From late November to early January, the historic walls of Trsat Castle will be illuminated by thousands of dazzling lights and become a popular gathering place for families, children and everyone looking to feel the warmth, togetherness and Christmas spirit during the holiday season. This year, the decorative lighting has been updated with special photo corners for visitors, which are perfect for taking memorable holiday photos, in addition to the well-known garlands adorning the approaches and walls. Each section of the Castle has become a magical backdrop, while the meticulously selected colours and the lighting design create a cosy and warm enchanting atmosphere.
Winter on Gradina once again focuses on children. The programme was especially aimed at children, with Santa Claus’ Post Office at the centre, which will spark holiday magic every weekend in December. Children can personally deliver their letters, talk to Santa Claus and his elves and receive a small present. The Post Office is not just a place to send wishes, but also a bona fide corner for playing, socialising, storytelling and creating memories.
As well as the Post Office, children can expect a host of merry events, musical performances, interactive programmes, plays and the traditional arrival of St. Nicholas, which will place Trsat Castle at the crossroads of fantasy and reality.
The second edition of the Lights and Paws charity event in Nugent Park occupies a special place in the programme. The event is dedicated to pets and promoting kindness, empathy and animal care in a collaboration with the Kitten Safe House and the Rijeka Animal Protection Society dog shelter. Visitors will get to meet their four-legged pals and participate in the charity drive.
The ever-popular Fritulijada, a mix of gastronomy and mingling amid the irresistible sweet aroma of “fritule” (doughnuts), is back on the menu for all lovers of holiday flavours. December will be further embellished with Family Day, which is perfect for family moments, while the year ends with a double celebration – the children’s New Year’s Eve party filled with games and joy and a huge evening celebration for all ages with music, dancing and radiant Christmas lights to usher in 2026.
In-house DJs will provide the soundtrack for the entire event.
Winter on Gradina once again brings smiles, light, togetherness and warmth, all the most cherished hallmarks of the holiday season. The awe-inspiring holiday lighting and an eventful programme for children will turn the entire Castle into a fairy tale setting that is worth visiting every year.
Culinary offering
All visitors can expect a wide selection of food and beverages at three Advent booths.
Relish the warm winter flavours with manually prepared homemade “fritule” (doughnuts), succulent homemade sausages and savoury hot dogs or sausages with cabbage at the Gradina advent booth. Adding to the perfect winter atmosphere is mulled wine and other hot beverages that will warm and cheer you up.
The Sarma & Co. gastro booth brings out the best of traditional winter flavours in a cosy and fragrant Advent ambience. The offering is based on fresh ingredients and homemade recipes for simple and filling authentic dishes that are perfect for cold December days. Also offered is the popular Advent hot dog in a fresh bun, consisting of a carefully selected chicken sausage or an aromatic smoked debrecener sausage with various condiments and homemade sauces. Then there are sausages with cabbage, made to a traditional recipe from premium slow-cooked and quick-roasted meat sausages, and served with warm sauerkraut. Special emphasis is placed on “sarma”, a winter mainstay prepared using homemade sauerkraut and a baby beef-pork mix, which is slowly cooked in order to develop a full aroma and a rich flavour. These hot and aromatic dishes served in the holiday-decorated interior of the Castle with a cup of mulled wine or warm eggnog create a genuine winter experience and beckon visitors to savour homemade flavours and the Advent atmosphere.
Sweet Corner is the third booth, which offers a slew of desserts that combine local tradition with modern winter favourites. Fragrant “fritule” (doughnuts), which are fried until golden and soft on the inside, are served with chocolate, fruit and pistachio frostings. Then there are mini pancakes, which are cooked in front of the visitors and served hot with Nutella, caramel, fresh fruit and other toppings. The more adventurous types can try deep-fried Snickers and Bounty chocolate bars, which are crunchy on the outside and rich in chocolate and caramel on the inside.
One special winter delight is churros made to an original Spanish recipe, being fried to perfect crispiness, sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon and topped with dark chocolate, white hazelnut cream or caramel. Chocolate aficionados can enjoy flavourful and rich gluten-free brownies made from dark chocolate and premium cocoa, which preserves their fullness and softness, which is in line with the traditional recipe.
In addition to desserts, a slew of hot beverages will be available, ranging from mulled wine and eggnogs to hot chocolate and other winter drinks that perfectly complement the enjoyable Advent experience.
Special holiday sales
Visitors can also buy Christmas presents for their loved ones in the Repose of Heroes mausoleum. They can choose from a wide range of Christmas tree ornaments, ceramic figurines, souvenirs depicting Rijeka and Trsat Castle, hand-painted umbrellas, bags and cups.
Opening Ceremony – 30 November
- 5 p.m. – Grand opening of Santa Claus’ Post Office
- 6 p.m. – Christmas tree lighting ceremony
Santa Claus’ Post Office
30 November – 24 December
Opening hours:
Friday – Sunday: 10 a.m.–1 p.m., 5 p.m.–8 p.m.
22, 23, 24 December: 10 a.m.–1 p.m., 5 p.m.–8 p.m.
DJ Hedone 5 December 2025
Saint Nicholas (special St. Nicholas programme) 6 December 2025
Oz Theatre + face painting 8 December 2025
DJ Steve Lokki 14 December 2025
Lights and Paws 14 December 2025
DJ Hedone 18 December 2025
Fritulijada 20 December 2025
DJ Doctor No + DJ Steve Lokki 24 December 2025
DJ Super Saiyan 25 December 2025
Family Day 27 December 2025
DJ Super Saiyan 29 December 2025
DJ Super Saiyan 30 December 2025
Children’s New Year’s Eve party 31 December 2025
New Year’s Eve Celebration 31 December 2025
