7 Things Not to Miss at Europe’s Best Christmas Market – Advent in Zagreb

Advent in Zagreb set to start (photo credit: Julien Duval/ZTB)

By Iva Ralica

Last year Zagreb was voted Best European Christmas Market by travellers. This year we can only expect it to be better! Magical atmosphere around the city will start with the Christmas lights being turned on 26 November in Zrinjevac and then spread all around the city.

This year Advent events will also be held at a number of new interesting locations, but the old ones will sure be even more appealing! What not to miss:

Advent on the Main Square

Main square (photo credit: Julien Duval/ZTB)

The first thing to visit is Trg bana Josipa Jelačića, the main square, where the large Advent wreath encircles the Manduševac Fountain and a small ‘forest’ all covered in snow brings the real winter magic. Here you can taste the best mulled wine and sausages, and it is also the biggest open space in Zagreb to celebrate New Year’s Eve.

Live Nativity Scene

Live Nativity scene near the Cathedral (photo credit: Zagreb Tourist Board)

Staged on Kaptol, next to the gorgeous Cathedral, you will be able to see a live Nativity scene.

Advent on European Square

European Square (photo credit: Zagreb Tourist Board)

The European Square is the best place to enjoy concerts and exhibitions, said to have the ‘urban flair’! It sure offers beautiful souvenirs and great mulled wine for those wanting to warm up.

Advent on Zrinjevac

Zrinjevac (photo credit: Zagreb Tourist Board)

Then we go to Zrinjevac where numerous small wooden cabins found their home for the season. This is also a bit more intimate option to drink your mulled wine, taste some authentic Zagreb specialties and enjoy the fairytale atmosphere of the surrounding park. Just like a gathering around a Christmas tree!

Ice Park

Ice Park (photo credit: Zagreb Tourist Board)

King Tomislav square (Tomislavac) will once again show the winter charm with its ice park! There will also be numerous cultural events and after the ice skating, you can strengthen yourself with delicious Christmas snacks and desserts.

Fooling Around

Fuliranje (photo credit: Zagreb Tourist Board)

Fuliranje (fooling around) in Tomićeva and Kurelčeva street, just near the beautiful Zagreb Funicular, brings the tastes and the atmosphere from all over the world. But at the same time it give the most of the real ‘Zagreb feeling’!

Christmas Fair

Bogovićeva street (photo credit: Zagreb Tourist Board)

In Bogovićeva street you can find not only wooden cabins where fritule and sweet almonds, and mulled wine, are being made, but also those that hide beautiful handmade souvenirs, scarfs and gloves.

This year Advent events will also take part in Zagreb’s Upper Town – Hidden Courtyards in the Upper Town, Vranicani meadow, Advent on Stross and Advent in the Gallery Klovićevi dvori. Advent will even be held in the recently opened Grič tunnel.

Grič tunnel (photo credit: Zagreb Tourist Board)

You should also take in the Zagreb Christmas Carol – it is one of the most mystical and magical tours of the city. This costumed tour evokes unusual Croatian folk traditions and beliefs. Christmas Carol Quest will take a tour of the Upper Town after which a city game will be held.

Novi Zagreb will also take (a real) part in it, with its New Advent at the Museum of Contemporary Art and The Santa Claus Ice Fairytale. Fashion District Advent, Fashion Advent and for the youngest visitors – At Rudolph’s.

Concerts from Zagreb balconies will take place (photo credit: Zagreb Tourist Board)

Only a few weeks are left until this fairytale comes into our lives whether we wish to stay Grinch or not. The scents, the aromas, the atmosphere – Christmas is coming!

For more details about events, locations and times visit the official Advent website.