Advent in Zagreb, to be held from November 30, 2019, to January 7, 2020, will feature numerous events all around in the city, and will be inspired by The Nutcracker ballet, ecology and culture.

The head of the Zagreb City Tourism Board, Martina Bienenfeld, said that Advent in Zagreb offered the best of what the city had in tourism, catering industry, and culture and that this year the capital city is expecting more visits than last year, all the more so because Croatia will be chairing the EU as of January 1.

Tourism Minister, Gari Cappelli, said that Advent in Zagreb would be ready for Croatia’s EU presidency as would the city’s 70 hotels with around 9,000 beds and around 8,000 more in private accommodation facilities.

“This year’s Advent will be the most beautiful so far, with three main themes being, The Nutcracker and heritage, ecology and sustainability, and accessibility for persons with disabilities,” Bienenfeld said.

Sculptures of The Nutcracker, made by artist Petar Banda, will be displayed at locations across the city, most restaurants and bars will be using paper cups and plates, and special ramps will be installed to provide more accessibility for persons with disabilities.

Once again Advent in Zagreb will feature an ice rink in King Tomislav Square.

Bienenfeld said the event will have a rich music and concert programme, with emphasis on classical music. A live Nativity scene will be staged outside the Zagreb Cathedral, she said, adding that the event’s programme also included museum exhibitions and a humanitarian run.