Skopje celebrates twice: New Year’s Eve on 31 December is the biggest party of the year, and Orthodox Christmas follows on 7 January. Add the Old New Year on 13 January and Vodici on 19 January, and the holiday season runs for almost three weeks. Here is how to spend Christmas and New Year in Skopje.
Holiday calendar
| Date | Holiday | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| 25 December | Catholic Christmas | Masses in Catholic churches; a normal working day for most locals |
| 31 December | New Year’s Eve | Open-air concert and fireworks on Macedonia Square, parties everywhere |
| 1–2 January | New Year | Public holiday, many shops closed on the 1st |
| 6 January | Badnik (Christmas Eve) | Bonfires, church services and a family dinner |
| 7 January | Orthodox Christmas | Public holiday, church services and family lunches |
| 13–14 January | Old New Year (Vasilica) | Parties and concerts |
| 19 January | Vodici (Epiphany) | Cross thrown into the Vardar and swimmers dive for it |
New Year’s Eve in Skopje
On 31 December the city usually hosts a free open-air concert on Macedonia Square with local and regional stars, followed by fireworks at midnight. Restaurants and taverns offer New Year’s dinners with live music (book ahead – they sell out), and clubs party until morning. It is cold, so dress warmly if you plan to stay outside.
- Book New Year’s Eve dinners in December – the best restaurants and kafeani fill up fast.
- Find bars and clubs in our Skopje nightlife guide.
- Taxis are in high demand after midnight – stay central so you can walk home.
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Christmas in Skopje (7 January)
North Macedonia follows the Orthodox calendar, so Christmas falls on 7 January. On Christmas Eve, Badnik (6 January), people gather around bonfires and attend late services. Christmas Day is for church and big family lunches – a quiet, traditional day. Visit the Cathedral of St. Clement of Ohrid or the Church of St. Constantine and Helena to see the celebrations (dress modestly and be respectful).
Old New Year and Vodici
On the night of 13 January, Skopje celebrates the Orthodox New Year (Vasilica) with more parties and concerts. On 19 January, Vodici (Epiphany), a priest throws a wooden cross into the icy Vardar and young men dive in to retrieve it – a unique tradition worth getting up for.
Festive lights and winter fun
From December the centre is decorated with lights, and winter fairs and markets often appear – check our events calendar and the Zimzolend page for this season. For snow, head to the slopes: skiing near Skopje.
Practical tips
- Pack a warm coat, gloves and waterproof shoes – see Skopje in winter.
- Many shops and some museums close on 1–2 and 7 January.
- Hotels are busy over New Year – book early (see below).
Where to Stay in Skopje for New Year
Over New Year, stay within walking distance of Macedonia Square: you can join the concert and walk back after the fireworks without hunting for a taxi.
- Skopje Marriott Hotel – right on Macedonia Square, the most central upscale choice.
- Hotel Senigallia – rooms on a rebuilt sailing ship moored on the Vardar, in the middle of the city.
- Solun Hotel & Spa – a central hotel with a spa, a short walk from the main square.
Browse all hotels in Skopje city centre, compare neighbourhoods in our Where to Stay in Skopje guide, or see our pick of the best hotels in Skopje.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is Christmas in Skopje?
Orthodox Christmas is on 7 January; Catholic Christmas (25 December) is marked by the small Catholic community.
Is there a New Year’s Eve concert in Skopje?
Usually yes – a free open-air concert and fireworks on Macedonia Square. The line-up is announced in December.
Are shops open over the holidays?
Most close on 1 January and 7 January; malls often reopen with shorter hours.
Our private tour
Private Matka Canyon Tour from Skopje
Hotel pickup anywhere in Skopje, a private air-conditioned car and a friendly English-speaking local driver. Boat ride to Vrelo Cave, hiking or a lakeside coffee – at your own pace. From €60 per car (1–4 guests).
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