Highlights - For all tastes and generations

There are a thousand and one reasons why you should come and be a part of Advent in Zagreb; join the citizens who flock to its streets and squares and create a special atmosphere which has not gone unnoticed by tourists.

There are many reasons why a growing number of tourists from all over the world come to Zagreb during the time of Advent. According to announcements,  this year will set a new record. Come and be a part of this unique story; experience it with your family and old friends, or possibly new ones whom you will meet in Zagreb. In December, good fun is had by all every step of the way and you  will wish that the merriment may  last forever. We present you some of the highlights from the  impressive programme of events which inspire tourist to come back to Zagreb and spend their Christmas holidays in the Croatian capital. There are many new happenings, including the Festival of Christmas cakes and cookies which will take place between December 16^th  and 23^rd  in Kras Gallery on Praška Street. The main stars of this multimedia event will be the best  confectionery chefs whose sweet bites will be difficult to resist. There will be tastings and workshops  for visitors as well as Christmas tea parties and a host of other interesting happenings  to suit gourmet tastes. Another new programme is the so-called Advent Calendar. As its name suggests, it consists of Advent-related happenings in the Downtown courtyards and passages. Those with a creative streak should visit Artomat – a fair of unconventional objets d’art. The fair is scheduled to take place between December 16^th and 23^rd in the Home of Croatian Artists on the Square of Victims of Fascism. Just like in the past,  it is bound to attract hosts of visitors who will benefit from free workshops and performances as well as displays by artists whose works span different areas of artistic creation.  

From December 19^th until the end of the year, and then again on January 1^st and 6^th, a special attraction for tourists will be the Living  Nativity Scene. This project is designed by once  marginalized young people, now amateur actors, members of Cenacolo Community. Their stage performance revives  the Holy Family, wise men from the East and shepherds. In a warm way, they conjure up the atmosphere which surrounded the birth of Jesus. Always attractive, the ceremonial changing of the guard will be performed on New Year’s day by  the Cravat Regiment. During the two-hour ceremony, the Guard of Honour of the Cravat Regiment will display the customs and gear of the 17^th century light cavalry. Besides the soldiers’ valor, the regiment was also famous for their uniforms and  kerchiefs which the soldiers wore around their necks and which eventually gave the name to the cravat – an accessory of the modern-day man.  The most attractive part of the ceremonial changing of the guard is the preparation of soldiers and the weapons inspection in front of the church of St. Mark.

Another Advent venue is the Croatian History Museum where workshops will be organized until December 20^th for all those who are interested in Croatian Christmas traditions, ranging from old customs dating back to the times when Croatian settlers came to  Croatia and were converted to Christianity to the present day. Old Christmas decorations from the museum’s holdings will be put on display while the Advent in the Croatian House will showcase a collection of nativity scenes and Christmas decorations made by the children and adolescents from St. Joseph’s House in Leskovac.  On December 22^nd, the choir of Zagreb’s physicians will hold a Christmas concert in the church of St.Catherine, and  Podgorac Singing Society will mark the 50^th anniversary of the first long-play Christmas record “Croatian Christmas” on December 27^th in Zagreb’s cathedral. Events for the youngest ones will  include the Christmas train known as Tin express which will run through the city and a plethora of New Year’s Day-related programmes. We believe that we have managed to give you just a brief glimpse into Zagreb’s Christmas atmosphere. This is a special time of the year when citizens of Zagreb live on its squares and streets where they are happily joined by an ever increasing number of visitors.