Dear citizens and visitors of Zagreb!

Even though the most wonderful time of the year is close, as well as the magical Advent in our stunning city of Zagreb, the current epidemiological situation is not in our favour and we are facing many challenges. We are aware that this year we will not be enjoying such a luxury as in previous years. While keeping in mind the new rules of behaviour and precautions, we still tried our best to give our city a holiday spirit, at least to some extent.

In line with the recommendations and decisions of the competent institutions, the Advent festivities in Zagreb will be held in a different atmosphere. Preparations for a holiday programme are underway the aim of which is to preserve the spirit of the best Christmas market in Europe while, of course, adhering to all prescribed measures. The focus this year is on cultural events. During the Advent festivities in Zagreb, nine holiday music festivals with numerous concerts will take place. Some of the performers are the Zagreb Soloists, the Zagreb Chamber Orchestra and many other excellent Croatian musicians as well as aspiring artists who have a bright future ahead.

The Light of Advent is part of Advent in Zagreb aiming to encourage decorating windows in the spirit of the holidays in the Upper Town. Ten institutions located in the Upper Town will adorn their windows with Christmas motifs. We would like to invite citizens of Zagreb to do the same with their windows.

In the spirit of Advent, Christmas lights will be put up throughout Zagreb but certain locations will receive particularly rich decorations, such as King Tomislav Square, Zrinjevac Park, The Republic of Croatia Square, four locations in the Upper Town such as the Gradec Plateau, Bela IV Park, Strossmayer Promenade, as well as St. Mark’s Square and Ban Josip Jelačić Square.

Enjoy the Advent festivities while staying responsible and take care of yourself and others!

We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

Yours faithfully,

Mayor of the City of Zagreb

Milan Bandić