Croatian Christmas Party

The annual Croatian Christmas Party is typically held on the first Saturday of December. At this event, traditional Croatian food is served, such as sarma (cabbage rolls). A tambura band also performs each year. In recent years, we have been fortunate to have music from the Sam Miltich Orchestra. Additionally, we give out an award annually to a volunteer in recognition of their exceptional contributions to the Croatian community in Minnesota.

The Croatian Christmas Party started in 1977, around 15 years prior to when our organization was officially founded. The event takes place at Croatian Hall in South Saint Paul.

Community Award Recipients

  • 2010 – Joe Rukavina
  • 2011 – Vanča Schrunk
  • 2012 – Mary Sedlar
  • 2013 – Eunice Dasovich
  • 2014 – MaryAnn Novak
  • 2015 – Rudy Vrkljan
  • 2016 – Jim Malnar
  • 2017 – Vesna Krezić Kittelson
  • 2018 – Mike Bukovich
  • 2019 – Rich Yager
  • 2020 – Cancelled due to COVID
  • 2021 – Tim Conroy
  • 2022 – Jasmine Hoedeman