Free Nutcracker Screening in Zagreb on 19 December

Zagreb's beloved Christmas tradition is returning with a twist: if you didn't manage to grab tickets for the Croatian National Theatre's (HNK) production of The Nutcracker, you can still watch it for free outdoors. The theatre announced that all tickets for the ballet have sold out, with more than 4,200 seats snapped up within seconds of online sales opening and long queues forming at the box office from early morning.

To ensure no one misses out, HNK will stream the performance on a large screen in front of the theatre building on Republic of Croatia Square on 19 December at 6pm. This marks the fourth consecutive year of the free public screening, which has become a highlight of Zagreb's Advent season. The production features choreography by Rudolf Nureyev, based on the original by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, with the iconic score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The lavish set design and familiar melodies will be part of the open-air experience, supported by the Zagreb Tourist Board.

Whether you're a local or visiting for the holidays, this is a wonderful way to enjoy one of the world's most famous ballets without a ticket. The event is free and open to everyone, adding extra festive cheer to the city centre. So mark your calendars, wrap up warm, and join the crowd in front of HNK for an evening of dance and music under the stars.