Dear citizens of Zagreb, dear visitors!

We welcome December with joy; it is always rich in a cheerful atmosphere of Advent and for many it is the favourite month of the year. During this month, we like spending every free moment in the city centre, enjoying numerous activities with our family and friends.

During the magnificent Advent period our beautiful Zagreb turns into the best Christmas destination in Europe. Advent in Zagreb is a traditional manifestation offering a myriad of events which will please even the most demanding visitors. Entertainment, varied gastro offer, unique events, art but also genuine holiday atmosphere; all await you in the streets of the capital. Due to this, Zagreb has earned international recognition as the best Christmas destination, leaving behind cities that have been famous as Advent destinations for years, such as Vienna nearby.

December is truly a month rich in Advent-related events which allow everyone to find something that suits them. There are two major topics in 2019: the Nutcracker and Croatian heritage, so statues of this character will adorn the entire city. This particularly refers to Grič Tunnel and Oktogon passage which will be dominated by the recognisable figurine of the Nutcracker.

In addition to the Advent-inspired attractions that have become traditional, we would like to single out the main square in Zagreb where Zagreb artisans will present their work, among others. There are also European Square, Zrinjevac Park, Ice Park in King Tomislav Square, Fooling Around in Strossmayer Square, various romantic and fairy tale-inspired spots in the Upper Town which will boast a special Advent atmosphere, the Advent offer in Maksimir Park and the Polar Advent in our Zoological Garden. There are also some novelties such as the Advent with Films in Tuškanac which will combine the Tuškanac woods and the magical Tuškanac Cinema. It will screen Christmas classics for adults and children.

A string of musical and cultural events will also take place in churches, cultural institutions and open-air venues. The emphasis is on classical music, and there are eight festivals – from the Festival of Advent and Christmas songs, concerts in St. Catherine’s and St. Blaise’s church to Christmas with the Kids with the participation of the Kids from Ribnjak Park choir.

The fourth edition of the Zagreb Advent Run charity race will be organised again this year for all fans of sports and running. The race starts and finishes in front of The Westin Zagreb Hotel. The aim of this year’s edition is to raise awareness among citizens and runners about the importance of preventive examination of moles and caring for your skin year-round. A portion of the funds gathered from race participation fees will be donated to the charity Zdravi pod suncem (Healthy under the Sun) to support its programs and projects.

Every year the Advent offer is becoming more eventful which allows us to proudly say that Zagreb can certainly match rich Advent offer of other destinations. I am proud because all of us will celebrate the wealth of tourism, cultural, gastro and holiday activities of our city. May you all enjoy a happy and blessed holiday season, surrounded by your loved ones.

Merry Christmas!

Yours faithfully,

Mayor of the City of Zagreb
Milan Bandić