Advent in Zagreb 2025 is coming!
We are only a week or so away from December, and all of the very merry, festive cheer that that month brings! You will likely know that Christmas celebrations take place in many towns and cities all across Croatia, the largest and most visited being in Croatia’s capital city, Zagreb. This year, the event – Advent in Zagreb – sees many favourite elements return, along with new items in the calendar taking place. Officially on from 29th November 2025 to 7th January 2026, find out everything you need to know about Advent in Zagreb 2025 here!
Where will Advent in Zagreb 2025 take place?
All over Zagreb! Unlike some European markets or experiences in other cities, Advent in Zagreb occupies multiple central, large spaces – such as the main square (Ban Jelacic Square), Strossmayer Park, Zrinjevac Park and Tomislav Square. But so many other venues and locations will also offer festive cheer throughout the Advent in Zagreb run. Really, the festival takes over so much of the city – it’s not contained in just one space!
Although many of the festivities will run for the duration of Advent, do note that some will only run on specific days or for only part of the official dates. Do always check the official website – www.adventzagreb.hr/en – to see what’s happening when!
Advent in Zagreb 2025 Highlights
Some of the best spots to head to first during Advent in Zagreb include the below. You can’t help but have fun here!
Trg ban Jelacic
Zagreb’s main square will once again be the central spot for many of the Advent celebrations, and where you should head to first to get your bearings and start immersing yourself in the spirit of Christmas. It is here that the main Christmas tree is situated, beautifully decorated. Here you will also find a magical winter wonderland, perfect for snapping yourself in whilst in a festive pose! One side will also see a market where you can indulge in some tasty food and warming drinks (try my favourites, hot pelen or white mulled wine!), or pick up a few souvenirs.
The main square is also the location of the Advent Candles, located around Mandusevac Fountain. The first candle will be lit at 4.30pm on Saturday 29th November, the official opening day of Advent in Zagreb.
The main square will also be the location for a concert – featuring no fewer than eight Zagreb choirs – at 11am on Christmas Eve, and for seeing in the New Year during the New Year’s Eve celebrations. Details of the latter have yet to be announced, so watch this space!
Zrinjevac Park
Another of my favourite spots was all the fun of Zrinjevac Park, which is home to many, many stalls selling lovely little trinkets. In the centre of the Park is the bandstand, which, of course, hosts many a musical number. Around the bandstand, you’ll find plenty of other stalls selling food and drink. The beauty of Zrinjevac Park is its space; you can retreat a little away from the mass of people whilst still enjoying the atmosphere. And the twinkly lights! So many twinkly lights!
The stalls in Zrinjevac Park are open daily from 12pm (10am on weekends) until late. You can really have your fill of Christmas excitement here!
Fuliranje
Just south of Zrinjevac Park is Strossmayer Park, which will host the ever-popular Fuliranje…which translates to Foolin’ Around in English. Here is where some of the best fun is had, as well as so much incredibly tasty food. 16 different food establishments will be feeding the revellers, with stalls from establishments such as Noel, SpudBud, Gdje Je Jura? and Burger Institute all present. Not forgetting drinks – festive hot drinks, cocktails, beer, wine…
There’s another, smaller but no less charming edition of Fuliranje/Fooling Around on the outdoor terrace of the Hotel Esplanade. This one is themed after the Orient Express, a nod to the Hotel Esplanade once being a stop on this train tour.
Grič Tunnel
Gric Tunnel, just to the west of the main square, is an interesting experience any time of year. During Advent, the tunnel is always transformed into something rather special, with the enclosed space utilised very well. This year, the installation For All to Hear will see eight mechanical bronze bells play different versions of Jingle Bells.
Nearby, Grič Park will be adorned with beautiful arches of lights.
Moon Garden
Moon Garden was another of my highlights last year, and this year, the spectacular yet peaceful light installation moves to Strossmayer Promenade in the Upper Town. I found Moon Garden a great spot to get away from the Advent crowds…for many spots can get very busy indeed!
Ledeni Park / Ice Park
Located in King Tomislav Park, with the imposing Art Pavilion as a very impressive backdrop, is the Ledeni Park ice skating rink. It’s a very large rink, certainly comparable to large-scale rinks in other European cities. But what makes this one even more fun, in my opinion, is the ice paths that encircle the central fountain – you can enjoy a leisurely (or high speed!) skate all around the edge of the park rather than just sticking to a small patch of ice that you might have to do on more traditional rectangular rinks.
Ledeni Park is open daily – even on Christmas Eve/Day and New Year’s Eve/Day. On New Year’s Eve, it’s even open until 2am, so you can see in the New Year on ice, if you wish!
(Christmas) music to your ears
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without some glorious musical pleasures!
Music and Art Group Kralj will be hosting pop-up performances of Christmas cheer in several locations around the city, including the Stone Gate, Krvavi Bridge, Radiceva Street and Stara Vlaska Square. Performances take place on Fridays and Saturdays at 7pm or 7.50pm; take a look at their Instagram for more details.
Zagreb Soloists will be holding their wonderful performances at the Oktogon Centre every Sunday at 12pm whilst the Zagreb Chamber Orchestra will be putting on four wonderful evening concerts to spread some musical holiday cheer. The first of these will take place at 8pm on Sunday 30th November at the Church of St Blaise. Entrance is free, but spots must be reserved by emailing zagrebacki.komorni.orkestar@gmail.com.
Evenings with Brahms will take place in the Hungarian Cultural Centre in Zagreb, involving a rare Streicher piano built in 1868! Entry is free, but you must reserve a spot prior to each concert by emailing info@uocristoforium.hr. Concerts take place on 1st, 3rd, 8th and 12th December.
What could be better than enjoying music at that icon of Zagreb, St Mark’s Church? Classic and religious music will be played at a concert by The Oratorio Association at 12.30pm on Sunday 14th December, and they will also perform a midnight mass on 24th December.
One of the magical musical moments I enjoyed at last year’s event was the Advent Under the Lantern by Lotrscak Tower. After the traditional lighting of the gas lamps, the Association Musica Nota will perform some wonderful carols.
Watch out for sudden tram flash mobs! The Maranatha Association will sing their heart out on a tram going from Ban Jelacic Square through the Lower Town.
Head to the Cravaticum Museum of the Cravat or Tklacicevs Balcony (performances alternate between the two) to hear Ad Gloriam Brass and Wind Ensemble.
Advent in Zagreb 2025 for families
What could be more delightful for younger ones than a ride in a sleigh with Santa? There will be evening rides in Santa’s carriage sleigh, every day from 6pm to 8pm, around Zrinjevac Park. The ride will cost €15 for adults and €8 for children.
Mala Scena (Small Scenes) Theatre will be hosting twice daily, weekend performances of “Saving Father Christmas” – a tale of a girl called Iva who needs to help rescue Father Christmas, with her grandmother, as he’s been trapped by a witch!
From 20th December, head to Opatovina Park to view a live nativity scene. Members of the local Cenacolo Community have created all aspects of the nativity – from the set, the costumes and the music to the performance itself. There will be three performances a day, at 4pm, 5pm and 7pm.
Museum fun during Advent in Zagreb
Zagreb is home to many fine and fantastic museums, home to exhibits ranging from the very traditional to the modern and eclectic. It is these very museums that will also host a number of top Advent events…
The Museum of Chocolate will present a special exhibition showing Christmas chocolate products through the ages, from chocolates to Advent calendars to advertisements.
The Croatian Natural History Museum will run a rich series of events, from workshops to film screenings (including that Christmas classic, Home Alone!), classical music concerts and lectures.
Zagreb City Museum is worth a visit any time of year, but especially at Christmas, as they always host a lovely variety of events! These include regular concerts by the Zagreb Soloists, a special edition of a “pub quiz”, crafts workshops including making Christmas wreaths and Christmas baubles, and a guided tour of “The Spirit of Old Zagreb Cafes”.
Arty types will delight in the Museum of Unfinished Art‘s Friday evenings. Join them to explore different art techniques – with some guidance and a glass of wine – and create your own work of art.
Other Advent fun
Something new for this year will be special rides provided by Old Zagreb. They will offer scenic drives of many of the sights of Zagreb in an electric replica of a retro car.
The reconstructed Upper Town will also host much more of the Advent in Zagreb celebrations this year, with a number of spectacularly decorated spaces and art installations. Be sure to take a walk through the Upper Town this year!
Getting to Zagreb and Accommodation
Zagreb is very well served with flights all year round. Croatia Airlines flies from London Heathrow three times a week, whilst Ryanair fly from London Stansted daily and from Dublin as well. There are also numerous flights direct to Zagreb from all over Europe – find out more on our Getting to Zagreb page.
You can search for and book hotels, hostels, apartments and more on our Accommodation in Zagreb page. Croatia’s capital city is blessed with an abundance of accommodation options, something for all budgets and tastes!
More info
The official website is www.adventzagreb.hr/en, where you can find details of all the goings on. Do also read up my Visit Croatia Review: Advent in Zagreb about all the fun I had attending last year’s event! And take a look at the video of my experience below.
Advent in Zagreb 2025
29th November 2025 to 7th January 2026
multiple locations all over Zagreb
www.adventzagreb.hr/en
