Badnjak in Zadar: A Christmas Eve tradition not to be missed

(Photo: Bojan Bogdanić)

Christmas Eve, or Badnjak, holds a special place in the heart of Zadar. More than just a date on the calendar, it is a cherished tradition that sees locals of all generations gather spontaneously across the city, particularly on the historic Poluotok (Peninsula), to celebrate together.

While there are no official records of when Badnjak in Zadar first became a morning gathering, the ritual has repeated itself year after year. It begins simply: a coffee with friends, a stroll through the old town, a taste of bakalar (salt cod) for a light meal, perhaps a small glass of something stronger, and, most importantly, a good ćakula, an old Dalmatian word for heartfelt conversation.

It is a time to reconnect with familiar faces not seen for months, often bumping into one another on Kalelarga or in Varoš.

(Photo: Bojan Bogdanić)

The rhythm of the day is almost ceremonial. The streets fill quickly in the morning, cafés and bars overflow, and laughter echoes through the narrow stone streets.

Then, just as quickly, the Peninsula empties again around lunchtime as families return home to prepare for Christmas Eve lunch.

(Photo: Bojan Bogdanić)

Alongside this organic tradition, the City of Zadar and the Zadar Tourist Board once again organised a rich programme of festive events. From 10:30 am, Father Christmas made his cheerful promenade through the city, accompanied by costumed entertainers.

His route took him from Trg pet bunara through Narodni trg, Kalelarga, the Forum and the Riva, before returning to the starting point.

(Photo: Bojan Bogdanić)

At 11:00 am, the Advent stage on Trg Petra Zoranića hosted a special musical programme featuring young Croatian singers known from popular HRT shows such as A strana and The Voice. Performers Dora Vestić, Dino Purić, Stjepan Lach and Sabrina Hebiri delighted the crowd with classics by Oliver Dragojević, Gibonni, Parni Valjak, Mišo Kovač, Tony Cetinski, Nina Badrić and other beloved Croatian artists, alongside international evergreen hits from Aretha Franklin, Amy Winehouse, Elvis Presley and Queen.

(Photo: Bojan Bogdanić)

Badnjak celebrations also extended to Kampo Kaštelo as part of the event Adventić kod svetog Krševana. Local caterers and artisans created a warm, family-friendly atmosphere near the historic church, offering traditional delicacies, live music, a fritule festival, Christmas carols performed by youth choirs of the Zadar Archdiocese, and a humanitarian raffle.

(Photo: Bojan Bogdanić)

Meanwhile, Zadar’s main market came alive with the sounds of the “Christmas Gramophone”, where DJ Toma kept the festive mood going with carefully selected records.

(Photo: Fabio Smicev)

Across the city, particularly on the Poluotok, cafés and bars were packed. From Aba and Četiri kantuna to Toni, Arkada, Varoš, Kalelarga and Ulica braće Vranjana, every corner had its own unique atmosphere. Songs were sung, glasses raised, cod sampled, and conversations flowed freely.

(Photo: Bojan Bogdanić)

Badnjak in Zadar is not about spectacle or formality. It is about togetherness, tradition and the simple joy of being present. From the heart, year after year, Zadar keeps its Christmas spirit alive, one coffee, one song and one conversation at a time.