Orthodox Christmas 2025

Description

Orthodox Christmas in Croatia is a religious holiday for Orthodox Christians. It marks the birth of Jesus Christ and is a time for prayer, church services, and thinking about faith and hope in simple, meaningful ways.

It takes place on January 7. This date is used because many Orthodox churches follow the older Julian calendar, which is 13 days behind the more common Gregorian calendar used by most of the world.

In Croatia the holiday is especially important for Serbian Orthodox Christians and other Orthodox communities. It helps people keep a connection to their religious roots and shared history inside the country.

The day has deep cultural meaning. It shows how faith shapes community life and personal identity. For many families it is a moment to reflect on values like peace, love, and togetherness.

Traditions

Families start with church. People go to the midnight or morning liturgy. Priests bless homes and light candles. Carol singers called kolendari visit houses and sing old songs for good luck and small gifts like sweets.

At home the badnjak log or a symbolic branch may be kept near the stove. People gather to break the round česnica bread with a coin hidden inside. The person who finds the coin is wished luck for the year.

Meals are shared with roasted meat or lamb, fish in some homes, and koljivo made from sweetened boiled wheat. Elders tell stories and children play games while relatives exchange simple gifts and wishes.

Travel Tips

Many shops, banks and some public services close or run reduced hours. Museums and attractions may change opening times. Trains and buses can be busy before and after celebrations, so book tickets early and allow extra travel time.

Enjoy events respectfully and safely by keeping distance in crowds and watching your belongings. Dress warmly and follow local signs or police instructions. Support small local businesses that stay open and ask permission before taking photos of people or private property.