Christmas Market in Zagreb (2024)

Zagreb is still not an obvious destination for a European city break. Especially in winter, as we often automatically associate Croatia with a seaside vacation.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

Zagreb has one of the most interesting and best Christmas markets in Europe. And I will tell you more about it in this post.

When, where, what does the Christmas market in Zagreb look like? All the details below.

A few words about Zagreb

Zagreb (and the northern part of Croatia) is different from the coast. It has a different atmosphere, different architecture. Zagreb is more like other capitals in the region like Budapest, Bratislava or Vienna (although of course in Croatian style) than Split or Dubrovnik. Of course, this has historical reasons.

Zagreb has about 800,000 inhabitants, and the entire metropolitan area has even a million. It is a typical European capital, where you can find everything you need.

However, it is more peaceful, less overwhelming than many other cities. I also like Zagreb because it is so compact that most attractions can be reached on foot.

The city centre is divided into the Lower Town (Dolnji Grad) and the Upper Town (Gornji Grad). The Upper Town is more touristy, and there are also various government buildings there. On the other hand, in the Lower Town you will find more points related to the Christmas market, called Advent in Zagreb.

Advent in Zagreb (Advent u Zagrebu)

You can often read about the ‘Christmas market in Zagreb’. I also write it this way for the sake of convenience. However, to be precise, the market is actually markets, many smaller markets scattered throughout the city. And all under one name: Advent in Zagreb.

In other Croatian cities, the name is similar, and markets, i.e. Advent in Split, Advent in Dubrovnik, etc. are becoming increasingly popular.

Besides, Advent in Zagreb is not just typical markets. There are also more ‘modern’ ones, with an ice rink, decorations, reaching even about 20 points in the city. I will describe them in more detail in a moment.

It makes a great impression and it is something different than in most cities, where the markets are usually concentrated in one place. I am not surprised that Advent in Zagreb won the competition for the Best Christmas Market in Europe. It won the competition three times and earned the title for the year: 2016, 2017 and 2018. Due to winning three times in a row, Zagreb can no longer participate in the competition. However, the level of the market is still great.

I visited Christmas Zagreb last year and I was really impressed. I arrived in Zagreb right after New Year’s Eve and I think it was also quite a good time (there were no crowds at all). The event usually starts with lighting the first candle on the Advent wreath in the Manduševac fountain.

This year ‘Advent Zagreb’ will take place from 30.11.2024 to 07.01.2025.

Top attractions of Advent in Zagreb

There is no exact information or map of the Advent points this year yet. Information always appears on this page.

Be sure to also take a paper map (at your hotel or the Tourist Information Centre), it will be very helpful in finding all the points.

However, many attractions take place every year.

Ice Rink

I think the ice rink impressed me the most. Or I rather should say two connected ice rinks (designed for different skating levels). Look for it on the map under the name Ice Park/Ledeni Park; it is located on Trg Kralja Tomislava, next to the Art Pavilion and close to the train station.

It is worth visiting both during the day and after dark (the illuminated ice rink looks beautiful in particular). Visit even if you do not plan to skate, because of the atmosphere. There are Christmas market stalls with food and drinks around the ice rink, so there is a place to spend your time.

Of course, there is also a skate rental service if you want to skate.

And on the way from the ice rink to the main square in the city, we pass two more great spots for Zagreb Advent:

Fuliranje (Fooling around)

On Strossmayer Square you will come across Fuliranje. It has a festive atmosphere, but not as typical Christmas market, it is a street food festival. You will find a larger and more interesting gastronomic offer here, food trucks and even DJ performances. A very cool place, in a more urban, modern edition.

Zrinjevac

There is another point not far away, again in a slightly different style. The market in Zrinjevac Park is probably the most ‘typical’ of the Zagreb points, with a more family atmosphere and activities for children. You will find gastronomic stands here, of course, but also with handicrafts, additional attractions, workshops. The trees and fountain are decorated and illuminated.

Last year, you could start a horse-drawn carriage ride from the area around the park. Right away I need to mention too that every year a Christmas tram runs around Zagreb, which starts its route near Jelačić Square.

Jelacic Square (Trg Bana Jelačića)

This is the main square of the city, so of course there are many attractions around there. First of all, a large Advent wreath in the fountain.

The entire square is decorated and usually has a large Christmas tree. There is also another Christmas market in the square, with music and food.

Caffe de Matoš

Caffe de Matoš organizes outdoor events both in the summer and during Advent. In recent years, they have changed locations; previously, they were in the Upper Town. Last year, their Advent point was in the Lower Town in a great location, on Masarykova Street, where there is a colorful street mural. The combination of this colorful street with Christmas decorations and market stalls looked interesting and quite unconventional. I really liked this Advent point.

We’ll see if it stays in the same location this year.

Tunel Grič

The Grič Tunnel was built in 1943 and during World War II and the war in the 1990s, the tunnel was used as a shelter. In 1993, during the war, the tunnel hosted a famous music event called Under City Rave.

In 1996, it was renovated and opened to the public.

The tunnel is 350 m long and has several entrances, although only 2 are usually opened during events. The tunnel primarily serves as a passage, but also hosts various events, such as exhibitions.

The tunnel is also part of the Christmas event every year. Every year, there is an exhibition that transforms the tunnel into a ‘winter world’. In previous years, it was an exhibition related to the Nutcracker. The latest exhibition was called ‘Polar Dream’. It was an installation inspired by the polar climate and the Aurora Borealis, with lights and sounds.

It looked beautiful and I have to admit that it is one of the most interesting parts of Advent. Very attractive use of an interesting place in Zagreb, and definitely ‘something different’ than in other cities.

Going through the tunnel is, I think, a ‘must’ point of a stay in Zagreb at any time, and even more so during Advent.

Other attractions of Christmas Market in Zagreb

The attractions listed are the main ones, repeated every year, but of course that’s not all.

There is also a Christmas Market on the European Square (EU Advent), decorations (in 2023 it was e.g. the Moon Garden) in Ribnjak Park, a Christmas tree in Oktogon, and many additional events, workshops, performances.

Small markets are also being set up at some hotels, I really liked the use of the passage and terrace at the Jägerhorn Hotel.

There is no information yet about what exactly we can expect this year, there will definitely be some changes in places and decorations, but the basics of the market remain.

Practical information about Zagreb

How to get

You can get to Zagreb by plane from many European and not only destinations.

You can also get there by train from Vienna or Budapest (about 6 hours). The train station is in the city centre.

The bus station (where the direct bus from the airport arrives) is a bit further away, a 5-10 minute tram ride.

There is no metro in Zagreb, public transport consists of buses and trams.

Where to sleep in Zagreb

In Zagreb you will find many accommodation options. The most famous hotel is probably the Hotel Dubrovnik, which is located in the most central location.

Opposite the train station is the Hotel Central. It may not be a great standard, but it is a good idea for accommodation if you arrive on a late train.

I recently stayed in Zagreb at Court 5 Apartments. Great location, in the heart of the city and walking distance to the most important points, and also close to the tram stop. The apartment itself is clean, nicely furnished, in a modern style, two-story. I can really recommend it.

What to eat at the Christmas Market in Croatia

Culinary-wise (apart from Fuliranje with street food), the markets are quite standard, i.e. grilled sausages, hot dogs, etc. Of the more typical Croatian things, it is worth trying roasted chestnuts and fritule. Fritule are small doughnuts, additionally sprinkled or drizzled with something. You buy a whole portion and although they originally come from the coast, they are known and eaten all over the country, especially during the holidays and carnival. You can eat them everywhere at stands.

Christmas around Zagreb

If you are spending more time in Zagreb and want to go somewhere outside the city for a Christmas trip, check out these two options:

Samobor

A charming town about 20 km from Zagreb (easy to reach by public transport), on a river and with a view of the mountains. Beautiful scenery during the winter and Christmas season. The town also hosts a fair (Advent u Samoboru) every year. Samobor is famous for its cream cakes (kremšnita), be sure to eat some if you decide to visit the town.

Salajland

This attraction is a bit further away, about 60 km from Zagreb and is only accessible by car.

It’s Salajland, an exhibition of lights and light decorations, a kind of ‘garden of lights’, where apparently about 5 million lights are already used. It’s a private family initiative that has grown to a large size and is mentioned in the major media.

I haven’t visited Salajland yet, but it looks really impressive in the photos.

This year the exhibition will take place from 29.11.2024 to 08.01.2025, it is open daily from 14 to 21, and the ticket price is 6 Euro.

You will find all the information here.

Christmas Market in Zagreb: Summary

This wasn’t my first time in Zagreb in December. As I studied Croatian philology, many years ago I was in Zagreb on a month-long scholarship in December. Back then, there was already a small market in the city, and a wreath in the fountain on Ban Jelačić Square. And the wreath stayed, and in the same place, it is also an important part of Advent. However, since then, the market has developed beautifully. It is very creative and different. There is something to see, something to do, and where to spend time. The atmosphere is also great, despite everything local and so ‘chilled out’ (after all, it is Croatia).

It is really worth adding Zagreb to your list of fair destinations.