New Year and Christmas in Montenegro

How to celebrate New Year and Christmas in Montenegro

In Montenegro, New Year and Christmas are among the brightest and most beloved holidays, which are celebrated with warmth, tradition and fun. The inhabitants of the country skillfully combine Western New Year's customs with a rich Orthodox heritage.

New Year's Eve in Montenegro

New Year's Eve in Montenegro is accompanied by mass celebrations, especially in large cities such as Budva, Kotor and Podgorica. The main squares are decorated with festive lights, and New Year's concerts in the open air gather thousands of people. Tourists and locals enjoy live music, dancing and magnificent fireworks lighting up the Adriatic coast.

New Year's Eve celebrations are traditionally held in the family circle or in restaurants and hotels, where themed evenings with national cuisine and musical programs are organized. Fish dishes, baked meat, cheeses, sweets and, of course, local wine or raki often appear on the table.

Christmas in Montenegro

Christmas is celebrated twice in the country: Catholic on December 25 and Orthodox on January 7. These days are filled with spiritual meaning and family traditions.

Orthodox Christmas begins on Saturday evening, January 6. On this day, Montenegrins plant "badniak", a Christmas oak log symbolizing warmth and family unity. A lenten table with fish, beans, bread and nuts is served in the houses.

On the morning of January 7, families gather for a festive lunch, which includes roast piglet, bread "garlic", in which a coin is baked, as well as various desserts.

On Christmas days, it is customary to attend church, visit relatives and give small gifts.

Warmth and cordiality

Montenegrins celebrate holidays with joy, combining ancient traditions and a modern spirit. The cozy atmosphere, generous feasts and the openness of the locals create a unique magic that especially impresses tourists who choose Montenegro for their winter holidays.