SPU:
Advent in Split - Where Roman Columns Wear Christmas Sweaters

The cheekiest holiday decor in Europe might be the 50-foot-tall Diocletian wearing a red velvet Santa hat projected onto his mausoleum. Split's Advent celebration blends ancient architecture with festive cheer in ways that would baffle the original Romans:

• Ice skating rink in the Peristyle (the marble floor protected by a revolutionary transparent coating)
• Klapa choir flash mobs singing carols in the acoustically perfect palace corridors
• "Gladiator Santa" who hands out figs and honey cakes instead of candy canes

The showstopper is the "Light of Jupiter" installation - a laser show that transforms the Temple of Jupiter's ceiling into a rotating star map matching the night sky from December 25, 305 AD. Astronomer Dr. Ivana Perić explains: "We're showing what Diocletian saw on his last Christmas."

Don't Miss: The 3 AM "Silent Night" moment when all lights cut out and the square fills with candlelight.

Celebrate Christmas Like an Emperor
PrestigeFly (www.prestigefly.com) arranges business class on Emirates' Dubai-Split route and stays at the new Hotel Vestibule Palace where your balcony overlooks the skating rink. Our "Winter Palace" package includes mulled wine in replica Roman glassware.