Zagreb’s famous Christmas Market, “Advent in Zagreb”, officially opened on Saturday night with the ceremonial lighting of the first Advent candle by President Kolinda Grabar Kitarovic and Zagreb Mayor Milan Bandic on the city’s Ban Jelacic Square.
Almost every street in the city centre, from the upper town to the centre, has been decorated with Christmas trees, ornaments and lights. On every corner, Christmas songs are heard.
Since Saturday afternoon, a river of people has poured into the city centre. Public transport will be free during every weekend of the Christmas season.
Tasty offerings are also very rich, and the streets are full of the smell of roasted sausage, cooked wine and a local dessert, a form of donut, called “fritule”.
The central part of the market is on Zrinjevac Park, where there is a stage for Christmas concerts, as well as a large sliding trail.
Various craft souvenirs and decorations can also be bought on the streets.
In 2017, Zagreb was selected by European Best Destinations for the third time as the best destination for a Christmas holiday in Europe.
The City of Zagreb has invested more than 650,000 euros in promoting this year’s event.
Last year, visitors to “Advent in Zagreb” spent 58 million euros and it is expected that this year will be even more.
