Top 10 Things to Do in Belgrade During the Holidays

The holidays give Belgrade a special softness — lights warm up the facades, the streets smell like vanilla and mulled wine, and people walk a little slower, as if they’re trying to make the moment last longer. If you’re visiting in December or January, these experiences capture the city’s festive spirit and create memories that stay with you long after the decorations come down.

1. Christmas markets — the heart of Belgrade’s winter magic

Belgrade’s Christmas markets are where laughter, music, and the smell of winter treats fill the air. Wooden stalls decorated with pine branches offer handcrafted souvenirs, local delicacies, and warm drinks, while live music adds to the atmosphere. Visiting in the evening, when thousands of lights glow against the night sky, feels like stepping into a small winter village full of charm.

Christmas Market in front of Rajićeva Shopping Center

2. Strolling through Knez Mihailova to Kalemegdan

Knez Mihailova Street turns into a glowing pathway in December, guiding you straight to the quiet beauty of Kalemegdan Fortress. As you approach the viewpoint where the rivers meet, everything slows down — the soft lights, the distant city reflections, and the crisp winter air create the perfect backdrop for a peaceful holiday walk.

3. Hot chocolate on Kosančićev Venac

There is something deeply poetic about sipping real, rich hot chocolate on Kosančićev Venac while watching fog drift over the Sava River. This old cobblestone quarter, with its warm cafés and historic charm, becomes especially enchanting during the holidays and feels like a hidden corner of a much larger European city.

4. Ice skating at city rinks

Belgrade’s winter wouldn’t be complete without its ice rinks. Families, couples, and groups of friends gather under festive lights, moving to music and enjoying the thrill of gliding on ice. The atmosphere is cheerful, simple, and full of winter spirit.

5. A cup of hot rakija after a long winter walk

Hot rakija (kuvana rakija) — plum, quince, or honey-infused — tastes different in winter. After walking through the cold streets, stepping into a small, cozy bar and warming your hands on the glass is a true Belgrade ritual. It’s a moment that feels both traditional and intimately local.

6. A festive evening in Skadarlija

Skadarlija, Belgrade’s bohemian quarter, becomes especially warm in December. Live music, traditional food, candlelight, and holiday decorations create a nostalgic atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time. It’s the perfect place to experience the city’s soulful winter nights.

Traditional Serbian dish served in kafana

7. Museums, exhibitions, and holiday workshops

During this season, many museums and galleries offer special tours, themed exhibitions, and creative workshops. It’s the ideal way to spend a quiet afternoon, gain inspiration, and escape the noise of the city for a moment.

8. A peaceful winter walk around Ada Ciganlija

Ada Ciganlija in winter feels like a completely different world — quiet, calm, almost meditative. A walk along the water, with the sound of gentle waves and bare trees rustling in the wind, offers a rare moment of peace in the middle of the city.

Ada Ciganlija, ph: krticabgd, CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

9. Open-air holiday concerts and events

City squares transform into open-air stages filled with festive performances — concerts, choirs, DJs, entertainers, and children’s programs. It’s the best way to feel the collective holiday spirit and enjoy Belgrade’s lively winter energy.

10. Nighttime sightseeing — Belgrade glowing in winter light

At night, the city becomes a network of sparkling streets and illuminated buildings. Whether you stroll through Dorćol or Vračar, ride tram number 2, or stop at one of the Belgrade’s bridges, the views of shimmering lights and winter mist are unforgettable.