Advent in Zagreb: It’s Time for Magic!

The best European Christmas Market, whose main motive this year is the Nutcracker and which will last until 7 January, is richer and more eventful than ever. Without exaggerating we can say that it has outdone itself. The time for the magic of Christmas is here!

All those who see Zagreb as their traditional holiday destination, with good reason, will enjoy new activities and spots during December and in the first week in January. Zagreb is famous for its exceptional atmosphere and Advent inspired spots in the very centre of the city, which means most of them can be reached on foot. These spots have interesting topics; they cater to all tastes and represent somewhat of a time machine as well as provide a close link to the spirit of modernity. Beautifully decorated streets, squares and parks in the heart of the city as well as the romantic Upper Town, entertainment and gastro offer, a unique ice rink in a city park; all are a part of the Advent image of Zagreb which won the hearts of visitors from all around Croatia and abroad.

However, this year’s edition offers many novelties.

The Zagreb Tourist Board and its partners have prepared new programs. Film fans will be able to enjoy the Advent with Films in Tuškanac which brings screenings of Christmas films for all ages in the Tuškanac Cinema. Advent events by the Croatian National Theatre will have a completely different scenery and concept and another novelty is the decoration of Oktogon Passage.

This year, special emphasis is on culture so cultural events accompanied by the omnipresent Nutcracker will get us into the holiday mood. As many as 11 music events will be held during Advent in Zagreb, such as Zagreb Advent Cards, Advent in Lantern Light, Nights with Brahms, Adventfest in the Cathedral, Advent Classic Fest, the Festival of Advent and Christmas songs in Zagreb, concerts in St. Catherine’s Church, the Advent Concert program of the Zagreb Soloists, Advent in St. Blaise’s Church, Concerts from Zagreb Christmas balconies and Christmas with the Kids. Of course there are also Christmas specials of the Croatian National Theatre, the Croatian Music Institute and the Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall.

There was a special cooperation with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Sweden, which will invite a professional Swedish choir to perform in Croatia.  On the 10 December they will mark St. Lucia’s Day as a part of Advent in Zrinjevac Park and Advent in Maksimir Park.

Advent in Zagreb is the most important tourist manifestation in the city. Owing to its appeal the number of visitors increases each year. Last year the number of visitors increased by 10 percent and the number of overnight stays by 15 percent. New records are expected this year.