The most magical time of the year has finally arrived! Trees and shop windows are sparkling, and people are snuggled up in winter clothing. While last year's holidays were spent mostly in a private atmosphere, this year the holiday celebration returned to the streets, squares and ski resorts, brighter and bigger than ever. From the colorful parade of Santa Clauses handing out packages to the little ones to glittering baubles on trees and shop windows, the colder weather offers an excuse to treat ourselves to hot chocolate, various pastries, sweets, mulled wine or homemade brandy, and engage in joyful winter activities. Here you will find all the fun events that you can add to your calendar so that the days you spend in Montenegro during the holidays will be filled with fun and good times in the holiday spirit.

There is a large selection of interesting traditional events in Montenegro during the New Year and Christmas holidays, but there are also some new events that are worth experiencing. Jump into as many cheerful events as possible this winter season, from musical performances, buying unique gifts for your loved ones, to walking through beautiful light decorations. You will encounter magical moments everywhere you turn. A rich addition to holiday bazaars are local producers, always ready to offer new gift ideas to enable you to get the most out of your holiday shopping in Montenegro.

Holiday bazaars and New Year's shopping At holiday bazaars throughout the cities of Montenegro, you will find specialties of Montenegrin cuisine, unique handicrafts, works of art and various domestic products. Enjoy traditional Christmas cakes, cakes with chocolate and honey, home-made sausages, kettlebells, mulled wine and brandy from local producers. You can even design your own lychee gift from gourmet, homemade products, or with a little help from creatives choose a handmade item and take it with you as a souvenir from Montenegro or as a Christmas gift to family and friends. At the Christmas markets you will find the right gift for everyone on your list. New Year's bazaars have been open since the end of December.

Skating Many are not familiar with the fact that in 1889, in the former capital of Montenegro, in Cetinje, there was an ice rink. Information related to this "gentleman's sport" can be found in periodicals published in that period, in the time when skating was called tociljanje. The most comprehensive description of the ice rink in Cetinje was given by the Norwegian captain Angell, in his famous book "Through Montenegro on Skis", where he was delighted with the surroundings of the city and the people, saying that the ice rink, which was located not far from the monastery, is a beautiful place with oriental lamps and harbors, and sometimes the sounds of the prince's orchestra. This favorite seasonal activity is back in Podgorica this year at the sports center Morača. Today you can skate to classic holiday hits, twinkling lights and with an appetite to try holiday treats from the nearby New Year's bazaar. If you've been a bit "rusty" since last year, you have a whole month ahead to get active and catch up. Rent a set of skates at the ice rink and enjoy skating for the whole day, and the price of this atmosphere is very affordable for couples, as well as for whole families. Day and night time slots are available for flexible planning of your visit to this place of great entertainment.

Immerse yourself in the realm of New Year's decorations You will surely agree with us that nothing causes greater joy, regardless of your age, than when your city is beautifully decorated for the holidays, and part of that decor inevitably includes a large decorated Christmas tree. From the favorite manifestations, decorating the streets, squares and the official tree, as well as unique light decorations and installations that adorn the squares, which you can enjoy only during the holidays, are a priority. Enjoy the joy-filled month of December at one of the festive holiday locations on Nezavisnosti Square and St. Peter Cetinje Square. You will be dazzled by tunnels that are decorated with millions of light bulbs, glittering large decorations and festive displays, each with its own unique features and themes.

Festive tastes of local specialties Get your baggy pants ready, because the holidays are meant to be enjoyed with food and pizza - all the irresistible treats that are prepared during this festive season. Some of our favorite traditional drinks, which we consume during the festive festivities, are certainly mulled red wine and various fruit brandies. While the Russians have vodka and the Scots have whiskey, the production and consumption of brandy is popular in Montenegro. Thus, in Montenegro, brandies are made from various fruits and have an aromatic taste. The most popular types are grapes, plums, pears, apples, quinces and apricots. While medovac and travarica are special types, in which, in addition to fruit, honey and herbs are added. For a stronger aroma, pieces of fruit are often added to the bottle, in which the brandy must stand for a while. In addition to the aforementioned aromas, the old Montenegrins used brandy made from figs and dogwood, and among the unique flavors is the kind made from juniper fruit. Whichever brandy you decide on, you will certainly not regret it, and in winter days, a glass of this alcoholic drink is also recommended for good circulation. One of the favorite winter drinks in Montenegro, with which you can warm up the best and is an ideal drink while staying outdoors, is mulled wine. There are a number of recipes for this winter drink, but mulled red wine with cinnamon, cloves and a slice of orange is among the tastiest combinations.

Reserve a ticket for the winter music and film program at Cinaplex Budva It may not be that cold outside, but that time of the year has arrived when we gladly participate in our favorite, festive, traditional celebrations of all kinds. We've pulled our chunky sweaters out of the closet, made enough goodies for a month of hybridization, and are ready to enjoy some classic Christmas movies. Make an exception this year and exchange your couches and small screens for a huge 3-dimensional cinema world. In the Cinaplex Budva, during the month of December, a series of classical music concerts are shown. Also, the world-class atmosphere of Cinaplex Budva during the winter days and nights will be the location of the latest achievements of film production. Whether it's comedy or adventure, there will be something for everyone's movie taste.

Bokeh Half Marathon Holidays in Montenegro are also marked by sporting events, namely 12.12. In 2012, starting at 12:00 p.m., the first Bokeška half-marathon will take place. The trail starting in Tivat passes through the most beautiful places in Boko Kotor: Porto Montenegro, Seljanovo, Donja Lastva, Lepetane, Verige, Stoliv, Prčanj, Muo, and ends in Kotor. The Bokeški Half Marathon is a race that has a certificate for holding the race from the World Association of Marathons and Street Races - better known as the AIMS certificate - which ranks it among the world's half marathons, and this was recognized by participants from 25 countries and more than 1000 registered runners from around the world. The program also includes a 'pleasure run' of only 5 km.

Oldtimer Rolls Royce tour The period when the Republic of Yugoslavia existed is a fond memory for everyone, so if you are interested in reliving the moments evoked by this era, sign up for a private Rolls Royce tour, no less than in President Tito's personal car. This luxurious, classic 55-year-old car, with its elegance and comfort, will take you on a four-hour tour along the coastal road that President Tito personally enjoyed while staying in Montenegro. The tour includes a guided visit to Tito's summer house - the famous Tito's villa in Igalo and wine tasting with the sunset in the bay. A magical play of light This year, the luxurious Portonovi neighborhood positively lights up with unique decorations and installations that hypnotize the eyes. Green areas, streets, cafe and shop windows are lit up with glittering decorations and lights, and Christmas tunes can be heard throughout the Portonovi neighborhood. Certainly, what attracts the most attention this year is one of the most spectacular events in this part of Europe, a light installation, that is, a magical play of lights that will illuminate the sky above the resort for seven days in December. In Portonovo, a holiday celebration awaits you that you have never experienced before, so don't miss it. Night skiing Savin Cook The only thing better than skiing under a beautiful blue sky is night skiing through a winter idyll on a trail that sparkles at night. During the holidays, try a magical ride under the stars on Savina Kuk. When the weather conditions permit this atmosphere, an increasing number of skiers and snowboarders, who prefer an active winter vacation, like to ski or snowboard at night. The biggest reason why skiers choose night skiing is the less frequented trails, which are therefore less damaged and better covered by snow, as well as the nighttime ambiance, which is more magical than descending during the day. If you want to experience this poetic and unusual winter experience, the slopes for night skiing in Žabljak are open from 18:00 to 21:00. Žabljak is a well-known favorite destination for fans of skiing and winter sports in the southeastern part of Europe. Would you like to enjoy a winter idyll from a bird's eye view accompanied by a starry sky? Savin kuk Ski Center is the place that has a ski lift equipped with reflectors for night skiing. The Savin kuk ski center has 4.6 km of ski tracks with a capacity for 3,000 skiers. If you are not an experienced skier, you can subscribe to the services of a ski service and ski school, and after an active day, the pleasant and warm atmosphere of the restaurant and cafe bar offers relaxation with national delicacies.