In Istria between seaside towns and hilltop villages

From seaside markets to perched villages, from the flavours of Christmas Eve to community festivities: Istrian Advent is a mosaic of traditions (including gastronomic ones) and atmospheres that transform the peninsula into a diffuse stage that weaves together centuries of histories, languages and cultures. Among the most authentic symbols are cukerančići, braided biscuits dipped in Malvasia and sprinkled with sugar, recognised as Croatian intangible heritage, and the songs of the koledari, men who between Christmas and Epiphany bring to the countryside augural melodies of a past that is still alive. The journey begins in Umag, with 'Umagic Christmas' scheduled from 19 December to 1 January, with concerts and children's shows enlivening the 1 May Square, until the big New Year's Eve party under the stars. In Poreč, from 6 December to 4 January, Matija Gubec Square hosts "Advent in the Park", with a free skating rink and wooden houses smelling of honey and spices. In Rovinj, from 6 December to 6 January, the Batana House Ecomuseum becomes the heart of the celebrations, turning the waterfront into a stage for music and maritime traditions. The largest Istrian town, Pula, offers a series of events and attractions from 30 November to 11 January, including a spectacular skating rink set up in the Roman Arena. And finally, the medieval hilltop villages: in Barban from 1 to 15 December, olive oil and ancient musical traditions are celebrated, Motovun from 12 to 28 December is lit up with thousands of lights and smells of truffles, and in Kršan, from 19 to 21 December, Christmas cribs and choral carols are celebrated. Finally, on 26 December in Sveti Lovreč, one of the most exciting moments of Istrian Christmas comes to life with the Living Crib animated by craftsmen at work, animals and the arrival of the Three Kings on horseback.

https://www.istra.hr/it/esperienze/cultura/mercatini-di-natale-in-istria