Christmas Day 2025
Date: December 25, 2025 (Thursday)
Country: Croatia Public Holidays
Description
Christmas Day in Croatia is a national public holiday that marks the Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus. It is a deeply held religious day for many people and also a time when the nation pauses for reflection and togetherness.
It always takes place on December 25 each year. The date is fixed on the calendar and is a legal holiday, so schools, many offices, and public services are usually closed. The day is part of the wider winter holiday season in the country.
The holiday is significant because it ties people to Croatia s Christian heritage and shared values. For many Croatians it is a moment for family, quiet reflection, and strengthening bonds with friends and neighbors across communities.
On a wider level Christmas helps shape national rhythms and public life. It is recognized by the government and appears on official calendars, showing its long standing role in Croatian culture and national identity.
Traditions
Families decorate a Christmas tree and set up a nativity scene called betlehem. Many attend midnight Mass or morning church. Candles and lights are common. Gifts are opened with family, often after a festive meal and prayers.
On Christmas Eve many eat bakalar, a dried salted cod dish. Christmas Day usually features roast meats or purica s mlinci, turkey with flat pasta. Sweets like vanilice, kiflice and fritule are served with coffee and homemade cookies for guests.
People follow older customs like badnjak, bringing a symbolic oak branch or straw into the home. Carolers called kolendari visit neighborhoods. Families visit relatives, sing, exchange wishes and keep the holiday time for togetherness and traditions.
Travel Tips
Many shops, banks, post offices and some museums are closed on Christmas Day. Public transport runs a reduced holiday schedule and pharmacies may be limited. Book restaurants and tours in advance, carry ID, some ATMs and card terminals still work but bring some cash.
Expect heavier traffic near airports and main roads before and after the day. Walkable towns and coastal promenades are good for quiet sightseeing. Stay with company at night, watch your belongings in crowds, and check official schedules online the day before to avoid surprises.