In depth · Christmas & New Year
Advent in Zagreb: Christmas in one of Europe’s favourite Christmas cities
Few cities do Advent like Zagreb. For six weeks the whole centre becomes a Christmas market, from the Advent wreath on Ban Jelačić Square to the lights of Zrinjevac, the street food of Fuliranje and the Upper Town, and the city was voted Europe’s best Christmas market three years in a row.
Updated October 2026
Advent in Zagreb 2026
According to the city’s announcement, Advent in Zagreb 2026 officially opens on Saturday, 28 November 2026, and runs until 7 January 2027. The ceremonial opening traditionally takes place on Ban Jelačić Square, by the Manduševac fountain, where a giant Advent wreath has a candle lit each Sunday of Advent.
Where to go
Zrinjevac park, with its plane trees wrapped in lights, the music pavilion and family stalls, is the heart of the festivities. Fuliranje on the Strossmayer promenade brings street food and music, the Upper Town has its own atmosphere among the old streets, and in recent years an ice park has been set up for skating. Each place has its own programme of concerts and events.
What to eat and drink
Look for fritule, little doughnuts dusted with sugar, sausages and grilled meats, štrukli, and kuhano vino, mulled wine, or hot rakija. Zagreb’s cafés and pastry shops are busy all season.
Croatian traditions
Advent in Zagreb was voted the best Christmas market in Europe in the European Best Destinations poll three years in a row, from 2016 to 2018. Croatians celebrate St Nicholas on 6 December, and on St Lucy’s Day, 13 December, they sow wheat in a dish; by Christmas it has grown into a green tuft, a symbol of new life, tied with a ribbon in the national colours. Christmas Eve, Badnjak, is celebrated on 24 December, with Midnight Mass.
Questions and answers
When is Advent in Zagreb 2026?
From Saturday, 28 November 2026, to 7 January 2027, according to the city’s announcement.
Where are the main Advent locations in Zagreb?
Ban Jelačić Square, Zrinjevac park, Fuliranje on the Strossmayer promenade and the Upper Town, among others.
What should I eat at Advent in Zagreb?
Fritule, little sugared doughnuts, with kuhano vino, mulled wine.
Join the conversation
Spent Christmas in Zagreb? Share your favourite market, event or tradition.
- Loading the conversation…
Dates for 2026 are announced in the autumn; where they are not yet confirmed we give last year’s dates. Check the official sites before you travel.