Advent in Europe: Here’s how Zagreb and Croatia do it

Just like across Europe, cities in Croatia shine brightly with creatively arranged lights and adorned Christmas trees and city decorations, attracting visitors with the diversity of markets.

On Saturday, we wrote about Advent in European Metropolises, today we write about cities in Croatia.

Zagreb – The Best Advent and Christmas Destination in Europe

Thanks to the Advent in Zagreb event, the Croatian capital has been chosen as the best Advent and Christmas destination in Europe by the European Best Destinations (EBD) organization based in Brussels.
The center of events, or the traditional Christmas market, is Ban Josip Jelačić Square where stalls offer seasonal gifts such as licitars and gingerbread, as well as ornaments for the tree, souvenirs, jewelry, food, crafts, and artistic works. This year, the market is also held in Gajeva and Bogovićeva streets and at Flower Square, where in addition to shopping, you can enjoy concerts and other events. Don’t miss the concerts and stalls at the magically illuminated Zrinjevac where there is also an ice rink and you can warm up with mulled wine.
Where: Ban Josip Jelačić Square, Flower Square, Zrinjevac, Zagreb  
When: from December 1 to January 2  
Info: Zagreb Tourist Board

Rijeka – Stage on Korzo

‘Rijeka Advent’ is the name of the event that will once again give Rijeka a special, festive holiday atmosphere this year. The Christmas and New Year sales are spread across three locations: on Korzo, in Bazarigov Passage, and at Jelačić Square. The offer is diverse: local products such as brandies, fruit wines, jams, seeds, honey, lavender and medicinal herb products, pancakes, fritters, floral arrangements, ornaments, and woven products are available. There is also a rich entertainment program, with the center of these events being the stage on Korzo, mainly in the afternoon hours. It has been announced that more than sixty performers will pass through the stage in December.
Where: Korzo, Bazarigov Passage, Jelačić Square, Rijeka  
When: from November 5 to January 6  
Info: Rijeka Tourist Board

Varaždin – Fairy-tale Scenery

The historical, baroque core of Varaždin is a fairy-tale scenery for the increasingly successful and well-known ‘Advent in Varaždin’. The program begins with the lighting of the first candle on the Advent wreath in front of the cathedral accompanied by a mixed choir performance. Most of the entertainment program is dedicated to the youngest, such as the arrival of Santa Claus on December 14, and many workshops, theater performances, and animated film screenings are also planned for them. Adults are not forgotten either, nor their need for various souvenirs, decorations, traditional food, and drinks offered at many stalls. 
Where: Old Town  
When: from November 30 to December 29
Info: Varaždin Tourist Board

Dubrovnik – The Perfect Scene for the Holidays

Although Dubrovnik is not a place where you can imagine a traditional white Christmas, the atmosphere is fantastic. Part of the credit for this goes to the increasingly rich musical and artistic holiday program every year. Many traditional products, handicrafts, ceramic products, Christmas decorations, or toys are just part of the offer at the stalls set up near the Sponza Palace. There are also local delicacies – kontonjata, or quince sweet, fritters, and mulled wine. On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, caroling is organized along Stradun accompanied by the Dubrovnik City Music.
Where: City, near the Sponza Palace  
When: from December 1 to January 6
Info: Dubrovnik Tourist Board