Find the Christmas spirit in Croatia!
Escape the stress of Christmas that spoils the real purpose of Christmas – magic, celebration and togetherness! Croatia's many Christmas markets are like the gaps in the Advent calendar. Every day of December is filled with surprises and a genuine Christmas spirit.
Throughout the Advent season, from the end of November until Epiphany, Christmas is welcomed in Croatia with great festivities, also known as Advent Markets. This is a time when Croatians go out to look at fantastic garlands of lights and Christmas decorations, but also to listen to artists and Christmas music, but above all to enjoy Christmas food, hot drinks and to buy small gifts.
The country's largest Christmas market takes place in the capital Zagreb, Advent Zagreb, from 26/11 to 7/1.
It has become such a success that it has been voted Europe's best Christmas market three years in a row (2016, 2017 and 2018). A million hearts welcome visitors during Christmas time and invite you to a grand Christmas experience on the many squares and streets, pirouettes on the gigantic ice rink at King Tomislav Square, music both in churches and on stages, etc. But the most surprises await in the city's many Christmas stalls. In them you will find genuine gifts such as local handmade crafts. The stalls also tempt you with tastings of the fantastic Croatian cuisine. Keep the cold away with warming kuhano vino, Croatian spiced mulled wine or try something stronger like rakija, which is flavored with everything from plums to herbs according to secret recipes. The stalls also serve good Croatian wines and craft beers. This is the time when you enjoy goulash, charcuterie, sarma - Croatian cabbage rolls and of course tasty kobasice, sausages, on the grills! Finish with something sweet like fritule, chocolate-covered deep-fried doughnuts, kiflice, vanilla-flavored crescent rolls, or the Croatian gingerbread paprenjaci? Why not take them home as a gift!
In the evenings and weekends the atmosphere is extra high and music can be heard in every corner. Strossmayer Street in the Old Town is a perfect place to end the evening. The atmosphere here is intense when toasting with Christmas drinks. The visitor is welcomed into the community and received like a local! Nothing beats the authentic old-fashioned Christmas feeling!
Here's more Christmas in Croatia
• On Salajland In Cazma outside Zagreb, the Salaj family opens the doors to their sparkling fairy tale landscape filled with thousands of lights from 27/11-9/1.
• In Marija Bistrica Outside Zagreb, the religious Catholic Christmas takes center stage with masses, music and concerts during the weekends until New Year's Eve.
• During Advent in Split The square around the Roman palace is filled with Christmas markets and also along the Riva promenade and the Cornaro fort. Afterwork and concerts are promised, including with pop star Jelena Rozga on 27/11-2/1.
• Rijeka Advent takes place, among other things, along Korzo and at Trsat Castle on 27/11-8/1.
• Zadar's Celebrations take place on 26/11-1/1.
• Dubrovnik Winter Festival with traditional crafts, local specialties, concerts along Stradun, theater, etc. takes place from 26/11- 6/1. The highlight is on New Year's Eve.
