Experience winter in a different manner – enjoy the magical Christmas lights of Advent in Zagreb
December is considered the most beautiful month of the year for a reason. This December, visit the Advent in Zagreb and experience a special kind of magic. Step into a magical fairy tale and enjoy the decorated streets and squares of the Croatian capital.
For three consecutive years, Advent in Zagreb held the title of the Best Christmas Market in Europe, and after the pandemic, it is now finally making its big comeback.
This year, over 20 different locations will host interesting programmes for children and adults, with over 100 concerts of traditional Christmas and classical music, together with many exhibitions and plays. The main Advent locations have so far been limited to downtown Zagreb, but this year, the event has spread outside the city centre.
The streets of Zagreb are already overflowing with Christmas decorations and charming wooden huts, accompanied by wooden nutcrackers, decorated Christmas trees and magical parks. The city also offers ice skating at the so-called Ice Park with magnificent views of the Art Pavilion.
Built in 1892, the Zrinjevac square and park with an avenue of plane trees stands in the very centre of the city, with a music pavilion located in the middle of the park hosting concerts, and with lights decorating the park thus adding a touch of romance.
Zagreb’s main Jelačić square is adorned with a stunning Advent wreath that wraps the Manduševac fountain and a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. The church of St. Mark, one of the oldest buildings in Zagreb, with its distinctive colourful bell tower and roof, is located in the Upper Town, Zagreb’s old town, whose superb cultural offer awaits all who visit.
Also located in the Upper Town is the Gradec Plateau with its photo-points and a view of the city of Zagreb as a beautiful Christmas backdrop.
Nature enthusiast are welcome to visit Maksimir, an oasis located across town. The Maksimir Park, one of the symbols of the Croatian capital, is protected as a monument of landscape architecture, and a cultural and historic monument. One area of the park is the home to the Zagreb Zoo, which has prepared a thematic program for its youngest visitors throughout December.
Traditionally, museums get involved in Advent as well, allowing visitors to discover even more about local traditions of Northwestern Croatia.
Zagreb is a special place to be this part of year, but apart from the visual experience, let’s not forget the superb gastronomic offer visitors can enjoy here.
For more information, visit the official Zagreb Advent website.
