Review ADvent in Zagreb

Visit Croatia Review: Advent in Zagreb

I had the very pleasant experience of visiting Zagreb this past weekend and enjoying one of its prime attractions – the Advent in Zagreb Christmas celebrations. Read on to find out what I thought in my review: Advent in Zagreb.

(Then, once you’ve read this review, book yourself a flight – or other mode of transport – and get yourself to Zagreb!)

Advent in Zagreb 2024 sign

What is Advent in Zagreb?

Taking place from 30th November 2004 to 6th January 2025, Advent in Zagreb is the large-scale Christmas celebration (and for New Year too, when the time comes!) that takes over so much of the city. Many of Zagreb’s squares, main streets, parks, museums and more are taken over with pretty Christmas decorations, with a number of different markets selling festive food and drink and Christmas trinkets. There are also lovely interactive installations in certain locations, such as in the Gric Tunnel.

You can read more about what’s actually on here: Advent in Zagreb 2024.

Let’s go back to this “festive food and drink” that you mentioned…

Yes, let’s, because you know what’s even better than regular food and drink? Festive food and drink! Also, judging by the crowds at some of the food stalls, this seems to be everyone’s priority!

The absolute top spot for food and drink is Fuliranje in Strossmayer Park which has so many different options. Sausages are practically everywhere (served in a bun with toppings of your choosing) but you can also opt for inventive versions of mac and cheese, pizza, sandwiches, noodles and more.

Fuliranje does get crazy busy in the evenings, however. If your mission is to knock back a drink or three and have fun with friends, definitely come down to Fuliranje on an evening. If you’re simply hungry and want to sample as many of the different food options, try it during the daytime!

There is also a smaller Fuliranje setup on the terrace of the five-star Hotel Esplanade. The food options here are slightly more upscale – including stalls from the hotel itself and the Michelin-starred Noel Restaurant, for example – so I would recommend heading here if you fancy trying something slightly different.

Music, music, everywhere

There seemed to be music playing absolutely everywhere I turned, certainly in every marketplace. Many times it was a DJ playing, but my musical highlight was in Zrinjevac Park where different bands played live music in the evenings. And they were truly excellent, drawing rather large and very merry crowds of all ages.

Review Advent in Zagreb 2024 - a band plays
A band plays in Zrinjevac Park

There are other special musical events taking place throughout Advent in Zagreb at certain dates and times. I caught the end of a Zagreb Soloists classical concert at the Zagreb City Museum on Sunday morning which was wonderfully stirring. Another gem was the lighting of the lantern at the base of Lotrscak Tower (which takes place at 4.30pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays) which was accompanied by the excellent acapella group Klapa Kana G.

Take a look at some of the musical highlights of Advent in Zagreb to find out what’s happening when.

Highlights of Advent in Zagreb

Zrinjevac

My absolute favourite Advent in Zagreb spot was Zrinjevac Park. The organisers have done such a good job of decorating the park’s trees, greenery and fountains to give it a really magical feel. The photos (or maybe just my photos!) don’t do it justice. The park’s main avenue hosts a number of little wooden huts with Christmas and other lovely souvenirs on sale – for the most part fairly unique and great quality, no tourist tat here!

Review Advent in Zagreb 2024 - Zrinjevac Park
Zrinjevac Park, fully decorated for Advent in Zagreb

The central part of this park is the bandstand which featured live music every evening (see above) which really put everyone in a happy, party mood. Around the bandstand were food and drink stalls, and I spied St Nicholas walking through the crowds, occasionally doling out a small present to a young child.

Santa also gives sleigh rides (actually in a horse-drawn carriage) around Zrinjevac although I sadly didn’t witness this. (Technical difficulties meant these rides couldn’t operate on Saturday night. I blame Rudolf.)

Ledeni Park Ice Skating Rink

As you walk south from Ban Jelacic Square through Zrinjevac Park and then through Strossmayer Square/Park (where Fuliranje is), you’ll come to Tomislav Square (in front of the Art Pavilion) in the next block. It is here that Ledeni Park (ice park in English) is located, a large-scale ice skating rink. And such a beautiful one at that! Gorgeously decorated – with the imposing Art Pavilion, all lit up, providing a grand backdrop – the ice rink has one central rectangular rink. There are then two ice paths that go around the edge of the park which is such a great idea – allowing the flow of skaters to pass by quickly.

Review Advent in Zagreb 2024 - Ledeni Park ice skating
Ice skating at Ledeni Park – the Art Pavilion can be seen in the distance

Not being the biggest fan of ice skating (despite taking ice skating lessons in my youth!) I didn’t get my skates on, but it was lovely to watch the young (and young-ish) people of Zagreb – as well as many visitors – whizzing by.

There are also some food and drink stalls here and they were much quieter than those in the other parks and on the main square. So Ledeni Park is a good place to head to if you don’t fancy waiting in long queues for food! There are a number of high tables set next to the rink for watching, as well as a large elevated cafe-style area which is an ideal spot to climb up to for a wonderful view.

Christmas Tram

I’ve always loved trams as a method of public transport, so Zagreb’s blue trams have a special place in my heart. For Advent in Zagreb, there’s a special Christmas tram – adorned with all sorts of Christmas decorations, including a large Santa hat on the front – that operates on a special loop starting and ending on the main square, Trg ban Jelacic. It’s a very fun and unique experience!

Review Advent in Zagreb 2024 - The Christmas Tram
The old-fashioned version of the Christmas Tram. Hey Santa, put your hat on!

There are two trams that operate as a Christmas tram – a modern tram and a 100-year-old tram! (Yes, really!) Try and go on the old tram if you can to get a really special experience; I believe this tram departs on the hour and half past the hour.

So what happens on board? Well, you travel with Santa and Mrs Claus who generally make jokes and have a bit of a back-and-forth (in Croatian) and get everyone excited and happy. We were put through our paces of a round of “If You’re Happy and You Know It…” (again, in Croatian) whilst the rest of the time Christmas music (of course including Mariah) played in the background. Santa tried to have a bit of fun with the younger travellers by asking them silly questions – this time in English and Italian too, depending on the child – on his microphone and at the end the kids could also take a photo with him and Mrs Claus if they weren’t too scared. (Why is it that some young kids are terrified of Santa?) The kids were also given a couple of chocolate bars as a treat towards the end of the journey.

All in all, a must! And it’s very nice to see Zagreb’s trams used in this special way.

Things to know:

  • Tickets for the tram cost €5 per person and can be bought at the special booth on the corner of the main square and Praska Street. This is also where the tram departs.
  • The Christmas tram operates with departures every 15 minutes from Monday to Thursday, 4pm to 7pm; on Fridays, 12pm to 4pm; and on Saturdays and Sundays, 10am to 4pm.
  • Note that at busy times you will need to buy a ticket in advance of your journey. Meaning that you might turn up to buy a ticket at 12.30pm, but the next tram that has a free seat is at 2pm.
  • Journey time is just under 30 minutes

Trg ban Jelacic

Of course, I can’t not mention Zagreb’s main square as a highlight of Advent in Zagreb. It’s here that the main Christmas tree – a 16-metre tall fir tree – is positioned, right next to the statue of Ban Jelacic himself. Good ol’ Josip isn’t decorated in any way, but behind him a large LED-lit “2025” has been hung on a building, whilst to the right of him stands a little festive forest with the main “ADVENT ZAGREB” sign. A prime photo opportunity!

Review Advent in Zagreb 2024 - Trg ban Jelacic
The Christmas Tree on the main square, Trg ban Jelacic (who can be seen in the distance)

The main square is also home to Mandusevac Fountain, which traditionally is the location of the four advent candles. I think the decoration and “candles” around the fountain look so pretty, a big thumbs up to whoever thought of it originally.

Further to the edge of the square are the stalls selling food and drink, centred around a stage where most times I heard a DJ “spinning” tunes. Among these food stalls are large-scale decorations depicting famous elements of Zagreb – such as Gric cannon, an old-fashioned Sljeme cable car, a wooden version of Princess Manduša and others.

Polar Express in Gric Tunnel

Gric Tunnel – running west of the main square – is often the location for interesting art installations should there be a special event taking place in Zagreb. Advent in Zagreb is no exception, and this year there’s an audiovisual interpretation of the animated film The Polar Express. It’s a rather magical experience, despite being relatively simple – the tunnel certainly creates some of the magic. Look out for a mini train above you about halfway through the tunnel!

Review Advent in Zagreb 2024 - Gric Tunnel and Polar Express
Polar Express in the Gric Tunnel

Fritule

These mini doughnut balls are a must. Have them for breakfast, lunch and dinner and then a late-night snack too. Try a different topping each time!

Advent in Zagreb 2024’s most infamous fritule offering – if doughnut offerings can be infamous – was something called Dubai Fritule. These fritule are topped with a melted version Dubai chocolate – kataifi pastry that’s covered in pistachio and tahini and then chocolate. Apparently Dubai chocolate is a viral sensation…well, I’ve not heard of it before!

Whilst these fritule are apparently fantastic, they do cost a whopping €11.10, so save up before you buy a portion. A hearty portion of “normal” fritule, which is easily enough for two people (or one very greedy Visit Croatia) go for around €5.

Review Advent in Zagreb 2024 - Fritule and hot gin
Fritule and hot gin

Hot festive drinks

Is it just me who thinks mulled wine is the only hot festive drink? (Putting hot chocolate to one side for a minute.)

Imagine my surprise to find white “cooked wine” (as it’s called kuhano vino in Croatian) which is far more delicious to drink. (Top tip for Brits: Marks and Spencer are apparently selling this for the first time this Christmas, so stock up!)

And then further surprise at the offer of HOT GIN! Like regular gin but hot, with a few spices and a lemon slice. Immense, the perfect winter drink. (Hey, Marks and Spencer – want a drink idea for Christmas 2025?!)

What is called “Hot Pelin” is certainly also worth a try. It is made with Pelinkovac, a Croatian herbal liqueur that has some health benefits. (Of course it does.)

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I spotted other hot festive cocktails on offer – including something intriguing with whiskey – but didn’t partake. But I would recommend you try it!

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Review: Advent in Zagreb Conclusion

Wonderful!

Seriously, I thoroughly enjoyed Advent in Croatia, and I think you will too! It’s a very merry and very festive Christmas event that’s easy to get to and easy to walk from place to place.

Zagreb was also truly bustling with locals and visitors from other countries (I mostly overheard Italian, German and Spanish voices, with some Brits here and there) which was great to see.

Have a look at my recap video below to see some of the best highlights:

You can read more about Advent in Zagreb on the official website: www.adventzagreb.hr/en.

Helpful info

Check out Visit Croatia’s full guide to Zagreb for everything to see and do in the city – including accommodation, transport, sightseeing, eating and drinking.

Our itinerary for Two Days in Zagreb might give you further ideas for what to do beyond Advent in Zagreb!

Finally, take a look at our Getting to Zagreb page for information on the best ways of reaching the city, including flights from the UK, Ireland, Europe and further afield.

On you’re in Zagreb, be sure to pick up a copy of the Advent in Zagreb guide from the tourist office on the main square. It has a FULL (very full) listing of everything that’s taking place during the event. (*Whispers* more so than the official website!)

Advent in Zagreb 2024

There’s no escaping it – Christmas season is very nearly upon us! (Although judging by some of the Christmas decorations I’ve already seen up and about, we may already be in it!) More and more Croatian towns and cities are hosting ever more elaborate and wonderful Christmas markets and festivities at the end of each year, but the biggest one of all is the highly impressive Advent in Zagreb 2024. This year, Zagreb’s Christmas market will be taking place from Saturday 30th November 2024 until 7th January 2025. That leaves plenty of time for you to enjoy Zagreb and its Christmas decorations!

What is Advent in Zagreb 2024?

I’ve called it a “Christmas market” but Advent in Zagreb 2024 will be so much more. A “Christmas market” might give you the idea that it’s just a few Christmassy stalls selling trinkets and hot wine on the main square.

In reality, Advent in Zagreb sees practically the whole city taken over by multiple events and celebrations, traditional wintery activities and beautiful decorations. There’s a fantastic atmosphere all around, and multiple opportunities to try hearty, warming local food and indulge in a hot beverage or three.

What will be the main attractions at Advent in Zagreb 2024?

The Main Square – Trg Ban Jelacic

Of course, Zagreb’s main square – Trg Ban Jelacic – will offer many fun things to do for this year’s Advent. One of which is the traditional lighting of the advent candles themselves, the first of which will be done on the opening day of the celebrations, Saturday 30th November. These candles are placed around the square’s iconic Mandusevac Fountain. Each year, the opening of Advent in Zagreb welcomes a special guest – the mayor of a foreign capital city. This year it is the turn of the mayor of Budapest, Gergely Karácsony,

The Advent in Zagreb candles (Credit: Julien Duval)
The advent candles around Mandusevac Fountain (Credit: Julien Duval & Zagreb Tourist Board)

The main square is also home to Zagreb’s main Christmas tree, a fine, super-tall specimen that’s beautifully adorned with many decorations.

And it’s Zagreb’s main square that will host the high-spirited New Year’s Eve celebrations, with a live concert to ring in the New Year. This year, 2024 Eurovision runner-up Baby Lasagna will perform!

The 2023 Advent in Zagreb Christmas Tree on Trg Ban Jelacic (Credit: Julien Duval & Zagreb Tourist Board)
The 2023 Advent in Zagreb Christmas Tree on Trg Ban Jelacic (Credit: Julien Duval & Zagreb Tourist Board)

Santa comes to Zrinjevac Park

Zrinjevac Park is always beautifully decorated every Advent, so it’s no surprise to hear that Santa will be taking a break from consulting all of the naughty and nice lists and offering sleigh rides around the park! These will be offered from 6pm to 8pm every Tuesday to Sunday.

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Christmas Trams

Here’s something I’m super excited about! Two Christmas trams will be driving through the city during Advent to jazz up Zagreb transport. Riding on one of the city’s trams is a fun experience on any ordinary day; a Christmas tram is even better!

A Christmas tram

Watch out for a Tram Flash Mob (assorted times and days; held for the first time at 5.30pm on 5th December) on Ban Jelacic Square and join in with the singing and dancing!

Polar Express in Gric Tunnel

Zagreb’s fascinating Gric Tunnel will once again magically turn into the North Pole (based on Chris Van Allsburg’s book, the Polar Express) featuring snowy scenes and polar animals. Open daily.

Advent in Zagreb 2024 - Gric Tunnel (Credit: Julien Duval & Zagreb Tourist Board)
Gric Tunnel (Credit: Julien Duval & Zagreb Tourist Board)

Christmas at the Museums

Zagreb’s many wonderful museums will also be celebrating Christmas with a number of fine events. Venues taking part in Christmas celebrations include the Natural History Museum, Zagreb City Museum, the Ethnographic Museum and the Chocolate Museum.

Musical Events

What is Christmas without the festive cheer of music? It’s no surprise that this year’s Advent in Zagreb will once again feature many excellent musical events, from one-off concerts to regular live music.

The base of Lotrscak Tower will see Advent Under the Lantern held at 4.30pm every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Various singing groups such as Klapa Kana G and gospel group The Messengers will delight the crowds.

Vocal group Vox will be celebrating with Zagreb Advent Postcards – a series of pop-up concerts at various central Zagreb locations such as Oktogon Shopping Centre and Ilica Skyscraper. Both international and Croatian Christmas classics will be performed!

Chamber music group The Zagreb Soloists will be performing Advent Concerts (at 11am on 1st, 8th, 15th & 22nd December) at either the Zagreb City Music or the Ethnographic Museum. The concerts are free but you must pre-register by emailing press@zagrebacki-solisti.com.

In From Christmas Balconies to Zagreb, six-piece brass band Ad Gloriam will be performing from some of the prettiest balconies in the city – such as at Caffe Lav at Opaticka ulica 2.

Chamber Choir Ivan Filipović will be performing what will no doubt be a truly heartwarming concert on Trg Ban Jelacic at 11am on 24th December for the Choirs on Christmas Eve Concert.

Fuliranje

The much-loved Fuliranje (translated to fooling around in English) will be back on Josip Juraj Strossmayer Square from 27th November. It is one of the best places in the city to go to during Advent in Zagreb, with its excellent atmosphere, many food and drink options live music and other festivities.

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Advent Celebrations for Children

As with every year, there are several events and locations that are targeted specifically for the younger generation. For 2024, this includes a live nativity scene that will take place in Opatovina Park multiple times a day from 20th December. Teatrino klincolino will be putting on performances of popular and lesser-known children’s tales from Wednesdays to Sundays each week throughout Advent.

The Croatian Chamber of Trade at Ilica 49 will once again be hosting a Craftsman’s Advent (28th November to 7th January). Beautifully handcrafted wooden toys and games from days gone by will come to life, delighting both young and old.

The very sweet Zagreb Zoo will also be joining in with the Christmas celebrations and is an ideal place to take kids for an animal adventure.

Getting There

Zagreb is a fantastic city to visit any time of year – just take a look at the Visit Croatia guide to Zagreb for a full rundown of the many attractions, museums and galleries, restaurants and cafes, events, things to do with the kids and much more to see what to do there.

But Christmas time is when Zagreb’s delights ramp up to another level with all the many attractions mentioned above. Really, why wouldn’t you visit Zagreb at this time of year? It really is so suitable for a weekend or short break.

From the UK & Ireland, Ryanair offers daily flights from London Stansted and flights three times a week from Dublin. British Airways and Croatia Airlines offer flights several times a week.

There are also numerous flights, plus train and bus services from other European cities. Take a look at our Getting to Zagreb page for more details of all of these travel options.

More info on Advent in Zagreb 2024

I feel like I’ve barely touched the tip of the iceberg when it comes to talking about all of the Advent in Zagreb events! So make sure you take a look at the official Advent in Zagreb website for all the details about what is on, where and when. You can also learn more on the Zagreb Tourist Board website.

When you’re in Zagreb, do also pop along to the Tourist Board on the main square to pick up lots of useful brochures and leaflets. They can also help you with any questions you may have!

Croatia in Winter: What would you do?

The leaves are turning brown and/or a-falling, the rain keeps lashing down the days are definitely getting shorter and it’s almost the end of October. Do you know what this means? Well, sure Halloween in a second or two, but in other news – it’s almost winter! So there’s no time like the present to think ahead and consider Croatia in winter. But what would you do when visiting this fine country during the coldest months of the year? I’d love to hear your thoughts but in the meantime – here’s what I’d do!

Croatia in Winter: December

Let’s jump right in and talk about Christmas! I mean, what else is there to talk about in December…right?!

One of the biggest draws in Croatia during this month is the spectacular Advent in Zagreb Christmas fair and market that takes place in Croatia’s capital city each year. This year’s event will take place from 30th November 2024 to 7th January 2025, so December will be absolute prime time to attend. It’s often mentioned in the press as being one of the best Christmas markets in Europe and would be an excellent alternative to some of the more famous Christmas markets held in Germany and Austria. Advent in Zagreb was also voted “Best Christmas Market” in 2016, 2017 and 2018 by European Best Destinations.

City Break in Croatia - Advent in Zagreb

But what’s actually at Advent in Zagreb? Zagreb’s main square, Trg ban Jelacic, is obviously adorned with a giant Christmas tree that stands proudly for the duration of the festival. Here, too, you will find little stalls selling Christmas trinkets, delicious treats and piping hot drinks. Madusevac Fountain in the same square also houses the four advent candles that are lit in the countdown to Christmas.

There will be a large-scale ice rink – normally in front of the grand Art Pavillion – where you will be able to skate until late at night. On New Year’s Eve, you can normally even skate until the early hours!

The main square in Zagreb, Trg ban Jelacic, during Advent in Zagreb (Copyright: Julien Duval)
The main square in Zagreb, Trg ban Jelacic, during Advent in Zagreb
(Copyright: Julien Duval)

The magical Gric tunnel in the city is also a must, normally being decked out in full Christmas decor.

Christmas food and drink will of course be readily available. Two of the best places to try out local Chrismassy delights are at Fuliranje on Trg Strossmayer and in Zrinjevac Park. Both will have all manner of stalls selling excellent quality, hearty winter grub and warming drinks.

There are also concerts galore at venues across the city – both indoor and outdoor – with some being ticketed affairs and others open to all. Fuliranje, as mentioned above, has live music through its Advent run.

Kids will be fully catered for as well with all sorts of fun activities being held in December, and Advent very often also hosts events for our four-legged friends too

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Really, a few days or a week-long break in Zagreb in December would be ideal to take in the full Advent in Zagreb experience.

Note: this year’s Advent in Zagreb calendar has yet to be announced, but it will be soon. Keep an eye on their website – and this one! – to

Alternative: Head to one of Croatia’s other larger towns and cities – such as Split, Dubrovnik, Pula or Zadar – for New Year’s Eve. Experience the festive and lively countdown to midnight on the Croatian coast, with live music, fireworks and a general all-around brilliant atmosphere.

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Croatia in Winter: January

I know what it’s like in January. The madness of Christmas and New Year’s has died down, you’re cold and tired and just want to wrap up warm. But maybe you’re a tiny bit miserable and fed up with the weather and decide that January should actually involve a bit of fun.

The Croatian coast will be too cold and blustery for January and, anyway, it’s not like you can head down to the beach during this month. So why not explore parts of the Croatian interior for a true wintery experience?

One of the best places to head to would be the Plitvice Lakes. A truly glorious location any time of year, winter makes the whole park rather magical and you may well be lucky to experience frozen waterfalls and very snowy paths and walkways. Make sure you bring your waterproof hiking boots and padded winter jacket!

Winter in Croatia - Plitvice Lakes in Winter
The Plitvice Lakes in winter…complete with frozen waterfalls!

The park has reduced opening hours and limited trails at this time of year, but that’s no problem as you will still be able to do a good amount of exploring and see many of the main lakes and waterfalls. Visitor numbers will also be severely reduced from what they are in the peak summer months, and you may even feel like you have the park to yourself at times.

Spend a few days in the Plitvice Lakes region and explore some of the other attractions too. There are some very helpful suggestions on the websites of the Plitvice Lakes Tourist Board and Plitvice Valleys. And make sure you book yourself into a cosy B&B or guesthouse in the region and indulge in some hearty grub – the Licka Kuca restaurant is ideal for this.

If you want to do more exploring of the Croatian inland in winter, consider the Gorski Kotar region too. Yes, this mountainous region can get very snowy during the coldest months of the year, so this option is perhaps for the braver (and for the true winter lovers) amongst you. But you’ll be rewarded with a fabulous winter experience.

Winter in Croatia - Gorski Kotar
A very snowy scene in Gorski Kotar

Alternative: Croatia’s ski resorts – which are few and far between, let’s face it – start to open for the season in January. Whilst most of them offer not much more than fun for a few hours of skiing and snow play up a mountain, this activity would certainly be unusual enough (i.e. a must-try!) when visiting Croatia in January. Take a look at our Skiing in Croatia section for details of what ski resorts to head to.

Croatia in Winter: February

We’ve done Christmas, we’ve done snow fun so what shall we turn to in February? Love, of course!

There’s no getting around it – February is the month of love with the the arrival of the magical or tiresome (depending on your point of view) Valentine’s Day in the middle of the month. So why not choose Croatia to whisk your other half to for a romantic mini-break at one of the country’s top hotels. Better still, pick a hotel with a luxury spa and excellent dining options and you will both enjoy a relaxing, restful and romantic little break.

Our top choice would be the Grand Hotel Brioni in Pula. With an expansive spa offering multiple treatments, a sauna, an indoor swimming pool (there is an outdoor one too, of course, for the warmer months!) and multiple restaurants you will find plenty to do during your stay. But the fascinating sights of Pula are just a stone’s throw away too.

Winter in Croatia - Grand Hotel Brioni, Pula
The indoor pool at the Grand Hotel Brioni
(Copyright: Matthew Shaw)
The sauna at the Grand Hotel Brioni

Another option would be the Hotel Esplanade in Zagreb. A historic hotel, first opened in 1925 to accommodate guests travelling on the Orient Express, the Hotel Esplanade offers smart, luxury rooms, a lovely spa centre and exquisite cuisine at Zinfandel’s.

Or if you fancy exploring the gem that is Dubrovnik’s Old Town as part of your romantic getaway, consider the very fine Hotel Excelsior. With stunning views out to the Adriatic Sea and overlooking the Old Town itself, you will be able to enjoy 850 square metres of spa and three restaurants. Make sure you make time to have a coffee on the outdoor terrace.

So that’s my suggestions for winter in Croatia. Now I’m going to throw it over to you – what would you do for winter in Croatia?

Spotlight on: St Mark’s Church, Zagreb

One of the most famous sights in Croatia is St Mark’s Church in Zagreb. It’s one of “those kinds of sights” that is often featured in tourist advertising for the country along with Zlatni Rat Beach, Plitvice Lakes National Park and Dubrovnik’s Old Town Walls and similar. And – like all those aforementioned beauties – it’s definitely the kind of thing you need to see in real life, not just on screen.

With its stunning tiled roof featuring two historic shields of Croatia, it’s an absolute must-see when visiting Croatia’s capital city. It’s easily done so on a walking tour of Zagreb’s sight-filled Upper Town, and when you turn the corner onto St Mark’s Square (Trg svetog Marka) you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of this iconic sight.

Zagreb Photos - St Mark's Church
St Mark’s Church, with its famous tiled roof
Zagreb Photos - St Mark's Church Roof
A close-up of the tiled roof – it shows the coat of arms of the Kingdom of Croatia, Slavonia and Dalmatia (left) and the coat of arms of the City of Zagreb (right)

History of the St Mark’s Church, Zagreb

The original church that stood here is understood to be from the 13th century, officially making it one of the oldest buildings in Zagreb. However, it is just one Romanesque window on the southern wall that still exists today. Much of the main structure and layout of the church is from the 14th century, including beautiful sculpture work in its Gothic southern portal.

The church was extensively renovated and reconstructed in the 19th century (especially due to the devastating 1880 earthquake), with designs by Viennese architect Friedrich von Schmidt, and Hermann Bolle who was heavily involved with Zagreb’s city plans and other grand buildings at that time. Works then included the lowering of the floor, the burying of tombs underground and the removal of the church’s Baroque altars with the installation of three stone altars instead. It was during this renovation that the Church received its beautiful tiled roof.

Further renovations took place in the early part of the 20th century, with works by famed Croatian sculptor Ivan Mestrovic installed during this time.

In March 2020, another earthquake caused structural damage to the Church. After repairs, the Church was reopened to Mass in December 2023.

Features

Have I mentioned the beautiful tiled roof?! The colourful glazed tiles depict two coats of arms. On the left, you will see the coat of arms of the Kingdom of Croatia, Dalmatia and Slavonia, an autonomous kingdom within Austro-Hungary that existed from 1868 to 1918. Within this latter coat of arms, you can see elements of the Kingdom of Croatia (the red and white checkered part), of Slavonia (the bottom blue – white – red – white – blue part which features a pine marten) and of Dalmatia (the upper right portion with three lions).

St Mark's Church, Zagreb, a closeup of the Coat of Arms of Croatia, Dalmatia and Slavonia
A closeup of the Coat of Arms of Croatia, Dalmatia and Slavonia
St Mark's Church, Coat of Arms of Zagreb closeup
A close-up of the Coat of Arms of Zagreb

The right-hand coat of arms is that of Zagreb – or, in fact, Gradec which is the historic town (largely located where today’s Upper Town stands) from which Zagreb hails. Zagreb’s coat of arms is actually a castle on a blue background, whilst Gradec’s is of the castle on a red background – as shown on the church’s roof.

St Mark's Church, Zagreb
St Mark’s Church, with the parliament building – Sabor – on the right

The impressive Gothic portal on its southern wall features sculpture work from the 14th century with fifteen figures including Joseph, Mary and Jesus. This work is thought to be done by the Parler workshop from Prague.

On the outside of the northwestern wall you can find the oldest coat of arms of Zagreb, which is from 1499.

Getting There

As I’ve mentioned, the Church is located in the middle of the cobbled St Mark’s Square in the Upper Town part of Zagreb. It is a short walk from many of the city’s other most famous sights, such as the Stone Gate, Lotrscak Tower and the Funicular. Also located on St Mark’s Square is the the Croatian Parliament Building, the Sabor and Banski Dvori which houses the Croatian government.

If travelling from elsewhere in Zagreb, the best idea is to take a tram to the main square – Ban Jelacic Square – first. From here, it is then a 10-minute walk to St Mark’s Church; walk up Ulica Pavla Radica until you get to the statue of St George, then go round it and through the Stone Gate and then straight ahead until you get to St Mark’s Church.

Alternatively, from the main square, walk along Ilica until you get to the Funicular. Ride it to its Upper Station and then walk north, past Lotrscak Tower, in a northern direction for a few minutes to once again hit St Mark’s Square.

Visiting St Mark’s Church, Zagreb

It used to be possible to get right up close to the Church and do a full circular walk around the exterior. Unfortunately, railings have been positioned around St Mark’s Church for a few years now due to security issues – thanks to the two political buildings on this same square. This means that it’s not possible to get particularly close to the Church.

Nevertheless, you can still take a photo or two or three hundred from the edge of the square itself. You are there, of course, to see the wonderful tiled roof so point your camera(phone) upwards and start clicking away!

It is not possible to visit the interior of the church unless you attend a Holy Mass. These are held at 6pm on working days and at 11am and 6pm on Sundays and religious holidays.

St Mark's Church, Zagreb
St Mark’s Church in Markov trg (St Mark’s Square); the roof tiles show the coat of arms of Zagreb (right) and the coat of arms of the Kingdom of Croatia, Dalmatia and Slavonia (left)

Take a look at some of the walking tours of Zagreb below that include St Mark’s Church as one of the sights you see:

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More info

The official website of the Church is zupa-svmarkaev.hr although this website is in the Croatian language only.

Zagreb BeThrifty Vintage Kilo Sale, 19 & 20 October 2024

The next edition of the Zagreb BeThrifty Vintage Kilo Sale, 19th & 20th October

The ever-popular Zagreb BeThrifty Vintage Kilo Sale returns to Croatia’s capital city later this month at its usual venue of Studio Katran. Taking place on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th October 2024, the sale is a great opportunity to update your wardrobe for autumn and winter with some stylish vintage fashion finds. Each day the sale will be open from 10.30am to 6pm.

Zagreb BeThrifty Vintage Kilo Sale, 19 & 20 October 2024

BeThrifty’s Vintage Kilo Sales work on the principle of purchasing bundles of items by the kilo. At these Zagreb BeThrifty sales, the cost will be €49 per kilo – although you don’t, of course, have to purchase a full kilo.

There will be a wide range of high-quality vintage clothing items for sale, including sportswear, dresses, t-shirts, denim, streetwear, coats, jackets and much more, in sizes from XS to Plus Size.

Tickets for the Zagreb BeThrifty Vintage Kilo Sale

The first 500 tickets for the sale are free so get your hands on them now! You can get tickets online at bethrifty.events/en/products/zagreb-19-20-listopad-vintage-preloved-sale. After these free tickets get snapped up, tickets are priced at €3 and can also be purchased online or at the sale on the day.

Each day the sale is divided into one-and-a-half-hour time slots and tickets are timed. However, this gives you plenty of chance to have a good browse through all the items and ample time to buy.

Children aged 14 and under do not need a ticket.

Zagreb BeThrifty Vintage Kilo Sale, 19 & 20 October 2024

Be a part of the Zagreb BeThrifty Team!

If you’d like to support BeThrifty at these Zagreb sales, join the BeThrifty WhatsApp group for more information. You could help out at set up or clean up or even during the event itself. In return, you will receive one kilo of clothing for four hours of support.

Zagreb BeThrifty Vintage Kilo Sale, 19 & 20 October 2024

Other BeThrifty Sales

BeThrifty regularly holds its vintage kilo sales all over Central Europe – other upcoming sales will take place on cities such as Warsaw, Budapest, Prague, Graz and Vienna.

Zagreb BeThrifty Vintage Kilo Sale
10.30am – 6pm Saturday 19th and 10.30am – 6pm Sunday 20th October 2024
Studio Katran
Radnička cesta 27
10000 Zagreb
bethrifty.events/en/products/zagreb-19-20-listopad-vintage-preloved-sale

BeThrifty Zagreb Vintage KIlo Sale, 6th & 7th Jule 2024

BeThrifty Zagreb Vintage Kilo Sale, 6th & 7th July 2024

The BeThrifty Zagreb Vintage Kilo Sale is returning to Croatia’s capital city, taking place on 6th & 7th July 2024 at Studio Kratan (Radnicka cesta 27).

Europe’s coolest vintage kilo sale returns to Zagreb to delight all fashionistas looking to snap up a bargain. If you remember, the BeThrifty sale works on the premise of all its vintage clothes being sold by the kilo. Gather up your favourite finds on the day and you’re sure to be rewarded with a huge pile of fashionable second-hand clothes for a low price. It’s a very sustainable way of shopping, that’s for sure!

BeThrifty Zagreb Vintage Kilo Sale

There will be all sorts of clothing items for sale on the day, including sportswear, dresses, skirts, t-shirts, denim, streetwear, coats, jackets and more for both men and women. Brands that you may come across include Burberry, Levi’s, Nike, Puma, Ralph Lauren, Puma and others; clothes range in size from XS to XXXL.

This July, the BeThrify Zagreb sale will charge €45 per kilo on Saturday 6th July and €35 per kilo on 7th July. However, you don’t have to purchase a full kilo! Your clothes will be weighed when you exit to see how much you will need to pay.

Tickets for the BeThrifty Zagreb Vintage Sale

There are a limited number of free tickets available online (only 200), so be quick and snap them up now! Head to bethrifty.events/en/products/zagreb-sale-06-07-srpanj-vintage-preloved-sale to get your free ticket.

Otherwise, tickets can be purchased on the door and cost €3.

Children aged 14 and under can enter for free.

BeThrifty Zagreb Vintage Sale
10.30am – 6pm, 6th & 7th July 2024
Studio Kratan
Radnicka cesta 27
10000 Zagreb

LMF Festival

LMF Festival to hit Zagreb in early June

The fourth electronic-based LMF Festival is almost upon us, taking place in Zagreb on 7th and 8th June 2024. This year, world-class DJs such as Dom Dolla, Argy, Chris Lake, Mind Against, Claptone, Matroda, Dubfire, Sam Paganini will all be on the decks, with many more names appearing as well. It’s a true mix of regional and domestic talent!

Hosted in the gorgeous setting of Lake Jarun in the southwestern part of Zagreb – a short hop by tram and/or bus from the city centre – LMF will offer a true festival experience for any electronic fan. With top-notch production, creative stage designs (including aboard a Zagreb tram!) across its three stages, super tasty food options, chill zones and art displays across the site it’s a must for all festival fans.

LMF Festival

And Zagreb is such a welcoming destination, with so much to see and do – you can spend your days exploring the city with all its excellent sights, activities, gastronomic delights, experiences and more and then partying at LMF Festival at night. Zagreb is also super easy to reach these days (see our Getting to Zagreb page) with flights from the UK, Ireland, all over Europe and beyond to Croatia’s capital. It also has an very, very wide choice of accommodation with something for all budgets and tastes.

All in all, LMF will be an unforgettable weekend in a stunning location, creating memories that will stay with revellers for some time!

Get a feel for the festival with LMF’s 2023 aftermovie:

LMF Festival (Lake Jarun, Zagreb, 7th & 8th June) 2024

LMF Festival Line-Up

As ever, the best in house, dance and techno music will be showcased at LMF Festival!

One of the most sought-after DJs in the world, Dom Dolla, will be leading this year’s star-studded lineup; the Australian maestro is behind hits like “Take It” and “San Frandisco” which have become anthems of electronic music. Argy also stands out as a long-time underground favourite who mixes up lassi house and techno with his own fresh sound, while Briton Chris Lake has always explored different genres and created his own distinctive sound that combines elements of house, tech-house and similar. His hits “Changes,” “Operator,” and “Turn Off The Lights” are real classics. 

LMF Festival (Lake Jarun, Zagreb, 7th & 8th June) 2024 Line-up

Recognisable by his gold bird mask, hypnotic rhythms and seductive melodies, Claptone is a magical DJ who brings real soul to his sets. He plays all over the world and has his own Ibiza party ‘The Masquerade’.

Also performing will be the hugely popular Matroda, well-known to this audience Mind Against, and the icon of Italian electronics, Sam Paganini. They will be joined by big names from the regional and domestic electronic scene: Bosk, Dallerium, Damir Hoffman, Danceelectric, Discopolis, DJ Jock, Einfakinn, Ilija Đoković, Joe2shine, Kosta Radman, Kraundler, Lanna Lokka, Luka Kosty, Mjuz, Percassi, Tomo in der Mühlen, Vedran Car, Viktor, and Yakka.

LMF Festival

Tickets for LMF Festival

Tickets are priced at just £57.44 per person, or £43.08 per person if you opt for the 3+1 ticket package. (Buy 4 tickets for the price of 3!)

VIP tickets are priced at £106.06 per person, which includes a special VIP entrance & exit point, Uplifted VIP area, VIP tables for reservations, VIP bottle packages, VIP hostesses, premium restrooms, premium drinks, VIP staff, an official VIP wristband and access to all festival stages. You can opt for 3+1 VIP ticket package as well.

You can purchase tickets at www.lmffestival.com.

LMF Festival (Lake Jarun, Zagreb, 7th & 8th June) 2024

More info

All news about the festival can be found on the official website, www.lmffestival.com or on Instagram and Facebook.

LMF Festival
7th & 8th June 2024
Lake Jarun
Zagreb
www.lmffestival.com

The return of the BeThrifty Vintage Kilo Sale in Zagreb

The return of the BeThrifty Vintage Kilo Sale in Zagreb next month (on Friday 29th and Saturday 30th March 2024) offers up an excellent opportunity to snap up some vintage and second-hand fashion for an fantastic price.

BeThrifty Vintage Kilo Sale in Zagreb

Instead of purchasing clothes items by price, BeThrifty works on the concept of weight – select the pieces you’d like to buy and they’ll be weighed at the end to determine how much you’ve got in your haul. At the BeThrifty Vintage Kilo Sale in Zagreb event, you then pay a price of €20 per kilo – although you don’t, of course, have to buy a full kilo.

There will be an excellent selection of high-quality vintage pieces from brands with items for both women and men including dresses, jumpsuits, sweatshirts, trousers and jeans, jackets and coats, bags, belts, hats and much more. Brands that BeThrifty come across include Fila, Lacoste, Nike, Reebok, Burberry, Levi’s, Wranger and others. Only the top grade of clothing makes its way to BeThrifty sales, with pieces being collected from old clothes collections across Europe. All clothing items are sorted and chosen at established recycling centres and checked thoroughly before being offered for sale.

The BeThrifty event in Zagreb is one of the many upcoming BeThrifty sales across Europe – take a look at bethrifty.events/en to see where other events are taking place!

Tickets for the BeThrifty Vintage Kilo Sale in Zagreb

The BeThrifty event in Zagreb will take place on Friday 29th and Saturday 30th March 2024.

Entry is FREE for the first 500 tickets to be sold – snap these up at bethrifty.events/en/products/zagreb-sale-29-30-ozujak-vintage-preloved-sale now! After the free tickets are sold out, tickets will be priced at €3 which you can also purchase online or at the door on the day.

BeThrifty Vintage Kilo Sale in Zagreb
1pm – 7pm, Friday 29th March 2024
and
10.30am – 6pm, Saturday 30th March 2024
Dom Sportova
Trg Kresimira Cosica 11
10000, Zagreb
bethrifty.events/en


BeThrifty Vintage Kilo Sale in Zagreb
Winter in Croatia - Plitvice Lakes in Winter

Top 5 Things to Do in Croatia in Winter

Winter is a dreary time of year, isn’t it? (The winter that’s after all the Christmas and New Year excitement, that is.) There’s seemingly not much to do, the weather is quite awful – if it’s not freezing outside it’s blowing a gale – and no one seems to be up for any fun. And there’s surely nothing fun to do in Croatia in winter, given it’s such a glorious summer destination?! Wrong! Spin that bad winter attitude right around and take a look at what I think are some of the most fun things to do in Croatia in winter.

Croatia in Winter – Enjoying the view and winter activities on Sljeme, Zagreb

Zagreb would be my top choice as a winter destination in Croatia anyway, as there’s so much to enjoy in this fantastic city – sights, restaurants, shopping, events, kids activities…the list goes on! But for a special wintery treat, head up to Sljeme above Zagreb to enjoy excellent views of the city and the surrounding area and lots of fun winter activities. I’d highly recommend that you take the cable car up to the top of Mount Sljeme as it’s a super fun experience and one of the nicest (and quickest) ways of zipping up the mountain.

So what winter activities are up here? The main one – skiing! Yes, that’s right, it is indeed possible to ski in Croatia, and Sljeme is probably the best place in Croatia to go skiing. Whilst you wouldn’t come here for a week-long skiing holiday, you can certainly enjoy a few runs on a weekend or an afternoon. (Or even at night as night-time skiing is possible on some days.)

Winter in Croatia - Skiing Sljeme
Sljeme Skiing

In fact, the ski season on Sljeme officially opens tomorrow, 23rd January 2024 (normally running until mid-March) so now’s the perfect time to try a bit of ski fun here. Organisers do use an artificial snowmaking system if the real stuff is a bit patchy.

If skiing isn’t your thing, you can still come up to Sljeme to enjoy a bit of sledging and playing around in the snow, before retiring to a local restaurant or cafe for some filling stew and a hot drink.

If skiing really is your thing, then you might be quite excited about the Snowpark Sljeme to show off your tricks.

Of course, don’t forget that Sljeme is the peak of Mount Medvednica, part of which is home to Medvednica Nature Park. You could shun the skiing/sledging entirely and explore this beautiful forested wonderland instead.

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Winter in Croatia – Enjoy the tranquillity of the Plitvice Lakes

If you’ve been to the Plitvice Lakes National Park during the peak summer months, you’ll have had the good fortune to share the experience of the stunning lakes and waterfalls with about a million other people at the same time. (I joke, of course, but boy does it get crowded at that time of year.)

Winter in Croatia - Plitvice Lakes in Winter
The Plitvice Lakes in winter…complete with frozen waterfalls!

The Plitvice Lakes are a pure joy any time of year as the nature of the park undergoes its seasonal changes. In wintertime, the park is a lot less green (the trees and shrubs, that is) but may be a lot more white if there’s been recent snowfall which gives the whole place a really magical feel. Some of the water in the lakes – possibly even the waterfalls – may also freeze if the temperatures have been low enough and consistently so.

Plitvice in winter also means that you’ll be joined by far fewer fellow visitors – nowhere near the crowds of summer. I would still suggest getting to the Park as early as possible in the day (the shorter days of course mean shorter opening hours – only until 3pm until the end of March) and do also note that the upper lakes are closed at this time of year too. But you’ll be delighted by the fact that the entry price is only a quarter of what it is in summer! (€10 in winter compared to €40 during peak summer.)

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Winter in Croatia – Celebrations in February

February is carnival month all across the world, and many locations in Croatia also celebrate with carnival processions. The largest carnival in Croatia is the Rijeka Carnival which, in peak years, attracts as many as 100,000 spectators and has a number of connected events. The carnival party in fact in fact already started this past weekend with the first event – the Rijeka Carnival Queen Pageant (where a Carnival Queen is selected!) and the Handover of the Key to the City.

More fun and games take place from 1pm Saturday, 27th January 2024, with Carnival Children’s Parade. Around 6,000 young participants will parade in their colourful costumes.

There are many associated carnival events over the next few weeks (a fun run and the Carnival Snowboard Session as examples) but the main Rijeka Carnival occasion is the parade that takes place on 11th February 2024. It’s an excellent time to be in Rijeka!

Or, as an alternative event in February, head to Dubrovnik in early February when the city celebrates its patron saint, Saint Blaise (Sveti Vlaho in Croatian). The patron saint’s day is on 2nd February which is also marked as the day of the City of Dubrovnik. Celebrations, however, stretch out from late January and beyond. Again, it’s a great time of year to visit this city too to really get a feel for a long-established festivity that is marked by local residents.

Winter in Croatia – Get your cultural fix

Croatia has a few annual events that take place all over the country on the same date and January enjoys one such event. This week, in fact! Night of the Museums (Noc muzeja) is taking place this Friday, 26th January 2024 with participating museums all over the country offering free entry from 6pm (usually until 1am). Museums also offer special talks and other events on this same night.

Winter in Croatia – Head to the coast

Sure, it’s winter, but why not head to the coast anyway? You won’t be able to do any sea swimming or sunbathing is very unlikely, but nothing beats being by the coast whatever season it is.

Winter in Croatia - Split
Split in on a sunny winter’s day

Split would be a top choice, seeing as it’s Croatia’s second-largest city and has plenty to keep you occupied even in the colder months. What could be better than taking a stroll down the Riva and enjoying the sea air.

Some of Croatia’s cities offer special deals for visitors in winter, and Split does too. The Split Card can be obtained for free from the tourist office if you stay for two nights in any kind of accommodation in the city. You can then use it to gain free entry to some of the museums here (the Ethnographic Museum, the Natural History Museum), plus discounted entry to other museums and attractions. You can also use the card to obtain discounts at certain shops and restaurants.

Getting to Croatia in winter

Currently, the only direct flights from the UK and Ireland to Croatia are those to Zagreb which are operated by British Airways, Croatia Airlines and Ryanair with all three offering flights to Zagreb. From there, you can use Croatia Airlines‘ internal flights to other destinations in the country – see our Flights in Croatia page for more details.

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Advent in Zagreb 2023

Advent in Zagreb – the city’s epic Christmas celebrations – returns to Zagreb on Friday 2nd December 2023, running until 7th January 2024. Here’s our rundown on what’s happening during Advent in Zagreb and where, and the best of what there is to see and do.

Advent in Zagreb

What is Advent in Zagreb?

Advent in Zagreb is essentially a Christmas market…but in fact, so much more than that! Having first been held in 2010, it is a large-scale celebration of Christmas that takes place in many locations all across the city. So many of Zagreb’s squares, streets, parks, shopping areas, museums, attractions and more will be adorned with beautiful lights or other festive decorations and will be used as venues for Christmas fun. There will be food and drink (oh so much food and drink!), concerts and live music,

The celebrations have received so much positive press and visitor comments over the years, often being called one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. In fact, Advent in Zagreb even won the “Best Christmas Market” category for three years straight (from 2016 to 2018) awarded by European Best Destinations.

Here’s a video preview of this year’s celebrations from Zagreb Tourist Board:

The main fun at Advent in Zagreb

Zagreb’s main square Trg Ban Jelacic will – as to be expected – have a giant, decorated Christmas tree in place during Advent in Zagreb. In fact, the tree is already in place, as of 27th November, awaiting decoration. The main square is also were the traditional Advent candles are situated, around Mandusevac Fountain.

Christmas celebrations aren’t Christmas celebrations without an ice rink, are they? Thankfully, Zagreb will indeed have an ice rink once again this winter with the Ice Park situated on King Tomislav Square – in front of the very impressive Art Pavillion. Open from 2nd December, the rink will be open daily from 10am until 11pm or 12pm (although only until 5pm on Christmas Eve). Should you like to see in the New Year on a pair of skates you can even do so – that day, the rink will be open until 2am!

Advent in Zagreb - Ice Park - Ice Rink
The Ice Park

The very cool Gric Tunnel is often kitted out for various events and this Christmas it will host the Polar Dream, offering visitors the chance to “experience” the Northern Lights.

City Break in Croatia - Advent in Zagreb
Gric Tunnel during Advent in Zagreb

A wonderful experience would be to join the gas lamp lighters for Advent Under the Lantern. Every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (from 6th to 23rd December) at 4.30pm they depart from the Lotrscak Tower to continue this 160-year-old tradition. They will be joined by vocal groups such as the gospel group The Messengers or the female vocal ensemble Cipkice.

Festive Food and Drink

This will be everywhere, ha ha!

One of the absolute best places to try some Christmas treats (and then some) is at Fuliranje (which translates to “Fooling Around”!). Located on Josip Juraj Strossmayer Square, there is a wide range of food vendors offering up some very tasty, filling grub, and plenty of warming drinks, from mulled wine to brandies. But Fuliranje is so much more besides – there will be live DJs, children’s choirs, magical decorations and Santa himself. Fuliranje is one of the most popular elements of Advent in Zagreb, and is also a top place to see in the New Year.

A previous edition of Fuliranje

Sweet Zrinjevac in Zrinjevac Park will have all manner of street food stalls selling hearty and warming winter food and drink. (Sausages! Mulled wine!). Set amongst the beautifully decorated trees of the park, it’s one of the top places to go during Advent in Zagreb. This year, it will be open from 12pm to 11pm or 12am daily from 29th November.

Be sure to head to Zagreb’s main Dolac Market from 6pm on 22nd December for the Christmas Pop-Up of PLACe Market. Local chefs and restaurants will be offering all sorts of tasty treats to go along with the festive and fun atmosphere.

Musical Delights

One of the first events of Advent in Zagreb will be a concert performed by the famed Zagreb Soloists at the Okotogon at 12pm on Wednesday 29th November.

The Advent Symphony of the City is a performance that will take place in several locations across Zagreb on different days. First taking place at Trg Petrice Kerempuha (just above Dolac market) at 8pm on 7th December, it will certainly put a smile on your face.

The 50th anniversary of the opening of Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall will be celebrated from 28th to 30th December with a very full programme of plays, performances, concerts and even guided tours. The grand concert takes place at 7.30pm on Friday 29th December when the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra Symphony and the Symphony Orchestra of Croatian Radiotelevision will perform.

Advent in Zagreb - Zrinjevac
Zrinjevac Park

Advent in Zagreb for kids…and for pets?!

What kid doesn’t love anything Christmas? They’re sure to have a good time just being at the Advent in Zagreb celebrations, but if you’re looking for some activities specifically aimed for the younger members of your family, you’re in luck.

Probably one of the most fun events for kids will be the Ice Fairy Tale at Ribjak Park (from 16th December). Fully decorated in icy style, the Snow Queen will be fulfilling the dreams of all children. But if your kids like all things icy, don’t forget about taking them skating at Ice Park (mentioned above) which they will surely be thrilled with.

The Croatian Chamber of Trade at Ilica 49 will be hosting a Craft Advent (2nd to 31st December) where handcrafted wooden toys and games from days gone by will come to life. “Big kids” (i.e. adults) will surely also delight in this, perhaps reminiscing about their childhood.

Certain museums will also have fun events that will delight kids. The Backo Mini Express Train Museum will be running their model trains daily during the Christmas period whilst the Chocolate Museum will be showing off sculptures made of…chocolate! (Of course!)

Zagreb Zoo – such a great place to take kids any time of year – will also have its own Christmas celebrations, and Santa might even drop by!

And yes, what about pets? The Time Out Heritage Hotel will be holding lectures and treats – for four-legged and two-legged friends – with pets even being able to take a photo with Santa. Altogether now – awww!

Not quite for pets, per se, but for pet lovers – Zagreb’s Cat Caffe will be offering a wonderfully festive hot drinks menu; the perfect way to warm up after enjoying all the outdoor fun.

More Info

Advent in Zagreb is so chock-a-block full of happenings that we’ve really only just covered the surface…phew!

You can of course find the full rundown of all the festivities taking place on the official Advent in Zagreb website and we would highly recommend you take a look to learn about all the fun things taking place.

Don’t forget to check out our guide to Zagreb for advice on accommodation, transport, restaurants and cafes, things to do with kids and much, much more!

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