Bož’ćevanje in Slunj 2025: An Advent Magic of Nature, Peace, and Tradition

From the enchanting Rastoke to festive bridges and a diverse Advent program, Slunj invites visitors to a peaceful, authentic, and nature-filled Advent experience.

Photo credit Vlado Butina

This winter, the Slunj Rastoke destination opens its doors to all visitors who wish to experience the holiday spirit in peace and fairy-tale nature through the Bož’ćevanje in Slunj program. Bož’ćevanje is an old Slunj term for celebrating Christmas, and this year’s Advent program offers a variety of events and activities from November 29 to December 31, 2025, combining tradition, natural beauty, and the warm festive atmosphere of a small town.

Slunj stands out for its unique natural surroundings, where visitors can experience the magical Rastoke, waterfalls, river canyons, forests, and the richness of turquoise waters. From relaxing walks in nature and crossing the bridges of Rastoke to discovering viewpoints and hidden corners along the rivers, visitors can truly immerse themselves in the authentic beauty of the landscape. Here, one can find peace, relaxation, and an escape from the holiday rush, while simultaneously enjoying a warm, friendly, and homey Advent atmosphere.

The illuminated and decorated bridges of Slunj create a special ambiance, connecting nature with city events. They guide visitors from the fairy-tale Rastoke, adorned with lights and Christmas decorations, to the town park and cinema hall – the heart of Advent happenings. As they cross the bridges, visitors are immersed in the magical atmosphere of Slunj, where the calm of nature and the festive sparkle blend into a unique experience.

Main Events of Bož’ćevanje in Slunj:

Lighting of the First Advent Candle
November 29 at 6:00 pm, Town Park – with the Religious Choir of Slunj Elementary School

St. Nicholas Celebration
December 5 at 5:00 pm, Church of the Holy Trinity – with special activities for children

Ice Rink Opening & Christmas Market
December 6 at 5:00 pm, Town Park – ice rink opening with children’s animation, Christmas market, and an outdoor party featuring Obrovac Winery, Caffe Bar Tin, and a DJ program

Live Concerts:

Workshops, Family Activities & Exhibitions:

• Dec 3, 4:00 pm, Library – Storytelling Workshop: The Snowman’s Tale

• Dec 7, 4:00 pm, TIC Rastoke – Gingerbread making with Ivana Bunčić Živčić (reservations: Diva Patisserie 097/777 17 24)

• Dec 10, 4:00 pm, Library – Storytelling: Zbrkov’s Christmas Invention

• Dec 13, 4:00 pm, Cinema – Children’s creative workshop: Santa’s Toy Factory, Zia Production (reservations: TZ Slunj 099/735 94 11 info@slunj-rastoke.hr)

• Dec 13, 4:00 pm & 4:40 pm, Start point: Cinema – Santa Claus Bus (reservations: TZ Slunj 099/735 94 11 info@slunj-rastoke.hr)

• Dec 16, 4:00 pm, Library – Children’s Christmas workshop: making ornaments

• Dec 19, 6:00 pm, Cinema – Art workshop for parent and child: A Christmas Story, Gold Art (reservations: pou.slunj@gmail.com)

• Dec 20, 7:00 pm, Cinema – Photography exhibition by Vedran Božičević: Around Plitvice

• Dec 21, 6:00 pm, Church of the Holy Trinity – Live nativity scene, DS Babe

• Dec 22, 6:00 pm, CK Slunj – Workshop on making Christmas decorations and traditional ornaments

Film Screenings:

New Year’s Eve Noon Celebration:

Dec 31, Town Park – with the Boemi band and Slunj Majorettes, a special moment for visitors of all ages

In addition to its natural beauty and rich Advent program, Slunj offers an authentic gastronomic experience. Specialties such as lamb and veal roasted on a spit or under the bell with tender meat and young potatoes are an essential part of the visit. Local homemade spirits, such as plum and pear brandy from the Magdić distillery, and wines from local wineries, such as Graševina from Obrovac Winery, complete the experience.

During the winter months, visitors can enjoy restaurants Ambar, Feniks, Pino, and the restaurant at Hotel Mirjana & Rastoke, as well as Guesthouse Grand, Bistro Kum, Bistro Centar, Besttek, Fast Food Kvart, and Pečenjara Jure. Among them are the tavern Pod Rastočkim krovom (open Friday to Sunday) and the patisserie Diva (open Thursday to Sunday), where visitors can enjoy homemade specialties and sweets.

Wherever visitors go, they can expect a warm welcome and a generous table, enriching every holiday experience in Slunj.

Bož’ćevanje in Slunj offers an authentic, peaceful, and unforgettable holiday experience, perfect for those seeking a blend of nature, culture, and traditional Croatian spirit, with the rhythm of a small town and the sound of waterfalls instead of city hustle.

For more information:
Tourist Board of Slunj
📞 +385 47 777 630
✉️ info@slunj-rastoke.hr