Things to Do in Zadar in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Zadar
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Genuine off-season pricing - accommodation runs 40-60% cheaper than summer rates, and you can actually negotiate walk-in deals at guesthouses along Kalelarga. The city empties out after the last cruise ships leave in early November.
- The Sea Organ and Sun Salutation are yours alone - I've watched sunsets there in December with maybe 15 other people total, compared to the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds of July. You can actually hear the organ's notes without fighting for position.
- Local life takes over completely - the Christmas market in Narodni trg (mid-December through early January) is genuinely for locals first, tourists second. You'll see actual Zadar families doing their holiday shopping, not performative folklore for cruise passengers.
- Clear winter light makes for incredible photography - the Adriatic gets this steely blue-grey quality in December that summer visitors never see. Sunrise at the Roman Forum around 7:15am has that low-angle Mediterranean winter light that's absolutely stunning.
Considerations
- The bura wind is no joke - when it hits (and it will, maybe 5-7 days in December), gusts reach 80-100 km/h (50-62 mph) and the temperature drops fast. Ferries to the islands cancel, outdoor dining shuts down, and you'll legitimately struggle to walk along the Riva waterfront.
- Most island day trips don't run - the boats to Dugi Otok, Kornati, and other popular islands operate on severely reduced winter schedules or stop completely. If island hopping is your main goal, December will frustrate you.
- Restaurants and attractions keep unpredictable hours - that cafe you read about might be closed for the owner's winter holiday. Many places operate on 'winter schedule' which often means shortened hours or closed Mondays and Tuesdays, and they don't always update Google.
Best Activities in December
Old Town walking exploration and Roman ruins
December is actually perfect for walking Zadar's compact Old Town without the summer heat or cruise ship crowds. The Roman Forum, St. Donatus Church, and the city walls are far more atmospheric when you're not dodging tour groups. The cooler temperatures (around 10-12°C or 50-54°F midday) make the 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 miles) walking circuit comfortable. The low winter sun hits the ancient stone at beautiful angles, especially between 10am-2pm. Worth noting - many churches keep shorter hours in winter, typically closing by 4pm or 5pm.
Paklenica National Park winter hiking
About 45 km (28 miles) northeast of Zadar, Paklenica offers some of Croatia's best hiking when the summer heat breaks. December temperatures in the canyon range from 5-10°C (41-50°F), perfect for moderate hikes without overheating. The park stays open year-round, and the bare trees actually improve views of the dramatic limestone cliffs. The main Velika Paklenica canyon trail (4-6 km or 2.5-3.7 miles round trip to the mountain hut) is manageable for most fitness levels. That said, the bura wind can make higher elevations genuinely dangerous - locals won't attempt summit hikes when bura warnings are posted.
Plitvice Lakes winter photography tours
Plitvice is about 130 km (81 miles) from Zadar - roughly a 90-minute drive - and December transforms it completely. The crowds disappear (you might see 200 people instead of 10,000), ticket prices drop to winter rates (around 80 kuna versus 300 kuna in summer), and if you're lucky, you'll catch the waterfalls partially frozen. Temperatures hover around 0-5°C (32-41°F), occasionally dipping below freezing at night. The park stays open unless heavy snow closes roads, which happens maybe 3-4 days per month in December. The wooden walkways can get icy - this matters.
Zadar food market and cooking experiences
The main market (Gradska Trznica) next to the harbor runs year-round and December brings the winter produce - kale, chard, root vegetables, plus excellent olive oil from the recent November harvest. It's most active 7am-1pm, especially Saturdays. The fish section gets smaller in winter since rough seas limit fishing, but you'll still find fresh Adriatic catch most days. Cooking classes and food tours operate through winter, usually focusing on Dalmatian winter dishes like brudet (fish stew) and pasticada. The indoor market hall stays comfortable even on cold days.
Krka National Park waterfalls in winter conditions
Krka sits about 85 km (53 miles) south of Zadar and stays open through December with dramatically reduced crowds. The main Skradinski Buk waterfall area remains accessible (though swimming is obviously closed - water temperature drops to around 10°C or 50°F). Winter water levels are actually higher than summer, making the falls more impressive. Expect temperatures around 8-12°C (46-54°F) during the day. The park has about 4 km (2.5 miles) of walking paths that can get muddy after rain, which happens roughly every third day in December.
Wine tasting tours in nearby Ravni Kotari region
The wine region just inland from Zadar (15-30 km or 9-19 miles) is perfect for December visits. Harvest finished in October, the new wine is settling, and winemakers actually have time to talk. The region specializes in indigenous varieties like Marastina and Babic that most tourists never encounter. Temperatures in the countryside run 2-3°C (3.6-5.4°F) cooler than coastal Zadar, so expect 8-10°C (46-50°F) for afternoon tastings. The bare vineyards have their own stark beauty, and many wineries have cozy tasting rooms with fireplaces.
December Events & Festivals
Zadar Christmas Market
Runs in Narodni trg (People's Square) from mid-December through early January. This is genuinely a local event - you'll see Zadar families more than tourists. Expect mulled wine stands, local craft vendors, occasional live music, and that specific Croatian Christmas atmosphere with lots of lights and decorations. Much smaller scale than Zagreb or Vienna markets, maybe 15-20 stalls, but that's part of the charm. Opens around 10am and runs until 10pm or 11pm most days.
New Year's Eve in Narodni Trg
The main square hosts a public celebration with live music, DJ sets, and fireworks at midnight. Locals take this seriously - expect crowds of several thousand people, mostly Croatian families and young people from Zadar and surrounding towns. The party typically starts around 9pm and runs until 2am or 3am. Restaurants and cafes around the square fill up fast, so book dinner reservations a week ahead if you want to eat nearby.