A Glimpse into the Magic: This Advent, countless window displays once again leave us breathless
What delights me every time are the beautifully decorated shop windows across the city. Every street tells its own story, and shops and galleries do their best to capture the holiday spirit in the most imaginative way possible. These magical windows, which grow more enchanting each year, invite us to pause, breathe, and surrender to an Advent fairytale that, if you ask me, ends far too soon.
Among the many lovely holiday windows that transform each Zagreb street into a small Advent film, there are always a few that completely captivate us. And they become true gems of the city.
Fotografije Zagreba
Saša Šekoranja brings me back to a warm and safe childhood
This year, once again, the well-known designer, painter, and florist Saša Šekoranja will enchant visitors of Advent Zagreb. Known for his rich and imaginative installations in his studio on King Držislav Street (Ulica kralja Držislava), he will once again transport the older among us back into childhood and show the youngest ones that imagination can indeed become reality.
His window display this year is especially gentle and quiet, like an invitation to stop and let our memories rise to the surface. At its centre stands a small house covered in snow, reminiscent of illustrations from an old Christmas picture book. On the roof is a tiny chimney sweep, a symbol of good luck that brings warmth to this nostalgic winter scene. Don’t forget to hold your button for good fortune!
Around the house, tall fir trees stand, creating a sense of depth, while warm golden light hangs softly in the background, emphasising the calm we all crave.
The entire display feels soothing — because this Christmas, as always, Šekoranja places the focus on what matters most: the tenderness and warmth of every home and everyone in it.
Iva Todorić and her extravagant fairytale
Iva Todorić has been one of the most talked-about people on social media in recent days; everyone is taking photos in front of her floral atelier in Little Street (Mala ulica). Her display, unlike the street's name, is anything but small: huge plush teddy bears sit in the windows, delighting anyone passing through the heart of the city. But what left me, and thousands of others, especially speechless are the large decorations around the doors and windows, crafted in traditional Christmas colours of green and red.
I have no doubt this spot will be one of the most popular for holiday photos, later destined for social media. Mala ulica will be full of big hearts this season.
Foto: Atelijer Sreće
Korica and its colourful, childlike display that rivals professional design
This bakery is in Martićeva Street (Martićeva ulica). It is known for its craft bread and baked goods. Although a few streets away from the very centre, it’s worth the short walk to see their window and treat yourself to something warm and beautifully scented.
Even though no designers were involved, the window looks as if hours of precise, professional planning went into it. In reality, all it took was a bit of effort, cheerful colours, an unusual, whimsical Christmas tree, and a few children’s figurines. Korica has one of the sweetest displays I’ve seen so far, one that radiates warmth and playfulness, perfectly suited to their brand.
Zagreb is full of magic windows
Fotografije Zagreba
Every window that makes us stop for a moment this Advent opens a small doorway into a world of imagination. They may be decorated for only a few weeks, but the memory of them lasts much longer. What matters is that they remind us of the most important things: the beauty hidden in small moments, in impressions and glances, in the light that lingers on the glass yet warms the soul, and in the scenes that stretch our smile to its fullest. Zagreb’s window displays leave the softest holiday imprint, so keep your head up high, just in case you don’t want to miss a single one.
Header image credit: Julien Duval
Author: Pia Humski