Advent begins on Saturday, 29 November 2025, at 6 p.m. with the Christmas lights switch-on and the performances by the First Rijeka Majorettes and the Trsat Brass Band, culminating in a show by Damir Kedžo. Leading up to Advent, on Wednesday and Thursday, 26 and 27 November, respectively, the 10th annual Baubles of Best Wishes charity drive, which is organised by the Student Association of Biotechnology of Rijeka in cooperation with the City of Rijeka, will be held at Korzo. People can donate 3 euros to an animal shelter operated by the Rijeka Animal Protection Society and receive a bauble on which they can write Christmas greetings and wishes. The baubles will be displayed on the city’s central Christmas tree at Korzo, with student volunteers available from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

This December, Rijeka will provide an Advent experience on a never-before-seen level, with a brand new visual identity that blends the warmth of the holidays with Rijeka’s inimitable energy. Furthermore, Advent in Rijeka will expand to several locations in the city, each with its own features, vibe and a special logo, creating a unique map of holiday magic. This year, Rijeka’s Advent will unfold in seven stories: Korzo of Meetings – the main hub for socialising, concerts and the holiday atmosphere, where all roads taken by the Rijeka natives and visitors meet, Rezolucija of Fun – a dynamic zone for music, performances and positive energy for everyone who likes to spend the holidays grooving and smiling, the Export Ice Box – an ice skating rink, ice attraction and the epicentre of winter frolicking that combines industrial heritage and a contemporary winter spirit, which will be located at Exportdrvo this year, Riva of Experiences – provides a seaside Advent atmosphere with special light installations and the scents of winter by the sea, including an extensive music programme, Gradina of Light – Trsat Castle in all of its enchanting splendour, dazzling with thousands of lights and Christmas ornaments, the Art Neighbourhood of Magic – where art, creativity and the holiday spirit coalesce, and Neighbourhoods of Light – an Advent story echoing through the city and its neighbourhoods, bringing holiday warmth and light to every single neighbourhood in Rijeka.

This year, the special holiday lights will illuminate: Drenova, Gornja Vežica, Kantrida, Pehlin, Podmurvice, Podvežica, Srdoče, Sveti Nikola, Škurinje and Zamet, with more Rijeka neighbourhoods expected to light up in the following years.  The goal is to have every neighbourhood tell its own illuminating story with Christmas lights, trees and decorations, creating a cosy atmosphere near your home in the company of family, friends and neighbours. The new visual identity of Advent in Rijeka is original and recognisable, with a unique symbol and story for each location, the latter of which are nevertheless bound together by the spirit of the city that knows how to celebrate. This winter, the beloved Santa’s choo-choo train will once again pass through the streets of Rijeka, bringing joy to young children. It will begin its magical journey on 5 December, offering rides until 11 January every day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. From 19th to 23rd December, the choo-choo train will operate an hour longer from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., so that more children can enjoy the ride. The choo-choo train will not take any passengers on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day (December 24, 25, 31 and January 1, respectively) in order to provide Santa Claus and his elves with some downtime. Morning rides are intended for preschoolers and school children, requiring reservation in advance at the Tourist Information Centre (TIC), while afternoon rides are available for everyone. Much like every year, the rides are free of charge. Nursery and primary schools can make reservations from 8 November, with the first rides starting on 5 December 2025.