christmas Day they are often at home with their families.
Christmas shopping in Split
We also found a wonderfully charming shop, selling handcrafted Christmas decorations made in Croatia. The shop, which just seems to be called the "Christmas shop" is open all year round, although of course it was high season at this time.
During our visit, the city's shops were open on Christmas Eve, but closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Croatian Christmas food in Split
What about the food? Yes, as a tourist you mostly eat what is usually on the menu – meat, fish, pasta, risotto, hamburgers – but we actually got to try a Croatian Christmas dish too. It wasn't really planned, but when we visited the traditional restaurant Konoba Varos On Christmas Eve they told us that they had prepared a Christmas dish in honor of the day. Would we like to try it? Yes, we did!
The dish "bakalar" is very similar to what is called "bacalhau" in Portugal. This is salted and dried cod, which we had in a kind of stew. This will not be our favourite dish, but so interesting to try. In addition, the restaurant was incredibly cosy, the wine very good and the atmosphere great.
Otherwise, we ate anything but traditional Christmas food. As an example, we can show a fantastic tray that we were served at the restaurant of the hotel where we stayed, that is, Radisson Blu Resort & Spa. Croatians really know how to use air-dried ham and good cheeses!
Things to do in Split during winter
In a way, we can say that we celebrated Christmas in Split, but at the same time we perhaps travelled to Croatia more for a change of scenery and travel experiences than to celebrate Christmas. Split is a fantastically beautiful and historically interesting city, and it is incredibly cosy just to stroll in all the old charming quarters.
You can also enjoy good food, or perhaps treat yourself to a spa experience. Here are more tips on what to see and experience in Split:
FAQ – frequently asked questions about Christmas in Split
What is it like to celebrate Christmas in Split?
Split is atmospheric during Advent and Christmas, with Christmas lights, decorations and various events in the city. At the same time, the pace is calmer than during the summer and there are significantly fewer tourists.
Is there a Christmas market in Split?
Yes, during Advent, Christmas celebrations with market stalls, food, drinks, music and various events are organized in several locations in Split. The exact program and which locations are used may vary from year to year.
How hot is it in Split over Christmas?
Split has a mild Mediterranean climate, but December is winter here too. The days can be pleasant and sunny, but it can also be chilly, windy and rainy. When we celebrated Christmas in Split, we had around 15 degrees during the day.
Are restaurants open on Christmas Eve in Split?
Some restaurants are open on Christmas Eve, but the menu may be smaller than usual and it is wise to check opening hours and book a table in advance. On Christmas Day, many more businesses may be closed.
What do people eat for Christmas in Croatia?
Christmas food varies between different parts of Croatia. In Dalmatia it is bakers, dried cod cooked in various ways, a traditional dish during the Christmas season. During our Christmas celebrations in Split, we got to try bakalar at a traditional konoba.
Is Split worth visiting in winter?
Yes, especially if you want to discover the historic city without the summer crowds. Diocletian's Palace, the Old Town, the Riva and many other attractions can be experienced all year round.
Can you sit outside in Split in December?
In mild and sunny weather, it is absolutely possible. Many restaurants and cafes have outdoor seating and some use heat lamps during the winter. But of course, it depends on the weather.
Is Split good for a Christmas trip from Sweden?
Yes, if you are looking for a Christmas trip with a historic city environment, a milder climate and a different Christmas atmosphere rather than snow and traditional Central European Christmas markets. Split is also a good choice for those who want to combine Christmas celebrations with sightseeing and good food.
You might also like:
Christmas markets in Sweden – 12 cozy Christmas markets to visit
Facts about lussekatter - 12 things you (maybe) didn't know?
13 dishes on the Christmas table - the history of Christmas food
Christmas trees through the ages – Aunt Anna and the Christmas trees
The Yule Goat, the Yule Witch and the Yule Cat – meet Europe's Christmas creatures
Regional specialities on the Christmas table – from Norrbotten to Skåne
English (UK) 
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bmlarsreseblogg says:
What a different and lovely Christmas you had, even some warmth and light. We did most of the places we wanted to visit when we went with the campervan in Croatia but for some reason we never stopped in Split when we came by ferry from Brac, which we regretted afterwards. It seems to be a city to our taste....
27 December 2022 - 10:19
Helena says:
Yes, a nice break!!! I am sure you would like Split! It is probably even our favourite city in Croatia. But there are many nice places in Croatia!
27 December 2022 - 16:19
JoY says:
Doesn't look too bad to celebrate Christmas in Croatia. We have not visited Split but understand that it is a nice place. Wish you still nice days.
27 December 2022 - 11:16
Helena says:
It was not stupid at all! And yes, Split is an amazing city! Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
27 December 2022 - 16:21
Ditte says:
Nice to have a change of clothes and to make a trip where you decide what you want to see and do. And not to be guided by others or others. Will be something completely different.
And Split is a really nice city - Have been here in September and May and it was really nice. Often travelling becomes that.
Wishing you all the best for the future
27 December 2022 - 12:25
Helena says:
Of course it's nice to travel on your own! We often do that with the motorhome iofs, but then it happens that we travel on press trips with others as well. Great that you have been here, and also several times! Split is a fantastic city! Wishing good continuation of Christmas!
27 December 2022 - 16:23
BP says:
Lovely pictures from a Christmassy Split. It is not so easy to get into the Christmas spirit when you are in Southern Europe over Christmas, where it is warm and sunny. That they don't celebrate Christmas Eve like we do either... Neither do Spaniards. They have Christmas Eve on 5 January, Christmas Day on Epiphany.
Fun with the fish soup as a speciality. It looked very good. Almost like you could "experiment" with (leftover) lutefisk. Is really hungry;-)
Have been in Split on a training camp many years ago. I remember that I loved the city even then:-)
27 December 2022 - 18:21
Jossu says:
What a lovely Christmas. Split is the kind of city I would love to visit several times. It is such a tangle of cosy streets that there is always something new to discover.
27 December 2022 - 18:55