Ultimate Guide To The Zagreb Christmas Market – Advent In Zagreb, Croatia

Oh, yeah, it is the most wonderful time of the year. But, move over Vienna; the award-winning Advent in Zagreb is the best Christmas market in Europe.

Here is my best guide to the Christmas markets in Zagreb, which I visit every year.

Let me be your guide to the Croatian capital, which is filled with food stalls, Christmas decorations, fairy lights, and live concerts. You will see why, for three years in a row, the team at European Best Destinations awarded it the title of “Best European Christmas Market.”

While the main markets continue to serve traditional Croatian dishes, new locations pop up each year across the Capital city of Croatia. So bookmark this page to stay updated about Zagreb’s Christmas market, from Gornji Grad to lower town; my Advent Zagreb guide has everything.

2024 Christmas Markets Zagreb, Croatia 

The Christmas holidays are fast approaching. I, for one, love this time of year. Everyone is happy and joyful, and they are spreading good vibes and a lot of love, especially those with children. Christmas is a time to spend time with family, a time to be thankful for all our blessings, and a time to take some well-deserved time off from work and school.

If you plan to jump on a plane and travel during Advent this year, Christmas in Zagreb should be at the top of your list. This is because Zagreb has won the Best Christmas Market Destination award in Europe three times now!

So, you better believe that Zagreb has spared no effort to make the Zagreb Christmas Market even better this year. Let’s get to know all about Advent in Zagrebu.

List Of Events For Advent In Zagreb

Event	Date	Location	Description
Craftsmen’s Advent (Obrtnički Advent)	November 28, 2024	Various Locations	Celebrates traditional crafts, offering visitors a nostalgic experience of times past.
Advent at Zagreb City Museum	November 29, 2024	Zagreb City Museum	Explores the deep connection between Christmas and tradition, showcasing customs and symbols that have endured through generations.
Advent in the House of Cartoons Oto Reisinger	November 29, 2024	Radićeva ulica 44A	A family-friendly venue filled with laughter and memories, celebrating the art of caricature.
From the Archives of the Chocolate Museum Zagreb	November 29, 2024	Chocolate Museum	Delves into the sweet traditions of Christmas, highlighting the joy of finding chocolates under the tree.
Advent Adventure in the Wild Heart of the City	November 30, 2024	Zagreb Zoo	Extends the festive spirit to the animal residents of the zoo, offering a unique Advent experience.
Christmas Tale at the Ethnographic Museum	November 30, 2024	Ethnographic Museum	Connects visitors with historical narratives and songs that have been cherished through the centuries.
Santa Claus’ Sleigh Ride	November 30, 2024	Zrinjevac	Offers a magical sleigh ride with Santa, bringing Christmas enchantment to life.
Advent at Mala Scena	November 30, 2024	Mala Scena Theatre	Presents the fairy tale “Šuć Muć,” capturing the essence of Christmas storytelling.
Concert of the Ensemble of Zagreb Soloists in Oktogon	November 30, 2024	Oktogon Passage	Features a performance by the renowned Zagreb Soloists, adding a classical touch to the festivities.
The Magic of Advent in the Natural History Museum	December 1, 2024	Croatian Natural History Museum	Combines science, holiday magic, and art in the museum’s newly renovated spaces.
Music at St. Mark’s Church	December 1, 2024	St. Mark’s Church	Offers classical and sacred music performances within the historic church, creating a serene atmosphere.
From Christmas Balconies to Zagreb	December 1, 2024	Various Locations	Features performances by the Ad Gloriam brass wind ensemble from some of Zagreb’s most beautiful balconies, spreading holiday joy.
Advent Under the Lantern	December 4, 2024	Various Locations	Revives traditions like igniting gas lamps and caroling, bringing light and warmth to the city’s streets.
PLACe Market Christmas Pop-Up	December 6, 2024	Dolac Market	A holiday edition of the popular market featuring chefs and caterers offering traditional holiday delicacies.
Advent Symphony of the City	December 6, 2024	Various Locations	A musical event designed to bring smiles and festive cheer to attendees.
Zagreb Advent Run 2024	December 8, 2024	Various Locations	A vibrant and colorful festive race through the center of Zagreb, promoting health and holiday spirit.
Advent Concerts of the Zagreb Chamber Orchestra	December 8, 2024	Various Locations	A series of four concerts featuring talented soloists catering to classical music enthusiasts of all ages.
Evenings with Brahms	December 12, 2024	Various Locations	Four events showcasing piano masters and a soprano singer performing selected works of Johannes Brahms.
Advent Bachata Congress	December 13, 2024	Various Locations	Brings the rhythms of the Caribbean to Zagreb, with international dance instructors leading festive dance sessions.
Ball on the Upper Town	December 14, 2024	Upper Town	It features illuminated paths, art installations, and a special surprise on the Gradec plateau, evoking holiday festivities through the magic of light.

 

Visit The Advent Zagreb Wonderland

Every December, my family and I eagerly anticipate our annual pilgrimage to the enchanting Christmas markets of Zagreb. Living in Croatia, we’ve made it a tradition to spend a few days exploring the festive nooks of the entire city, uncovering new delights each year.

Our excursions to Zagreb are a family affair. My husband and I, along with our two sons, aged 11 and 6, immerse ourselves in the vibrant holiday spirit that envelops the city.

My boys, with their ever-growing fascination with radiant lights, soulful music, and, of course, food, find each corner of Zagreb a wonderland of Christmas cheer. No matter where we wander, the city’s charm never fails to amaze us with its ubiquitous festive decorations.

Last year, we stayed at the Hilton,  and the year before, we stayed at the Esplanade Hotel. This time, we’re contemplating going in early January and renting an apartment to give us more room and flexibility for our longer stay, accommodate our work needs, and let the kids have their own space.

I have a particular fondness for Advent in Zrinjevac Park and the fairy-tale holiday huts. The combination of twinkling lights, an array of shopping stalls, and delicious food options is a treat I look forward to every year.

My husband, on the other hand, is a culinary adventurer and is particularly drawn to Fuliranje at Strossmayer Square for its diverse food choices.

And the kids? Anywhere with fairy floss is a hit for them! Extra points if they spot Santa Claus.

Brands We Use And Trust

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Zagreb In Winter

The Zagreb Christmas markets are a photographer’s paradise, with dozens of spots perfect for capturing those Christmas magic moments. Despite the crowds, we always manage to find a cozy spot to relax, sipping mulled wine and savoring the variety of treats from the food trucks.

Each visit reinforces why Zagreb’s Christmas markets are more than just a tradition for us; they are a cherished part of our family’s annual rhythm, a festive break that we look forward to all year long.

As we plan this year’s visit, the excitement builds. Where will we stay? What new delights will we discover? One thing is for sure – Zagreb during Advent is a special place, and we can’t wait to be part of it again.

This year, the Christmas Markets and advent events in Zagreb will occur from November 30, 2024, to January 7, 2025. There will be various concerts, musicals, performances, workshops, and exhibitions for kids and people of all ages, not to mention the abundance of food offered on every street corner.

There is an exhibition for everyone, and it is super-affordable, if not completely free.

Zagreb Advent Locations & Highlights

If you’ve decided to spend Christmas in Croatia and are in Zagreb, here are a few places to enjoy the Christmas festivities, including the best events with the dates and times for 2024.

Other Advent In Zagreb Highlights We Have Loved Each Year

Ledeni Park – Ice Rink Park At King Tomislav Square

Adults and kids of all ages go crazy over the ice park set up at King Tomislav Square. Although there is a plethora of stuff to do during Zagreb this Christmas, this might be the absolute star attraction.

An otherwise quiet park, Tomislav Square gets transformed into one giant ice skating arena for the winter holidays. A dazzling show of twinkling lights surrounds you as you slide your way across and around the ice skating rink.

Christmas music floats through the air while mulled wine and freshly prepared food scents tingle your nostrils. On the sidelines, you will find many cute wooden houses that offer warm drinks, local foods, and traditional Croatian sweets.

Winter Park

Head to Tuđmanac Park to treat your whole family to a city view on the Ferris wheel, a brand new feature to this year’s Advent program. In addition to an unforgettable ride, hop on the merry-go-rounds, go down the ice slide, enjoy an incredible selection of gastronomic treats, and watch various theatrical, musical, and live performances. 

It’s the perfect place to meet up with friends for merriment and casual time together!

Advent In Zrinjevac Park

Zrinjevac is, by far, one of my favorite parks in Zagreb. It is a lovely little park right in the middle of the city, minutes away from the central Ban Josip Jelačić Square, surrounded by lots of timeworn, towering pine trees. Benches offer a very cozy and romantic feel. It is a great place to sit, relax, and watch the world go by.

This park transforms into something extraordinary and even more beautiful during the celebrations of Christmas in Zagreb.

Bright lights decorate all 220 trees, while many cozy wooden houses line the park’s walking areas. Each one offers its own traditional Croatian specialty, from handmade souvenirs and unique Christmas ornaments to local arts, specialty foods, wines, and sweet delicacies.

There is an old musical pavilion in the middle of the park, where cultural events occur every night. These include musicals, traditional dances, children’s performances, choirs singing Christmas classics, and much more.

If anything, Advent in Zrinjevac is the coziest and most homey-feeling place to sip on a steamy cup of mulled wine and sample traditional Croatian Christmas snacks. It’s like enjoying Christmas with hundreds of strangers around dozens of Christmas trees, one big, happy family spending time together.

Christmas Tale On Ban Jelačić Square

Regardless of the time of year, something always happens in Ban Jelacic Square, Zagreb’s main square. But it becomes even more special during the Christmas Advent season.

For one, on December 2, a large Advent wreath is put up around the Manduševac Fountain every year. This happening attracts thousands of people who take pictures or sit and soak up the Christmas atmosphere.

This central square is one of the focal points for experiencing Advent in Zagreb. It is characterized by imaginative scenes, decorations, and ornaments. If you’re looking for a fairy tale feel, you’ll find that here!

A giant Christmas tree with traditional Zagreb heart decorations is placed near the “clock.” In the middle of the square, you will find a large stage where many concerts and dance performances occur each night. Visitors will also enjoy the treats offered at one of many wooden houses, such as traditional delicatessens, mulled wine, sausages, treats, and souvenirs.

If you’re staying until New Year’s Eve in Zagreb, this is also the largest space in the city to celebrate the start of 2024.

Advent On European Square

Situated mere steps from Ban Jelačić Square, pedestrian European Square is somewhat less traditional and more “urban.” Some would say it’s a bit more formal, although that statement must be taken with a huge grain of salt. Advent on European Square involves various concerts, film screenings, and art exhibits spread out throughout December.

Of course, plenty of delicious mulled wine and food keeps you fueled all evening. Not surprisingly, this is a much-favored meeting point for young creative people this time of year.

Strossmayer Promenade (West)

Charming wooden huts, the warming scents of traditional dishes, favorite Christmas music tunes, and sparkly Christmas trees bring the spirit of Advent to life along Strossmayer Promenade. Eat, slow dance, and fill your heart with the Christmas spirit, then head to the square or wander to the street’s eastern side for more fun (see below)!

Fuliranje – Fooling Around At Strossmayer Square

“Fuliranje,” or just “Fooling Around,” is one of the first and best Advent events in Zagreb. It involves walking around the city, singing, dancing, talking to, and getting to know strangers while having a great time. You will enjoy lots of great food, treats, drinks, shops, fun photo booths, concerts, and much more.

The Fooling Around event takes place at Strossmayer Square, in the very heart of the city, between Tomislav Square and Zrinjevac. During the Zagreb Advent festivities, this particular area becomes “Strossmartre” after the charming Montmartre neighborhood in Paris. From the Strossmayer Promenade, you can enjoy amazing views of the city, which is especially magical when all is lit up in December.

This part of Advent in Zagreb involves some of the best Croatian chefs presenting their culinary art on the street and sharing their life and food philosophy with you.

There’s also a distinct musical aspect to this. At a sizeable open-air disco, music will be dedicated to the disco culture and big music influencers of the second half of the 20th century. Over the past half-decade or so, over 500 concerts, music performances, and DJ gigs have taken place.

When spending the Christmas holidays in Zagreb, please go and check it out. It’s arguably the most “Zagreb” of all Advent events in the city. My advice is simple: Be Fun. Have Fun. Goof Around. Fool Around. Be Jolly.

This even extends throughout Advent, from December 2 – January 7.

Fooling Around At Oleander Terrace, Esplanade Zagreb Hotel

Another excellent location for a fooling around the event has been set, where Michelin-star street food will be available.

Led by award-winning chefs, this exceptional gastro experience will be brought to the terrace of the prestigious Esplanade Zagreb Hotel by local restaurants: Esplanade Zagreb, Nebo by Deni Srdoč StreetStyle, The Meat by Nenad Komes, Institut za kobasice by Mate Janković, Balon, Taika, Restač, Beg’s Plant-Based Street Food, Jingle Bells, and Rakijarnica.

Accompanied by live music, DJ beats, children’s programs, artistic programs, concerts, and more, it’s the perfect location to dance, drink, eat, and be merry!

Advent In The Tunnel – Gric Tunnel

This is one of the Zagreb Christmas markets’ most interesting and exciting features. A former World War II tunnel, the Grič Tunnel transforms into a winter wonderland for the holiday season. While it’s still a relatively discrete and less-known attraction, it’s totally amazing.

Grič Park

Grič Park will be transformed into a nocturnal dreamland during Advent, with enchanting nighttime sounds, meditative musical compositions, and tranquil light displays. This natural space celebrates the peace and quiet of the season, so let the beauty sweep you up as you take a nighttime stroll here. 

Marić Passage Advent

Although relatively small, the Marić Passage is a neat little attraction during Christmas in Zagreb. Running between Gajeva Street and Praška Street in the heart of the city, this tunnel is created by intertwined tree branches lit up by thousands of LED lights. It’s a beautiful way to walk to and from other Christmas highlights in the city.

Advent In The Sisters Baković Passage

Here, you can walk into an old film studio and feel like you are a Christmas movie star. Additionally, this is a fantastic place to watch Christmas films for all ages, played by the Europa Cinema.

Live Nativity Scene

The Live Nativity Scene at the Zagreb Cathedral is another Advent in Zagreb highlight to look for. A real-life display of baby Jesus in his crib, the manger, people of Bethlehem, farm animals, shepherds, and three wise men. This is a special kind of experience that will take you back to the time of Jesus’ birth and make you remember what Christmas is all about.

Zagreb Advent Cultural & Musical Events

Croatian National Theatre

Zagreb’s most beautiful theatre has been the setting for many classic plays and operas, including La Boheme, The Magic Flute, and The Nutcracker. It is a fantastic place to be for a memorable Christmas concert.

This majestic building is always decorated with various light displays, bringing the wonder and joy of the season both inside and outside the building.

Culinary Delights To Enjoy At Advent In Zagreb + Surrounds

Here are some ideas on what to eat; you can wash it all down with a hot chocolate or a mulled wine. ☕🍷

• Stuffed Turkey with Mlinci: a traditional dish often enjoyed during the holidays
• Paprenjaci (Pepper Cookies): a famous Zagreb souvenir, these cookies have a history linked to the spice trade
• Vanilin Kiflice (Vanilla Crescents): a famous Christmas pastry
• Sarma with Mashed Potatoes: cabbage rolls filled with minced meat
• Makovnjača (Poppy Seed Roll): a traditional sweet bread with poppy seed filling, often enjoyed during breakfast
• Krofne (Croatian Donuts): delicious doughnuts often filled with jam or chocolate
• Kuhano Vino (Mulled Wine): warm and spiced red wine, perfect for cold winter evenings
• Fritule: small, deep-fried doughnut-like pastries, often sprinkled with powdered sugar and flavored with citrus zest or brandy
• Knedle: dumplings filled with plums or apricots, often served with a sprinkling of breadcrumbs and sugar

Hotels To Check Out & Sleep In!)

1. Esplanade Zagreb Hotel
2. Hilton Garden Inn Hotel
3. Hotel Jägerhorn
4. Timeout Heritage Hotel
5. Hotel International
6. The Westin Zagreb
7. Sheraton Zagreb Hotel
8. Zonar Zagreb

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Zagreb Winter Festival & What To Wear To Zagreb Christmas Markets

Zagreb’s winter is cold. There can be many snowy days and slippery streets, so warm coats and good walking shoes are a must.

You’ll need your best clothes in Zagreb; the ladies (and men!) dress up. Take your basic European Christmas market clothing and jazz it up some. You’ll need to pack the following:

• A waterproof warm coat – remember it maybe snowing
• Waterproof & comfortable shoes or boots
• Dress in layers so you can peel off your coat in warm cafes and restaurants. I put my kids in a thermal base layer and wear stockings under my jeans for extra warmth
• Hat, scarf, and gloves
• A bag to collect your purchases – lots of stalls are set up to pick up those last-minute Christmas gifts

How To Get To The Christmas Markets In Zagreb

If traveling internationally, the best way to get to Zagreb is to fly into Zagreb International Airport. Be sure to organize your private transfer from Zagreb Airport to Zagreb in advance to avoid those pesky taxi cues in the middle of winter. The bonus is that you will have a professional driver greet you upon arrival at the airport and help you with your luggage. This way, you’ll be on your way to your accommodation in no time.

Suppose you’re planning to spend more time in Europe and are thinking of going to other famous Christmas markets, such as the Vienna Christmas markets; this list of European Christmas Markets is just what you need.

That said, if you do not have the time to cross borders, then there are other great Christmas Markets in Croatia, including those in Zadar, Split, Dubrovnik, and Rijeka, that you can share in more Croatian Christmas traditions.

Zagreb Advent FAQs

Do you see now why I say that it is one of the best Christmas destinations? Now that you know all about the Christmas markets in Zagreb, will we see you there? If not this year, maybe next? Either way, Merry Christmas!

More info: https://www.adventzagreb.hr/