The Banja Luka Winter Festival

For many years, Banja Luka has been the host of the Banja Luka Winter Festival. This year, the festival will commence on December 1st, with the grand opening scheduled for December 3rd. The central gathering place, as always, will be in Petar Kočić Park. Various events, concerts, and numerous exhibitions are organized as part of this festival every year. Sales stalls and winter market booths, known as Zimzobal, are set up in the park.

At these stalls, visitors can find and purchase various local products such as prosciutto, dried meat, cheese, honey, and many other locally produced items. Zimzobal also features booths where you can enjoy traditional Banja Luka ćevapi (grilled minced meat), as well as various other dishes, pancakes, and more. As part of this year’s festival, the city will prepare a spectacular arrival of Santa Claus.

For citizens and visitors alike, the release of several hundred lanterns will also be organized. Various entertainments and numerous concerts will be arranged for the youngest and all other citizens. Various souvenirs and handicrafts will be exhibited in the square and the park. Through this festival, the city aims to support all Banja Luka hospitality businesses and producers, with the goal of attracting an increasing number of visitors every year.

Skating school, creative workshops for children, excellent concerts, and winter parties are just a part of the fantastic content of the Banja Luka Winter Festival. In addition to the exciting program, all visitors should take the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful New Year’s atmosphere of our city and appreciate all the beauties it offers.

A new photo corner will be set up between the City Administration and the Christ the Savior Cathedral, where you can capture unforgettable photos. Interesting activities, festive atmosphere, and excellent offerings will truly leave no one indifferent. During the New Year holidays, Banja Luka transforms into a real fairy tale with a large number of candles decorating the city.

When evening falls, the city turns into a magical place, and the true holiday magic begins. Everyone, both children and adults, enjoys this holiday magic. There is a place for everyone, and everyone is guaranteed to have a good time and enjoy themselves.

Children especially enjoy and look forward to the Banja Luka Winter Festival because, for them, Santa Claus and his house are there every day, where you can take great photos and buy gifts for your little ones. In addition to Santa Claus, there is a decorated ice rink where children particularly enjoy themselves.

As part of this festival, a Children’s New Year celebration is organized in the square every year, along with a large number of creative workshops where children can express their creativity. For teenagers and adults, there are great concerts and parties where you can enjoy and spend unforgettable moments.

Year after year, the Banja Luka Winter Festival attracts a large number of visitors from the region and abroad. Banja Luka breaks records every year in terms of the number of tourists during this period. Accommodation capacities are already full by early November, and tickets are in high demand wherever a New Year’s Eve celebration is organized.