Winter in Novi Sad invites us to slow down, stop, and embrace what is really important. It is a time for spending time with friends and family, for leisurely walks through the decorated city, enjoying the moment with loved ones, recalling old ones, and creating new memories.
Due to the huge tragedy that happened in Novi Sad on November 1, 2024, in which 15 lives were lost and two people were seriously injured, the city’s outdoor New Year’s celebration will not be organised out of respect for the victims. Other events that will be held will include the sale of food and crafts, plays, exhibitions, ice skating, and more.
The main square will once again host the Novi Sad Zimzolеnd, an event created after the most famous European Christmas markets. In beautifully decorated wooden houses, from November 27 to December 26, you will have the opportunity to try mulled wine, various local beers, and food, as well as to buy souvenirs and New Year’s decorations.
Another winter event will offer visitors many interesting gifts, sweet and savoury food specialities, and hot drinks. In the period from December 1 to January 10, Christmas Magic will welcome all of you who will be heading to the shopping centre Promenada.
You will find the real winter ambiance in the Danube Park, where this year an outdoor skating rink—the Icy Forest—will be installed. The large and beautifully decorated ice rink is the ideal place for endless fun with the little ones during the winter holidays.
Even the oldest market in the city, the Fish Market (Riblja pijaca), will be open twice during December (December 6 and 27) for everyone who is looking for authentic products from local producers at the Novi Sad Night Market.
Fans of classical music will enjoy traditional Christmas-New Year’s Eve concerts, while fans of theatre will have performances from the rich repertoire of the Serbian National Theatre.
This year’s winter events will not be missed even by adventurers and fans of mountain running, and if you belong to this category, the most fun trail event for the very end of the season awaits you—the Winter Trail Race. The race is held on Iriški Venac in Fruška Gora National Park, and the distances are suitable for both recreational and professional runners.
Winter in Novi Sad cannot be fully experienced if you do not spend at least one day visiting the famous fish restaurants (čarda), farms (salaš), or wineries of the Novi Sad Wine Route. The warm and cosy atmosphere in these idyllic places in the surroundings of Novi Sad will enrich your stay. Friends, wine, the crackling of the fire in the clay oven, and the pleasant sounds of the tamburitza, along with excellent food specialities, will make your experience unforgettable.
For the youngest members of your family, ideal places for hiking and sledding during the winter months are on the slopes of Fruška Gora, so take a look at our suggestions for an extended weekend during December and January. If you decide to spend the weekend in Novi Sad, you can find information about accommodation on the website of the Tourism Organisation of the City of Novi Sad.
