December Events in Tirana

December is already here, and it’s only fair to say…it’s one of the best months to be in Albania. The lights go up, the city gets all cosy, everyone slows down just enough to enjoy family time, food, and all the festive chaos we secretly love.

There’s so much going on. Concerts, markets, meet-ups, cultural nights. December here is anything but boring.

To make things easier, I put together a list of the best events happening this month in Tirana, so you can skip the search and jump straight to the fun. 😉

1. Christmas Markets

Christmas markets are now an annual tradition that gathers people together and brings a cosy, festive atmosphere to town. Having hot cocoa in the main plaza, the Skanderbeg Square, taking pictures near the Christmas tree, and searching for gifts among the classic wooden stalls has become a December tradition.

People love this time of the year. It’s filled with so much joy, movement, and excitement. From December to January, the city transforms into a real-life fairytale that you have to experience!

2. The Closing Concert of National Cultural Week (5 Dec)

If you’d like to experience Albanian vocal music in a more refined, cultural setting, this is a beautiful event to add to your December plans.

The National Cultural Week comes to a close on December 5th with a special concert held at the foyer of the National Opera and Ballet Theatre in Tirana (TKOBAP). The evening will feature the vocal ensemble “Zanat”, bringing together powerful female voices from the Albanian-speaking world.

3. Holiday Social at Nina’s Cat Café (4 Dec)

If you love animals or just want a warm, relaxing way to start the festive season, you can join other expats on December 4th at 6:30 PM at Nina’s Cat Café.

It’s a small, heartwarming event where you can enjoy a hot drink, meet friendly people, and spend time with the rescued cats that live at the café.

4. Tirana Dance Experiences (5-7 Dec)

Tirana Dance Experience is one of the most exciting events happening in the city this December, at Te Stela resort. Taking place from December 5th to 7th, this multi-day event brings together dancers, instructors, and music lovers from Albania and abroad for a mix of workshops, social dancing, and late-night parties.

Even if you’re not a professional dancer, you can still enjoy the vibe. The energy is fun, welcoming, and full of life. You’ll see people of all levels dancing together, learning new steps, and simply enjoying the rhythm.

5. Giuseppe Verdi’s Il Trovatore at the National Opera & Ballet Theatre (11-12-13 Dec)

If you’re looking for a classic cultural experience in Tirana this December, Giuseppe Verdi’s opera Il Trovatore is being staged at the National Opera & Ballet Theatre (TKOBAP) on December 11th, 12th, and 13th at 7:00 PM.

This powerful opera tells a dramatic story of love, jealousy, fate, and sacrifice, brought to life through emotional music and strong vocal performances.

6. Readers’ Theatre Night at Bitter Bistro (14 Dec)

A different kind of evening, something cozy, creative, and a little unusual…

Tirana Pub Theatre is hosting a Readers’ Theatre night at Bitter Bistro on Sunday, 14 December.

Never heard of Readers’ Theatre? Think of it as “theatre of the mind.” There’s no full stage setup, no elaborate costumes, and only a few props. Instead, everything depends on the actors’ voices and your imagination.