I’ll research major events in Split, including Ultra Europe, Days of Diocletian, and Advent in Split, along with other significant local festivals. The article will provide parking advice and alternative transport options for tourists attending these events. Once the research is complete, I’ll draft the full guide for your review.

Major Annual Events in Split, Croatia: A Yearly Guide

Split’s calendar is packed with vibrant festivals and local celebrations that draw crowds and color to the city year-round. Below is a month-by-month guide to Split’s major annual events – from winter carnivals to summer music festivals – including when they happen, what to expect, and how to navigate parking and transportation during each occasion.

February – Split Carnival (Karneval)

Time of Year: The days leading up to Lent, usually in February (). This week-long carnival culminates before Ash Wednesday each year.

What to Expect: Split joins other coastal Croatian towns in celebrating Carnival with colorful parades, costumes, and street parties (). Locals don Venetian-style masks and outfits; there are masked balls, fireworks, and live music filling the streets (). The atmosphere is exuberant and family-friendly, with traditions like children’s costume contests and performances. Many events take place outdoors on the Riva promenade and in the historic center, turning parts of downtown into a pedestrian festival zone. It’s a free public celebration () that gives visitors a taste of Dalmatian merrymaking before the quiet of Lent.

Crowds & Traffic Impact: Carnival in Split is mainly enjoyed by locals, but tourists are welcome to join. Crowds gather along the streets for parades, especially on the weekend before Lent. The Riva and Old Town become traffic-free, lively promenades as floats and costumed groups pass by (Pedestrian promenade with cafes, restaurants, harbor views). Some street closures occur during parade times, causing minor detours in the center. Overall, traffic impact is moderate compared to larger events, but driving in the Old Town area is not possible during key Carnival processions. Expect slow car traffic near the center as people flock in for festivities. Parking near the Riva and Diocletian’s Palace will be limited during events.

Parking & Transit Tips:

• Plan Ahead for Parking: If you must drive, arrive early. The main lots around the Old Town (e.g. Stari Plac, Manđerova, Trg Hrvatske Bratske Zajednice) fill up fast (Where to park in Split? Big Guide.). An alternative is to park a bit farther (for example, at the large Sukoišan garage or the Joker Mall garage) and walk into the center.
• Use Public Transport: City buses run regularly to the center – Promet Split operates many lines that stop near the Old Town. Taking a bus or walking from your accommodation can save the hassle of finding a spot.
• Ride-Sharing & Taxis: Uber and local taxi services operate in Split. During Carnival parade times, road closures may require taxis to drop off a few blocks away from the core. It’s generally easy to get a taxi or Uber outside the immediate Old Town, but note there might be a short walk if streets are closed. (If using a taxi, ensure the driver uses the meter for a fair fare (Ultra Europe Survival Guide – Split Croatia Travel Guide).) For a seamless trip, consider getting dropped off near Đardin Park or Zrinsko-Frankopanska street, which are a 5-minute walk to the Riva but out of the closure zone.

May – Feast of St. Domnius (Sudamja)

Time of Year: Annually on May 7, with festivities spanning the first week of May (Turistička zajednica grada Splita – SUDAMJA 2024 – Feast of St. Domnius and the Day of the City of Split). This date marks Split’s patron saint day and the official Day of the City.

What to Expect: Sudamja (as locals call it) is one of the most important days for the citizens of Split (Sudamja – Heritage Hotel Antique Split). If it falls on a weekday, schools close and many businesses give a day off so everyone can celebrate (Sudamja – Heritage Hotel Antique Split). The holiday blends religious tradition with city-wide festivities. The morning begins with a solemn Mass and a grand procession: clergy and congregants carry the relics of Saint Domnius from the Cathedral, exiting Diocletian’s Palace and processing through the streets to an open-air altar on the Riva waterfront (Sudamja – Heritage Hotel Antique Split). Thousands of residents join or watch this procession. After the religious ceremony, the mood turns festive. The Riva waterfront becomes a bustling street fair, with stalls selling local foods, sweets, and traditional toys (Sudamja – Heritage Hotel Antique Split). A beloved custom is buying a souvenir wooden “klepetuša” (a clacking wooden bird toy on wheels) or other trinkets from the fair stands – a nostalgic treat for local families (Sudamja – Heritage Hotel Antique Split). In the afternoon, locals gather on the Riva for a giant tombola (raffle), where “the whole of Split” crowds in hoping to cross off numbers and win prizes (Sudamja – Heritage Hotel Antique Split). The celebration continues into the night with free concerts on the Riva by popular Croatian performers and a grand fireworks finale (Turistička zajednica grada Splita – SUDAMJA 2024 – Feast of St. Domnius and the Day of the City of Split). Sudamja offers a mix of reverence and revelry – from ancient religious ritual to communal Dalmatian partying – all in one day.

Crowds & Traffic Impact: Sudamja brings out virtually the entire city, plus many visitors from surrounding areas. Tens of thousands of people pack the Riva for the evening concerts and fireworks (Events in Split 2025 – Carnival, music, sport, film – Visit Croatia). Traffic in and around the city center is heavily affected. In the morning, the procession route (Cathedral through the Green Market to Riva) is closed to vehicles for several hours. Key downtown roads are blocked for the open-air Mass and parade. Throughout the day, streets near the waterfront see congestion as people come and go. By afternoon, driving anywhere in the center is impractical – the sheer volume of pedestrians effectively pedestrianizes the area. Parking is extremely scarce downtown (many locals don’t even attempt to drive on this day). If you’re staying in Split, you’ll notice the usual hustle is replaced by holiday crowds on foot. Plan for delays on roads leading into the center, and expect normal traffic patterns to resume only late at night or the next day.

Parking & Transit Tips:

• Avoid Driving into Old Town: If you’re coming from outside Split or staying on the outskirts, it’s wise to leave your car outside the center on May 7. Road closures and gridlock make driving to the Riva nearly impossible. Instead, park farther out and walk or use transit (enjoy the walk – you’ll catch all the street ambiance along the way).
• Strategic Parking Locations: Good spots include areas around Poljud Stadium or Marjan Hill (west of the center), which have more space – from there it’s about a 15–20 minute walk to the Riva. Another option is the parking lot in Kopilica near the ferry port (north of downtown), which is about a 20-minute walk or a short bus ride to the Old Town (ACORUS PARKING CAR, BUS & CAMPER SPLIT). By parking in these areas, you avoid the most intense congestion.
• Use Public Buses: Promet Split (the local bus company) runs extra buses on popular routes whenever large events occur. Lines that serve the city center (e.g. those from Split’s suburbs or nearby towns) will get you near the action without the parking headache. The main bus terminal and local bus stops by the Green Market (Pazar) are just a few minutes’ walk from the Riva.
• Taxis & Ride-shares: Regular taxis and ride-share apps (Uber, Bolt) are available but note that with roadblocks, drivers can only get so close. Plan to be dropped off at the edge of the pedestrian zone – for example, by Sv. Frane Church or at Zvonimirova Street near the market. After the fireworks and concerts, demand for rides will be extremely high. It might be wise to pre-arrange a pickup slightly away from the Riva (a location like the ferry port or near the high school on Gundulićeva might be reachable for cars). Otherwise, be prepared to wait it out or walk off the celebration – many locals simply stroll home with friends through the late-night streets.

July – Ultra Europe Music Festival

Time of Year: Mid-July (typically a long weekend in the second week of July) (Ultra Europe Survival Guide – Split Croatia Travel Guide) (). For example, Ultra Europe 2025 is set for July 11–13 (Transfers – Ultra Europe July 11, 12, 13 — 2025).

What to Expect: Ultra Europe is one of Europe’s premier outdoor electronic music festivals, turning Split into a global party destination. Over three nights, the festival features the world’s top EDM DJs and producers, spectacular stage designs, and stadium-scale light shows (Ultra Europe – July 11, 12, 13 — 2025) (). The main event is held at Park Mladeži stadium (an open-air venue in Split) (), with multiple stages pumping out electronic, house, and techno music. Attendees – often called “Ultranauts” – come from all over the world, many clad in festival gear and waving national flags, creating a vibrant, high-energy atmosphere. Besides the main shows in Split, Ultra Europe usually includes extra parties on nearby islands (e.g. beach parties on Hvar or Brač) before or after the main festival (Ultra Europe Survival Guide – Split Croatia Travel Guide), effectively making it an Ultra week of events. This is Split’s biggest music event of the year and a highlight of the European summer festival circuit.

Crowds & Visitors: Ultra Europe draws an enormous crowd. Each year around 100,000 or more attendees descend on Split for the festival (Ultra Europe Survival Guide – Split Croatia Travel Guide) (Events in Split 2025 – Carnival, music, sport, film – Visit Croatia). In 2019, Ultra’s move to Park Mladeži allowed capacity to expand up to 55,000 festival-goers per night (Park Mladeži, A New Chapter for Ultra Europe in Split – Total Croatia), and recent editions have seen 150,000+ music fans over the three days (ULTRA Europe concludes ninth edition in Split, Croatia with …). These attendees hail from over 140 countries (Ultra Europe Concludes Incredible Third Edition), turning Split into a cosmopolitan party zone. Hotels, hostels, and apartments sell out months in advance, and the city’s population swells noticeably during Ultra. The vibe everywhere is youthful and lively – expect packed beaches by day and an electric nightlife scene all week. (If you prefer quiet sightseeing, note that mid-July is peak season and Ultra brings “hordes of visitors” – possibly not the week for a tranquil Old Town stroll (Ultra Europe Survival Guide – Split Croatia Travel Guide)!) The festival itself runs each night until the early morning (performances often go past 5 AM), so tens of thousands of people pour out into the streets at dawn, keeping the city buzzing almost 24/7 during this period.

Traffic Impact: The influx of festival-goers significantly strains Split’s transport infrastructure. During Ultra week, “you can imagine how 100,000 arrivals within 7 days can cause additional chaos and confusion” (Ultra Europe Survival Guide – Split Croatia Travel Guide). Roads around the venue (Park Mladeži and Poljud areas) are congested, especially at event start (evenings) and end (pre-dawn) times. Local streets in those neighborhoods may be temporarily closed or managed by police for crowd safety. When the music ends each night, thousands of attendees flood the surrounding streets, which leads to traffic jams and very slow-going vehicles. One festival-goer noted that at 5 AM, the scene was “mayhem in the streets outside” the venue (Looking for advice about Ultra Europe and getting around Split! : r/UMF) – expect it to be virtually gridlocked as everyone tries to leave at once. Throughout Ultra’s weekend, Split’s downtown also faces heavier traffic all day long; taxis and buses are constantly shuttling festival attendees, and many visitors rent scooters or cars to get around, adding to congestion. Parking in the city center and near Park Mladeži is extremely limited – many streets are posted as no-parking or reserved for event staff, and any available public parking fills up very early. Overall, during Ultra, traffic is at its peak for the year in Split. City officials and organizers do add measures (like extra public transit and traffic officers) to mitigate chaos, but you should plan for delays and avoid driving near the venue if possible.

Parking & Transit Tips:

• Don’t Drive to the Festival Grounds: There is no official public parking at Park Mladeži for Ultra. The surrounding streets will be closed or full. Your best bet is to leave your car at your accommodation or on the outskirts and use other means to reach the venue. Trying to park nearby will likely result in frustration or a very long walk from a distant spot.
• Festival Shuttle Buses: Take advantage of the Ultra Europe Festival Shuttle service (Transfers – Ultra Europe July 11, 12, 13 — 2025). Ultra organizes shuttle buses that loop between the venue and key points in Split (and even out to popular accommodation areas and the airport). This shuttle is affordable and unlimited-rides with a pass (Transfers – Ultra Europe July 11, 12, 13 — 2025) – a highly convenient way to get around during Ultra. Shuttle stops are located within walking distance of many hotels and apartments, and the main shuttle hub is near the festival site (Transfers – Ultra Europe July 11, 12, 13 — 2025). These buses run late into the night to coincide with the event schedule.
• City Buses: In addition to official shuttles, Split’s regular city buses ramp up their service for Ultra. There are dozens of additional bus departures to and from the stadium area throughout the day and night during the festival (Ultra Europe Survival Guide – Split Croatia Travel Guide). Lines extend to nearby towns (Kaštela, Solin, Stobreč, etc.) as well (Ultra Europe Survival Guide – Split Croatia Travel Guide), so even if you’re staying outside Split, you can bus in for the show. Check Promet Split’s Ultra timetable – buses often run past the usual midnight cutoff on these days. Riding the bus is cheap and lets you avoid gridlock (buses have designated stops a short walk from Park Mladeži).
• On Foot (Best for Close Accommodation): If you’re staying in Split’s center or within a couple kilometers of the venue, walking is often the fastest way to get to Ultra. Many attendees book lodging in the city just so they can walk – and indeed, being within walking distance is a “life saver” to navigate around the crowds (Looking for advice about Ultra Europe and getting around Split! : r/UMF). The venue is about 1.5 km north of the Old Town (20–30 minutes on foot). Walking back at 5 AM along with throngs of fellow festival-goers can actually be a fun, safe experience (and you avoid sitting in a traffic jam).
• Taxis and Ride-share: Taxis and Ubers are plentiful in Split, but during Ultra they will be in very high demand. If you need to use one, expect surge pricing and long wait times when the concerts end. It’s not uncommon to wait over an hour for a ride at 4–5 AM. If you do grab a taxi, share the ride and cost with friends to make it economical (Ultra Europe Survival Guide – Split Croatia Travel Guide). Always ensure the driver turns on the meter or agree on a price beforehand, as some might try to overcharge during big events (Ultra Europe Survival Guide – Split Croatia Travel Guide). Uber/Bolt can simplify payment, but again, be patient with pickups. A good strategy is to walk a few blocks away from the immediate stadium area before hailing a ride – you’ll meet less competition and cars won’t be stuck in the worst of the gridlock.
• Parking for Daytime Touring: If you’re not attending Ultra but are in Split during this time, you might be exploring during the day. In that case, park at garages like Parking Split (near the ferry port) or Koteks (Split 3 area) in the morning and leave the car there until you depart the city. You’ll avoid the evening influx. Better yet, consider not using a car in Split at all this week – you can walk between the Old Town, beaches, and other sights and avoid the Ultra traffic entirely.

July–August – Split Summer Festival (Splitsko ljeto)

Time of Year: Every summer from mid-July to mid-August (approximately one month long) (Events in Split 2025 – Carnival, music, sport, film – Visit Croatia) (). The festival typically opens around July 14 and runs through mid-August.

What to Expect: The Split Summer Festival is the city’s biggest celebration of the arts (). For roughly four weeks, Split becomes an open-air stage for dance, music, opera, and theatre performances. Many events are held in atmospheric historical locations: you might catch a ballet in the peristyle of Diocletian’s Palace, a play in an intimate square, or a classical concert at Sustipan park under the stars. This festival, akin to Dubrovnik’s famous summer festival, showcases both local and international talent, with a mix of traditional Croatian performances and international works (operas, Shakespeare plays, contemporary dance, etc.). Venues are spread across the city – from Peristil and Podrum (Palace cellars) to the Croatian National Theatre, fortresses, and courtyards (Events in Split 2025 – Carnival, music, sport, film – Visit Croatia). Many performances are in the evening, taking advantage of cooler nights. Tourists are welcome; while some shows charge admission, others (like outdoor music concerts or street performances) are free. The ambiance is magical – imagine music echoing off 1,700-year-old palace walls on a warm Dalmatian night.

Crowds & Traffic Impact: The Summer Festival draws culture enthusiasts and tourists, but the impact is more spread out compared to one-off events. Since performances occur nightly at various sites, there isn’t a single massive crowd at any one time (except perhaps the popular opening ceremony). Audiences are typically a few hundred people per event. Overall tourist numbers in Split are high in July/August, so the city is busy, but that’s due to peak season in general. Traffic in the evenings may see brief congestion near major venues when a show lets out – for example, after an opera at Peristyle, you’ll see a few buses and taxis picking people up by the Riva. Streets in the Old Town (which is largely pedestrian anyway) handle the foot traffic well. One thing to note: some performances (like those at Peristyle) may involve temporary closures of certain pedestrian areas or squares, but this won’t affect car traffic directly. If anything, drivers should be cautious of more pedestrians around popular showtimes. Parking can become tight near venues (e.g. the small lots by the National Theatre or waterfront) on performance nights, as locals and visitors alike come into town for dinner and a show.

Parking & Transit Tips:

• Evening Parking: If attending a Summer Festival show, plan where to park in advance. The closest parking options to Old Town venues are the Riva parking lot (small, ~100 spots) (Parking in Split Survival Guide), the Train Station lot (near the ferry port), and Stari Plac lot (by the old stadium) (Parking in Split, Croatia: Where to park?). These fill quickly in summer. Arrive at least an hour early to secure a spot and enjoy a pre-show stroll. Alternatively, use the larger Zagrebačka Garage or Sukoišan parking a bit farther out and walk 10 minutes to the venue.
• Public Transit for Night Shows: Split’s city buses run until around midnight on main lines. If your show ends by 11 PM, you can likely catch a bus back to your neighborhood or hotel (check the timetable for lines like 1, 3, 6, 9 which serve various districts). The festival publishes the schedule so you can see end times – plan to use the bus if parking seems daunting.
• Taxis: Getting a taxi after a festival performance is usually feasible. Unlike Ultra or Sudamja, there isn’t an overwhelming surge at one moment. You’ll find taxis at stands by the Riva, HNK (National Theatre), and Pjaca. Still, it’s smart to book a taxi via phone or app as your show is ending to have minimal wait. Ride-share (Uber/Bolt) is widely used in Split – you can call a car to a pin near your venue (e.g. outside the palace gates) and typically meet them within 10 minutes.
• On Foot: If you’re staying in or near the center, walking is the easiest option. One of the joys of the Summer Festival is wandering the lit-up city between events. You might walk from dinner in the Palace to a show at Prokurative Square with ease. The Old Town is compact, and walking means you don’t have to worry about where you left the car or bus schedules at all.

August – Days of Diocletian (Dani Dioklecijana)

Time of Year: Late August (usually a long weekend or series of days in mid-to-late August) (Events in Split 2025 – Carnival, music, sport, film – Visit Croatia). For instance, in 2024 it was held August 29–31 (Stories of Diocletian 2024 in Croatia – Rove.me) (Stories of Diocletian 2024 in Croatia – Rove.me). The event often coincides with the height of tourist season.

What to Expect: The Days of Diocletian festival (recently also branded as “Stories of Diocletian”) transports Split back to Roman times. The emperor Diocletian, who built his palace in Split, is honored with a historical reenactment extravaganza. During this festival, the modern city transforms into an ancient Roman settlement (Stories of Diocletian 2024 in Croatia – Rove.me). You’ll witness locals dressed as Roman legionaries marching through the streets, toga-clad citizens strolling the Riva, and even Emperor Diocletian himself (an actor) arriving in a grand procession. The highlight is a costumed parade and ceremony: Emperor Diocletian and Empress Prisca, in full imperial garb, ride in vintage carriages along the waterfront to Peristyle square, accompanied by Roman guards, trumpeters, and drummers (Turistička zajednica grada Splita – Days of Diocletian (17.05. – 27.09.)). At Peristyle, the Emperor “addresses” the crowd from the steps of the Cathedral, just as he might have 1700 years ago (Turistička zajednica grada Splita – Days of Diocletian (17.05. – 27.09.)). Throughout the festival days, the palace basements and squares host Roman-themed entertainment – think gladiator fights, live Roman music, dances, and actors mingling with visitors. Stalls pop up offering ancient delicacies and handicrafts, so you can nibble on era-inspired foods while browsing souvenirs () (). By night, modern music mixes in with outdoor concerts and gastronomy events, making it part historical pageant, part summer party. It’s a free, family-friendly spectacle and one of Split’s most beloved heritage celebrations.

Crowds & Traffic Impact: The Days of Diocletian festival draws large crowds to the Old Town, especially in the evenings when the main Roman parade and performances occur. Streets within Diocletian’s Palace and the Riva promenade are packed with onlookers as the Emperor’s procession passes – expect elbow-to-elbow crowds in those areas (several thousand people typically turn out for the parade and Peristyle show). Because the event is concentrated in the pedestrian core (which has no car traffic normally), it doesn’t cause major road closures beyond the promenade. However, the waterfront road (Obala) might see brief holds or diversions when the carriages move along the Riva. Traffic around the Old Town could slow simply due to the influx of people; drivers should be cautious of costumed participants and pedestrians spilling out. Parking demand surges on those nights – many locals drive in for the fun, and tourists staying outside the center do the same. So garages and lots near downtown (especially at the Ferry Port, Riva, and around the market) fill up by late afternoon. Outside the immediate center, August is already busy with tourist traffic, so add a festival and you’ll find the city buzzing at maximum capacity. If you’re trying to drive through Split on these days without attending, be aware of possible congestion near the center around 7–10 PM. Overall, though, the impact is more crowd congestion than vehicle congestion, since activities are in the pedestrian zone.

Parking & Transit Tips:

• Arrive Early or Park Farther Out: If you want to see the Diocletian parade and you have a car, head to the city in the early evening (well before the 8 PM-ish procession). Aim for parking lots like Stari Plac or Trg Hrvatske bratske zajednice which are a 5-10 minute walk to the Palace (Where to park in Split? Big Guide.). Once those are full, an alternative is to park near Poljud Stadium or Lovret neighborhood and walk ~15 minutes to the Old Town. These areas might still have spots when the closer garages are full.
• Use the “Park and Walk” Strategy: Given the Roman spirit of the event, consider parking by Marjan Park (where it’s usually easier to find space) and enjoy a scenic walk along the waterfront to reach the festival. The city’s normal parking app or meters apply – there’s no special event parking, so you’ll need coins/apps for the pay-and-display machines until evening hours.
• Public Buses: Many city bus lines terminate at the central station or HNK (theatre) stop, both of which put you right by the festival action. Especially if you’re coming from Split’s suburbs or nearby towns, taking a bus will save you the parking hassle. For example, from Podstrana or Stobreč take line 60 to the station; from Solin or Trogir, regional buses also drop off near the Riva. Buses will be crowded, but they run frequently.
• Taxis/Ride-shares: Taking a taxi or Uber to the festival is a convenient choice – ask the driver to drop you near Diocletian’s Palace Bronze Gate (south side by the bus station) or at Marmontova Street on the west end. Both spots are at the edge of the pedestrian zone. After the event, if you need a ride back, it’s best to pre-book or have a plan: the surge won’t be as bad as Ultra, but with so many people, hailing a taxi on the spot around the Old Town can be tough. Walking a few blocks north to the DOBRI district or east toward Bacvice can increase your chances of quickly getting a ride-share pickup away from the densest crowds.

December – Advent in Split (Christmas Festival & New Year’s)

Time of Year: The Advent season, from late November through early January. Split’s official Advent in Split festivities typically run from early December until around January 6 (Epiphany) (Advent in Split). For example, Advent 2024 started November 30 and lasted until January 6 (ADVENT IN SPLIT 2024 – Turistička zajednica grada Splita).

What to Expect: While Split is known for sun and beach, it also offers a charming Mediterranean Christmas experience. Advent in Split turns the city into a winter wonderland – Dalmatian style. The Riva promenade becomes the heart of the celebration, decked out in thousands of twinkling lights and rows of wooden cottages (holiday stalls) (Turistička zajednica grada Splita – Top 10 things about Advent in Split) (Advent in Split). These “kućice” sell everything from traditional souvenirs and handicrafts to holiday treats like fritule (mini doughnuts), candied almonds, and mulled wine that warms your hands as you stroll (Advent in Split). Several key locations host different programs: the Riva has the main Christmas market and nightly live music (bands or DJs on an open-air stage) (Turistička zajednica grada Splita – Top 10 things about Advent in Split); Narodni trg (Pjaca) often turns into an evening dance party with 80s/90s music and DJ sets, beloved by locals (Turistička zajednica grada Splita – Top 10 things about Advent in Split); Đardin Park (by the Gregory of Nin statue) is adorned with decorations and usually features a more mellow scene with classical concerts or children’s choirs (Turistička zajednica grada Splita – Top 10 things about Advent in Split). There’s also an ice skating rink some years, and a live nativity scene or Christmas tale performance in the old town squares (Visiting Croatia Month by Month) (Visiting Croatia Month by Month). Families enjoy workshops for kids, and everyone indulges in the food – sausages, marinated anchovies, roasted chestnuts, and of course rakija and hot chocolate. The festive atmosphere builds up to New Year’s Eve, when a big free concert rocks the Riva and a fireworks show lights up the harbor at midnight (Events in Split 2025 – Carnival, music, sport, film – Visit Croatia) (Events in Split 2025 – Carnival, music, sport, film – Visit Croatia). Split’s Advent may be less famous than Zagreb’s, but it’s cozy, cheerful, and set against the backdrop of the Roman palace – a unique Christmas by the sea.

Crowds & Traffic Impact: Advent season in Split is not as crowded as summer, but it’s a peak time for locals. Especially evenings and weekends from mid-December onward see the Riva packed with people – locals meeting after work, families out for a stroll, and some domestic tourists visiting the city’s Christmas market (Your Local Guide to Split Christmas Market 2025). The overall visitor numbers are in the thousands rather than tens of thousands at any given time, except New Year’s Eve which attracts a huge crowd. On New Year’s Eve, tens of thousands of people pack onto the Riva for the midnight celebration (Events in Split 2025 – Carnival, music, sport, film – Visit Croatia) – this is the busiest single moment of the winter, with the promenade shoulder-to-shoulder and surrounding streets very busy. In terms of traffic, December weekends can bring traffic jams near the city center as many locals drive in to see the decorations or attend events. Parking becomes competitive around Old Town in the afternoons and evenings. However, since many tourists are absent (compared to summer), the roads are still easier than July. The city does not typically close roads for Advent, except possibly a small section of the Riva road on NYE for safety. The biggest impact is parking scarcity and slow cruising as drivers search for spots. If there’s heavy rain (quite possible in winter), traffic can also snarl as everyone tries to find covered parking. On New Year’s Eve, expect some road closures or police-controlled intersections by the waterfront due to the masses of pedestrians. In summary: moderate congestion during Advent events and extreme crowding (but not much driving) on New Year’s Eve.

Parking & Transit Tips:

• Plan Parking or Use Reservations: Recognizing the holiday rush, the local parking authorities even suggest reserving a parking space in advance during Advent to avoid the hunt (Advent in Split). If your accommodation offers parking, use it and walk to the festivities. Otherwise, aim for larger garages like Meterize or the Mall of Split and take a short taxi/bus in. Some private lots might offer evening flat rates during Advent.
• Street Parking Timing: If you want a chance at street parking near the center, arrive before the early evening peak. By 5–6 PM, lots like the Riva lot (100 spaces) (Parking in Split Survival Guide) and Zvončac will be full on event nights. An alternative is the parking area by Poljud or along the marina (ACY Marina) and then walking ~10 minutes along well-lit paths to the Riva. Parking is usually free after 7 PM on city lots in winter, but check signs or the Split Parking app.
• Public Transport: Buses are your friend in winter. They run reliably and you won’t have to stress about parking. The main lines (no. 1, 3, 6, 9, 17, etc.) all converge near the Old Town. For example, if you stay in Znjan or Trstenik, hop on bus 8 or 17; from Poljud area take bus 3; from Split 3 district take bus 6 – you’ll be dropped off within a few hundred meters of the Christmas market. After 9-10 PM buses thin out, but on weekends some run later for the holiday crowds.
• Taxis & Ride-shares: In the Advent period, taxis/Ubers are generally easy to get and not surging in price (except New Year’s Eve). A taxi can be a great solution to avoid parking completely – a short ride from areas like Žnjan, Varoš, or Meje to the Riva is relatively inexpensive. On New Year’s Eve, however, expect to not be able to get a taxi out of the center between 12:30 and 2 AM due to extremely high demand. If you celebrate New Year’s on the Riva, either leave a bit before 12:00 to beat the rush (and watch fireworks from slightly afar), or be prepared to walk or wait. Some locals pre-arrange taxis for 1 AM or have a designated driver parked outside the center. Another tip: on New Year’s, consider watching the fireworks from Marjan hill or a rooftop, so you can use a car and avoid the closed roads – otherwise, just join the crowd and plan to walk back to your hotel through the joyful streets.
• Embrace Walking: Split’s winter weather is mild (often 10°C/50°F) (Your Local Guide to Split Christmas Market 2025), so walking around to enjoy the lights is part of the charm. If you’re staying in the center or within a 20-minute walk, we recommend going on foot to fully soak in the atmosphere (and burn off those fritule donuts!). The city is beautiful at night and you won’t have to worry about traffic at all.

By timing your visit to coincide with one of these major events, you’ll experience Split at its most lively and festive. Whether it’s dancing under confetti at Ultra Europe or sipping mulled wine by the Roman palace at Advent, each celebration offers a unique flavor of local culture. Just remember these practical parking and transportation tips – they’ll help you navigate Split’s busy streets like a pro, so you can focus on enjoying the festivities safely and stress-free. Sretan put! (Happy travels!)