Advent in Zagreb – new location and details unveiled

Advent in Zagreb (Photo credit: Julien Duval/Zagreb Tourist Board)

Advent in Zagreb will take place from 30 November until 7 January and today, the Zagreb Tourist Board unveiled all the highlights of this year’s Advent celebrations.

Preparations are already well underway, with workers installing festive decorations and lights around the city centre over recent days.

Director of the Tourist Board, Martina Bienenfeld, announced that Advent will open this year on 30 November, with the lighting of the first candle on Ban Jelačić Square.

(Photo: Julien Duval/Zagreb Tourist Board)

“There will be 18 locations in total this year. We’re celebrating a full ten years since the opening of the ice rink at Tomislavac, which I’d say is largely responsible for Zagreb’s Advent being named the best in Europe for three consecutive years.”

New location

“Our traditional locations stretch from the main square to the Central Station, but what’s new and something we’re especially excited about is a location we’ve set up with our partners at Kvaternik Square, called Mingle in the Hood.

The cultural programme at Advent grows richer each year. Advent classics include classical music festivals, mostly held in venues around the Upper Town. This year, we have five different festivals featuring concerts and music programmes,” said Bienenfeld.

(Photo: Grad Zagreb)

She added that locals and tourists will also have the opportunity to watch The Nutcracker on Ice on 2 and 23 December.

(Photo credit: S. Carek/Zagreb Tourist Board)

Bienenfeld highlighted the rich cultural programme, which includes one-day events as well as a concert by the Zagreb Soloists, who are gifting their music to the public. She also noted that tickets for The Nutcracker ballet have sold out, but it will be possible to watch a live broadcast of the performance outside the theatre.

The Advent festivities will extend to museums, including the Natural History Museum and the Otto Reisinger House of Caricature, with a programme full of events for younger visitors as well.

This year will also feature a major holiday installation in the Grič Tunnel.

New additions to the festivities include a grand ball in Gornji Grad and a “Hunters’ Advent” at Tuškanac.

“I would like to congratulate the Zagreb Tourist Board team, who begin planning the next Advent as soon as one finishes. It’s truly a significant logistical achievement.

We’re delighted that Advent in Zagreb is improving each year and is recognised worldwide. This morning, we hosted a delegation from Los Angeles who asked us about the Advent celebrations. For the second year running, the American market has had a strong presence in Zagreb, with U.S. visitors being among the most numerous here. I’m especially pleased about the new locations like Kvaternik Square, and I encourage all residents to visit them.

(Photo: J Duval/Zagreb Tourist Board)

There will be two festive trams this year due to high demand, and Zagreb might even end this year with record-breaking visitor numbers,” stated Tomašević.

Tomašević also recommended that everyone visit the recently restored Natural History Museum.

(Photo: Grad Zagreb)

At Zagreb’s New Year’s Eve celebration, young performers will take the stage: Miach, Grše, Hiljson Mandela, and this year’s Eurovision star, Baby Lasagna, along with the timeless Croatian diva, Josipa Lisac,” announced Tomislav Tomašević.

(Photo: Julien Duval/Zagreb Tourist Board)

For all the details about each location you can visit the official website here.