Thanks to the Advent in Zagreb event, the Croatian capital has been chosen as the best Advent and Christmas destination in Europe in a selection by the European Best Destinations (EBD) organization based in Brussels, the Zagreb Tourist Board reported on Friday.
The Croatian capital received 29,901 out of a total of 101,707 votes from individuals in 176 countries who participated in the EBD survey. Voting lasted for ten days, and survey participants selected their favorite European Advent and Christmas destination based on criteria of quality, reputation, and the richness of Christmas-related offerings.
– During the Advent season, Zagreb offers a special atmosphere that simply must be experienced. An increasing number of tourists are choosing the Croatian capital as their destination at this time of year, as good entertainment is guaranteed at almost every turn. The city streets and squares invite you to relax and enjoy singing, dancing, and other forms of entertainment with family and friends. You can also enjoy traditional delicacies or themed programs, it is stated among other things in the explanation of Zagreb’s winning assets, emphasizing the unique charm of the Zagreb city center.
Following Zagreb on the list of “must see” European Advent destinations are Strasbourg, Aachen, Colmar (France), Brussels, Leipzig, etc.
This year’s Advent in Zagreb is the sixth in a row, organized by the City of Zagreb, the Concert Management Zagreb, and numerous other partners from the public and private sectors from November 28 this year to January 10 next year by the Zagreb Tourist Board. Some of the novelties of this year’s Advent include the Advent Calendar (revitalization and revival of four neglected and undiscovered courtyards and passages of Lower Town), Christmas of Old Zagreb and Ice Sculptures (December 12-24 at the Klovićevi Dvori Gallery and on the Gradec plateau), the Christmas Cake & Cookie Festival (December 16-23 at the Karas Gallery), and a larger and more content-rich Ice Park/outdoor skating rink at King Tomislav Square.
Last year, more than 56,000 domestic and foreign tourists visited Zagreb during the Advent period in December, achieving 101.5 thousand overnight stays, which was an increase of 21 percent compared to December of the previous year. Most tourists then came to Zagreb from Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Slovenia, while in overnight stays, the top three were Italians, guests from Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Germans.
