Christmas in Croatia

downtown Zagreb around Christmas

Christmas celebrations in Croatia are similar to those in other European countries, with old and unique traditions. In the smaller towns especially on the coast, Christmas carolling was a popular old tradition that's gaining a new following. Red apples and gold leaf walnuts are popular Christmas foods, along with a host of delicious Christmas cookies. Learn how to make a traditional Croatian honey dough cookie here: Licitar.


another picture from downtown Zagreb

On December 24th, just before eating baked herring, Djed Bozicnjak comes to bring presents to boys and girls. Usually, children wait until after dinner to open their presents! On Christmas day, many families eat soup, baked turkey with flatbread wafers, and "sarma" - meat and rice filling in Sauerkraut leaves.