Dear citizens and guests of Zagreb!

The month which lies ahead is many people’s favourite. Filled with a festive Yuletide atmosphere, it opens a special place in our hearts and puts a spring in our step. It may be cold, but we enjoy the time of Advent and appreciate the moments spent with family and friends. December is also the most popular month for our city. During the magnificent Advent period, Zagreb becomes first and foremost the proud owner of the Best European Christmas Destination award. Indeed, Zagreb has been internationally recognised as the best choice for a Christmas break, leaving behind traditional Advent travel favourites, such as our neighbour Vienna.

To crown the synergy achieved by the Zagreb Tourist Board, the City Administration and all the other stakeholders of the tourist industry included in the concerted effort, there was a reward at the Days of Croatian Tourism, which was organised by the Ministry of Tourism, the Croatian Chamber of Economy and the Croatian Tourist Board. Advent in Zagreb was proclaimed the tourist event of the year. This award is bestowed on an event which exemplifies the best practice in the tourist industry in all the aspects of its operations and thus constitutes an example to follow by other events and the tourist industry as a whole.

Quite becoming of a winner who wants to stay at the top and thus continues to invest efforts in the belief that there is always room for improvement, this year’s Advent has been enhanced by new creative and innovative events and has spread onto several new locations. Visit the beautiful Croatian National Theatre, listen to the music resonating from Christmas balconies, take a stroll through the Upper Town and take a peek into the Upper Town courtyards and the Klovićevi Dvori Gallery. Enjoy The Tale from Grič in Vranicanijeva Poljana, relax and let your hair down to the sounds of music along Strossmayer’s Promenade, and do not forget to venture into the Christmas Fairytale in the Tunnel. The Zagreb Fair has prepared the Father Christmas Fairytale on Ice and Christmas Magic. Explore the Market on Martićeva Street, the main street of Zagreb’s creative zone – the Design District. Experience a bit of glamour in one of Zagreb’s most beautiful arcades where the Fashion Advent will offer collections by some of the most successful Croatian designers. Last but not least, take your little ones to Advent in Strossmayer Square.

I am really proud that we will all be partaking in the wealth of tourist, cultural, gastronomic and holiday events in our city. With all my heart, I wish you happy holidays and many enjoyable moments with your dearest.

Yours sincerely,

Milan Bandić

Mayor

City of Zagreb