Zagreb Christmas market or advent often wins awards and comes in at the top of many European Christmas markets, in fact it was voted the best European Christmas market three years in a row. So, you know it is good! Another thing about this market that makes it so special and sets it apart from other European Christmas markets is that it is spread out across the city, there is no central point and each part of the market is different to the next. Trust me, Christmastime in Zagreb is magical.
Advent in Zagreb starts from the end of November until early January.
It is also important to note that weather during the Zagreb Christmas Market is cold and blustery, with the chance of some snow. So do not forget to wrap up!
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What To Do At Zagreb Christmas Market
1. Ban Josip Jela?i? Square
The central pedestrian square in Zagreb is where the Advent festivities begin, it is here that Advent is kicked off by lighting the first Advent candle. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that the square is vibrantly decorated with large colourful ornaments, the focal point being a giant Christmas tree.
Not only is it a feast for the eyes but also a feast for the belly with many food stalls close-by.
Ultimately, Ban Josip Jela?i? Square is a great first stop to kick off your time at the Zagreb Christmas Market.
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2. Strossmayer Promerade
The Strossmayer Promenade is a beautiful hilltop walkway, it is among one of the many free things to do at Zagreb Christmas Market. The Strossmayer Promenade can be accessed by walking down the Gornji Grad.
On this walkway you can find many stalls selling anything from mulled wine, hot chocolate, sizzling food, souvenirs and, clothing.
The theme here is ‘fuliranje’ which translates to ‘fooling around’, and you will be able to do just that with a live DJ, Guinness and Jameson beer tents along with some festive props that will brighten up anyones Instagram.
Check the Google Map location here.
3. Park Josipa Jurja Strossmayera
Park Josipa Jurja Strossmayera during advent is a foodies playground, eating here is one of the best things to do at Zagreb Christmas Market.
From burgers, hotdogs, ramen, vegan dishes to alcohol and sweet treats. There is something for everyone. It gets very busy at night but food is dished out very quickly considering the crowds.
The highlight for me was crumble with warm custard, if you see it you have to get it! Thank me later!
Check the Google Map location here.
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4. Ice Park on King Tomislav Square
With over 2,000 metres of ice rink, the ice park is one of the main attractions and probably the most fun thing to do at Zagreb Christmas Market.
It is open every day & night during Advent. Even if you do not want to skate there is a viewing platform that allows you to watch skaters and get in the spirit of things from afar. Not to mention there are many food and drink stalls on the edge of the ice rink. You are probably noticing that you will not go hungry at Zagreb Christmas market.
At this market I would recommend trying Germknodel – a yeast dough dumpling filled with plum jam and covered in a hot chocolate sauce. So chocolatey, so delicious.
Admission in the day is 15kn and 20kn at night while renting a pair of skates costs an extra 15kn.
Check the Google Map location here.
5. Zrinjevac Park
Zrinjevac park feels like you are in a winter wonderland or at the very least a main character in a Hallmark movie!
White and blue lights drape the trees that line a path dotted with vendors selling artistic prints, photographs and handmade ornaments making it the perfect place to pick up a stocking filler or souvenir.
After you walk through the stalls you will come across the music pavilion located in the middle of the park, this is a stand where live musicians preform each night. This attracts large crowds so make sure to grab a glass of mulled wine and soak in the magic.
Check the Google Map location here.
6. Visit the Secret Tunnel – Tunel Gri?
We stumbled upon this tunnel by pure chance, well actually we just followed a crowd of people out of sheer nosiness and look it worked out.
This tunnel was once a former bomb shelter and dates back to World War II, it is 350m in length and lies beneath some of the oldest parts of the city. When inside you get to explore the creepy dark paths, as-well as some cool art installations that are displayed throughout the tunnel making for an interesting and memorable walk.
This is one of the most unique things to do at Zagreb Christmas Market.
Check the Google Map location here.
7. Park Gri?
Last on the list but certainly not least is Park Gri?. Possibly the most romantic location at Zagreb Christmas Market. In Park Gri? fairy lights are draped over all the trees, lights are protruding from the lawn, the staircase has a twinkling arch and there is even a live pianist, I mean come on! I would advise getting there early or going during a weeknight, during the weekend the park is really busy with people taking photos, it is an extremely instagrammable spot.
Check the Google Map location here.
Is Zagreb Christmas Market worth Visiting?
Yes!!! Zagreb Christmas Market has won awards for being one of the best Christmas markets in Europe.
There is so much to see and experience. If you are looking to buy gifts then there is not that much on offer but food, drink and activities are in abundance.
Unlike many other Christmas markets in Europe the Zagreb market is spread out across the whole city, therefore if you are are there for a few nights you will see something new each night.
Is Zagreb Christmas Market Expensive?
For a European capital Zagreb is an affordable destination. However, expect to pay slightly higher prices for food and drink at the markets, the average price of one item of food was between €8 and €10, a beer €5 and spirit with mixer was €9.
However, most of the Christmas Markets are free to walk around and experience so most of your money will go on food and drink instead of attractions.
Where To Stay in Zagreb
Zagreb is a walkable city, it does not too much of a difference what part of town you decide to stay in. The three most central areas to stay in are:
Lower Town – this is the best place for first time visitors to Zagreb.
Recommended Hotels – Hotel Le Premier, Esplanade, Met Boutique Hotel.
Upper Town – the historic part of the city
Recommended Hotels – Hotel Dubrovnik, Hotel Jagerhorn, Timeout Heritage Hotel.
Kaptol – small but vibrant part of Zagreb, the nightlife is great here!
Recommended Hotels – Hotel Academia, Paon Boutique Apartments, Apartman Kaptol.
Getting to the Zagreb Christmas Markets
Zagreb is the international gateway to Croatia, meaning plenty of airlines fly there. The best airlines that fly to Zagreb are Austrian Airlines, British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, Qatar and Turkish Airlines.
Zagrebs Frango Tudmen airport is small, there are not many places to eat/drink. If you have a few hours to kill I really recommend checking out their lounge. I wrote a blog post on spending 8 hours there.
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