As the crisp air brightens my cheeks and little puffs of breath escape from my mouth, I inhale the scent of sizzling sausages and sweet fritule drenched in chocolate.
The tantalizing aroma intertwines with the sounds of the season and drifts from the cheerfully decorated wooden huts at the Zagreb Christmas Market.
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Festive lights and classic Croatia Christmas decorations hang in a canopy over the street. They cast a warm glow onto the revelers as they peruse the wares for sale.
This paints the scene of our first night celebrating Christmas in Croatia – and we had only just set foot in the city.
Our initial introduction to the famous Advent in Zagreb event was already putting us in a festive mood – and it was only going to get better!
Christmas Markets Zagreb: What You Need to Know
When we decided to attend the Zagreb Christmas Markets we had a million questions – and you likely do, too.
Below, we include all of the need to know so that you can easily plan your visit. Additionally, we share details of other Christmas Markets in Croatia!
{Find details and dates for this year’s Advent Zagreb Program at the end of the article}
Zagreb Advent: Christmas in Europe
Although lesser-known than the legendary Christmas Markets in Germany and Austria, the Advent in Zagreb Winter Festival is truly impressive!
We were first intrigued when glittering images of the celebration flooded our social media feeds.
Unlike the stunning coastline photos we’re accustomed to seeing, these featured an entirely different scene. Croatia in winter. And it was beautiful.
Most people don’t think of Zagreb as one of the Best European Cities for Christmas, but we can tell you that it measures up there with the top spots!
After traveling all over Europe for holiday markets, the event in Zagreb still ranks as one of our favorites.
In fact, Croatia in December might be one of the merriest places to be for the holidays, thanks largely to the award-winning Advent in Zagreb!
Why Zagreb a Great Place to Visit for Christmas
We’ve been traveling Croatia since 2011, seeking out hidden spots and exploring the best cities.
From our very first visit to Zagreb, we were astounded by the incredible number of things to do. But here’s what we’ve also learned: Zagreb in December is amazing!
The capital is adorned with bright Christmas lights, theme-festooned streets and an outdoor ice skating rink in an undeniably gorgeous location.
What began as a modest affair in 2002, has grown into something utterly spectacular. And, each year they seem to somehow take it up another notch!
Best European Destination for Christmas Markets
Advent Zagreb has garnered so much attention that it was bestowed the honor of Best Christmas Market in Europe by European Best Destinations for three consecutive years.
We can’t think of a better way to kick off the holiday season than at the Zagreb Advent Festival!
Our Zagreb Christmas Market Review
We have visited the renowned European Christmas Markets in London, Frankfurt, Vienna and Dusseldorf. We have also celebrated Christmas in Amsterdam, Barcelona and Paris.
To be honest – we wondered how the Zagreb Christmas Fair would stack up. After attending, we can wholeheartedly say it’s one of the best in Europe!
With regional wintertime fare (hello, sausages) and one-of-a-kind Croatia gifts (like traditional Licitar Hearts), we couldn’t help but get into the spirit.
As we wandered through the decorated lanes each evening, giddy grins spread across our faces.
With a steaming cup of mulled wine in one hand and the other tucked into the crook of Kris’s arm, we navigated our way through the merriment!
What Makes the Zagreb Xmas Market Unique
Unlike some holiday bazaars that cluster solely around a single main square, the Zagreb Christmas Market location is appealingly spread throughout the city.
Booths selling classic Croatian Christmas gifts line the streets and sit in clusters at multiple locations – not just the main Ban Jelačić Square.
A live Croatian nativity scene is set up in Kaptol next to the Zagreb Cathedral. The Gric Tunnel is turned into a festive wonderland. A gazebo in Zrinjevac Park serves as a stage for live music.
Fairy tale holiday huts are set up in European Square and cobblestone lanes lead to cozy courtyards, complete with live music.
Each district is thoughtfully designed to create a specific ambiance and attract a certain audience.
From kid-friendly corners to streets for shopping and eating, and a lane just for ‘fooling around’, you can wander the transformed urban spaces and find something unique about them all.
We can say with certainty that being here got us in the holiday spirit and we look forward to seeing what is new each year!
Advent Zagreb Highlights
This is one of the Best European Christmas Destinations for good reason: the market features an array of places and ways to celebrate the season.
As the winter festival grows, new events are added to the already incredible line up. The following are the most sought after locations every year.
Ice Skating in Zagreb
The Ice Skate Park is always a popular part of the holidays here. The open-air rink is perfectly illuminated by the glow of Christmas lights.
Situated beside the beautiful Art Pavilion on King Tomislav Square in Ledeni Park, the rink is surrounded by traditional Christmas market houses.
In fact, the opening of the entire event kicks off here with a sensational performance. If you can plan your trip to coincide with the beginning of Advent, don’t miss it!
Zagreb Advent in Zrinjevac Park
Part of the city’s Green Horseshoe, Zrinjevac is one of our Favorite Zagreb Parks anytime of year.
However, Advent on Zrinjevac is a magical fairytale of lights and wonder. Chalets line the main path and the fountain and gazebo are covered in decorations.
This location is also home to several Croatian Christmas traditions, including homemade ornaments and classic holiday fare.
On select evenings throughout December, there are live performances from the gazebo, adding to the festiveness.
Christmas in Zagreb on Strossmayer
Advent on Strossmayer is one of the best holiday markets in the Zagreb Upper Town, so make sure to check it out!
The lane, which is lit in a dazzling array of lights, is lined with pop-up cafes serving mulled wine and festive foods. Don’t miss the views over the city – or the fun Christmas-themed cut-out photo ops!
Top Things To Eat at the Christmas Market in Zagreb
Wherever our wandering wonderland trail took us, we were never far from a vendor serving spectacular Christmastime fare.
To be honest, the food is one of the highlights of the event – and we definitely have our favorite bites.
We intentionally sought out booths selling Croatian classics, but we glimpsed international holiday foods for sale, as well.
Croatian Sausages
There’s no doubt that we ate more than our fair share of these. Heaps of local sausages are grilled to perfection and piled on platters.
Croatian cured meats are a staple of the cuisine year round, but for some reason they just taste better on a crisp evening under holiday twinklers.
One of our favorite market meals is a pork and garlic Kranjska (or Kobasice). It is a regional must-eat for carnivores!
Classic Croatian Christmas Food
In addition to the many sausages, we also tucked into delicious plates of charcuterie. We prefered the thin slices of Zimska Salama (Croatia Winter Salami) and Kulen (a minced pork sausage from the Slavonia region).
Heartier holiday meals – like steaming bowls of gulas (a hearty meat and potato stew) and platters of Sarma (cabbage rolls stuffed with minced meat) are available, as well.
Croatian Christmas Cookies and Sweet Treats
Nothing complements a salty meal better than a sweet dessert – and there are countless vendors that sell Croatian treats.
We most liked Paprenjaci – a spicy gingerbread cookie, but Vanilin Kiflice (Vanilla Crescents) are a traditional seasonal favorite.
The cookies that are cut into stars and wreaths (and prettily packaged) are great to take home or to give as gifts.
The one treat that you must eat at any Croatian Christmas market is hot fritule. The piping hot doughnuts are drizzled with warm chocolate sauce, which is impossible to resist on a cold night!
Kuhano Vino
The real treat for us, however, was kuhano vino – or Croatian mulled wine. The warming beverage can be found at every Christmas market in Croatia (as well as bars during the winter season).
During evenings at Zagreb Advent, the spiced drink seems to flow in an endless stream from nearly every direction, making it all the merrier!
Live Music at Advent Zagreb
To further enhance the festive mood, live music drifts down the streets from stages all around the city.
We witnessed rock bands, brass bands, jazz singers, women’s choirs, children’s chorales and folk dancers performing classic holiday tunes and hits from nearly every decade.
Zagreb Christmas Tour
We explored on our own, but there are guided excursions for travelers who prefer a personal introduction.
On this small group tour, participants discover timeless Croatian traditions, get the details on Licitar Hearts and taste typical holiday treats!
Zagreb Christmas Market Calendar and Location
The upcoming Zagreb Advent Christmas Market dates are: November 28, 2026 to January 7, 2027.
Be aware that some of the individual sites may start earlier or later – or only run on weekends. You can find additional details on the Visit Zagreb Advent Official Website.
We’ve shared with you our favorite spots, but events take place all over the city. Some locations also change year over year.
You can get a map at the Zagreb Tourist Information Office on the main square. They can also provide details about other festivities occurring in December, such as the Zagreb Christmas Lanterns!
More Things To Do in Zagreb for Winter
While Advent is the biggest Zagreb event, there is certainly more things to do if you are visiting Croatia in winter.
A great way to discover the city is on foot using our Self-Guided Walking Tour. Just be sure to bundle up, as it does get chilly in the wintertime!
Looking for more ideas for your Croatia Itinerary? Discover deeper into the region with our suggestions for ideal Day Trips from Zagreb.
Essential Croatian Phrases
We have always found Croatians to be passionate and welcoming people – especially so when we (attempt) to speak their language.
Here are a few words you might want to learn for your Christmas trip to Zagreb.
- Hvala is how you say Thank You.
- Molim is the Croatian word for Please.
- Dobar Dan is the formal way to say Good Day.
- Dobra Vecer means Good Evening.
- Sretan Božić (SRE-tahn BOH-zhich) is how you say Merry Christmas in Croatian
- Sretna Nova Godina is Croatian for Happy New Year
More Croatia Christmas Markets
While the Advent in Zagreb Festival is the largest in the country, there are other cities where you can spend your Christmas holiday in Croatia!
Christmas Markets in Split
Celebrating Christmas in Split is a lovely idea! The Split Christmas Market is set up along the Riva as well as in selected squares and parks.
We have attended the Split Christmas Fair several times – and found it to be quaint, jovial and full of friends and families enjoying the atmosphere.
Read our list of Top Things To Do in Split for tips about visiting the city and our Split Foodie Guide for the best eats!
Dubrovnik Christmas Market
The Christmas Markets in Dubrovnik are located in the historic city center along the famous Stradun.
Winter is actually a great time to visit Dubrovnik as the city is almost completely void of tourists. (That said, it can be a bit difficult to reach, as flights are extremely limited)
Read our tips for What To Do in Dubrovnik and find more information about the Christmas celebrations here.
Zadar Holiday Market
The Advent Zadar Festival fills the streets of the old town and runs from late November through early January. Get all the details about this year’s program on the official website.
While you are there, be sure to use our Self-Guided Zadar Walking Tour to see the top sights of the historic town!
Advent in Osijek, Croatia
The city of Osijek sits in the eastern region of Slavonia – and it’s sublimely different than the rest of the country!
Although far from the tourist trail, there are many reasons to Visit Osijek – including the Advent Osijek Winter Festival!
Travel Tips For Visiting Zagreb in Winter
Now it’s time to start planning your Zagreb trip. We are sharing our honest advice – including the best way to get there, where to stay and what to pack!
Planning a Trip to the Christmas Market Event in Zagreb
Before jetting off, a little pre-planning is essential. First, read our Top Trip Planning Tips for Croatia.
Then, if you are traveling from overseas, you can find more advice in our article, How To Plan a Vacation to Europe.
As you start making your plans for Zagreb at Christmas, staying organized is key! We recommend using our Printable Travel Planner to track all the details.
Zagreb Weather in December
You can expect the weather in Croatia at Christmas time to be chilly – especially in the capital.
Zagreb winter weather is typically quite cold with highs in the 40Fs and lows in the mid 30Fs. Snow is possible – as is a wintery mix.
Be aware that due to it’s unique geography, the winter weather in Croatia varies drastically from north to south.
You will find much milder climates and more sunshine along the southern Dalmatian Coast – but winter can bring strong winds, too.
How To Get to Zagreb
Getting to Zagreb during the winter can be a bit trying. There are no direct flights from the United States and far fewer frequencies from other places in Europe.
That said, most major European hubs provide flights to Zagreb in the wintertime. Just read our hacks for finding cheap airfare!
Additionally, it is possible to get to Zagreb by train or bus from regional destinations like Mostar, Belgrade, Ljubljana, Vienna, Graz or Budapest.
Where To Stay for Zagreb Advent
Advent in Zagreb has fast become a huge draw – meaning accommodations can fill up quickly. Before you start searching, read our Tips for Finding the Best Hotels.
The Esplanade – a classic and grandiose property – is one of our top picks, but rooms can be pricey. A more affordable option is Hotel 9…and it’s conveniently located near the bus station and a tram stop.
What To Pack for your Zagreb Christmas Trip
Packing for winter can often be tricky. We already mentioned that it can be quite cold, so you will want to make sure you pack accordingly.
In order to fit everything into your luggage, read our packing hacks and grab our FREE Checklist, too!
Appropriate Winter Wear
Because it will be chilly, be sure to pack a winter coat, hat and gloves. Also bring a travel umbrella or raincoat, if necessary.
Furthermore, you will want to pack clothing that can be layered. Daytime temperatures will likely be much warmer than the evenings.
Versatile Shoes
Walking is the best way to get to the discover the distinct districts, so make sure to have durable walking shoes or winter boots. Check out our reviews of the Best Travel Shoes for more options!
Day Pack
Whether you travel with a backpack or a suitcase, you’ll also want a great day bag. We recommend carrying one that is large enough to stow everything you need, plus extra space for gifts!
Travel Camera
Zagreb is beautiful in every season! Make sure to bring an actual travel camera to capture the sights. We use a Canon Rebel with a 18/135mm lens. This set-up takes amazing pictures in various conditions.
Croatia Travel Insurance
You can choose to insure your entire Vacation to Croatia with an affordable policy from a reliable company, like World Nomads.
Start planning your trip to Croatia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and find country-specific information on our Travel Guides Page!
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