As the holidays slowly approach, our hearts fill with anticipation for the Advent season—a magical time when lights shine brighter, smiles spread warmth, and joy becomes contagious like a gentle winter breeze.

The Advent season is drawing near, and on December 3rd, our town will be illuminated with festive joy and cheer. On the first Sunday of Advent, the town will don its new Advent attire woven from a thousand twinkling lights, marking the start of our holiday journey. The rich Sunday program begins at 4:00 PM at the Public Reading Room and Library with the ceremonial opening of the children’s art exhibition titled “The Light of Christmas in Children’s Hearts.” Hope will find its way to our hearts through the blessing of the first Advent candle, whose flame will warm us with a sense of togetherness. The town’s lights will be switched on at 5:00 PM, followed by a delightful program performed by children from the Fijolica Kindergarten, Ivana Mažuranić Elementary School, and the children’s church choir “St. Little Theresa” from the parish of St. Philip and Jacob, promising laughter, joy, and endless smiles. This year, our dedicated 51+ association will warmly welcome visitors with sweets and tea. The aroma of cakes, hot tea, and mulled wine will fill the Vinodol Law Square, while the best-known Christmas hits performed by Martina Majerle & Band will add extra warmth to the atmosphere. The enchanting Christmas scene will be completed by our Christmas train, adding a special magic with its lights and sounds.

On Sunday, the most beloved part of Advent for the little ones will open—the Santa Claus House. The Town Gallery Turnac will be transformed into Santa’s bedroom, where children can enjoy numerous storytelling sessions throughout December. Santa will also learn their wishes for this year to deliver their gifts on time. The Santa Claus House will be open every week from Wednesday to Sunday, 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

The rich Advent program continues into the following week. On December 4th and 7th, the Wine and Paint workshops will take place, which have been filled to capacity in record time. Registered participants will explore their creativity while enjoying the delights of fine wines.

On December 6th, the Feast of St. Nicholas, protector of children and the poor, will be celebrated with a children’s play and storytelling. In the morning, the performance “What is the Most Beautiful Season?” will take place at the Cultural Center, and in the afternoon, a magical storytelling session about kindness and generosity of St. Nicholas will be held in Santa’s bedroom.

On Saturday, December 9th, lovers of klapa music will enjoy the traditional Klapa Festival at the Cultural Center starting at 7:00 PM, featuring eight klapa groups. Admission is free.

With a festive program of Christmas lights switching, plays and storytelling for our youngest, Wine and Paint workshops, the Klapa Festival, and Christmas music filling the town center every day from the start of Advent, we are confident your days will be filled with unforgettable moments and holiday spirit illuminated by the light of the first Advent moments.