Zagreb Advent Christmas Market – Croatia 2025

Background & History

Zagreb Advent Christmas Market, known as Advent u Zagrebu, began in 2010 as a modest festive event and has grown into one of Europe’s premier Christmas markets, voted the “Best Christmas Market” by European Best Destinations from 2016 to 2018 (the maximum allowed). Spanning over 25 unique locations across Zagreb’s Upper and Lower Towns, it transforms the Croatian capital into a winter wonderland, attracting over 2.5 million visitors annually.

The market blends Central European sophistication with Mediterranean charm, offering a vibrant mix of traditional Croatian cuisine, artisanal crafts, and immersive light displays. Its eco-conscious initiatives, such as LED lighting and waste reduction, enhance its global reputation. Past editions featured iconic elements like the Ice Park at King Tomislav Square and the Merry Christmas Tram, making it a cultural and festive highlight.

Event Highlights

• Market Locations: Over 25 sites, including:
  • Ban Jelačić Square: Main hub with a grand Christmas tree, live performances (e.g., Psihomodo Pop, Vesna Pisarović, Fridays/Saturdays, 20:30), and the Baš Naš Advent market with mulled wine, grilled sausages, and fritule donuts. Features a giant Advent wreath around Mandusevac Fountain.
  • Zrinjevac Park: Illuminated trees, bandstand concerts (13+ local acts, speculative), and stalls selling ornaments, candles, and licitar hearts (UNESCO-recognized gingerbread).
  • King Tomislav Square: Iconic Ice Park with a circular skating rink, live performances, and 20+ food stalls (sarma, pancakes, mulled wine). Celebrating 10 years in 2025.
  • Grič Tunnel: Transforms into a Polar Express-inspired wonderland with glaciers, polar animal displays, and a castle dome (9:00–22:00).
  • Europski Trg (European Square): Diverse food stalls (Croatian delicacies, international street food), artisanal wares (honey, lavender, rakija).
  • Strossmayer Promenade (Fuliranje): Gourmet food by top Croatian chefs (e.g., cheddar sausage, Dubai fritule), live music, light installations. Hours: Mon–Fri 12:00–01:00, Sat–Sun 11:00–01:00, NYE 12:00–03:00.
  • Oleander Terrace (Esplanade Hotel): Michelin-level street food (štrukli, roe deer ragu), live DJs, elegant setting.
  • Marić Passage: LED-lit tunnel with festive decorations, near Zrinjevac.
• Special Features:
  • Merry Christmas Tram: 30-minute ride through Zagreb’s twinkling streets with Santa and treats for kids. Tickets €5 (~$5.80 USD), available at ZET store (Petrićeva St.), run from Ban Jelačić Square via Zrinjevac until 7 January.
  • Ice Park at King Tomislav Square: Large skating rink, live shows, food stalls. Entry ~€5–€7 (~$5.80–$8.12 USD, speculative).
  • Ferris Wheel & Ice Slide: Tuđmanac Park, family-friendly attractions (~€3–€5, ~$3.48–$5.80 USD, speculative).
  • Grič Tunnel Experience: Polar-themed light installations, open 9:00–22:00. Free entry.
  • Advent Bachata Congress: Dance event with Caribbean rhythms, 13 December 2025, Upper Town (ticketed, ~€10–€20, speculative).
  • Ball on the Upper Town: Illuminated paths, art installations, Gradec Plateau, 14 December 2025 (free).
  • Festival of Lights: New 2025 event with city-wide light displays (details TBD, December 2025).
• Cultural Events: Live music (local bands, DJs, daily at Ban Jelačić Square), Christmas carol concerts (Zagreb Soloists, Oktogon, 29 November warm-up), children’s workshops at European Square, and NYE celebrations with fireworks (Ban Jelačić Square, 31 December, free).
• Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible stalls, rink, and Grič Tunnel. English signage and staff. Audio descriptions for select events (contact info@infozagreb.hr). Free disability parking with a permit.
• Eco-Initiatives: LED lights, waste recycling, and reusable cups (~€1 deposit, speculative). Encourages public transport (trams, buses).

Date & Duration

• Dates: 29 November 2025 – 7 January 2026 (40 days).
• Key Events:
  • Advent Warm-Up: 29 November 2025, partial market opening, Zagreb Soloists concert (Oktogon, speculative).
  • Official Opening: 2 December 2025, 12:00, first Advent candle lighting at Ban Jelačić Square.
• Hours:
  • Food & craft stalls: 11:00–23:00 (weekdays), 11:00–01:00 (weekends), NYE 12:00–03:00 (Strossmayer).
  • Ice Park: 10:00–23:00 (speculative).
  • Grič Tunnel: 9:00–22:00.
  • Christmas Tram: 10:00–12:00, 16:00–19:00 (speculative, daily except 25 December, 1 January).
• Note: All-ages; under 14s need adult supervision for ticketed events. December weather (30–40°F, rain/snow possible); bring warm clothing, waterproof shoes. Full schedule at adventzagreb.hr (November 2025).

Main Event Address

• Venues:
  • Ban Jelačić Square: Trg bana Josipa Jelačića, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia (main hub, performances, stalls).
  • Zrinjevac Park: Trg Nikole Šubića Zrinskog, 10000 Zagreb (concerts, crafts).
  • King Tomislav Square: Trg kralja Tomislava, 10000 Zagreb (Ice Park, rink).
  • Grič Tunnel: Mesnička ul. 19, 10000 Zagreb (light installations).
  • Europski Trg: Trg Europe, 10000 Zagreb (food, souvenirs).
  • Strossmayer Promenade (Fuliranje): Šetalište Josipa Jurja Strossmayera, 10000 Zagreb (gourmet food).
  • Oleander Terrace: Esplanade Hotel, Mihanovićeva 1, 10000 Zagreb (gourmet food).
  • Marić Passage: Praška Ulica 6, 10000 Zagreb (light tunnel).
• Administrative Contact: Zagreb Tourist Board, Zrinjevac 14, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; info@infozagreb.hr; +385 1 48 14 051 (Mon–Fri, 9:00–17:00).
• Note: Wheelchair-accessible sites, toilets, and Ice Park. Public transport: trams (lines 6, 13 to Ban Jelačić, 5-minute walk), buses (Zagreb Centar, 10-minute walk). Limited parking (€2–€5 USD/day, disability parking free). Bicycle racks (~20–30 spaces, free).

Contact Information

• Email: info@infozagreb.hr (inquiries, accessibility, event details).
• Phone: +385 1 48 14 051 (Mon–Fri, 9:00–17:00).
• Website: https://infozagreb.hr, https://adventzagreb.hr (event-specific).
• Social Media: @AdventZagreb (Facebook, Instagram, X).
• Press: Contact info@infozagreb.hr for accreditation (deadline November 2025).
• Tickets: Special event tickets via adventzagreb.hr or on-site (card preferred).
• Note: Response time ~24–48 hours. Volunteers are not typically recruited, but inquiries via email.

Ticket Information

• Admission: Free for all market areas (Ban Jelačić, Zrinjevac, etc.).
• Special Events:
  • Merry Christmas Tram: €5 (~$5.80 USD), ZET store (Petrićeva St.).
  • Ice Park (King Tomislav): ~€5–€7 (~$5.80–$8.12 USD, speculative).
  • Ferris Wheel/Ice Slide (Tuđmanac): ~€3–€5 (~$3.48–$5.80 USD, speculative).
  • Concerts/Workshops: ~€5–€20 (~$5.80–$23.20 USD, speculative, indoor venues like Croatian National Theatre).
• How to Buy: Tram tickets at the ZET store (card/cash). Ice Park/Ferris Wheel on-site (card preferred). Concert/workshop tickets via adventzagreb.hr or venues (card preferred). Avoid touts.
• Ticket Range:
  • EUR: €0 (free entry) to €20 (special events).
  • USD: ~$0–$23.20.
• Note: Prices based on 2024 data; €1 ≈ $1.16 USD (mid-2025). No refunds unless the event is cancelled. Cash recommended for small stall purchases.

Cultural Experience

Zagreb Advent blends Croatia’s rich heritage with festive cheer, showcasing traditional crafts like UNESCO-listed licitar hearts and Hrvatsko Zagorje wooden toys. Culinary highlights include sarma (cabbage rolls), štrukli (cheese pastry), fritule (fried dough), and kuhano vino (mulled wine), reflecting Zagreb’s gastronomic identity. Live performances, from klapa (Dalmatian a cappella, speculative) to modern bands, create a vibrant atmosphere.

The festival’s spread across medieval Upper Town and Habsburg-era Lower Town, offers a historical backdrop, with light installations enhancing Zagreb’s baroque and art nouveau architecture. NYE celebrations at Ban Jelačić Square draw thousands for fireworks and communal revelry.

Food & Drinks

• Market Stalls: 100+ stalls across sites:
  • Savory: Kobasice (sausages), sarma, buncek (pork knuckle), ~€3–€8 (~$3.48–$9.28 USD).
  • Sweet: Fritule, medenjaci (gingerbread), makovnjača (poppy seed pastry), vanilla kiflice, ~€2–€5 (~$2.32–$5.80 USD).
  • Drinks: Kuhano vino (mulled wine), rakija (brandy), hot gin, ~€2–€5 (~$2.32–$5.80 USD, age 19+). Non-alcoholic: hot cocoa, ~€2.
• Specialty Vendors: Fuliranje (Strossmayer) offers gourmet dishes (e.g., Slavonian croquetas, Esplanade’s štrukli). Oleander Terrace features chef-driven menus (e.g., roe deer ragu).
• Nearby Dining (Zagreb Old Town):
  • Vinodol (Teslina 10, Croatian, $8–$20 USD, 5-minute walk from Ban Jelačić).
  • La Štruk (Skalinska ul. 5, štrukli, $5–$12 USD, 7-minute walk).
  • Mali Bar (Vlaška ul. 63, modern Croatian, $10–$25 USD, 10-minute walk).
• Note: Card accepted at most stalls; cash (euros) advised for smaller vendors. Reusable cups (~€1 deposit, speculative). No outside food/drinks. Water stations at major squares.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly: All-ages; children’s workshops (European Square, ~€5, speculative), Merry Christmas Tram, Ice Park, and Tuđmanac attractions (Ferris wheel, merry-go-round). Under-14s need supervision for ticketed events. Earplugs available (free at info points). Guide dogs only.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible stalls, Ice Park, Grič Tunnel, and toilets. English signage/staff. Audio descriptions for select events (contact info@infozagreb.hr). Disability parking is free with a permit.

Getting There

• By Air: Zagreb Franjo Tuđman Airport (ZAG, 15 km, 20-minute drive, $15–$30 USD taxi).
• Public Transport:
  • Tram: Lines 6, 13 to Ban Jelačić (5-minute walk to the main square), lines 4, 8 to Zrinjevac (5-minute walk). €0.53–€1.33 (~$0.60–$1.50 USD, ZET app).
  • Bus: Zagreb Centar to Ban Jelačić (10-minute walk, ~€1 USD). Festival shuttles between sites (~€1–€2 USD, speculative).
• By Car: Limited parking at Ban Jelačić/Zrinjevac (€2–€5 USD/day). Disability parking is free. Carpool advised.
• By Bike/Foot: Bicycle racks (~20–30 spaces, free). Walkable between sites (Ban Jelačić to Zrinjevac, 5 minutes; to King Tomislav, 10 minutes).
• By Taxi/Rideshare: Bolt/Uber from Zagreb center ($5–$10 USD). Local taxis (+385 1 970, $7–$15 USD).

Program Details

• November 2025: Full schedule announced (adventzagreb.hr).
• 29 November 2025: Advent Warm-Up, partial market opening, Zagreb Soloists concert (Oktogon, speculative).
• 2 December 2025: Official opening, first Advent candle lighting (12:00, Ban Jelačić Square).
• 3 December – 6 January: Daily markets (11:00–23:00/01:00), Ice Park (10:00–23:00), Grič Tunnel (9:00–22:00), Christmas Tram (10:00–19:00, except 25 Dec, 1 Jan).
• 13 December: Advent Bachata Congress (Upper Town, ticketed).
• 14 December: Ball on the Upper Town (Gradec, free).
• 31 December: NYE fireworks, live bands (Ban Jelačić Square, free).
• 7 January 2026: Markets close; Epiphany marks the end of the season.
• Note: Schedule speculative based on 2024 (,,). Some concerts N15+. Check adventzagreb.hr for age ratings.

Past Notable Features

• 2024: 30 November – 7 January, introduced Festival of Lights, featured Julie Keeps Quiet (Zagreb Film Festival tie-in). ~2.5 million visitors.
• 2018: Won third consecutive Best Christmas Market award (European Best Destinations).
• 2016–2017: Established a global reputation with Ice Park and Grič Tunnel displays.
• 2010: Launched as a modest event, grew to a city-wide festival.

Educational Impact

• Cultural Learning: Showcases Croatian traditions (licitar hearts, wooden toys, both UNESCO-listed), klapa music, and festive history via free exhibits (Zrinjevac, speculative). Ideal for cultural studies.
• Community Engagement: Partnerships with Zagreb Tourist Board and local artisans promote Croatian heritage. Workshops for kids foster creativity.
• Historical Context: Highlights Zagreb’s baroque and Habsburg influences, with Upper Town’s medieval charm.

Cultural Activities

• Markets: 25+ sites with crafts, food, and drinks (11:00–23:00/01:00).
• Music: Live bands/DJs (Ban Jelačić, daily), carol concerts (Oktogon, Zrinjevac, speculative).
• Workshops: Children’s crafts (European Square, ~€5, speculative).
• Attractions: Ice Park, Christmas Tram, Ferris wheel, Grič Tunnel displays.
• NYE: Fireworks, live music (Ban Jelačić, 31 December, free).

Travel Tips

• Book Early: Hotels fill in December; book 6–12 months. Tickets for special events will be available in November 2025.
• Weather Prep: 30–40°F, rain/snow possible; bring warm layers, waterproof shoes.
• Explore Locally: Zagreb Cathedral (free, 7-minute walk), Dolac Market (free, 5-minute walk), Museum of Broken Relationships ($7 USD, 10-minute walk).
• Transport: Use the ZET app for trams/buses. Walkable sites (15–20 minutes). Avoid driving due to crowds.
• Crowd Tips: Visit weekdays (11:00–15:00) for fewer crowds. Book tram/rink tickets early.

Local Attractions

• Zagreb Cathedral: Free (7-minute walk from Ban Jelačić).
• Dolac Market: Free (5-minute walk).
• Museum of Broken Relationships: $7 USD (Radićeva 2, 10-minute walk).
• Mirogoj Cemetery: Free (20-minute bus).
• Upper Town (Gornji Grad): Free, markets, views (10-minute walk).

Accommodation Options

• Hotels:
  • Esplanade Zagreb Hotel (Mihanovićeva 1, $100–$200 USD/night, 10-minute walk).
  • Hotel Dubrovnik (Gajeva 1, $80–$150 USD/night, 5-minute walk).
• B&Bs: B&B Studio Kairos (Vlaška ul. 92, $50–$100 USD/night, 10-minute walk).
• Apartments: Airbnb ($40–$90 USD/night, city center).
• Note: Book early for December; limited central availability.

Safety & Health Measures

• Medical Support: First aid at Ban Jelačić, King Tomislav; nearest hospital is KBC Zagreb (15-minute drive).
• Security: Bag checks; no glass bottles, professional cameras, or pets (except guide dogs). Info points for lost items.
• Health Protocols: Sanitizer stations; masks optional. COVID-19 policies TBD (November 2025). Earplugs available (free).
• Safety Tips: Secure valuables; stay hydrated; supervise children in crowded areas.