Open-air parties with concerts performed by local pop and entertainment stars were held in Zagreb, Split, Osijek, Rijeka, Pula, Dubrovnik and other major cities. Showers of fireworks lit up the sky during the outdoor parties welcoming 2017.
A traditional New Year Eve marathon race was held in the northern city of Varazdin.
The police reported no major incident. On Saturday Interior Minister Vlaho Orepic said that Level 3 alert was in force in Croatia ahead of New Year's Eve but that nothing indicated any possible attacks on places where a large number of people gathered.
"Level 3 alert means tightened security, notably in places where a large number of people gather. At this moment nothing indicates that anything similar to the attack in Berlin could happen in Croatia, but preventive measures are being taken. Police will do their best for the holiday season to go well for everyone," said Orepic.
On Saturday, a few Croatian towns held their traditional noon farewell parties for the outgoing 2016 year.