In depth · Christmas & New Year
Christmas in Belgrade: winter markets, two Christmases and two New Years
Belgrade celebrates for longer than almost anywhere: Christmas on 25 December and again on 7 January, New Year on 31 December and again on 13 January, with winter markets, hot rakija and fireworks over the rivers in between.
Updated October 2026
Winter markets
In recent years the city has held Beogradska zima, “Belgrade Winter”, with wooden kiosks on Republic Square and along Knez Mihailova selling mulled wine, hot rakija, sweets and crafts, among the lights of the old town. Belgrade Waterfront has hosted a Winter Wonderland in Savski Park (6 December 2025 to 5 January 2026), and the malls hold their own festive markets.
Two Christmases
Most Serbians are Orthodox and follow the Julian calendar, so Christmas falls on 7 January, while Catholics and many international residents celebrate on 25 December. On Christmas Eve, 6 January, oak branches called badnjak are blessed and burned in bonfires in churchyards, including at the Temple of Saint Sava, and families share a meatless dinner.
On Christmas Day, families break the česnica, a round bread with a coin hidden inside that brings luck to whoever finds it.
New Year, twice
New Year’s Eve on 31 December brings fireworks over the rivers and parties across the city, from the floating clubs to the kafanas. Then, on the night of 13 to 14 January, many people celebrate again for the Serbian New Year, the New Year of the old calendar.
Our tips
Wrap up warmly: Belgrade winters can be cold and snowy. Warm up with kuvana rakija, hot rakija with honey, at the kiosks, book a kafana with live music for New Year’s Eve well in advance, and visit the Temple of Saint Sava on the evening of 6 January for the bonfires of the badnjak.
Questions and answers
When is Christmas in Belgrade?
Orthodox Christmas is on 7 January, and Christmas Eve, with the bonfires of the badnjak, on 6 January. Catholics celebrate on 25 December.
Does Belgrade have a Christmas market?
Yes. In recent years the Belgrade Winter event has filled Republic Square and Knez Mihailova with kiosks, and Belgrade Waterfront has held a Winter Wonderland.
What is the Serbian New Year?
The New Year of the old Julian calendar, celebrated on the night of 13 to 14 January.
Join the conversation
Spent Christmas in Belgrade? Share your favourite market, event or tradition.
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Dates for 2026 are announced in the autumn; where they are not yet confirmed we give last year’s dates. Check the official sites before you travel.