BANJA LUKA TRANSFORMS INTO A WINTER WONDERLAND THIS DECEMBER

Banja Luka is preparing to shine once again as the city unveils a new edition of “Banjalučka Zima” and the beloved winter market “Zimzobal,” officially opening on Sunday, November 30 at 18:00 in Petar Kočić Park.

Project manager for the City of Banja Luka, Milada Šukalo, announced that visitors can expect a spectacular atmosphere and plenty of surprises during the opening ceremony.

“Releasing lanterns into the sky, Santa Claus arriving from a very unexpected place, gifts for the youngest visitors, and a fantastic concert — that’s just a part of what we’re preparing for Sunday,” Šukalo said.

The “Banjalučka Zima” program will run throughout December and into January.

“In Petar Kočić Park, numerous activities await you, along with holiday carriage rides once again in Mladen Stojanović Park. We have also prepared a special program for St. Nicholas Day, as well as a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration featuring Nataša Bekvalac and Aca Pejović. In addition, a special ‘Winter at the Youth Center’ program will be offered. ‘Banjalučka Zima’ will conclude with the celebration of the Orthodox New Year. Our goal is for Banja Luka to shine in full glory, and we are committed to making that happen,” Šukalo emphasized.

She noted that Christmas and winter markets across Europe and the world are among the most attractive tourist offerings, bringing significant revenue to local communities.

“Despite many challenges, including difficulties in the functioning of the City Assembly and late budget adoption, we continue to dedicate ourselves to creating a vibrant winter story that positions Banja Luka among cities offering exciting winter experiences. Considering that we remain competitively priced compared to European destinations, I can freely say we are doing an excellent job,” Šukalo added.

This year, the city on the Vrbas River will showcase a remarkable festive atmosphere.

“We have already begun decorating the city, adding many new locations, parks and squares that will receive their own winter edition. Stunning holiday installations will adorn Gospodska Street, and we will decorate places such as the Milanović House, the city park near Delta, and the area around the tennis arena,” she said.

She also announced that Banja Luka will introduce a special floating holiday installation in mid-December.

Neven Stanić, Director of the City Development Agency, said that his institution, in cooperation with the City, is once again organizing the program in Petar Kočić Park.

“Our agency has successfully organized ‘Zimzobal’ for several years now, with the aim of enriching the city’s winter tourist offer, especially through cultural and educational activities. This year’s Zimzobal begins on November 30 and will run until January 5 in Petar Kočić Park, while part of the program will also take place on Krajina Square, where an ice rink and amusement park will be set up,” Stanić said.

He emphasized that this year’s “Zimzobal” will feature over 300 hours of cultural and artistic performances and more than one hundred individual events.

“Visitors can look forward to performances by local artists, animators, face-painting, and shows by children from kindergartens and schools over the next 35 days. The park features 21 booths offering a wide range of products and experiences,” Stanić added.