Advent in Zagreb

Croatia is often associated with sun-kissed islands and historic coastal towns, but its capital Zagreb has a winter secret - Advent in Zagreb, one of Europe’s favorite Christmas markets. Each year, the city center fills with wooden huts, lights, music and the smell of mulled wine.

In 2025, Advent in Zagreb runs from 29 November to 7 January, turning the streets and parks around Ban Jelačić Square, Zrinjevac and King Tomislav Square into a festive playground of markets, concerts and food stalls. It is an easy winter break to combine with Zagreb’s museums, cafés and day trips.

I last visited Advent in Zagreb in December, right at the peak of the festive season, and the city felt vibrant yet comfortably relaxed. My favorite moment was warming my hands on a cup of kuhano vino (mulled wine or glühwein) while listening to a small acoustic concert in Zrinjevac, a simple, cozy scene that perfectly captured the spirit of Advent in Zagreb.

The festivities of Zagreb Advent unfold over a six-week period. The real magic of Christmas in Zagreb starts with Ban Josip Jelačić Square and the tall illuminated Christmas tree, live music performances in Zrinjevac Park and the bustling ice rinks at King Tomislav Square. Do not forget the more than a dozen Christmas market locations across the Upper and Lower Town.

Christmas fairs in the heart of Zagreb, concerts and cultural events, beautiful lighting, an ice skating rink and spicy mulled wine, a perfect combination for getting into the Christmas mood!

Advent in Zagreb 2025 at a glance

Advent in Zagreb 2025 officially runs from 29 November 2025 to 7 January 2026. The whole city centre turns into a string of Christmas markets, music stages and food zones spread around Ban Jelačić Square, Zrinjevac, King Tomislav Square, European Square and the Upper Town. Entry is free, you simply wander between locations and pay only for food, drinks and activities.

• Dates: 29 November 2025 - 7 January 2026 (with warm-up events announced in late November)
• Main areas: Ban Jelačić Square, Zrinjevac Park, King Tomislav Square (Ledeni Park ice rink), European Square, Flower Square and several Upper Town and neighbourhood locations
• Programme: Christmas markets, concerts, DJ sets, church music, exhibitions, children’s shows, Advent Run and one-off events
• Typical prices (recent seasons): mulled wine around €3.5-4.5, sausages roughly €6-9, sweets like fritule from about €5-7 (with some premium versions higher), street-food dishes from about €9-17
• Best for: City-break visitors who like lights, music and street food more than skiing or alpine scenery
• Good to know: Most stalls accept cards, but having some cash is still handy for smaller purchases and older stands

Details, locations and prices can change each year, so always check the official Advent Zagreb program and map before you visit. You can also find the complete Advent in Zagreb 2025 program below.

Why Advent in Zagreb is worth visiting

Advent in Zagreb has repeatedly been named one of Europe’s most attractive Christmas markets and helped put the Croatian capital on the winter city-break map. Instead of one central market, you get a whole network of decorated squares and parks within walking distance, each with its own atmosphere, from nostalgic waltzes in Zrinjevac to modern street food and DJs at the trendier zones. The city’s compact size means you can easily mix Advent with sightseeing in Zagreb, coffee culture, museums and day trips.

Compared with larger Alpine markets, Zagreb usually feels more relaxed and less touristy, especially on weekdays. You can still find traditional wooden huts with sausages and mulled wine, but also modern gastro concepts, cocktails and local craft products. For many visitors, the big draw is the combination of Advent lights and Zagreb’s everyday life - tram bells, local families meeting in the squares and students warming up with hot drinks after classes.

If you are planning a broader off-season trip, Advent in Zagreb is also a good starting point for exploring Croatia in winter, with train and bus connections to other regions.

Advent in Zagreb 2025 dates & duration

Official dates & daily opening hours

According to the City of Zagreb and the official Advent announcements, Advent Zagreb 2025 begins on Saturday, 29 November 2025 and lasts until 7 January 2026. Warm-up events and museum programmes start a little earlier in November.

Opening hours vary slightly by location and by day, but most food and drink stalls open from late morning or early afternoon and operate until late evening, with peak crowds from around 18:00 to 22:00. Concerts and special events typically follow evening schedules, while family activities often start earlier in the day. The ice rink has its own timetable with daytime and evening sessions.

Because detailed working hours can change from year to year, it is always safest to check the current Advent timetable and individual event listings before you plan a long evening or a visit with children.

Main 2025 theme & what is new this year

The 2025 edition continues the idea of bringing a “feeling of home” back to the streets of Zagreb - cosy meeting places, familiar songs and warm decorations. One of the biggest highlights is the return of full Advent programming in the Upper Town after renovation work in recent years, so you can again combine views over the city lights with smaller markets and music events.

New for 2025 is an even stronger emphasis on culture and museums, with special Advent programmes, exhibitions and late openings in selected museums, alongside creative workshops for children. Several locations will also experiment with more sustainable decorations, local products and reduced plastic use. As always, some branded concepts (like certain food villages or music zones) may change names or sponsors from year to year, but the general mix of classic and modern Advent remains familiar.

Advent locations & map

Advent in Zagreb does not happen in just one square. It stretches across the center of the city, and you can easily walk between most locations. The official Advent website usually publishes an interactive map showing all zones, stages and photo spots. Below are the key areas you should expect in 2025.

Zagreb Christmas markets

Zagreb Christmas markets are located all over the city, ensuring there's a different market or Advent zone to explore every day during the season.

Ban Jelačić Square - central Advent hub

Ban Jelačić Square is Zagreb’s main meeting point and the natural starting place for exploring Advent. Here you will usually find the central Christmas tree, stage events, a dense cluster of stalls and plenty of photo opportunities. Trams stop right next to the square, which makes it an easy rendezvous point if you are meeting friends or family.

From the square you can quickly reach other locations: follow the lights down towards Zrinjevac and King Tomislav Square, or climb towards the Upper Town using the nearby Zagreb Funicular.

The Advent houses on the square offer delicacies and warm drinks such as mulled wine, sausages, fritters and sweets.

Zrinjevac Park - classic Advent charm

Zrinjevac Park is the most romantic Advent setting – a ring of old plane trees wrapped in lights, with a bandstand in the center and rows of small huts around the paths. Expect a slightly more traditional atmosphere here, with live music, classic dishes and families strolling slowly between stalls. It is a great place to warm up with a hot drink and enjoy evergreen Christmas tunes.

Delicious food and a true Christmas atmosphere

Zrinjevac is your go-to spot for family gatherings, friendly meet-ups, and the festive spirit of Advent. Just like Grandma's kitchen, it indulges visitors with top-notch wine, mouthwatering sausages, and delicious food, enveloping everyone in scents that unlock memories of childhood play, love, and joy.

It is a genuine Zagreb time machine, offering a mix of experiences for every generation, from carriage rides to street food-style traditional meals, open-air performances, grooving to urban Zagreb music, and engaging in creative workshops. Zrinjevac has it all and then some.

Throughout Advent you can expect a rich daily musical and cultural program in the evenings, with extra daytime concerts and performances on weekends.

King Tomislav Square & Ledeni Park ice rink

In front of the main train station, King Tomislav Square turns into Ledeni Park, the city’s winter ice rink. Skaters circle around the statue of King Tomislav to a soundtrack of pop and festive music, while spectators enjoy food and drinks from surrounding stalls. It is one of the best spots if you like a lively, slightly more modern winter-park feel.

For the 2025 season, Ice Park is scheduled to be open throughout Advent with long opening hours most days, typically from mid-morning until late at night, with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays and special schedules on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. Always double-check the exact timetable and ticket information on the official Ice Park and Advent Zagreb websites before you go.

The location is especially convenient if you arrive by train at Zagreb’s main station or stay in nearby hotels such as those listed in our overview of hotels in Zagreb.

Best things to do at Advent in Zagreb

Because Advent is spread across multiple locations, it is easy to fill one or several evenings with different experiences, from quiet walks under the lights to lively concerts and sports events.

Christmas markets, lights & photo spots

Simply walking the Advent route is a highlight in itself. Start at Ban Jelačić Square, continue through Zrinjevac and King Tomislav Square, then explore European Square and side streets. Along the way you will find plenty of photo spots: light tunnels, decorated trees, illuminated facades and classic views of the square from surrounding balconies and passages.

If you are looking for the perfect gift, look for the beautifully decorated red gingerbread hearts!

European Square & Flower Square

European Square and Flower Square (Cvjetni trg) usually host smaller but busy Advent areas with a focus on food, drinks and socializing. Expect trendy stalls, local wines, cocktails and occasional DJ sets or small concerts. These locations are popular with locals who stop for a quick drink after work or while shopping along Ilica and the surrounding streets.

Upper Town viewpoints & Strossmayer promenade

The Upper Town (Gornji grad) brings a different angle to Advent in Zagreb: panoramic views over the city lights, historic streets and more intimate events. Stroll along the Strossmayer promenade, visit St. Mark’s Church or simply enjoy the view over the Lower Town. Smaller Advent installations, music events and pop-up bars often appear around the viewpoints.

Reaching the Upper Town is part of the fun, you can either walk up the historic streets or ride the short funicular above Ilica street.

Other 2025 locations & neighborhood Advents

In addition to the central squares and parks, Advent in Zagreb often includes neighborhood locations and special concepts in courtyards, passages or around certain museums. Each year the exact list changes, so keep an eye on the official map and announcements for 2025 to see which new corners of the city join in.

Concerts, performances & church music

Advent in Zagreb features an extensive concert programme - from choirs and classical ensembles in churches and halls to jazz, pop and DJ sets on outdoor stages. Weekend evenings are usually the busiest, but afternoon performances are common too, especially for families. For more formal cultural events, combine Advent with a visit to one of the city’s museums or theatres; see our overview of museums in Zagreb.

Classical music and jazz at Flower Square

Cvjetni trg (the "Flower square") is one of the locations where you can enjoy more refined Advent programmes. On many evenings during Advent, the square hosts classical music, jazz and performances by young and talented musicians, often with extra daytime sets on weekends. Check the current year’s Advent programme for exact dates and times.

Live Nativity Scene

For many years the Cenacolo Community has presented a live nativity scene on Kaptol. Young men of the Community really pay attention to details, making the whole scene as realistic as possible to bring you true Christmas spirit. The exact schedule is announced closer to Advent each year, so it is worth checking the programme if you would like to see it.

Ice skating & family activities

Ice skating at Ledeni Park is one of the classic Advent experiences. You can rent skates on site and choose between daytime sessions, which are often better for families, and more atmospheric evening sessions under the lights. Across other Advent locations you will usually find children’s workshops, small rides, storytelling events and family-friendly shows.

Themed events: Zagreb Advent Run & special programmes

One of the more unusual Advent highlights is the Zagreb Advent Run, a fun run in festive costumes held in mid-December that takes participants through decorated streets. If you are a runner, check the official event site for 2025 dates, registration and route details. In addition to the run, look out for themed Advent nights, charity events, tastings and one-off performances announced closer to the season.

Advent tourist train & Christmas trams

During Advent, Zagreb’s public transport operator often introduces special festive services for children, such as decorated Christmas trams with Santa and his helpers on board. These rides usually last around 30 minutes and include music, stories and small treats for the youngest visitors. The exact routes, dates, departure times and ticket prices are announced each year, so always check the latest information from ZET or the official Advent Zagreb website if you want to include a ride in your plans.

Food, drinks & prices

Food and drink are a big part of Advent in Zagreb. Expect everything from classic sausages and fritule to gourmet burgers, regional specialities, vegetarian options and Instagram-friendly sweets. Prices have risen in recent years, so it helps to know what to expect before you arrive.

What to eat and drink

On almost every square you will find stalls serving kobasice (sausages in a bun), fritule (small doughnut balls), grilled meats, stews, burgers and various snacks. Traditional drinks include mulled wine, hot rakija (fruit brandy), hot chocolate and modern twists like hot gin or themed cocktails. Many locations also offer local craft beer, sparkling wine and non-alcoholic options.

Typical 2025 price ranges

Based on recent seasons and Croatian media reports, you can use the following approximate ranges when planning your budget (actual 2025 prices may change):

• Mulled wine: around €3.5-4.5 per cup, sometimes slightly more for premium versions
• Sausages and hot dogs: roughly €6-9 depending on size, toppings and location
• Sweets (fritule, cakes, churros): generally €5-7, with some “fancy” versions even higher
• Street-food dishes: burgers, stews and more elaborate plates often range from €9-17
• Soft drinks and water: usually around €2.5-3 for a 0.5L bottle or can

Use these prices as a guide only - menus on the spot are the final word. Trendier zones and special concepts can be noticeably more expensive than simple, traditional stalls.

Vegetarian, vegan & special-diet options

Each year more stalls offer vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, especially at modern food-focused locations. You can usually find veggie sausages, soups, fries, salads, plant-based burgers and desserts without animal products. If you have strict dietary needs, it is still best to check ingredients directly with vendors and focus on zones that promote themselves as street-food or gourmet areas.

How to get to Advent & around Zagreb

Zagreb is well connected by plane, bus, train and road, and Advent locations are concentrated in and around the compact city centre.

Getting to Zagreb (plane, bus, train, car)

Most international visitors arrive through Zagreb Airport or via regional buses and trains. For detailed arrival information, see our guides to flights to Zagreb, buses to Zagreb and trains to Zagreb. If you are driving, several public garages and parking zones circle the centre; during busy Advent weekends it can be easier to park a little further out and continue by tram.

Travelling by train within Croatia is particularly attractive during Advent, as the national rail operator HŽPP often offers special discounted return tickets and even free local train travel on certain routes and times for Advent visitors. Check the current year’s HŽ Advent offer for details.

Reaching Advent locations from the airport or station

From Zagreb Airport you can reach the centre by airport shuttle bus, public bus or taxi/ride-hailing services, usually in 30-40 minutes depending on traffic. From the main bus station and main train station you can either walk to the nearest Advent locations or hop on a tram for a couple of stops. King Tomislav Square (Ledeni Park) is directly in front of the main train station, so you can step off the train and be in the middle of the action within minutes.

Getting around on foot, tram & funicular

Most Advent locations are within 10-15 minutes’ walk of each other, and walking is usually the easiest way to move between them. For longer hops or colder evenings, use the city’s tram network - our Zagreb tram guide explains tickets, lines and useful stops. To reach the Upper Town without climbing steep streets, ride the short but iconic funicular above Ilica street.

Advent in Zagreb 2025 is organized by the City of Zagreb, the Zagreb Tourist Board (TZGZ) and numerous institutional and private partners. The event stretches from 29 November 2025 to 7 January 2026 and brings a rich program of concerts, exhibitions, theater performances, gastronomy and children’s events to more than a dozen locations across the city, including the Upper Town once again after renovation works.

Over the course of Advent, you can expect well over a hundred concerts and performances, special Advent exhibitions in museums and galleries, and new decorative locations and photo spots across the city. Exact details, locations and times are published in the official program each year.

Where to stay in Zagreb for Advent

During Advent, most visitors prefer to stay in or near the Lower Town (Donji grad) and the historic center, where you can walk to the main squares and parks. This area offers everything from luxury hotels to simple apartments and hostels.

Best areas to stay (Lower Town vs Upper Town)

The Lower Town around Ban Jelačić Square, Zrinjevac and King Tomislav Square is ideal if you want to be close to most Advent locations and tram lines. The Upper Town is quieter and more atmospheric, with cobbled streets and viewpoints, but involves more hills and steps. Areas near the main train station and bus station can also work well if you prioritise easy arrival and departure.

For an overview of accommodation options, start with our guide to hotels in Zagreb and, for budget travellers, our list of hostels in Zagreb.

Planning your Advent in Zagreb visit

How long you stay depends on whether you want to focus mostly on Advent or combine it with sightseeing and day trips.

How many days to spend at Advent in Zagreb

With one full day and an evening you can see the main squares, try some food and drink and maybe fit in an ice-skating session. With two or three days you can slow down, explore more locations, visit museums and add a day trip or two.

Suggested 1-3 day Advent in Zagreb itineraries

For a 1-day visit, focus on the classic route: Ban Jelačić Square, Zrinjevac, King Tomislav Square and one or two evening concerts. For 2 days, add the Upper Town in the late afternoon for views, then explore a more modern food zone in the evening. With 3 days, combine Advent with sightseeing at key attractions and a winter day trip from Zagreb.

Combining Advent with day trips from Zagreb

If you have extra time, Zagreb makes a good base for winter excursions, from castles and spa towns to nearby nature and wine regions. See our suggestions for day trips from Zagreb and decide which ones fit your schedule around Advent evenings.

Practical tips for Advent in Zagreb

A few simple tips can make your Advent visit more comfortable, especially if you are travelling with children or visiting on the busiest weekends.

Crowds, safety & best time to go

Advent in Zagreb is generally safe and well organised, but Friday and Saturday evenings can be extremely busy around Ban Jelačić Square, Zrinjevac and the ice rink. For fewer crowds, aim for weekday late afternoons or early evenings, when the lights are already on but the biggest wave of visitors has not arrived. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas as you would in any big city, and agree on a meeting point in case your group gets separated.

Weather & what to wear

Late November to early January in Zagreb is usually cold and can be damp, with temperatures often hovering just above or below freezing in the evenings. Dress in layers, wear a warm hat and gloves, and choose waterproof shoes with good grip for wet pavements and occasional snow or slush. Standing still with a drink or watching a concert feels colder than walking, so plan your outfit accordingly.

Payments, toilets & facilities

Most Advent stalls accept cards, but a few may be cash-only, so it is wise to carry some euros for small purchases. Public toilets and portable facilities are usually signposted around the main locations; cafés and bars also provide toilets for customers. Families with small children might prefer to build in regular warm-up stops at cafés, museums or shopping centers.

Accessibility & visiting with kids

The Lower Town locations are mostly flat and accessible, though they can become crowded and sometimes slippery. The Upper Town involves hills, cobblestones and steps, so plan your route carefully if you use a stroller or wheelchair. Consider exploring Upper Town during the day when it is less crowded and sticking to flatter, more open spaces in the evenings. Many concerts and children’s events are free, but some special activities may require tickets or registration.

Address, visitor centre & official information

Advent in Zagreb does not have a single street address because it spans multiple locations across the city center. A good central reference point is Ban Jelačić Square, where you can also find a tourist information office and easy tram connections.

For the latest program details, maps, working hours and last-minute changes, always refer to the official Advent Zagreb website and City of Zagreb announcements, and combine them with our local tips here on Absolute Croatia.

Advent Zagreb 2025 – Program Overview

29/11/25 – 01/01/26

05/12/25 – 06/01/26

01/12/25 – 04/01/26

01/12/25 – 11/01/26

06/12/25

14/12/25

20/12/25

21/12/25

Advent in Zagreb FAQs

When is Advent in Zagreb 2025?

Advent in Zagreb 2025 officially runs from 29 November 2025 to 7 January 2026, with a short warm-up period when some stalls and locations start operating earlier.

Where does Advent in Zagreb take place?

Advent in Zagreb takes place across the center of the city, especially around Ban Jelačić Square, Zrinjevac Park, King Tomislav Square with its ice rink, European Square, Flower Square and several locations in the Upper Town and nearby neighborhoods.

Is Advent in Zagreb free?

Yes. There is no ticket to enter Advent in Zagreb itself. You simply walk between the decorated squares and parks and only pay for food, drinks, ice skating, special events or guided tours.

How many days do you need for Advent in Zagreb?

With one full day and an evening you can see the main squares, enjoy some food and drink and maybe try the ice rink. For a more relaxed visit that includes museums and day trips, most visitors are happiest with two or three days in Zagreb during Advent.

What are the typical prices at Advent in Zagreb?

As a rough guide, recent seasons have seen mulled wine around €3.5 to €4.5, sausages from about €6 to €9 and sweets from about €5 to €7, with more elaborate street-food dishes and cocktails costing more. Prices can change quickly, so always check current menus on the spot.

Is Advent in Zagreb good for kids?

Yes. Many Advent locations have family-friendly program, gentle rides, space to run around and plenty of treats. It is easiest with a stroller in the flat Lower Town, while the Upper Town’s cobblestones and hills may require a bit more effort.

How crowded does Advent in Zagreb get?

Advent in Zagreb can be very busy on Friday and Saturday evenings around Ban Jelačić Square, Zrinjevac and the ice rink. For fewer crowds, it is best to visit on weekday late afternoons or early evenings and to explore side streets, Upper Town viewpoints and quieter parks.

What should you wear for Advent in Zagreb?

Winters in Zagreb are often cold and damp, so it is best to wear warm layers, a hat, gloves and waterproof shoes that can handle wet pavements and occasional snow or slush. Standing still with a drink or watching a concert feels colder than walking, so dress a little warmer than you expect.

Where to stay in Zagreb

Our top picks for where to stay in Zagreb.

Hotels and Places to Stay in Zagreb

Hostels in Zagreb