The holiday magic has once again lit up Novi Vinodolski! With the festive lighting of Christmas decorations, a blessing by Father Mario Frlan, and lively performances by our youngest residents, the Novi Advent has officially begun. The very first week brought unforgettable moments, smiles, and warm gatherings. A popular quiz night with the well-known quiz master Dean Kotiga gathered many lovers of knowledge and fun, while the creative workshops—making Christmas wreaths with mulled gin and decorating glass water bottles—offered a chance to express artistic flair and create unique handmade items. Interest was extraordinary, and the workshops filled up in record time. Children especially enjoyed the puppet musical Who Will Get the Most Beautiful Gift? and an imaginative workshop where they created clouds of Christmas ornaments. Great excitement also surrounded Santa’s House, arranged this year as his studio apartment, where children gladly come every day to write a letter to their favorite Santa.

Ahead of us is the second Advent week, offering an even richer program and one special opening—the Frankopan Winter Magic Ice Rink, which will open on December 12 at 5:00 PM at Frankopan Square. The opening will feature a magical ice show A Wonderful Fairy Tale on Ice performed by KK Medo, bringing to life dwarfs, elves, animals, and beloved cartoon characters. Before the opening, from 4:00 PM onward, children and parents can take part in the interactive workshop “The Source of Good Wishes,” prepared by the Izvor Selce Community Services Center, while good music and entertainment will continue later with DJ Boris. The Advent stalls, along with this year’s entertainment program, are set directly on Frankopan Square, next to the ice rink, which will remain open daily until January 11, 2026. This year we have a special surprise for all skaters – skating is free of charge! Sessions will start every full hour and last 45 minutes, allowing time to prepare the ice for the next group.

The Advent program continues on Saturday, December 13 at 7:00 PM with a performance by Bosutski Bećari, whose recognizable sound will bring special festive warmth to Frankopan Square, while DJ Sandro will elevate the atmosphere even further. Every following weekend, visitors can look forward to fresh surprises and a varied entertainment program.

This week also includes a workshop for making and decorating a gingerbread house, while on Wednesday the youngest visitors will enjoy the storytelling session Christmas with Archibald at the Public Reading Room and Library, as well as a creative String Art workshop in the Small Hall of the Cultural Center. Children will also have their own Advent—on December 11, the courtyard of the Fijolica Kindergarten will shine with a special glow thanks to many surprises prepared just for them.

On Sunday, December 14, quiz enthusiasts can once again test their knowledge at the traditional Christmas quiz Pliz held at the Cultural Center. Applications are open until December 13 at info@nmig.hr

, and the participation fee is 10 euros per team.

We are entering days filled with music, creativity, and joy, and Novi Advent is only just gaining full momentum. We invite you to join us in creating stories that will long be remembered. Let the magic take over, and let’s enjoy the most beautiful time of the year together!