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Live an unforgettable holiday experience in Zagorje, a region that turns into a true winter fairy tale during Advent! Zagorje 2024 brings a rich Advent program full of joy, tradition and magic for all generations. From the smell of mulled wine and homemade cakes at Advent fairs to lavish concerts, ice rinks and family events, every municipality and city offers something unique. Whether you are looking for romantic evenings under the light of holiday lights, family adventures with ice rinks and children’s shows, or energetic concerts and Christmas markets, Advent in Zagorje has something for everyone. Visitors from all over Croatia and abroad are attracted by the warmth of the local community, the distinctive flavors of Zagorje cuisine and various cultural programs. In addition to the main events in Krapina, Zabok, Marija Bistrica, Oroslavje, Zlatar Bistrica and Lobor, smaller places like Hrašćina bring a special charm, where tradition and local spirit merge in a perfect holiday story. Don’t miss the opportunity to start the holidays in the heart of Hrvatski Zagorje, a region that enchants visitors year after year.
Advent in Krapina
Krapina, as the capital of Zagorje, has prepared a lavish Advent program that will last from November 29 to the end of December. The skating rink near the elementary school “Ljudevit Gaj” will be the main gathering center, and every evening visitors will enjoy a varied entertainment program.
Highlights:
- 29.11. (petak) : Opening of the ice rink with a music program by The Sway Band . The evening is dedicated to the beginning of the festive atmosphere in the city.
- 30.11. (subota) : Performance of dance group Unfit and concert of The Sway Band .
- 6.12. (petak) : Traditional concert on the occasion of Saint Nicholas with the group Hands & Voice .
- 13.12. (petak) : An evening for lovers of tambura music with the Gentlemen’s Club .
- 21.12. (subota) : The highlight of Advent with Christmas gifts for children and the Footloose Band concert.
- 31.12. : New Year’s Eve at the ice rink with a rich music program.
The rink will be open every day with hours adjusted to weekdays and weekends, giving children and adults the opportunity for recreation and fun.
Accompanying events in Krapina:
- Numerous workshops in the city library and museum, including making Christmas decorations and themed exhibitions.
- “Park Matice Hrvatske” will host holiday events, including traditional Christmas concerts and a craft fair.
Advent in Zlatar Bistrica
Zlatar Bistrica brings a more intimate but warm holiday atmosphere. Here, the program focuses on family, local traditions and cultural events. The program starts on December 6 with the Nikolina events and lasts until Christmas.
Highlights:
- 6.12. (petak) : The play “Minka and Floki are waiting for St. Nicholas” in the House of Culture. Children will enjoy the arrival of St. Nicholas and special gifts.
- 13.12. (petak) : Advent evening with hunting goulash organized by LU “Šljuka”.
- 14.12. (subota) : Night hike along the Forester’s Health Path – a unique opportunity to enjoy nature in the holiday spirit.
- 21.12. (subota) : Festive welcome of Santa Claus with a concert by Vladimir Juričić and a program for children.
- 26.12. (utorak) : Christmas concert “Kaju” in the House of Culture, which closes the advent story of Zlatar Bistrica.
Special attention is paid to children through animated films and creative workshops, while adults will enjoy exhibitions and fairs.
Advent in Oroslavje
Advent in Oroslavje brings a perfect combination of tradition, good music and family gatherings. It takes place from the 29 November to 31 December, with a rich day and evening program on Oro Square .
Highlights:
- 29.11. (petak) : Opening of Advent with tambourines and a DJ, thus starting a month filled with music.
- 7.12. (subota) : Performance of the popular group Fly and concert by Neda Ukraden.
- 14.12. (subota) : Christmas workshops for children and a concert by Perfect marginals (ex Hladno pivo).
- 21.12. (subota) : Motorcycle frosts bring holiday joy to the square, with a Zsa Zsa concert.
- 31.12. (utorak) : New Year’s Eve outdoors with the Footloose Band .
Part of the program includes creative workshops for children, theater performances, and educational and cultural activities in the city library.
Advent in Marija Bistrica
Marija Bistrica, one of the most important spiritual centers of Croatia, becomes a center of togetherness and joy during the holiday season. Of particular note is the unique ice fairy tale that brings winter magic to Ivan Pavla II Square.
Highlights:
- 30.11. (subota) : Opening of the ice rink with a solemn ceremony and a concert by Marko Škugor.
- 1.12. (nedjelja) : Lighting of the first Advent candle and a spiritual music concert in the basilica.
- 13.12.–15.12. : Weekend lights with various workshops and concerts by local choirs.
- 31.12. (utorak) : New Year’s Eve at noon, ideal for families with children.
The rich gastronomic offer at the Advent cottages, along with local specialties, completes the Advent magic.
Advent in Zabok
This year, Zabok entices visitors with excellent concerts and interesting content for families. The program lasts from December 1 to December 31.
Highlights:
- 20.12. (petak) : Indira’s performance – a concert full of energy for dance music lovers.
- 21.12. (subota) : General Danger Concert – a rock evening for all generations.
- 22.12. (nedjelja) : Children’s day with animations, workshops and performances.
- 31.12. (utorak) : Spectacular New Year’s Eve with Bosses and Fiscals .
Advent cottages with a rich gastronomic offer are ideal for socializing and enjoying.
Advent in Hrašćina
Hrašćina offers an intimate Advent program with an emphasis on the local community and family.
Highlights:
- Advent candle lighting is organized every Saturday in December in the park in Trgovišće.
- Theater shows and concerts bring joy to children and adults, while creative workshops allow participants to create their own decorations.
Advent in the Holy Cross Začretje
Advent in Sveti Križ Začretje 2024 brings a rich program for all generations, including religious ceremonies, cultural events, and family activities. Here is an overview of the key events:
- December 13, 2024 – Christmas Concert – Performance by the “Pačetanci” brass band at the elementary school.
- December 14, 2024 – Parish Adoration and Christmas Confession – Holy Masses and the opportunity for confession with special emphasis on adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
- December 15, 2024 – Third Sunday of Advent – Blessing of the third Advent candle.
- December 22, 2024 – Fourth Sunday of Advent and Children’s Advent – Blessing of the fourth Advent candle.
- December 24, 2024 – Christmas Eve – “Living Nativity Scene” program in the church.
- December 25, 2024 – Christmas – Celebrating the birth of Jesus with solemn masses.
- December 26, 2024 – Saint Stephen – Holy Masses with an emphasis on prayer for families.
- December 27, 2024 – Saint John the Apostle – Blessing of wine at evening mass.
- December 31, 2024 – New Year’s Day – Thanksgiving Mass in the evening to end the year.
The program is filled with spiritual, musical, and social events, providing an opportunity for fellowship and preparation for Christmas.
Advent in the Mača Christmas Corner
The Mača Christmas Corner 2024 brings a rich program that combines tradition, creativity and togetherness through numerous events from November 30 to January 25. The program begins on November 30 with the blessing of Advent wreaths and the lighting of the first Advent candle in the Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Mač, with a performance by the parish choir. This is followed by various workshops for children, such as the art workshop “Write, draw, the tea smells” and the sweet workshop “Christmas sweet handicraft” . Events such as the arrival of Saint Nicholas on December 6 and the traditional lighting of Advent candles with festive masses and performances by local musical groups, such as the Mača Brass Band and the Ljudevit Gaj Cultural and Artistic Association, are highlighted. The musical program also includes the Great Christmas Concert on December 21 and the concert “Kajda through Christmas and the first 20” on December 27. A Christmas movie has been organized for the youngest, while families will enjoy the play “The Light of Christmas” and spending time with Santa Claus on December 20. Advent ends with charity concerts and a traditional gathering, and the program culminates with the celebration of the 45th anniversary of the Ljudevit Gaj Mače Cultural and Artistic Association on January 25. The Mače Christmas Corner is also special for its humanitarian initiative “Give with a Heart” , which enables the collection of aid for those most in need. This Advent period offers a warm and festive atmosphere for all generations.
Advent in Desinić
Advent in Desinić 2024 offers a rich program full of creative workshops, musical events and holiday gatherings for all generations, from November 29 to January 6. The program begins with workshops on making Christmas decorations on November 29, while on November 30 the lighting of the first Advent candle is accompanied by performances by the parish choir and an exhibition and sale of Advent wreaths. Numerous events follow in December, such as the celebration of the arrival of Saint Nicholas on December 6 and the Advent pilgrimage “From Hill to Hill” on December 7. Featured events include:
- December 14th, museum-educational workshops and creative activities for children at Veliki Tabor Palace.
- December 21st, Christmas musical playroom and lighting of the fourth Advent candle.
- On December 24th, midnight with performances by the Croatian Cultural and Artistic Association and socializing with mulled wine and sausages.
- December 26th traditional Christmas concert of the Karlo Lugarić Brass Band.
- January 6th, the final concert of the Đuro Prejac Choir.
Along with musical performances, exhibitions and workshops, visitors can enjoy mulled wine, local specialties and a warm holiday atmosphere. Advent in Desinić is ideal for families and all those who want to experience the spirit of togetherness and tradition.
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