Zadar: Cheerful, Full of Song, and Wrapped in Festive Cheer

Thousands of Zadar locals flocked to the Advent square and holiday booths on Christmas Eve, creating crowded and lively scenes filled with Zadar’s youth, families, students returning home, and visitors from across Croatia. Despite the near-polar morning and midday chill, accompanied by a relentless bora wind, it was the most joyful Christmas Eve in years.

“The initial idea was to position Zadar as a Mediterranean city that is pleasant to live in, first and foremost for its residents, and then for everyone else. Local authenticity is particularly intriguing to tourists, who are no longer the same as they were ten years ago,” notes Iva Bencun, Director of the Zadar Tourist Board. This local authenticity—epitomized by Christmas Eve in Zadar, a genuinely Zadar tradition that oral tradition has long spread beyond city borders—adds a spontaneous charm to any holiday gathering. The Christmas concert brought a touch of star-studded spectacle, complementing Zadar’s distinctive holiday story.

“Visitors and tourists want to experience local traditions; they want to see how people live, their customs, and they’re especially curious about authentic events and cuisine. Advent in Zadar combines all these interests, appealing to both locals and visitors,” adds Director Bencun. And there was plenty on offer for locals and guests on December 24th and 25th. From early morning, Kalelarga, Varoš, and the Advent square were bustling with people, as the old town donned its festive attire. Four Cantons, Borelli Street, and the waterfront all bore the unmistakable marks of Christmas Eve—codfish stew, fritters, and the vibrant spirit of traditions passed down through generations. Café seats on Christmas Eve morning were long reserved, creating an atmosphere that amazes anyone experiencing Zadar’s narrow streets for the first time, whether by chance or design.

“This tradition repeats year after year; people come to the Old Town spontaneously, and the city is packed. Our programs aim to enrich the event and the holiday mood with Santa Claus promenades, great music, and excellent festive cuisine at the booths,” Director Bencun highlights. After the city quieted down on Christmas Eve afternoon, it roared back to life on Christmas Day with a concert by Ivana Kindl and Pekota’s Forum. For those seeking visual spectacles, the magic continued with a 3D mapping display on St. Donatus Church, running through the end of the year. This light display, a gift from the Zadar Tourist Board in collaboration with D&L Consulting, brought festive imagery to one of Zadar’s most iconic stone landmarks.