Advent in Varaždin: Last year’s hit returns even more magical

by croatiaweek
November 21, 2024
in Entertainment

Varaždin voted most beautiful Advent in Croatia

(Photo: Varaždin Tourist Board)

After last year’s Advent in Varaždin captured visitors’ hearts and earned the title of “The Most Beautiful Advent in Croatia,” the beloved winter event is set to delight once again, running from 29th November to 6th January.

A Journey Through the Clouds to Santa’s Grotto

This year, Varaždin’s friendship with Santa Claus grows even stronger, with the excitement and anticipation heightened by a magical lift.

Those who step inside will embark on a unique virtual journey soaring above the clouds to Santa’s warm and splendid home.

Once the doors open, visitors will be greeted by Santa himself, ready to listen to wishes and share the festive magic with children and adults alike.

This new attraction is part of Santa’s Enchanted Town, now expanded to the entire courtyard of the Sermage Palace. Six beautifully decorated huts, creative decorations, and thousands of twinkling lights transform it into a fairytale oasis of festive joy.

Alongside Santa’s House, visitors can explore Mrs Claus’s Cottage, the Grinch’s Cave, the Sweet House, and the Gift Workshop. A new addition this year is the Creative Workshop, hosting a range of activities like baking, clay modelling, a Lego Christmas adventure, and the popular Baking & Wine sessions for adults. With a total of 55 workshops available, pre-registration via the Advent in Varaždin website is required due to limited spaces.

(Photo: Advent in Varaždin)

Visitors can also let their imaginations run wild in the Creative Workshop, designing personalised holiday gifts. Drawings can be transferred onto t-shirts in the Gift Hut, creating unique keepsakes.

Advent Time Machine: Childhood Play

Every day, Mrs Claus will share stories in her cosy home, enhanced by a charming exhibition of vintage toys from the collection of the Croatian Federation of Societies “Our Children.”

The exhibition, titled Advent Time Machine: Childhood Play, reveals how children have played through generations, showcasing everything from simple handmade toys to industrially produced ones from around the world.

(Photo: Advent in Varaždin)

Each toy tells a story of childhood from days gone by, evoking nostalgia for older visitors while offering younger ones a glimpse into the past before modern toys and digital gadgets.

Mrs Claus will host 16 storytelling sessions in the afternoons, while the mornings are reserved for visits from local kindergarten groups.

Icy Wonderland

This Advent, Varaždin residents and visitors can enjoy one of Croatia’s largest outdoor skating rinks. Spanning an impressive 1,200 square metres, the Ice Park, managed by Ice Wonderland, features a separate area for beginners.

The rink opens on Friday, 22nd November, and offers daily skating sessions, disco nights every Thursday, and a special children’s New Year’s Eve celebration on the ice. Ticket prices remain the same as last year.

(Photo: Varaždin Tourist Board)

Unmissable Experiences

A 23-metre-high Ferris wheel on Gajeva Street will provide breathtaking views of the decorated city, making it a must-visit attraction.

A Star-Studded Musical Programme

The main square will host an outstanding line-up of live music performances alongside festive treats. The stage at Korzo opens with Meritas (29th November) and Gina & The GeeGee’s (30th November).

A highlight will be Vanna performing with the Varaždin Tamburica Orchestra on City Day (6th December), joined by young talents from the Varaždin Music School, including Eva Osonjački and Super Talent winner Chriztel Renae Aceveda.

Other performances include A-Strana vocalists (7th December), D Elvis (13th December), and The Voice winner Vinko Ćemeraš (14th December). Soulfingers, joined by comedian Mario Petreković, promise an entertaining evening (20th December).

Further highlights include Sick Swing Orchestra (21st December), Gadjo Manouche (27th December), and Elemental (28th December).

(Photo: Advent in Varaždin)

Sunday afternoons at Korzo are dedicated to choir performances, including Donum Choir (1st December), Varaždin Folklore Ensemble (8th December), and various local youth and church choirs throughout the month.

The traditional New Year’s Eve celebration will feature the Mozart Band and the 46th New Year’s Eve Run.

Advent on Stančić Square

For a gourmet adventure and relaxation, head to the popular Miljenko Stančić Square.

Alongside excellent food and drink, the square offers a lively music programme with performers such as DJ Nkle vs. Viktor Ožeg on sax (29th November), Gentlemen Clubs Trio (1st December), and acoustic duos throughout the season.