After a few days of near minus temperatures in Dubrovnik the sun really came out on Christmas Eve and warmed the city. Temperatures today reached 14 degrees and the Adriatic Sea is also the same temperature.

The forecast for Christmas Day in Dubrovnik is similar as today, so no chance of a white Christmas, with highs to hit 16 degrees. And then the region is in for some rain and clouds, from Tuesday until Thursday highs of 14 degrees are predicted as well as a good chance of rain.

At least the Christmas period will be sunny and warm, as you can see from these photos taken today.

Christmas Eve in Dubrovnik is traditionally a time to walk the Stradun, meet old friends, pass on Christmas greetings and of course join in the Christmas carols.

The Old City truly came alive today as thousands of people revealed in the festive spirit. And for the fairer sex it is also a time to get out the glad rags and parade on the main street, yes the city was even more beautiful than normal today.

The city not only came to life but it also resembled a Paris catwalk (and the guys looked just as stunning.)

Check out our gallery from a beautiful Christmas Eve in Dubrovnik

Almost every home in the Dubrovnik region has a nativity scene near their Christmas tree this festive season and in Vela Luka on the island of Korcula yesterday there was a truly unique live nativity scene.

At this prehistoric archaeological site above Vela Luka some thirty actors along with animals and numerous props recreated the nativity scene in spectacular fashion. With authentic costumes and sitting around a fire the huge cave had a mystical and magical feeling. Guests made their way to the cave above Vela Luka at 130 metres above sea-level at 3.00pm and were greeted by the church choir from Smokvica as well as the vocal group of Smokvica when they arrived at the nativity scene.

The oval shape of the prehistoric hall and cave has particularly influenced the authentic ambience of the living crib. It is the largest cave facility in this part of the world that is easily accessible, open to the south, dry enough, full of light and airy.

Dear citizens of Dubrovnik,

Ahead of us are the Christmas and New Year holidays, a time that fills us with hope, faith and optimism, and also reminds us of the important role of family, friends and unity.

The Christmas holidays remind us that in the celebration of joy and expectation we should be humble and encourage ourselves and our loved ones to be better towards other people.

Empathy, tolerance, and mutual respect should be a way of creating a community that will restore the measure and harmony of our city.

With plenty of health, joy and happiness I congratulate you on the coming Christmas and New Year holidays!

Mayor of Dubrovnik

Mato Franković

The fourth and final Advent candle on the Advent wreath in Dubrovnik was lit last night.

The fourth candle, which symbolizes love, was lit by the President of the Dubrovnik City Council, Marko Potrebica.

A service, held by the vicar of St. Michael, Marinko Šljivić, was attended by over a hundred people and prayers to mark the upcoming Christmas period were accompanied by Christmas carols.

The owner of this Mercedes had a little bit of Christmas luck when, instead of “drowning” in the Adriatic, it was left balancing perched on rocks.

The parked Mercedes was hit by another car and almost pushed into the sea on the coast of Lapad this morning. The police commented that the reasons for the accident are still undetermined, and that more will be known after the inspection.

The emergency services swung into action and after a long “battle” the car was fished out of its perilous position.

Saved (but just) at the last moment - Photo Tonci Plazibat 

After celebrating New Year’s Eve at home, many Croats will pack their bags and set off skiing for their winter vacation.

According to estimates of domestic travel agencies, at the beginning of 2018, around 170,000 citizens are planning to spend their vacation at ski resorts in the Alps, especially during school winter break.

Croats mostly opt for ski resorts such as Nassfeld and Kronplatz as well as Zermatt, St Moritz, La Villa, Corvara, Saalbach-Hinterglemm and Living. The price of the package depends on the type and quality of accommodation, the destination and the price of ski pass, which in some ski resorts amounts to 59 Euros per day, whilst in some smaller resorts the price reaches 35 Euros.

The skiing package price for a four-member family is on the average between 12,000 and 14,000 Kunas, thus, around 70 to 80 percent of Croatian holiday makers will pay their winter vacation in instalments.

A delegation from the US Navy tanker “USNS Leroy Grumman” were received by the Head of the Department of Tourism, Economy and Sea Administration, Marko Miljanic, in Dubrovnik today. During the protocol visit, headed by Captain Richard A. Gray, Miljanic welcomed the captain and crew to the city and introduced them to the rich maritime history and tradition of Dubrovnik.

The USNS Leroy Grumman will have a Christmas and New Year break in Dubrovnik as the ship, which was launched in 1988, will stay in the city until the 2nd of January.

Captain Gray thanked Miljanic, at the reception, and explained the technical characteristics of the ship as well as the actions in which the ship participates.