Have you ever been a child? A question with the same answer for 100% of grown-ups out there. Okay, some might say they never felt that way, but the truth is, we've all been children at the starting point in our lives. The reason I'm mentioning this is that, in my opinion, a lot of us won't forget the childhood memories for as long as we're alive. For someone, this memory might be an object, a toy, a piece of clothing, a blanket or something more intangible like a taste, smell or even a memory of an event or an experience. Personally, some of my most vivid childhood memories are going back to Christmas times. I mean, If you think about it a bit, it is not surprising that we agree that people tend to remember the happiest memories and emotions. And what could produce better and stronger memories and feelings than Christmas time?

When it comes to Advent in Zagreb, one cannot argue with the fact that it's something special. Even more so, it's becoming more prominent and better with each passing year. So if you want to take part in creating the strongest and lasting memories for your child, keep reading and find out where you can do so.

Park Maksimir: A Place of Christmas Magic

Photo Credit: Ivan Klindić / Licegrada.hr

The Advent in Zagreb reveals three new locations this year, and the magic of one of them will be specially recognized by the youngest. The familiar scent of mulled wine and fritters won't be spreading just across the Zagreb center this year but a bit further as well. The entire concept of the Zagreb Advent this year is in the moving away from material values and enjoying the real values of family. Zoo Zagreb helped to make this Christmas magic even stronger with a colorful Christmas haven where the children of all ages will be able to enjoy a variety of workshops of educational and entertaining character. The visitors of Advent in Maksimir will also be welcomed with the appropriate gastronomic and musical activities that will be set in a colorful and sparkling environment beneath the treetops ornamented with an array of Christmas lights. An interesting thing to mention is that the theme of the Advent in Maksimir is based on a fairy tale by a Croatian writer, Ivana Brlić Mažuranić, "Šuma Striborova" which would roughly translate to "The Forest of Stribor." That is the story about real life and family values, so it's perfect for this setting.

Who could bring the magic of Christmas to a child better than...another child

Whenever I had contact with a child, it always turned out best when I could bring myself to behave like a child as well. I don't know why that's the case, but for some reason, children respond best to other children. The grown-ups often tend to misinterpret their thoughts and wishes. So, one of the best things you could do for your child this Christmas is to bring them to a concert of the group called "Klinci s Ribnjaka" or translated "The Ribnjak kids." They will perform some of the well-known Christmas songs with the help of some well-known Croatian singers. Which one? Visit the concerts and find out yourself.

Photo Credit: M.Vrdoljak/TZGZ Download zona 

Every bit as magical as the invention of the wheel

Photo Credit: TZGZ Download zona 

You might not be able to provide your child with the experience of riding in a real Christmas sleigh but, fortunately, there are some other forms of transportation this Christmas that are equally magical. One of the symbols of Zagreb, the Zagreb tram, which we already wrote about, got its Christmas version. The joyful Christmas tram is a unique setting prepared by ZET (Zagrebian Electrical Tram) that is participating in this year's Advent. Why should you let the cold nip your child's cheek when you can take a half-hour ride in a tram which will create an unforgettable experience for your child? Featuring a Christmas play and a gift giveaway and if all that's not enough, you can take a small tourist train on wheels which will take you and your child to even more magical locations this year's Advent has to offer.

Photo Credit: TZGZ Download zona 

Since I started talking about trains, I do have to mention one more thing which always had me very much fascinated when I was a child. If you stop by Gundulićeva 4, you and your child can see a unique, Christmas edition of a Zagreb small train museum. Besides its usual set-up, during the Advent, Backo Mini Express will have some additional trains in Christmas colors and ornaments, all followed by the appropriate Christmas music, Santa Claus sculpture, and presents.

Header Image Credit: M. Vrdoljak/TZGZ Download zona 

Author: Tibor Trupec