Advent Made Opatija One of the Top Croatian Destinations in December 2020
January 15, 2021 – Kvarner beauty Opatija was one of the top Croatian destinations in December 2020, taking second place in overnight hotel stays. The most beautiful Advent made Opatija a desirable winter destination.
Despite the dark cloud that reigned this winter, Opatija, with its attractive Advent program, still managed to shine as a beacon of hope. This December, the city was brighter than ever before, lit with more than 20 kilometers of lamps, over 10,000 decorations, and dozens of large decorations.
The story of the "Christmas miracle" in the cradle of Croatian tourism attracted many Opatija residents and visitors. As Opatija Tourist Board reports, in December 2020, Opatija was the best destination in Kvarner and the fourth in Croatia in terms of the overall number of overnight stays. Opatija is in second place in Croatia, right after the Croatian capital when it comes to overnight hotel stays.
Source: Visit Opatija
The magic of the most beautiful and breathtaking Advent by the sea was recorded in thousands of photos and videos, with shots of romantic evening walks, friendly gatherings, and family happiness, which passed all over Croatia and the world.
However, in addition to the city guests, Opatija Advent's magical beauty was experienced by many "virtual" visitors. Namely, many digital attractions such as virtual walks, music cards, videos, and photos, made Opatija's Advent even more attractive, measuring hundreds of thousands of reviews.
Such a campaign attracted the interest of both Croatian and foreign media. It resulted in numerous publications, especially on the Italian, Austrian, Hungarian and Slovenian markets, with a total reach of several million people. Croatian media also accompanied Opatija's "Christmas fairy tale" with hymns, declaring it the most beautiful Advent in Croatia.
Source: Visit Opatija
"This year, we confirmed that Advent in Opatija is one of the most important winter events in Croatia. The most beautiful Advent by the sea is the foundation on which we build the future of Opatija as a popular winter destination, which is in line with its tourist tradition. The city is becoming one of the most important Advent destinations in this part of Europe," said Suzi Petričić, director of the Opatija Tourist Board, the creator of Opatija's Advent attire.
Advent in Opatija is slowly coming to an end, and those who want to take the last opportunity to feel the magic of the most beautiful Advent by the sea can visit it until Sunday, January 17th. This year's edition of Advent in Opatija was recognized as a thread of optimism in these difficult circumstances and won countless hearts.
The most beautiful Advent by the sea / Source: Visit Opatija
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Advent Opatija: Virtual Walk Through the Most Beautiful Advent By the Sea
December 13, 2020 – The magical atmosphere of Advent Opatija has been transferred to the virtual world! A walk through the most beautiful Advent by the sea is now within reach of anyone who needs a little Christmas magic and warmth.
As Turističke priče reports, on the Opatija Tourist Board website, a virtual walk through the city has been set up which brings visitors directly into the scenes of the winter idyll on the seashore. From the Advent wreath in Slatina to Advent in Volosko, a walk in virtual reality provides a full experience of Advent locations, presented through 30 scenes with a 360-degree view.
Advent Opatija / Photo: Facebook Visit Opatija
With the virtual walkthrough Advent Opatija 2020, visitors can experience each of Opatija's Advent locations day and night, see the city from heavenly heights, and "enter" Opatija's churches.
Thus, visitors worldwide, who cannot feel Opatija's Advent magic live, can enjoy it via their computers or mobile phones. All those interested can walk through the festively arranged Angiolina Park, guarded by uniquely painted Nutcrackers. Then, move on to the crinoline exhibition made of greenery and flowers, and "knock on the door" of the Candy House and allow themselves to be captivated by the irresistible holiday atmosphere of each of Opatija's carefully designed Advent locations.
In addition to the romantic night atmosphere, visitors can see the Advent Opatija in this virtual walk even during the day, when its natural beauty and architecture, which has been captivating guests for almost two centuries, come to the fore.
The virtual tour also provides a bird's eye view of the port, Hotel Kvarner, and American Gardens. Visitors can even "walk" in two Opatija churches, the one of Sv. Jakov located in the park of the same name and the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is situated on an elevated position above Slatina and below the American Gardens.
Angiolina Park during the day / Photo: Studio Saršon, Facebook Visit Opatija
In just 15 days, this campaign called "Opatija in Christmas attire" has reached more than 1.5 million internet users worldwide.
"In a year like this, we have a great desire to touch the hearts of those who want magic all over the world," says Suzi Petričić, the director of the Opatija Tourist Board.
Fairytale parks, lavishly decorated squares, streets illuminated by hundreds of thousands of lamps, romantic promenades filled with a holiday atmosphere, and numerous attractions have made Advent in Opatija the most beautiful story of this year's holidays.
Angiolina Park at night / Photo: Studio Saršon, Facebook Visit Opatija
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Advent Magic in Opatija: 250 Events Across Six Weeks
November 27, 2019 - The holiday magic returns to Opatija this winter, whose streets, squares and parks will be decorated for one of Croatia’s best Advent celebrations on the coast.
Novi List reports that the Advent Program will give citizens and visitors six weeks full of vibrant and engaging events at three major locations - in front of the Juraj Šporer Arts Pavilion, on the Summer Stage and in front of the City Market - but also in Sv. Jakov Park, on Slatina, in the Gervais Center, numerous city hotel and catering facilities, as well as the mountain lodge Poklon, the organizers from the Opatija Tourist Board announced.
Advent in Opatija will open on Friday, November 29, with lighting Christmas decorations and lamps on a giant Christmas tree in front of the town market, while all Christmas decorations throughout the city will be illuminated simultaneously. For the first time, the fairy-tale holiday atmosphere will extend to the entire area of Sv. Jakov Park, which will shine with over three kilometers of lights, a thousand decorative balls and decorations, and numerous freestanding light decorations.
The Christmas lighting will also be accompanied by an entertainment program from 5 pm, with a performance by Klapa Kastav, the choir of the Opatija Kindergarten, and DJ Alex Sabattini. On the same day, around 4 pm - the little ones are invited to socialize in the Nutcracker House, which will be located in the Juraj Šporer Arts Pavilion during the holidays. Elves and nutcrackers will greet children and offer various workshops and performances, which they will be able to enjoy daily: until December 20, weekdays, from 4 pm to 7 pm, and onwards from 12 to 7 pm, while on weekends it’ll be open from 10 am to 7 pm.
Not only the children will be entertained at Šporer, but anyone into great music, hearty winter delicacies and a festive atmosphere can enjoy the Christmas Fair, open on weekdays from 12 pm to 11 pm and on weekends from 10 am to 11 pm.
The music program will kick off with the Xfinity band, which will open the festivities at 8 pm on Friday, November 29th. Until January 2, a number of DJs and well-known musicians will perform, including experienced Whiteheads, Kantridersi, Dellboys, Iman Trio Acoustic, The Janitors, Techno Vikings, Dražen Turina Šajeta, The Bourbon Hunters, Jed Becker’s Group, Vedran Ružić Trio, and Martina Majerle, but also the best Croatian chanson Marko Tolja and many others.
Every Saturday from November 30, one Advent candle will be lit in the park on Slatina, near the most famous Opatija fountain. On the first evening, starting at 7 pm, Martina Majerle and KUD "Učka" Matulji will perform.
The Summer Stage will again become a winter stage this year thanks to an ice rink, which will be open daily until January 12, from Monday to Thursday from 1 pm to 9 pm, Friday from 1 pm to 10 pm, Saturdays 10 am to 10 pm and Sundays 10 am to 9 pm.
Medo Skating Club from Zagreb has prepared an attractive program for the opening ceremony scheduled for Sunday, December 1 , at 5 pm. In addition to the ice rink, there will Christmas cottages and music programs every day from 7 pm, and a skating school on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 3 pm to 5 pm.
The Gervais Center will host the Chocolate Festival from December 6-8, as well as numerous other events such as the presentation of the Feel & Taste tourist offer at the Indigenous Products Fair, stand-up performances by Ivan Saric and a festive Christmas and New Year concert with Renata Sabljak, Gianni Stipanic and the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra. At the Gervais Club, located on the lowest floor of the cultural center, fans of electronic music will enjoy a pre-Christmas party, and fans of martial arts can attend the Opatija Fight Night 11.
Following the Christmas lighting on November 29, the City Market will be the venue for New Year's Eve events and Christmas fairs, and at the turn of the Old and New Year, the 'Opatija Tribute to the Legends' program will hit the stage with the Queen Real Tribute, Abba Real Tribute and special guests.
However, this will bejust one of four New Year’s events in Opatija. Namely, Šporer will welcome the new year with the Groovers, the children on the Summer Stage will celebrate at noon, while the rock'n'roll Dellboys will take the Summer Stage at night.
In addition to New Year's Eve, Advent at the Market will offer several other exciting programs, including the illusionist show by Andrei Skedel, the Alen Vitasović concert and the "Crazy Christmas Eve in Opatija", which will fill the day with music and gastronomy before the space in front of the market turns into a big disco at night.
“The road will even be closed for traffic, so music and dance will prevail in the center of the city,” said the organizers.
In addition to the central locations in Opatija, the holiday program will also take place in other parts of the city, and about 250 different programs will be held from November 29 to January 12.
Santa Claus will once again return to his winter residence on Poklon, where a Christmas fairy tale will be held from December 13 to December 15 in the Učka Nature Park. Famous trainer Mario Mlinarić will lead everyone interested on a Christmas walk from Opatija to Veprinac on December 14.
In addition to socializing, music and gastronomic specialties, holiday time is also associated with gift-giving, and Opatija will give the gift of free parking to its citizens and guests.
From December 1 to February 29, private cars will not be charged on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, except in zones 0a and 0b located in the area from the Palace to the Admiral Hotel, including parking behind the bus station near the Admiral Hotel and Joakim Rakovac Street.
You can learn more about Advent in Opatija here.
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