Every winter, Zagreb transforms into a sparkling Christmas wonderland, home to a festival that has been crowned Europe’s Best Christmas Market multiple times.
From late November to early January, the city glows with thousands of lights, the sound of music echoing through the streets, the scent of mulled wine in the air, and a holiday mood that draws both locals and visitors outdoors.
Why Visit Advent in Zagreb
Advent in Zagreb has grown from a small seasonal celebration into one of Europe’s most beloved winter festivals. Held this year from November 29th to January 7th, it transforms the city into a warm, inviting holiday scene. Expect charming lights, traditional music, local crafts, and street-food stalls that keep the city lively throughout December.
It’s an experience that blends modern Advent traditions with Zagreb’s historic streets, parks, and squares and turns everyday city spaces into places of celebration.
Best Locations to Visit
King Tomislav Square – Ice Park
Ice Park, Zagreb’s famous open-air skating rink, is located in the heart of the city, just across from the main railway station. It’s one of the most iconic Advent locations in Zagreb, offering views of historic buildings framed by festive lights, music, and the lively buzz of skaters and visitors.
Photos from “Ledeni park” Facebook post
Opening Hours
The rink is open every day from 10:00 to 23:00, with special holiday hours:
- Christmas Eve: 10:00 – 17:00
- Christmas Day: 11:00 – 23:00
- New Year’s Eve: 10:00 – 02:00
- New Year’s Day: 11:00 – 23:00
Ticket Prices
- 10:00 – 15:30: 3.50 EUR
- 16:00 – 23:00: 5.00 EUR
- Weekends: 5.00 EUR
Additional:
- Skate rental: 5.00 EUR
- Children’s skating aids: 5.00 EUR
- Gloves (purchase): 3.00 EUR
Parking & Transport
Parking directly next to Ice Park is limited, so visitors are encouraged to use public transport.
The nearest large garage is Importanne Center, offering around 500 underground parking spaces.
If traveling by tram, several lines stop close to Ice Park, including:
2, 4, 6, 9, and 13, making it easily accessible from all parts of the city.
Food & Winter Treats at Ice Park
If you stay a little longer, the surrounding stalls are an easy excuse for a quick warm-up and a bite to eat. From classic Croatian street food to sweet holiday favorites, the stalls around the rink serve quick, comforting bites that are perfect after a few laps on the ice.
Visitors can enjoy hot sausages, hearty stews, crispy fritule, mulled wine, and a variety of seasonal snacks you can eat while walking.
Photos from “Ledeni park” Facebook post
Fooling Around – Oleander Terrace at Esplanade
Just a few minutes’ walk from Ice Park, the Oleander Terrace of the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel transforms into an elegant holiday spot during Advent. This beautifully decorated terrace offers an Advent setting with carefully prepared dishes and creative cocktails, served in a relaxed but polished atmosphere.
Photos From “Fooling Around” Facebook post
Throughout the season, the music program changes often, ranging from acoustic sets and Latin dance nights to R’n’B and the energetic FRKA sessions.
The Oleander Terrace is open from November 26th to December 31st, 2025.
Regular hours:
- Mon–Fri: 12:00 – 23:00
- Sat–Sun: 11:00 – 23:00
Holiday hours:
- Christmas Day: 17:00 – 00:00
- St. Stephen’s Day: 12:00 – 00:00
- New Year’s Eve: 12:00 – 00:00
- New Year’s Day: Closed
Fuliranje – Strossmayer Square
Located on Josip Juraj Strossmayer Square, Fuliranje is one of the most imaginative Advent spots in Zagreb. This corner draws all ages, with stalls selling handmade crafts and jewelry, children’s performances during the day, and live music or DJs in the evening. With its creative programming and lively crowd, Fuliranje brings together food, music, performances, and a playful energy that defines Zagreb’s Advent.
Photos From “Fuliranje” Facebook post
Fuliranje is open Monday to Friday from 12:00 to 00:00, and Saturday to Sunday from 11:00 to 00:00.
Holiday hours:
- Christmas Day: 17:00 – 00:00
- St. Stephen’s Day: 12:00 – 00:00
- New Year’s Eve: 12:00 – 03:00
- New Year’s Day: 17:00 – 00:00
Food & Drinks at Fuliranje
Fuliranje is one of the best stops for food and drinks, with a mix of classic Advent comfort food and a few more modern street-food options. Visitors can enjoy everything from modern street-food dishes to comforting holiday classics, paired with warm seasonal beverages and a variety of flavored rakija. It’s a good place to try a few seasonal dishes, especially if you want a lively stop before continuing to the next location.
Photos From “Fuliranje” Facebook post
Advent on Zrinjevac
Just a short walk from Ice Park, on the route from King Tomislav Square to Ban Jelačić Square, you’ll find Zrinjevac, one of Zagreb’s most charming Advent locations. This historic park transforms into a glowing winter promenade lined with wooden stalls offering handmade souvenirs, local crafts, traditional delicacies, and unique holiday gifts.
Live music drifting through the illuminated, tree-lined paths sets a calm but lively evening rhythm. Zrinjevac is also an easy place to slow down with a walk, a warm drink, and the classic Advent atmosphere.
Photos From “Advent Zrinjevac” Facebook post
Zrinjevac is open Monday to Friday from 12:00 to 23:00, Saturdays from 10:00 to 00:00, and Sundays from 10:00 to 23:00.
Holiday hours:
- Christmas Eve: 10:00 – 17:00
- Christmas Day: 17:00 – 23:00
- New Year’s Eve: 12:00 – 02:00
- New Year’s Day: 17:00 – 23:00
Food & Seasonal Treats
Zrinjevac is known for its lights and artisan stalls, and it’s also a great stop for a warm drink and something small to eat. The food stands here offer a mix of traditional flavors and creative holiday specials, making it easy to grab something delicious while strolling through the park.
Whether you’re in the mood for a warm drink to keep your hands cozy or a tasty snack to enjoy while listening to live music, Zrinjevac’s culinary corner adds an inviting, comforting touch to the entire Advent experience.
Photos From “Advent Zrinjevac” Facebook post
Baš Naš Advent – Ban Jelačić Square
Set on Zagreb’s most iconic square, Ban Jelačić Square, Baš Naš Advent invites visitors into five beautifully designed glass pavilions, each with its own character and small details to discover. The pavilions share stories of hidden Zagreb, old postcards, and forgotten corners of the city, brought to life through modern design and carefully crafted scenes.
Photos From “BAŠ NAŠ” Facebook post
These immersive holiday scenes are accompanied by audio narrations, accessible by scanning QR codes on-site. The stories are available to everyone, including visitors with visual or hearing impairments, ensuring the entire experience remains inclusive and engaging for all.
In the evening, the square comes alive with live music and DJ performances, while families can enjoy weekend programs specially designed for children, making Baš Naš Advent a central meeting point where families, couples, and groups naturally come together.
Food & Drinks at Baš Naš
Baš Naš Advent also has a strong selection of food and drinks that fits the atmosphere on the square. The stalls serve both savory and sweet specialties, including traditional štrukli, warm fritule, gourmet sausages, and other seasonal treats. Alongside these holiday favorites, visitors can enjoy mulled wine, creative winter cocktails, and a variety of warm drinks that fit perfectly with the evening atmosphere on the square.
With its mix of comforting classics and modern flavors, Baš Naš Advent is a good place to stop for food, try a few seasonal dishes, and enjoy the evening atmosphere on the square.
Photos From “BAŠ NAŠ” Facebook post
EU Advent – European Square
Just a short walk from Ban Jelačić Square, EU Advent on European Square is one of the most vibrant and music-filled locations of Zagreb’s Advent. Known for a strong entertainment program, this spot hosts concerts, live performances, and DJ sets throughout the season, often featuring well-known Croatian artists.
On Christmas Eve, the renowned Croatian singer Alka Vujica performs during the day, followed by a DJ who keeps the celebration going into the afternoon. With its cheerful blend of music, dancing, and holiday spirit, European Square has become a favorite gathering place for both locals and visitors.
Photo From “EU Advent” Facebook post
Food & Drinks at EU Advent
Alongside its strong musical program, EU Advent also offers a diverse gastro selection that caters to all tastes. Visitors can enjoy both savory and sweet specialties, warm and cold dishes, and a variety of traditional Croatian foods prepared by talented chefs.
Whether you’re in the mood for a classic local dish or a creative seasonal treat, the culinary offering at European Square makes it an excellent stop for food lovers.
Photo From “EU Advent” Facebook post
Caffe de Matoš – Upper Town
Located in Zagreb’s Upper Town, just a short walk from Ban Jelačić Square, Caffe de Matoš brings a charming, slightly nostalgic holiday feel to the historic Strossmayer Promenade, on the eastern side. Named after the famous Croatian poet and writer A. G. Matoš, this Advent spot blends culture, music, and tradition in a uniquely picturesque setting overlooking the city.
Photo From “Caffe de Matoš” Facebook post
Throughout the season, visitors can enjoy a daily music program featuring young bands, offering everything from folk and pop elements to afro rhythms, Balkan influences, blues, exotic instruments, and rich polyphonic vocals. The lineup also includes DJ performances and children’s shows, making this location a lively and welcoming stop for all generations.
Caffe de Matoš is open from November 27th, 2025 to January 7th, 2026.
Regular hours:
- Mon–Thu: 16:00 – 23:00
- Fri: 16:00 – 24:00
- Sat: 10:00 – 24:00
- Sun: 10:00 – 23:00
Holiday hours:
- Christmas Eve: 10:00 – 16:00
- Christmas Day: 16:00 – 23:00
- New Year’s Eve: 10:00 – 03:00
- New Year’s Day: 16:00 – 23:00
Food & Drinks at Caffe de Matoš
Alongside a wide selection of drinks, Caffe de Matoš offers warm and flavorful sausages, as well as a variety of other tasty dishes perfect for a winter outing. Whether you’re looking for a quick savory bite or something to enjoy while taking in the music and views, the food stalls provide comforting options that pair beautifully with the festive ambiance of Upper Town.
Photo From “Caffe de Matoš” Facebook post
Jinglingz – Kvaternik Square
Advent in Zagreb extends beyond the historic city center, bringing festive cheer to Kvaternik Square, easily reachable in about ten minutes by trams 11 and 12. Known locally as “Kvatrić,” this lively location offers a warm and welcoming holiday atmosphere for visitors of all ages.
Photo From “Jinglingz” Facebook post
The program includes music, tasty food, drinks, and creative workshops, creating a diverse experience where families, friends, and locals can fully enjoy the magic of the season. Jinglingz turns Kvaternik Square into a cheerful winter corner with family-friendly activities, including morning workshops for children and later entertainment for adults.
With its blend of tradition, community spirit, and festive joy, this Advent spot brings holiday celebration to a broader part of the city, making it a beloved neighborhood gathering place.
Opening hours:
- Daily: 10:00 – 00:00
Food & Drinks at Jinglingz
The gastro offer at Jinglingz includes a selection of delicious festive treats such as fritule, desserts, and freshly prepared sandwiches. Whether you’re craving something sweet, warm, or savory, the food stalls at Kvaternik Square provide a comforting mix of winter flavors perfect for enjoying between workshops, concerts, and holiday strolling.
Photo From “Jinglingz” Facebook post
Final Thoughts
Zagreb’s Advent is a magical festival spread across the city, bringing together culture, food, music, creativity, and winter charm. From skating beneath the lights and browsing artisan stalls to trying seasonal street food and catching live performances, you’ll naturally move between busy squares and calmer walks through illuminated parks.
