PHOTOS: Zagreb’s Esplanade Hotel gets into Christmas spirit with decorations and light projection

(Photo: Hotel Esplanade)

Drawing on this year’s Advent story in Zagreb, which carries the message “Feel the light”, the cult Zagreb hotel Esplanade illuminated its recently renovated Art Nouveau facade and turned the Oleander terrace into a magical outdoor winter fairytale with a series of light decorations and pine trees.

This year, Esplanade celebrates its 95th birthday, and since it cannot celebrate it appropriately, it has decided to expand the hotel’s famous holiday atmosphere to the open air and Zagreb residents and guests a little Christmas joy in a light story with lamps and a projection on the front of the building. The legendary Oleander terrace, which the once famous writer Miroslav Krleža said represented the “border of Europe with the Balkans”, has been dressed in a fairytale winter outfit this Advent.

(Photo: Hotel Esplanade)

(Photo: Hotel Esplanade)

“Every December, the Esplanade Hotel shines with a special holiday glow. Impressive pine in the lobby and sumptuous decoration, carefully stylised arrangements and impressive installations of handmade tall nutcrackers, and a special Christmas scent that spreads through the interior leaving every guest breathless. However, in this strange year, in a situation when our fellow citizens can not visit restaurants and bars and experience the refined interior of the hotel, we decided to join Advent in Zagreb and use the beautiful hotel terrace Oleander overlooking the historic city centre and park with a fountain, and illuminate it with many lamps and a light projection on the front of the building, which I believe will contribute to the festive atmosphere of this part of Lenucci’s horseshoe and provide passers-by with a magical backdrop for photography,” said Ivica Max Krizmanic, general manager of the hotel, before adding. 

“There were a lot of decorating ideas, we planned a lot of lighting and creative effects and installations for the visitors, but at this point, we did the best we could. If the situation improves during the upcoming holidays, we have many potential partners who would be happy to get involved in the project and complete the Esplanade light Christmas fairy tale with additional content. Of course, all with a high standard and strict precautions.”

(Photo: Hotel Esplanade)

(Photo: Hotel Esplanade)

In addition to these installations, this magical Advent story, realised with the support of the Zagreb Tourist Board in cooperation with the MPG agency, will support Glade with its photo corner and divine scented candles.

(Photo: Hotel Esplanade)

(Photo: Hotel Esplanade)

It has been said for decades that the experience of walking through the doors of this hotel will be what you will tell your grandchildren. Indeed, the Esplanade Hotel is a historical icon and the pride of Zagreb, and what makes it one of the unique hotels in the world is its significance and story. Esplanade is not an ordinary hotel – it is a kind of institution that during its long history has gained the status of the centre of social and cultural life of Zagreb, as well as a favourite gathering place of all fans of exceptional service and luxurious art deco atmosphere. 

Built back in 1925 for passengers of the famous Orient Express, on the site of a former ice rink, it has always attracted celebrities, statesmen, royal families and stars from the world show business scene such as Josephine Baker, Elizabeth Taylor, Prince Albert of Monaco, Hillary Clinton, Prince Charles and many others. The hotel shines even after 95 years and continues to follow the widely known tradition and high standards of superior service, and with innovations, fresh ideas and pushing the boundaries sets new trends in the hotel industry.

(Photo: Hotel Esplanade)

(Photo: Hotel Esplanade)

So this Advent, head to the Esplanade: bring a thermos with hot tea, dress warmly, and take the family on a magical walk through the picturesque and fairy-tale city streets all the way to the Central Station and Starčević Square and enjoy the view of this unique Zagreb beauty.

The light installation will illuminate the Oleander terrace every day until January 6, 2021, from 4 to 11 p.m.