My First NY and Christmas in Serbia: What to Do and How to Celebrate

The magic of the holiday season takes on a special charm when spent in a new country. My first New Year and Christmas in Serbia were experiences filled with warmth, joy, and a delightful blend of traditions that were both familiar and entirely new. If you’re planning to celebrate the holidays in Serbia, here’s a guide to what you can do, how to immerse yourself in the festivities, and embrace Serbian customs.

New Year’s Eve: A Festive Beginning

New Year’s Eve, or “Doček Nove Godine,” is a big celebration in Serbia. Cities and towns come alive with lights, music, and energy. Here’s how you can make the most of it:

Join Public Celebrations: Major cities like Belgrade, Novi Sad, and Niš host open-air concerts and fireworks displays. Belgrade’s Republic Square is a hotspot for music and festivities, attracting locals and tourists alike.
Indulge in Local Cuisine: Serbian cuisine is a feast for the senses. On New Year’s Eve, traditional dishes like roasted pork, sarma (cabbage rolls), and prebranac (baked beans) are staples at family dinners. Don’t miss tasting rakija, the local fruit brandy.
Experience Kafana Culture: A night out in a kafana, a traditional Serbian tavern, is an unforgettable experience. Live folk music, hearty food, and a jovial atmosphere make it a quintessential part of New Year’s celebrations.
Fireworks and Toasts: As the clock strikes midnight, fireworks light up the skies, and toasts of champagne or rakija are shared among friends and family.

Family celebrating Christmas at home and playing with sparklers fireworks

Christmas in Serbia: A Celebration of Tradition

Unlike many Western countries, Serbia celebrates Christmas on January 7th, following the Julian calendar. The holiday is deeply rooted in Orthodox Christian traditions, making it a unique and spiritual experience.

1. Badnje Veče (Christmas Eve): On January 6th, families gather for a meat-free dinner that often includes fish, beans, and bread. The evening is marked by the burning of the “Badnjak” (oak branch) as a symbol of peace and prosperity.

2. Attending Midnight Liturgy: The Orthodox Church holds midnight services that are both solemn and uplifting. Even if you’re not religious, attending a service can provide insight into the rich spiritual culture of Serbia.

People come together to participate in the Christmas Eve Badnjak ceremony, gathering around the bonfire to share in the joyous occasion. Ph credit: frantic00, iStockphoto.com.

3. Christmas Day Festivities: On January 7th, families gather for a grand feast featuring dishes like pečenica (roasted pork) and česnica, a special bread with a coin hidden inside. Finding the coin is believed to bring good luck for the year.

4. Kolēde and Folk Customs: In some villages, children sing traditional Christmas carols called “kolēde,” going from house to house to spread holiday cheer. It’s a heartwarming custom that adds a personal touch to the celebrations.

Unique Customs to Embrace

Burning the Badnjak: This ritual is central to Serbian Christmas and symbolizes the warmth and light of the family hearth. Participating in this tradition is a meaningful way to connect with Serbian culture.
Decorations: Serbian homes are adorned with simple yet beautiful decorations, including straw spread on the floor to symbolize the manger where Jesus was born.
Gift Giving: While New Year’s is the primary time for exchanging gifts, Christmas gifts are often small and symbolic, emphasizing thoughtfulness over extravagance.

Things to Do During the Holiday Season

Visit Christmas Markets: Belgrade and Novi Sad host charming Christmas markets where you can shop for handmade crafts, ornaments, and enjoy mulled wine or hot chocolate.
Explore Serbian Winter Landscapes: Take a trip to the Kopaonik or Tara mountains for skiing, snowboarding, or simply enjoying the snowy scenery.
Discover Local Traditions: Visit monasteries and villages to learn about Serbia’s rich heritage and observe how locals celebrate the holidays.
Try Seasonal Treats: Don’t miss tasting vanilice (vanilla cookies), priganice (fried dough), and other festive desserts that are staples of Serbian holiday cuisine.

Tips for a Memorable Holiday

Learn a Few Phrases: Simple greetings like “Srećna Nova Godina” (Happy New Year) and “Hristos se rodi” (Christ is born) will endear you to locals.
Dress Warmly: Serbian winters can be quite cold, so bundle up when exploring outdoor markets or attending midnight liturgies.
Plan Ahead: Popular restaurants and events can get crowded during the holidays, so make reservations in advance.

A Holiday Season to Remember

Celebrating New Year’s and Christmas in Serbia is a heartwarming experience filled with rich traditions, delicious food, and the genuine hospitality of its people. Whether you’re dancing the night away in Belgrade or sharing a quiet Christmas dinner in a small village, you’ll find that the spirit of the season is alive and well in Serbia. It’s a time to connect, reflect, and embrace the beauty of a culture that knows how to celebrate life.