Zagreb’s popular Festival of Lights returns – 25 spectacular installations across the city

(Photo credit: M. Tomaš/Zagreb Tourist Board)

Zagreb will once again host the popular Festival of Lights from March 19 to 23, 2025.

This five-day event will feature 25 light installations across 22 locations, marking the arrival of spring and celebrating the city’s vibrant cultural scene.

Organised by the Zagreb Tourist Board with support from the City of Zagreb, the festival is free to attend, with installations open daily from 7 PM to 11 PM.

The festival kicks off on March 19 with an opening ceremony at the iconic Esplanade Hotel, celebrating its 100th anniversary. This year’s event will also highlight the 1,100th anniversary of the Croatian Kingdom.

(Photo credit: J. Duval/Zagreb Tourist Board)

Key Locations and Installations

The light displays will be spread across both the Upper and Lower Towns of Zagreb, including notable spots such as Ban Jelačić Square, Zrinjevac Park, and the Croatian National Theatre.

One standout installation, “Legacy”, celebrates the reign of Croatia’s first king, showcasing the foundational steps he took for the future of the country.

(Photo credit: M. Tomaš/Zagreb Tourist Board)

At Jelačić Square, visitors can experience Wave, an interactive installation using artificial intelligence to create a dynamic, motion-responsive art piece. Another highlight will be the stunning projection on the façade of the Croatian National Theatre, designed by German artist Daniel Margraf.

On the Upper Town, the Lotrščak Tower and Strossmayer Promenade will be lit up, with further installations at the Ribnjak Park, Klovićevi Dvori, and the Zagreb Tourist Board building.

(Photo credit: Samir Ceric Kovacevic/Zagreb Tourist Board)

A Global Celebration

The Festival of Lights is part of the international “Festival of Lights” organisation, with over half of the installations coming from eight countries worldwide.

(Photo credit: Samir Ceric Kovacevic/Zagreb Tourist Board)

This year’s festival will continue its partnership with WWF Adria, raising awareness about nature conservation. A special event, “Earth Hour”, will take place on March 22 at 8:30 PM, where the lights at Marulić Square will be turned off for 10 minutes in support of environmental protection.

The festival promises a visually stunning experience for both locals and visitors, with light displays symbolising the arrival of spring and the city’s artistic spirit.

More information, as well as a map of locations, is available at: www.festivalsvjetlazagreb.hr.