Zagreb Christmas Market 2019

In the past several years Zagreb has become one of the leading cities in Europe when it comes to pre-holiday manifestations. The popularity of Advent in Zagreb is proved by the fact that it it got an award for the Best Christmas Market three years in a row (2016, 2017 and 2018), leaving behind some of the much bigger European cities like Vienna, Prague, Brussels and Strasbourg. Each edition of Advent in Zagreb brings some novelties, and this year is no exception. This year has two main themes – Nutcracker and Croatian Heritage, so there will be sculptures of nutcrackes spread throughout the city. This especially refers to the Grič Tunnel and Oktogon, which will be dominated by the recognizable figures.

The new location is Tuškanac, where the visitors will be able to enjoy  the Film Advent and many will also be delighted by Maksimir Park this Christmas, which also became part of Advent in Zagreb in 2018.

1) Be the part of Zagreb Christmas Tale (Advent on Ban Jelacic Square)

Traditionally, each year Advent in Zagreb starts with putting Advent wreath around Mandusevac fountain on the central square. Every year the Christmas Market in Zagreb brings some novelties. The main stage is located by the Ban Jelačić statue and various artists will perform there in the period between 30th of November until the 24th of December 2019. It is important to underline that the concept is slightly different this year. The performances which will be held on the stage will be part of the World Etno Advent programme. The whole idea behind this is to promote actively Croatian traditional musical heritage. On the west side of the square the visitors can find Advent of Zagreb Craftsmen. At twenty-five stands, a wide selection of local and indigenous products is offered. Along with manufacturers of souvenirs, Advent will also feature butchers, winemakers, confectioners and tinsmiths. The eastern side of the square offers the traditional Christmas Tale. It is a set of stands nestled between numerous ‘snow-covered’ Christmas trees, and the whole installation has two convenient entrances.

2) Christmas Market on European Square

On the European Square, in the pedestrian zone near Ban Jelačić Square, the visitors can find another Christmas market manifestation. Stands near Ban Jelačić Square sell Christmas decorations and souvenirs and traditional winter food such as grilled sausages and sarma. Open air stage is reserved for DJs and bands which will perform every night throughout the whole month. In total, several dozen performers will perform at European Square.

3)  Ice Park on Tomislavac

One of the biggest open air  ice-skate rinks in this part of Europe is probably the most popular segment of Advent in Zagreb. The Ice Park is situated on King Tomislav Square and it is decorated with thousands of lights and food stands opened every day from 10:00 to 23:00. Entrance fee for the rink is 15 kn (from 10-16h) and 20 kn (from 16-23h) while the price for renting the skates is 20 kn. Children up to six years are free of charge while seniors and students pay reduced ticket 10 kn (from 10-16h).  Like last year, the Ice Viewpoint is installed on the northeast part of the rink (near skates rent office) that gives the visitors amazing view of the Ice Park and the entire King Tomislav Square. The ice rink is open until 7th of January 2020.

4) Take the best holiday photo at the Klovićevi Dvori Gallery

If you are looking for the live concerts, then Klovićevi Dvori Gallery is the right place for you. But besides the music, choirs and best traditional delicacies, the Gallery also gives you an opportunity to take the most beautiful winter photo – a special white frame will be placed the Gradec plateau and if you want snow in your photo, just push the button on the frame to make it snow – how awesome is that? The Gradec plateau also offers free concerts by numerous musicians, and in 2019 Neno Belan, Fire, Scifidelity Orchestra, Cubismo, Gustafi, TBF and many others will perform there.

5) Advent in Stross and Zrinjevac

The holiday atmosphere is particularly magical in the most famous park in Donji Grad – Zrinjevac. Enjoy tonnes of tiny street food stalls, especially if you are looking for typical Zagreb specialties. Don’t miss out on handmade souvenirs while being surrounded by charming Christmas decoration and always cheerful people! Between Zrinjevac and King Tomislav Square is located Strossmayer Park which also offers a great variety of cultural and entertainment events. The main event in Stross is called Fuliranje (“fooling around”) so you can expect a vivid mix of colours, sounds and flavors, not only from Croatia,  but from other parts of Europe as well. Some of the dishes you can try include: Austrian Germknödel, Portuguese Pasteis de Nata, various sausages in buns (one of the favorites is the one with white beans and fried onions, called Bombon), Dan Dan noodles with Chinese yellow noodles, minced meat, shiitake mushrooms, young onions and peanuts and much much more! We’re already getting hungry just by writing this!

6) Visit Villa Prekrižje aka the Office of the President

Zagreb each year comes up with something new and innovative for Advent to keep the title so this year the organisers decided to include the old Villa Prekrizje which today makes a part of the Presidential Office complex. The villa was closed for public for many year and this is a great opportunity for you to explore the building and its gardens – for free, of course!

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