Christmas in Croatia
After a varied summer filled with sunshine, the sea and unforgettable holiday memories, and an active autumn that glowed with the most beautiful colours, a soothing tranquillity descends on many parts of the country as the cooler months set in. Yet here too, the children are already eagerly looking forward to Christmas Eve. Christmas in Croatia is a joyful occasion, steeped in tradition.
4 December 2025
When is Christmas celebrated in Croatia?
Just as in many other predominantly Catholic countries , 24 December is the day when presents are handed out in the evening, accompanied by a festive meal. But gifts are also given long before that, albeit smaller ones: on 6 December, Sveti Nikola (St Nicholas) brings small gifts to the northern regions, such as sweets and nuts. Traditionally, those who have been naughty receive a rod instead of presents. Further south, for example in the Dalmatia region, where the Hotel Lemongarden is located, Saint Lucija arrives on 13 December. She also brings presents.
Whether Lucija, St Nicholas’ Day or both are celebrated in addition to the main festivities on Christmas Eve depends not only on the geographical region in which one lives. Often, it simply comes down to what is traditional within one’s own family. It is now not uncommon for there to be a bit of a celebration on both 6 December and 13 December, as well as on 24 December.
The Lucija Festival in Croatia
Whilst Saint Nicholas of Myra is remembered for distributing his wealth to the needy, Saint Lucia is celebrated for bringing food to persecuted Christians in their dark hiding places. To keep her hands free, she wore a wreath of candles on her head. She lived in Sicily in the 3rd or 4th century and was a remarkable woman who ultimately died a martyr’s death. In many Scandinavian countries, as well as in southern countries, Saint Lucy is celebrated as a festival of light.
In Croatia, it is traditional to sow wheat on a plate on St Barbara’s Day (4 December) or on St Lucia’s Day (Sveta Lucija). It symbolises fertility, new life and hope. A farmer’s saying goes: the greener and taller the wheat grows by Christmas, the richer the family will be in the coming year. Around Christmas, the wheatgrass is then decorated a little, perhaps with mini baubles or three candles. The latter symbolise the Holy Trinity. After the festive season, birds can enjoy this tasty treat.
What do people eat in Croatia at Christmas?
Speaking of snacks: the dishes eaten at Christmas and during Advent in Croatia are a far cry from that. They are high-quality, homemade delicacies that delight the palate and warm the heart. It all starts with traditional Croatian Christmas biscuits: Breskvice (peach biscuits), Paprenjaci (pepper biscuits) and Medenjaci (honey biscuits) are popular throughout the country. In Istria and Dalmatia in particular, people swear by specialities such as Fritule (deep-fried doughnuts).
On Christmas Eve (Badnjak or Badnjavecer), most families cook a lavish meal. They also clean the whole house together. This task is made sweeter by candied orange peel ( Arancini). In the evening, tradition dictates that cod (bakalar) is served, either as a stew or in a paste with bread, depending on personal preference. Other typical Christmas dishes in Croatia include braised turkey with mlinci (flatbread) or sarma (stuffed cabbage rolls).
Christmas holidays in Croatia
Particularly devout people attend the Zornica Masses (Rorate Masses) every day during Advent; on Christmas Eve, there is also a midnight mass. The Advent wreath also has its firm place in Christmas customs. A particularly ancient tradition is the lighting of a log sprinkled with olive branches and wine, which is cut on the morning of 24 December and then lit in the evening; it is supposed to burn throughout Christmas Day (Božić, 25 December).
For safety reasons, and in towns, this custom is now more commonly celebrated with a symbolic candle, but this too represents the warmth, light and divine protection expected from the Badnjak. Whilst 24 December is a time for the nuclear family, 25 and 26 December are for large family celebrations and gatherings with friends. Christmas in Croatia is a joyful, exuberant occasion.
Tip!
Are you still looking for the perfect Christmas present for your loved ones? Or perhaps for yourself? How about a stay at Hotel Lemongarden? We’ll be back from our winter break on 26 April 2026, but we’re available to handle your enquiries and bookings at any time.
