Advent in Pula
Pula truly sparkles during the Advent season, as “Advent in Pula - L’Avvento a Pola” transforms the entire city into a magical winter wonderland!
Wrapped in lights, festive music, and aromas of holiday treats, the largest city on the Istrian peninsula offers unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages. The brightest jewel of Pula’s Advent is the magnificent Roman amphitheatre, which turns into a spectacular and much-loved backdrop for photos.
Inside the enchanting Pula Arena, adorned with glowing light tunnels, a radiant Roman chariot, 111 snow-dusted fir trees, and eight-metre arcades sparkling with lights, you’ll also discover an ice rink spanning 900 square metres. Here, surrounded by ancient stone walls, you can glide and twirl on the ice right up until January 11th.
Pula offers several other enchanting Advent locations where visitors can enjoy a rich cultural and entertainment programme, sample both traditional and contemporary culinary specialties, warm up with hot chocolate or mulled wine, and fully immerse themselves in the festive magic that fills the city’s streets and squares.
During this beloved winter season, Graza City Park transforms into a haven of children’s joy, where little ones can delight in performances, workshops, a funfair, and even the magical house of Santa and Mrs. Claus.
On weekends, the City Market comes alive with musical performances and the popular Velika padela, where seafood risotto is cooked and shared for free. The market fountain, one of Pula’s favourite gathering spots, will also be dressed in festive décor, and every Sunday of Advent, a new candle is lit to the sound of Pula’s choirs.
The Pula Eye panoramic wheel offers an unforgettable view of festive Pula and is the perfect destination for anyone wishing to experience the city’s holiday sparkle from a fresh perspective.
Giardini, the Forum, and Portarata become vibrant gathering spots for all generations during the festive season. These central squares transform into true havens for music enthusiasts, with stages showcasing a rich variety of genres and performers - from popular bands and rock legends to jazz, classical music, and timeless Christmas classics.
Portarata will host renowned artists such as Vanna, Klapa Šufit, Hiljson Mandela, Psihomodo Pop, Buč Kesidi, Silente, Mile Kekin and others. Here, beside the millennia-old Golden Gate, you can join the locals in ringing in the New Year at noon, or celebrate in traditional style at midnight with evening concerts.
This year, Advent in Pula once again unveils a treasure trove of diverse programmes and countless reasons to visit southern Istria in December and January, and to surrender to the unique holiday enchantment of a city that shines brighter with every winter.
More about the programme and the schedule of events can be found at adventupuli.hr
