Zagreb – Best Christmas Market 2017

The sound of Christmas bells, the scent of gingerbread, mulled wine and various other delicacies… Join the awarded best Christmas Market in Europe – the Advent in Zagreb. Zagreb offers a variety of events that will satisfy even the most demanding visitors. There is plenty of fun, excellent food, unique events, art, but also a genuine Christmas atmosphere, on the streets of Croatia’s capital. Don’t wait for Santa sitting by your fireplace, find him in the city! So, what is it that you can expect? Let us give you a short guide of the things you can see and experience in the Zagreb city center during the Advent season.

Zagreb city center

Visit Zagreb Cathedral and marvel at its Nativity scene, which is complete with live actors and animals. Then, enjoy the festive atmosphere at Ban Jelačić Square’s Christmas market before continuing to Flower Square for the magical sensory displays. Cap your tour with mulled wine, štrukle, and a bratwurst sausage at a hidden winter wonderland in Zrinjevac Park.

Zagreb Cathedral

Reach the Kaptol Square where you will come in front of the Cathedral. Gaze up at its Gothic spires and experience the Croatia’s tallest structure and largest place of worship. Then, head inside to see the exquisite 13th-century frescoes and beautiful marble altars.
Next, head back to the square to see the live Nativity scene. Be enchanted by the little stable, complete with farm animals, and see locals huddled together, playing the roles of the baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the Three Kings, the shepherds and the people of Bethlehem.

The main square – Ban Josip Jelačić square

Tur back to the Ban Jelačić Square, where Zagreb’s most traditional Christmas market is held. Wander among the stalls decorated with twinkling lights, and peruse the handcrafted ornaments, candy, and other traditional gifts. Enjoy lots of concerts and live events too.

Flower Square – Cvjetni trg

Then, stroll through Flower Square, and listen to musicians playing beautiful classical and jazz melodies as you admire the snow-white lights and decorations together with more stalls and gastronomiy delicacies.

Zrinjevac Park

Another must-see place is Zrinjevac Park – just between the main square and the main railway station. Feel like you’ve wandered into a fairytale walking down a pathway of magically lit trees with twinkling Christmas lights you’ll reach the old music pavilion where you can enjoy a concert while admiring the view of the decorated park and enjoying some of Croatia’s typical delicacies. Continue walking and reach the Ice park where you can rent skates and end your Christmas fairy tale by dancing on ice in a magical atmosphere.

Upper town

You’ll enjoy the atmosphere of the twinkling lights and the smell of winter in the air while you’ll walk down Zagreb’s longest street Ilica to the world’s shortest funicular in Tomićeva street that will take you to the Upper Town. Your guide will share many interesting stories about the sights on the way, you’ll get to see the fascinating St. Mark’s Church, Bloody Bridge, Stone Gate and you can visit the famous Museum of Broken Relationships.