Advent Zagreb

11/26/2022 - 7/1/2023

Advent season is back in all its glory: this winter, experience the most beautiful Christmas story!

This year Advent Zagreb returns shinier than ever! Think of Christmas decorations and beautiful wooden huts, enchanting music and performances, delicious gastronomic offer and smiling ruddy cheeks. The Advent Zagreb represents the Christmas spirit, born in our hearts. It is a leisurely walk with your loved ones, a feeling of warmth despite the cold air, the joy of giving and belief in a better tomorrow... And, so, this year's Advent program in Zagreb is designed to spread the Christmas spirit onto the city streets with millions of hearts through the sounds, sights, tastes and scents, so that each one of them can relive the feeling of pure joy.

Music in the time of Advent

This year, the Zagreb Christmas songbook will echo throughout concert halls and churches, museums and foyers.

Culture in the time of Advent

The Christmas spirit is also felt in the performances and exhibitions that will give the visitors a true experience for this time of the year.

Advent for children

Who is more excited about Christmas than the little ones? They know how to cherish its joy and magic, they still believe in Santa Claus and are eager to share their enthusiasm for the Christmas magic with everyone.

Hotels in the time of Advent

The most beautiful and the most magical time of the year brings numerous visitors to Zagreb every year, both Croatian and international. If by any chance you are planning on staying in one of the local hotels, you can rest assured that the holiday mood will fill the time you spend in it.

Flavors of the Zagreb Advent

Stuffed turkey with mlinci

Here comes the turkey! The turkey is a must, especially with homemade mlinci. A classic that never goes out of fashion and one that is prepared at least several times a year for holidays that the people of Zagreb love so much. What makes it a classic? The excellent taste, of course! Zagreb-style turkey is practically a symbol of the holidays. Find a place for it on your table too.

Paprenjaci – peppery gingerbread cookies

Named after pepper, a spice that was very expensive and rare in the past, paprenjaci are an indigenous Croatian as well as Zagreb pastry, as described by August Šenoa in his renowned novel "Zlatarevo zlato". Today, paprenjaci have become of the most well-known tourist souvenirs of Zagreb, with numerous guests from all over the world taking them home as a pleasant and tasty memento of Zagreb.

Vanilin kiflice – vanilla half-moons

Isn't it about time that you surprised all of the neighbours who have, for years, been brining you vanilla half-moons for the holidays? That's right – bake some yourself! It is very simple and Christmas just would not be the same without them. Plus, there will come a time when the neighbour with the half-moons will no longer be around and you might be the one that will have to take up the role of "moon-dealer".

Sarma with mashed potatoes – sour cabbage rolls stuffed with minced meat

Nothing can quite conjure the image of sarma like the lyrics of the band Hladno pivo: Out of all food, I like sarma the most, no other grub can come close. Minced meat that is rolled tight, in leaves of cabbage, it's a delight. ... As long as it's cold outside, sarma will keep you warm.

Makovnjača – yeast dough poppy seed roll

What to say about the pastry that pretty much everyone in Zagreb tasted? Your elders may have baked it, or maybe your neighbours. Whichever way, it is a part of our tradition. A tasty crisp dough with a sweet poppy stuffing is ideal to have for dessert, and maybe even better for dipping in a glass of warm milk in the morning.

Visitors´ impressions

Ljiljana Mitić, Hrvatska

Nigdje u Europi nismo vidjeli bogatiji, ljepši, organiziraniji, ... Advent!!!

Obišli smo brojne gradove Europe u zadnjih mjesesc i pol dana, i NIGDJE nismo vidjeli bogatiji, ljepši, organiziraniji, ... Advent!!! To me kao Hrvaticu silno veseli, osobito jer se u Zagrebu ponovo osjeća njegova tradicionalna kultura, ukus, sofisticiranost i bogatstvo duhovnim vrijednostima. Vrijedno divljenja i nas domaćih, a pogotovo turista.

Edward Joseph Mavrinac, Oakville, Canada

Undoubtedly the experience of a lifetime!!!

I would highly recommend the city of Zagreb, Croatia to any and all tourists who truly wish to experience the true spirit and energy of the Advent Season. It is an experience which any guests/tourists will never forget.

Tobias und Anna, Wien