You better watch out!
You better not cry
Better not pout
I'm telling you why
Santa Claus is coming to town

The song by John Frederick Coots and Haven Gilespie, first performed by Eddie Cantor might as well be about Zagreb. The sounds of Christmas bells, the taste of hot dogs and the smell of mulled wine are just some of the first things that come to mind when you say Christmas. Being a real lover of the Christmas time and spirit, and a true admirer of Zagreb, you can imagine what Zagreb represents to me during Christmas time. Well, you can if you've ever been here during Christmas time. 

Photo Credit: S. Kaštelan/TZGZ download zona

When it comes to this period of the year, I believe all cities in the world are beautiful, but Zagreb turns into something magical. And it gets bigger and better every year. When you see the Christmas lights illuminating the streets of Zagreb, it simply evokes a special feeling inside you. Something you could compare with falling in love, but this time not with a person, but with a town. Can you imagine a better thing for Christmas than that Advent spirit spreading all over your hometown? 

The places where the magic happens

This year, Zagreb offers two entirely new locations where you can hear and feel the magic of Christmas. One of those is the most beautiful park in Zagreb, Maksimir Park. Something I will definitely check out. The other one is at the old Tkalča - one of the most exciting streets in Zagreb. It will bring back the time when the old neighboring districts of Gradec and Kaptol were the two central districts of Zagreb. You will be able to meet the old artisan workshops and how they used to do things in those past times. It surely won't be easy to go through all the locations in one day, so if you're booking accommodation in Zagreb, be sure to do it for a couple of days. 

Photo Credit: D. Rostuhar/ TZGZ download zona

Although I can't ice skate, I always love to pass by the beautiful and smooth surface of the ice park. It turns the King Tomislav Square into an ice skating fairy tale. The stands with mesmerizing scents spreading all over, the romantic Christmas music and the radiant faces of happy people surrounding you, makes the Ice Park at King Tomislav Square, a place to be. If you are a walking type of person, the best experience for you will probably be in Marić passage or the tunnel connecting Mesnička Street and Art Park. Moving through the crowd won't be a problem because of the beautiful Christmas lights illuminating the passages leading you to another unforgettable Christmas experience by the Advent in Zagreb. All of the locations are so beautiful, but also, there's so many of them that I can't describe all of them and give them the appreciation they deserve. One thing is sure; wherever you decide to go, you won't regret it. 

Photo Credit: Marija Gašparović/ TZGZ download zona

The heart-warming cultural events

Photo Credit: S. Kaštelan/TZGZ download zona

What is Christmas without Christmas carols? Although we in Croatia don't have a tradition of Christmas caroling like the United States, Zagreb tourist board came up with something even more magical. A six-piece brass ensemble is holding a concert from some of the most beautiful Zagreb balconies, making that Christmas feeling even stronger, following you while you're sinking in that festive feeling by roaming through the wonderfully ornate streets of the best advent city in Europe. Every more prominent church in Zagreb will have some Advent programme or concert. Other cultural events during the Christmas season imply concerts in concert halls, exhibits in museums and plays in theaters. You can see the full program of the Advent on its official site. I bet it's going to be the best one so far! 

Header Image Credit: T. Smoljanović/TZGZ download zona

Author: Tibor Trupec