Tis the season to be jolly and Advent in Zagreb is all about that! As you stroll through the city you’ll be delightfully overwhelmed by the scent of grilled sausages, hot jam donuts, traditional Croatian delicacies, plus hot chocolate, mulled wine and more. You’ll find that at most Advent locations you can pretty much eat, mingle, and buy authentic souvenirs. You’ll find all the necessary information on its official website, but here are a few special suggestions to help make your Advent in Zagreb extra special.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS

Oleander Terrace od Esplanade Hotel: Fooling Around by Fuliranje
November 28 - January 1
Action packed activities running day and night with restaurants serving specialities, not to mention stages with live acts and DJs, and that is just the beginning.

Advent on Zrinjevac: Sweet Zrinjevac
November 27  - January 7

Europski trg: EU Advent
November 30 - January 7
The walkway of the square transforms into a mini promenade of wooden houses serving liquors, brandies, and other throat warming remedies amongst a rich offer of concerts and alternative urban attractions. Find all the details on their page.

Strossmayer Square: ´Fuliranje`
November 27  - January 7
Get the funicular up to the promenade where you can discover age old Zagreb with charming coffee houses, street food, dancers, bands, comedians, and thrilling views overlooking the city amidst shiny lights and joyful music. Find all the details on their page.

CHRISTMAS CONCERTS

Gornji Grad (Upper Town): Advent In Lantern Light
December 4 - 20, Lotrščak Tower
The street lights of the Upper Town of Zagreb are lit up by night using a classical old method by lamplighters. Hop along for the ride with Christmas carols being sung in this one of a kind experience which ought to spark a light within you!

Advent Concert program of the Zagreb Soloists
December 8 and December 15 at Zagreb City Museum
A one of a kind type concerts with the Zagreb Soloists resonating some amazing tunes from virtuoso waltzes to polkas, as well as some of the bets Croatian and international Christmas tunes that we have all known to love and share.

LADO do tradition better than most, and the ensemble’s Christmas carol show is a journey into heritage and harmonies. Head to the Parish of St. Nicholas the Bishop, Medpotoki 1 (Stenjevac) on December 18 and to Church of Saint Anthony of Padua on December 20 for the magic.

December 20 brings 30th Heferer Organ Festival 2024 at Parish Church of St. John the Baptist, Nova ves 64

CHRISTMAS FOR CHILDREN

Advent at Mala Scena: "Šuć Muć Story or The Tale of the Golden-Horned Deer"
November 30  - December 22
Mala Scena Theatre, Medveščak ulica 2.
Theatre shows the The Tale of the Golden-Horned Deer for children of all ages after which St. Nicholas or Santa Claus will arrive with their sleighs and bring plentiful cheer and gifts. 

Advent at the Wild heart of the city
November 30  - January 7
Zoo Zagreb, Ulica Fakultetsko dobro 1

Fans of Vladimir Nazor's classic “Halugica” should head to the Maksimir Centre for Culture and Information throughout December for a children’s musical interpretation. 

Santa’s reindeers are replaced by good fairies and jovial leprechauns who will amuse children in the old tourist tram. Together with singing and fun, children will receive presents during the ride. The starting station of the Jolly Christmas Tram is at the corner of Praška Street and Ban Jelačić Square, the ride takes approx 30 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at the info house on the square, costing 5€.
 

LIVE NATIVITY SCENE

Park Opatovina: December 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 & January 1 and 6 2025.
Bethlehem is at our very doorstep with members from the Cenacolo Community re-enacting the nativity scene of Jesus’ birth along with farm animals too. Perfect picture moments!  

ADVENT RUN

The Westin Zagreb: Zagreb Advent Run 2024
December 8 at 12:00
Come dressed as Santa, an elf, or anything Christmassy at this fun run marathon that you can join. Choose from the 5km or 10km distance with all proceeds going to raising awareness for diabetes. Hilton Garden Inn, Radnička cesta 21.

JUST FUN

Lovers of all things jazz should make a beeline for the Zagreb Jazz Festival’s climax, featuring the incomparable Emmet Cohen Trio on December 18.

If you are looking for a great place to pick up unique souvenirs and gifts from fabulously creative local artists, check out these:
Hush Hush Market December 7&8, Contemporary Art Museum
Stolnjak, December 14, Figa Garden
MADE BY Fair December 21&22, Zonar Hotel
ARTISTICO December 13 - 15, Student's Centre, Savska 25

Art Zagreb is an annual event that brings together the best galleries and artists in Croatia, offering a unique showcase of contemporary art and a vibrant meeting point for art enthusiasts, collectors, and professionals. December 12 - 15, Meštrović Pavillion.

Winter Edition of Zagreb’s Food Truck Festival on British Square, December 2-7

On December 20 and 21, the Zagreb Dance Center conduct a deep dive into the history and performance of Christmas songs.

The Philharmonic Ball on December 30 in the magnificent Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall is the perfect way to bring the year to a close.

For the 17th time, the Zagreb International Record Fair will attract music lovers of all shapes and sizes, searching through more than 30,000 new and used records. December 15 is the date to remember.