Christmas and New Year Activities: A Guide for Families and Kids

The festive season in Serbia is a magical time filled with traditions, vibrant markets, and family-oriented activities. If you’re planning a memorable Christmas and New Year celebration with your family and kids, Serbia offers an enchanting array of experiences that combine the charm of local customs with the universal joy of the holidays.

Here’s a guide to some of the best activities to enjoy during this festive season.

1. Explore Christmas Markets

Serbian cities, especially Belgrade and Novi Sad, come alive with festive cheer in December. The Christmas markets are a highlight for families, offering beautifully decorated stalls selling handmade gifts, traditional Serbian sweets, and warm drinks like mulled wine or “kuvano vino.” Kids will love trying sweet treats like “vanilice” (vanilla cookies) and “medenjaci” (gingerbread).

The markets also feature activities like face painting, puppet shows, and carousels, ensuring entertainment for the little ones. Don’t forget to stop by the live nativity scenes and photo booths to capture the holiday spirit.

2. Visit Ice Skating Rinks

Ice skating is a family favorite during the holiday season, and Serbia has plenty of options. Popular rinks like the one at Tašmajdan Park, Belgrade Waterfront, and Ada Ciganlija in Belgrade or Spens in Novi Sad are great places for kids to glide across the ice.

Many rinks also offer skating lessons for beginners, making it a fun activity for the whole family.

3. Take a Ride on the “Christmas Tram”

In Belgrade, the “Christmas Tram” is a delightful treat for kids. This festively decorated tram takes passengers on a magical ride through the city, complete with music, lights, and sometimes even a surprise visit from Santa Claus. It’s an enchanting way to see the city’s holiday lights and decorations.

4. Experience the Winter Wonderlands

Many Serbian towns transform into winter wonderlands with themed parks and attractions. Kopaonik, a popular ski resort, offers not only skiing and snowboarding but also family-friendly activities like snow tubing and sledding.

For a closer destination, Ada Ciganlija in Belgrade often has winter-themed activities including snow slides and festive performances.

5. Attend Children’s Theater and Performances

Holiday-themed plays and puppet shows are a staple during Christmas in Serbia. Theatres across the country, like the Children’s Cultural Center in Belgrade, host special performances tailored for kids.

These shows often feature beloved characters, fairy tales, and traditional holiday stories, providing a cultural and entertaining experience for the whole family.

6. Meet Deda Mraz (Santa Claus)

No Christmas celebration is complete without meeting Santa Claus, or as he is known in Serbia, Deda Mraz.

Many malls and public spaces set up Santa’s grottos where kids can share their wishes and take photos. Look out for special Santa-themed events, like storytelling sessions and gift-giving ceremonies.

7. Enjoy Festive Feasts and Sweet Delights

The festive season in Serbia is also a time for delicious food. Families can indulge in traditional dishes like roasted pork, “sarma” (cabbage rolls), ćevapi, and komplet lepinja.

For classic Serbian festive dessert, “česnica,” a special Christmas bread with a hidden coin, is a fun and tasty tradition that kids adore. The person who finds the coin is said to have good luck for the coming year.

8. Participate in Traditional Customs

For those celebrating Orthodox Christmas on January 7th, unique Serbian customs add a special touch to the holidays. Lighting the “badnjak” (oak branch) on Christmas Eve is a beloved tradition, often accompanied by family gatherings, songs, and warm drinks.

Many communities also organize public events where families can participate in these customs together.

9. Countdown to the New Year with Fireworks

Serbia’s New Year celebrations are vibrant and family-friendly. Public squares in cities like Belgrade, Novi Sad, and Niš host live music performances, food stalls, and spectacular fireworks displays.

Kids will love the excitement of staying up late to welcome the New Year with a bang.

10. Day Trips to Fairytale Villages

Escape the city for a day trip to one of Serbia’s picturesque villages. Ethno villages like Drvengrad (Wooden Town) and Sirogojno offer a serene and festive atmosphere with traditional crafts, local foods, and cozy winter activities.

Kids can enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides and explore charming, snow-covered streets.

Tips for Families

• Dress Warmly: Serbian winters can be chilly, so bundle up in layers to stay warm during outdoor activities.
• Plan Ahead: Popular events and attractions may require reservations, so check schedules and book in advance.
• Embrace Local Customs: Encourage your kids to learn about Serbian traditions and try local foods for a culturally enriching experience.

With its blend of festive activities, cultural traditions, and family-friendly events, Serbia is a fantastic destination for celebrating Christmas and New Year with kids. Whether you’re exploring bustling markets, skating on icy rinks, or enjoying cozy village escapes, the holiday season here promises unforgettable memories for the whole family.

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