Voted Europe's best Christmas Market three years in a row, the Zagreb Christmas Market 2024 runs from November 30th 2024 to January 7th 2025. Offering something different to its German and Austrian cousins, Zagreb Advent has become a mecca for lovers of mulled wine, twinkly lights, hearty Balkan cuisine, and cosy festive vibes.
Here's our comprehensive guide to enjoying the market just like a local, including must-try Croatian delicacies, top activities for kids, and the best vantage points to see those enchanting light displays.
Overview
4. Local Tips for Visiting the Zagreb Christmas Market 2024
5. Must-See Zagreb Advent Attractions for 2024
8. Where to Stay for Zagreb Christmas Market 2024
1. Dates and Opening Hours
November 30th 2024 is the Advent Warm-Up event when the full program will be announced along with a short concert of Christmas songs by the Zagreb Soloists in the Oktogon.
December 2nd 2024 is the date of the official opening of the Zagreb Advent when the very first Advent candle is lit in Ban Jelačić Square at 12:00.
Opening hours will be reduced on the 24th, 25th, and 26th of December as well as the 1st and 6th of January.
January 7th 2025 is the final opening day of the Christmas market.
Market booths selling food, drinks, and artisanal products typically open from 11am to 11pm from Sunday to Thursday, and from 11am to 1am on Friday and Saturdays.
2. Transport Options for Zagreb Christmas Market 2024
Flying to Zagreb in winter:
Getting to Zagreb can be challenging during the winter months since there are fewer flights on offer. You will find direct flights from many major European hubs like London, Frankfurt and Amsterdam.
Zagreb Airport to Zagreb city centre:
Once you arrive there is a shuttle bus connecting the airport with the bus station in the city centre. The shuttle bus is timed to meet every arriving flight into Zagreb and you will either need to pay with cash on the bus (8 euros) or buy the ticket online here.
How to get around Zagreb:
Walking: The best way to experience the Zagreb Christmas Market is to just wander through the city and see what you discover. There are venues scattered all across the downtown area, so pull on your walking shoes and wrap up warm!
Buses & Trams in Zagreb: Zagreb does also have a good public transport system including regular buses and trams that can take you to more distant attractions like the pop-up Christmas amusement park at Park dr. Franje Tuđmana. Tickets cost just €0.53 for a single 30-minute ride. If you're travelling with kids (or even if you're not...), don't miss the Merry Christmas Tram (info below), driven by Santa himself!
World's Shortest Funicular: The funicular ride up from the Lower Town to the historic Upper Town costs just €0.66 and is well worth doing to save your legs!
3. Winter in Zagreb: Packing & Weather
Zagreb has a continental European climate which means that winters tend to be cold with plenty of snowfall:
December: Average daytime temperatures range from around 0 to 7 degrees Celsius (32 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit). Temperatures can drop below freezing at night and there is a strong chance of some snowfall, although it may not set.
January: It tends to be colder in January, with average daytime temperatures ranging from -1 to 5 degrees Celsius (30 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit). Snowfall is more likely in January, with the city regularly blanketed by a moderate layer of snow for days or weeks at a time.
What to pack for the Zagreb Christmas Market?
If you're planning to get the full festive experience at the Zagreb Christmas Market, you'll be spending a lot of time outdoors. Consider packing a base layer of thermals and pile on your warmest woolly jumpers, hats, scarfs, and gloves. Don't forget to add a waterproof coat or umbrella in case of rain and/or snow! Some reusable hand warmers are also a good idea if you're travelling with kids or you get cold easily.
Most of the festivities at Zagreb Christmas Market are outside, so wrap up warm!
4. Local Tips for Visiting the Zagreb Christmas Market 2024
1. Timing is Everything: The market comes alive in the early evening with the twinkling lights and the last of the golden sunlight creating a magical atmosphere. Plan to arrive at around 3:30-4pm before the sun sets to catch the changing light.
2. Go in Early December: If you prefer to avoid the crowds, try to plan your visit to Zagreb Christmas Market for early December or early January since it gets very busy from mid-December until the Christmas period.
3. Weekdays vs. Weekends: If possible, consider visiting on weekdays. The market is generally less crowded, allowing you to explore the stalls, enjoy the entertainment, and savor local treats with more ease.
4. Stay Close to Zagreb City Centre: To make the most of your Advent experience, look for accommodation close to Ban Jelačić Square or Zrinjevac Park. It will most likely be pretty cold during your visit, so staying centrally means you can easily pop back to warm up! Check out our Zagreb Advent hotel recommendations for inspiration.
5. Explore Beyond the Main Square: Don't limit yourself to Ban Jelačić Square. Explore the Upper Town, where you'll find smaller, more intimate stalls and a different charm, and unusual spots like Gric Tunnel which features a different installation each year and the cosy Dvoristas or "Courtyards" tucked away off the main streets (more on this below)
6. Buy Unique Souvenirs as Gifts: Look for stalls selling handmade crafts and unique souvenirs (check out some ideas below). It's an excellent opportunity to pick up some Christmas gifts with a local touch.
7. Carry Cash: While many places accept cards, it's advisable to have some local currency (Euros) for small purchases at market stalls. Cash is still king in many places in Croatia!
Don't miss seeing elegant Zrinjevac Park illuminated for Zagreb Advent celebrations.
5. Must-See Zagreb Advent Attractions for 2024
The Zagreb Christmas Market is actually held all over the city with numerous venues putting on light displays, live performances, and ladling out piping hot mulled wine. Here are some of our favourite spots for experiencing this year's Advent wonderland.
We recommend starting your explorations at Ban Jelačić Square and Europski Trg and then heading south via Zrinjevac Park, Strossmayer Square and the Ice Park at King Tomislav Square:
Zagreb Christmas Market at Ban Jelačić Square / Trg ban Josip Jelačić
Trg ban Josip Jelačić / Ban Jelačić Square is always the epicentre of Zagreb Advent, featuring the main stage hosting live performances and the city's grand Christmas tree, bedecked with sparkling lights. Here you'll find plenty of festive photo opportunities and the Baš Naš Advent market where there will be mulled wine, delicious grilled sausages, the freshest fritule donuts, and a busy schedule of DJs and live bands performing every day.
Popular local singers and bands like Psihomodo Pop, Songkillers , Vesna Pisarović , Hiljson Mandela, Albina Grcic and ToMa will take to the stage every Friday and Saturday evening from 20:30.
Ban Jelačić Square is also the main gathering place for revellers seeing in the New Year. If you're in Zagreb for NYE, wrap up warm and join the crowds of happy Croatian revellers counting down to 2025...!
Locals like Europski Trg for its range of great food stalls.
Food Stalls at European Square / Europski Trg
Europski Trg / European Square is just next to Ban Jelačić Square and is usually regarded as a more refined Advent offering by locals. Expect an array of food stalls that cater to diverse tastes from traditional Croatian delicacies to international street food. Here you can also pick up local products, artisanal wares, and souvenirs like honey, lavender, chocolate, and homemade rakija (the traditional Croatian strong spirit).
The Merry Christmas Tram returns this year to the Zagreb Christmas Market.
Zagreb Merry Christmas Tram 2024
The Merry Christmas Tram is always a huge hit with kids (and big kids), and it's returning this year by popular demand. Enjoy a festive 30-minute ride through the twinkly Zagreb streets accompanied by Santa and his helpers who hand out sweet treats the youngest riders along the way.
Tickets cost 5 euros and can be bought from the ZET store. The tram runs until January 7th 2025, beginning and ending at Trg ban Josip Jelačić via Zrinjevac Park. The tram runs from 4pm to 7pm on Monday to Thursday, 12am to 4pm on Fridays, and 10am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Gric Tunnel is a must-see attraction at Zagreb Christmas Market.
"Polar Dream": Zagreb Advent 2024 at Gric Tunnel - TOP LOCAL PICK!
Gric Tunnel is a short stroll from Ban Jelačić Square and is not to be missed! One of our favourite Zagreb Advent spots, these hidden WW2 tunnels are decorated according to a different theme each year. This year they've installed a magical "Polar Dream" inspired by the aurora borealis and the icy polar realms. Although it's a little off the beaten track from the rest of the Zagreb Advent attractions, this was our favourite installation by far - wander through the tunnel and be mesmerised by the shifting colours.
Entry to the Gric Tunnel is free. The tunnel is open from 9am to 10pm everyday until January 7th 2025, except for the 24th and 31st December when it opens from 9am until 4pm, and the 25th and 26th December and 1st and 6th January when it opens from 12am to 8pm.
Don't miss the cosy courtyard at Hotel Jägerhorn, one of the highlights of Zagreb Advent.
Hotel Jägerhorn Advent 2024 - TOP LOCAL PICK!
Hotel Jägerhorn: Tucked away in the courtyard or dvorište of the Hotel Jägerhorn is another of our favourite Advent spots. Here you can get away from the crowds, enjoy some of the best hot wine we've tried at Zagreb Advent, and explore the enchanting illuminated gardens behind the hotel which climb up into the Upper Town.
Moon Garden in Ribnjak Park
Another returning art installation for the Zagreb Advent 2024, the Moon Garden this year will be in Ribnjak Park. The installation features a field of tiny illuminated "stars" and a large glowing Moon. To be honest, this wasn't our favourite part of the Advent festivities since it's a little off the beaten track and there isn't much to see. It's worth dropping by if you've already seen most of the Advent market and you're looking for more photo opportunities.
Elegant Zrinjevac Park boasts one of the most elegant Zagreb Christmas Markets for 2024.
Zrinjevac Park Advent 2024 - TOP LOCAL PICK!
Zrinjevac Park, with its tree-lined paths and elegant atmosphere is a must-see Advent location. It's especially popular with locals thanks to the fairytale feel and tasteful collection of stalls offering street food, hot wine, and open air performances from local bands on the historic band stand. Don't miss the wonderful photo opportunities here to capture the park's ornate fountains dripping with twinkly Advent lights.
There will be a different local DJ playing every day during the week from 18:00 to 22:00 with live bands and singers performing on Saturdays and Sundays.
Strossmayer Square is hosting Fuliranje or "Fooling Around".
"Fooling Around" at Strossmayer Square & Oleander Terrace
Strossmayer Square and Oleander Terrace at the nearby Esplanade Hotel host Fuliranje or "Fooling Around", a fun alternative Advent experience that combines modern art, street food from top Zagreb restaurants, and live entertainment. The square sits between Park Zrinjevac and Trg kralja Tomislava. Expect a busy programme of music and gourmet dishes from Esplanade's Ana Grgić Tomić, who previously won a green Michelin star.
Most days will feature local DJs with jazz bands and other selected local bands playing on the weekends. See the full program here.
Ice skating at King Tomislav Square is always a big hit with kids at Zagreb Advent.
Ice Skating at King Tomislav Square
Trg kralja Tomislava / King Tomislav Square again hosts the Ice Park, a haven for skaters and kids of all ages. With its large ice skating rink and market stalls serving up piping hot mulled wine and street food, it offers a fun-packed experience for all the family.
Winter Park is a great venue for kids and adults of all ages.
Giant Ferris Wheel at Park dr. Franje Tuđmana
A little way out of the city centre is Park dr. Franje Tuđmana, the venue for Winter Park. Here you'll find the 36-metre high Zagreb Eye ferris wheel and 21 other rides, most of which are suitable for both adults and kids. The park is open from 14:00-21:00 Monday to Friday and 11:00-22:00 on Saturday and Sunday.
Warm up with some mulled wine at the Zagreb Christmas Market!
6. Zagreb Christmas Market Food & Drink
Zagreb Christmas Market is the perfect place to tuck into classic Croatian food and drink. Here's some of our favourite Croatian street food to keep the cold at bay!
Kuhano Vino (Mulled Wine): No visit to the Zagreb Christmas Market is complete without indulging in a cup of steaming kuhano vino. This mulled wine, infused with aromatic spices and a hint of citrus, warms both the hands and the heart. Grab a glass at a cosy fire pit table or get one to go as you stroll the streets of Zagreb's winter wonderland.
Štrukli is a hearty and warming dish to enjoy at the Zagreb Christmas Market.
Štrukli: A Croatian culinary gem, štrukli is a must-try pastry that hails from Zagreb and the Zagorje region. These baked or boiled pastries are filled with a delectable mixture of fresh cheese, eggs, and sour cream. Sugar is also added to make a sweet version. It's a simple dish made out of readily-available and inexpensive local ingredients, making it very popular during tough economic times.
Sample freshly-cooked fritule at the Zagreb Christmas Market.
Fritule: Imagine nibbling on bite-sized doughnuts dusted with powdered sugar – that's fritule. These deep-fried dough balls are a beloved Croatian treat, often infused with a touch of brandy or citrus zest. Served warm and fresh, fritule are a delightful sweet indulgence that embodies the Croatian Christmas spirit.
Čvarci: For those seeking a savory and crunchy snack, čvarci are the answer. These crispy pork cracklings are a local favorite from the region of Slavonia, offering a satisfying contrast to the sweet treats abundant at the market. Pair them with a glass of local beer for a truly authentic experience.
Medenjaci: The aroma of spices and honey wafts through the air as you encounter stalls laden with medenjaci. These honey cookies, intricately decorated with festive designs, are a delightful blend of sweetness and spice. Why not take some home as a gift to share over the Christmas table?
Ćevapi is a must-try street food option at the Zagreb Christmas Market.
Ćevapi: If you only try one Croatian street food dish, it has to be ćevapi. The name "ćevapi" is derived from the word "ćevap," which means "little skewer" or "kebab." These small, grilled minced meat sausages are typically made from a mixture of ground meats, commonly a combination of beef and pork, although veal or lamb may also be used. Traditionally, ćevapi are served with a type of flatbread called somun, and often accompanied by chopped onions, ajvar (a roasted red pepper and eggplant spread), and a side of a sour cream-based sauce known as kajmak.
Licitar hearts make a great festive gift.
7. Zagreb Christmas Market Souvenirs & Gifts
If you're looking to take back some unique souvenirs for Christmas, the Zagreb Christmas Market is packed with craftsmen and artisan producers selling their wares:
Licitar Hearts: These brightly colored, gingerbread-like cookies are often shaped like hearts and decorated with intricate designs. They are a traditional Croatian symbol of love and are often given as gifts.
Šestine Umbrella: These distinctive umbrellas decorate Zagreb's Dolac Market and hold a special place in Zagreb's cultural history. The bright red design originates in Spain and was brought to Croatia during the Napoleonic conquests. They then became part of the folk costume worn in Šestine, a small town in Zagreb located located on the slopes of Medvednica mountains.
Fritule Mix: Fritule are small, doughnuts often enjoyed during the Advent season. You can find pre-packaged mixes that allow you to recreate this Croatian treat at home.
Rakija: This traditional fruit brandy is popular throughout Croatia. Look for flavors like borovnica (blueberry), rogač (carob) and medica (honey) for those with a sweet tooth or travarica (flavoured with bitter herbs) and šljivovica (plum brandy) for those who prefer something stronger.
Enjoy a home-from-home experience when you visit the Zagreb Christmas Market by staying at 3on7 Apartments.
8. Where to Stay for Zagreb Christmas Market 2024
We always recommend staying close to the main Advent attractions so you can easily pop back to warm up if the cold gets too much! Here are some of our favourites in Zagreb's Upper and Lower Town neighbourhoods:
5-star Luxury hotels: Esplanade Zagreb Hotel, The Westin Zagreb
Boutique and designer hotels: Hotel Le Premier, Hotel Jägerhorn, Amadria Park Hotel Capital, Met Boutique Hotel
Mid-range hotels and apartment rentals: House Dvornik, 3on7 Apartments, THE City Lodge Boutique Apartments
Hostels and budget accommodation: Swanky Mint, Chillout Hostel Zagreb
For more ideas, check out our dedicated guide to the best hotels in Zagreb for every budget.
9. Other Things to Do In Zagreb
If you're spending a few days in Zagreb, there's plenty to keep you occupied from quirky museums like the Zagreb 80s Museum and Museum of Broken Relationships to skiing in Sljeme and exploring the city's secret tunnels. Check out our other guides for more ideas:
