What will the Advent markets be like in Zagreb this year? Program and important information in one place

Croatia is mainly visited in the summer, which is a shame.

In recent years, the capital has hosted some of the best Advent markets on the continent.

Christmas markets in Zagreb are definitely worth a visit.

In the article you will learn what, when and where it will be held.

Zagreb Advent Markets

The Croatian capital is interwoven with medieval alleys , art nouveau palaces alternating with baroque buildings and a mixture of neoclassical composition and art nouveau fantasy. Every year at the end of November, Zagreb literally lights up.

Upon arrival in the city, you will feel as if you have stepped onto a movie screen. The streets are decorated with twinkling lights , the squares are full of Christmas trees and everywhere you look you can find Christmas decorations. On the first Sunday of Advent, a giant Christmas tree is installed on Náměstí bána Jelačić and the Christmas market takes center stage.

Christmas markets in Zagreb

Advent fair in Zagreb is celebrating success. In 2016, 2017 and 2018, it was the best in Europe according to European Best Destinations. The main market takes place in Náměstí bána Jelačiće , where you can find a Christmas tree and where a cultural program takes place at the same time.

The central Bogovičeva Street turns into a real Christmas street with lots of stalls full of local goodies, while a themed Christmas tram runs all over the old city center.

Unlike some other European cities , Advent in Zagreb is not limited to just a few main squares. Around two dozen markets can be found throughout the city, each of which has its own unique theme and atmosphere. Basically, the whole city is Zagreb’s Christmas market.

Be sure to try delicious regional dishes such as sausages or homemade pork sausages, sarma or cabbage leaves stuffed with minced meat, rice and spices, stewed in tomato sauce or broth.

For sweets, definitely go for štrukli , or baked rolled dough filled with cottage cheese and sour cream, and fritule , or small fried balls of dough sprinkled with powdered sugar and sometimes topped with chocolate or caramel. Of course mulled wine or hot chocolate is served everywhere.

You can see what the local Christmas markets looked like last year on the video.

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Why visit the Zagreb Christmas Market?

Advent stalls offer a wide range of products that are often related to local traditions and culture.
Here you will find decorative ornaments, candles, ceramics, jewelry, woolen scarves and hats, toys and much more.

Hand-carved and painted wooden toys from the Hrvatsko Zagorje region are a popular souvenir. This craft, which was developed in the 19th century by villagers from villages along the pilgrimage route to the shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, is included in UNESCO’s Intangible Heritage of Humanity list.

Toys made of soft wood take the form of whistles, horses, roosters, birds, butterflies, cars and dolls. Many of them have moving parts that make sound.

In addition, you will see licitar everywhere, the ubiquitous red heart-shaped gingerbread that has become a symbol of Croatia. The history of these colorfully painted gingerbreads dates back to the 13th century. Back then they were an edible dessert, but today they have a primarily decorative function, including as Christmas decorations in Croatian households.

Advent Zagreb for children

The city has also prepared a program for children, who are excited about Christmas lights and decorations, looking forward to Santa and presents. A special walk through the old town in its Christmas edition is intended for them. The walk takes place every day at 10.00 and at 16.00, lasts approximately one hour and requires advance booking.

The stories they hear will tempt their imaginations, almost forgotten old Christmas traditions, those kept by the locals and the newest ones. There is also a parting gift

Today, skating is one of the Advent traditions in every major city. If the weather is good, you can find the ice rink on King Tomislav Square . Another popular attraction for children is the live nativity scene in front of the Zagreb Cathedral.

In the center of Donji Grad, in the lower part of the city, there is a romantic park Zrinjevac . A music hall will be set up here, where you can listen and hum Christmas carols, and there will also be theater performances and other programs.

How to get to Zagreb?

Czechs are used to traveling to Croatia mainly by car . The journey to Zagreb is faster than to attractive seaside destinations.

• Road from Brno: drive in the direction of Mikulov, in Austria in the direction of Vienna and Graz, at the town of Leibnitz you cross the border with Slovenia, continue to the towns of Maribor and Ptuj, then on the A4 to Croatia, then on the A2 through the towns of Krapina and Zabok to Zagreb. Route length 512 km, estimated driving time 5 hours and 28 minutes.
• Route from Prague: if you don’t want to go via Brno, you can go via České Budějovice , Linc and Štyrský Hradec, where the routes meet. The length of the route is 647 km (50 km less than if you drove through Brno), estimated driving time 7 hours and 6 minutes .

There are no direct train or bus lines from the Czech Republic to Zagreb. Travel agencies know about this and organize pre-Christmas tours. Take a look at their offer, you will surely find a trip to your taste. Only flights from Vienna Airport are available from public transport. Flight duration is 45-55 minutes.