Advent Zagreb

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The Light of Advent

Thank you all for sharing with us a whiff of Christmas from your homes!

The beautifully decorated windows of Zagreb's residents as well as those of institutions carry messages of optimism, community, warmth, and inspire a true holiday spirit.

The Light of Advent is a project through which Zagreb Tourist Board wanted to encourage the cultural institutions in the Upper Town, but also the people of Zagreb to decorate their windows in the spirit of the holidays.

Due to the pandemic, as well as the earthquake in Zagreb, 2020 has been challenging, and with this project we wanted to start a warm story, encourage positive emotions, create a sense of community and, ultimately, encourage local people to get involved and contribute in the festivities of Advent.

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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.

Advent Zagreb 2019

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

Wir haben super Geschenke gefunden.

Einige davon auch für uns selbst. (Lachen)

Alzbeta 29, Czech Republic

Spectacular experience.

The kids had a blast!

Marija i Zoki, Hrvatska

Uživali smo i zasigurno dolazimo opet.

Ivana, Leona y Nina

Fue extraordinario e inolvidable.

Rumi 31, UK

This is perfect!

Highly recommended. Skating around with the beautiful city buildings overlooking is overwhelming.

Advent in the media

Evening Standard

Why you need to visit Zagreb's Advent market

If you think European Christmas markets are little more than twee tourist traps selling overpriced trinkets, you haven’t been to Zagreb’s Advent market. It’s a city-wide street party with a civilised buzz that makes everything sparkle and glow. And it wasn’t just the mulled wine, or the rakija, or the hot gin...

Forbes

A Culinary Guide To Zagreb's Christmas Market (Voted Europe's Best)

No matter where you find yourself in Zagreb — whether it’s ice skating in front of King Tomislav Square or listening to a children’s choir at the main square of Ban Josip Jelačić — wooden kiosks offering hand-held local food and drink are just steps away, offering a culinary crash course. (Plus, there’s no better way to stay warm than with a full, happy belly.)

CNN Travel

Advent traditions around the world

Visitors to the capital, Zagreb, will find a city in full throes of Advent and Christmas spirit in December, with wooden stalls selling handcrafted souvenirs, roasted chestnuts and mulled wine.

The travel website European Best Destinations named the Zagreb Christmas Market as the Best Christmas Market for the third year running, as voted by the public.

There’s plenty to buy, eat and drink, but you also shouldn’t miss the ice-skating on King Tomislav Square and the highly anticipated Christmas Taleperformance at the Central City Square.

Forbes

For the third consecutive year, Zagreb sits atop the European Best Destinations list of the Best Christmas markets

The secret of the capital of Croatia’s success includes high-quality crafts, a friendly and festive atmosphere, concerts, ice skating rinks and affordable prices.

Condé Nast Traveller

Zagreb Christmas market - Best for: A city-wide celebration

From the brass ensemble concerts that take place on the most beautiful balconies around the city to the ice rink in King Tomislav Square, the Croatian capital goes all out at Christmas.

Daily Mail Online

Probably the most exciting Christmas markets... in the world.

There are annual awards for Christmas markets and Zagreb grabbed first place last year. Croatia’s hipster capital has a large student population and offers festive value.

kosmo.at

Zagreb hat den besten Adventmarkt Europas 2016

Der Adventmarkt in Zagreb zählt zu einen der stimmungsvollsten in Europa. Nun trägt die kroatische Hauptstadt offiziell den Titel „Bester europäischer Weihnachtsmarkt 2016“.

dailymail.co.uk

Forget Vienna and Prague, head to Zagreb

Croatia hopes Christmas tourism can boost flagging economy and prove there's much more to country than sea and summertime.

mediaset.it

Zagabria è una vera capitale europea

Affascinante come sanno esserlo le città mitteleuropee, ricche di storia e di tradizione.

meteoweb.eu

I Mercatini di Natale di Zagabria sono i migliori in Europa

Benché l’inverno in Europa abbia molto da offrire, Zagabria porta l’Avvento ad un livello del tutto nuovo e quindi ben merita il premio di “Best Christmas Market 2016”

Advent Zagreb