The primate of the Catholic Church in Croatia, Cardinal Josip Bozanic led Midnight Mass and a morning mass in the Zagreb Cathedral.
During his sermon last night, the dignitary spoke about the meaning of the light in the darkness and other symbols of this Christian holiday.
Christmas was also marked in Catholic communities in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
The central religious ceremony took place in the cathedral in the capital of Sarajevo with Cardinal Vinko Puljic leading Midnight Mass.
This is a holiday in which we remember the birth of Jesus and this is the time of forgiveness and joyfulness, the Sarajevo Archbishop said in the packed cathedral.
"Those who celebrate Christmas are able to love others, and they are able to forgive and consequently to build peace," Puljic said among other things.
He recalled that Christmas means something more for people in Bosnia-Herzegovina as they have learnt to share joy with others. The dignitary called on people in Bosnia to continue respecting each other and looking forward to each other