ZAGREB
Christmas Advent
Once upon a time, one of Croatia’s best kept secrets was that her capital city Zagreb had one
of the best Advent scenes in Europe. Now, this Croatian secret is out because, in the last three
years, against very strong competition, Zagreb was voted the best Christmas market in Europe
by European Best Destinations’ online poll. Real votes from real people.
During Advent the whole of Zagreb is a great stage for a big family of good people from all
over the world. So just grab your red boots and give yourself over to enjoyment. Santa is
waiting for you in the city where Advent is best. Think twinkling candlelight, colourful displays,
festive food and drink, concerts, choirs and much more.
Not to be missed are:
Ban Josip Jelačić Square
A huge Christmas tree, the fountain is transformed into a light display and there is a cosy,
heated, covered conservatory serving food and drinks. On weekdays and at weekends there
is live music.
At Advent time, the city of Zagreb hosts a great variety of programs designed to appeal even
to the most demanding visitor. This year, the best Christmas market in Europe will include a
stage centrally located at Ban Jelačić Square with daily musical programs performed by
acclaimed cultural societies, choral ensembles and children choirs.
All of you who visit the central square in Zagreb can enjoy instrumental music, Gospel music,
vocal ensembles performing popular songs, and awarded children choirs performing original
compositions. Special concerts will feature a repertory of the best-loved traditional Christmas
and Lent songs and Marian chants. The program at the central square in Zagreb should appeal
to audiences of all generations with music selected to promote both Croatian and world
musical heritage in classical music, church music, and folk music.
Program: 6 p.m. - KUD Croatia
6.30 p.m. - KUD Ruža Prigorja
December 19 7.00 p.m. - Sunce Gospel choir
6 p.m. - KUD Sesvete 8.00 p.m. - Goranke ensemble
6.30 p.m. - ZUK Korana
7 p.m. - Kids from the Ribnjak Park Where:
7 p.m. - Bajka (Fairy Tale) children choir Trg bana Jelačića
8 p.m. - Ezerki & 7/8
8.30 p.m. - My Way dance studio Price:
December 20 Free
Fooling around (Fuliranje)
An innovative and modern cultural and gastronomic event during the Advent season, with a
recognizable design and a relaxed atmosphere.
Strossmayer square in the heart of Zagreb, between Zrinjevac and Tomislav square, during
the Advent season, is becoming a colourful vivid canvas. Discover entertainment, food, magic,
dreams and, above all, a lot of fun.
Program: association with the Zagreb Music
Academy.
Monday to Thursday: 12 noon to 11 p.m.
Friday: 12 noon to 1 a.m. Where?
Saturday: 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Park Josipa Jurja Strossmayera
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Mondays from 12 noon to 4 p.m. classical Price:
music concerts will be performed in Free
European Square (Europskom trgu)
Pedestrian zone in the very heart of the city offers a vivacious Advent event: souvenir and
Christmas decorations market, a selection of food and beverages and music events in the
evening.
Look no further! The European Square pedestrian zone, situated in the very heart of the city,
becomes a favorite meeting place for young people during the Advent season. A rich offer of
concerts, attractions and exhibitions – on par with other European cities – makes this place a
must-see location for all those looking for a good time. Feeling young and preferring a real
'urban flair'? Then this is the place for you!
Program:
Monday to Friday: 12 noon – 11 p.m. Where?
Saturdays and Sundays: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Europski trg
Programmes (concerts etc.) start at 8 p.m.
every day except Wednesdays and Price:
Fridays, when they start at 6 p.m. Free
Zrinjevac Park
One of the loveliest spots in Zagreb. Lanterns light up the avenues of trees and the old music
pavilion looks like a little glittering palace. Artists’ stalls and a great selection of traditional
Christmas gifts, Christmas food and drink specialities from decorated tiny wooden huts. This
is the spot to experience Zagreb winter specialities including baked štrukle, a warm baked
pastry dish with soft cheese. There is mulled wine, hot chocolate and special Christmas
cookies. Live music here is every evening and also in the morning at weekends.
An escape from everyday life to the park with an alley of 220 plane trees is equally magical in
all seasons. But it is only during the Advent season that these large boughs light up with a
special glow and the old music pavilion becomes a haven for lovers of Christmas classics and
waltzes. When you think of Christmas, do you think of your childhood and family gatherings
around the Christmas tree, Christmas songs and the fragrance of your grandma's dishes? If
you want to truly relive those happy memories, the Advent on Zrinjevac is the perfect place for
you. Apart from enjoying unique Christmas ornaments and handmade souvenirs from selected
local artisans, you will have the opportunity to revel in the traditional – almost forgotten –
Zagreb specialties as well. Yes, we are talking here about the well-known krpice sa zeljem
(pasta with cabbage), a staple of Zagreb cuisine. And don't worry, there'll be plenty of strudels
as well. A Christmas fairy tale can commence!
Program: Opening hours of hospitality kiosks
Opening hours for souvenir kiosks Monday to Thursday: 12 noon to 11 p.m.
Monday to Friday: 12 noon – 11 p.m. Friday: 12 noon to 1 a.m.
Saturdays and Sundays: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
was organised by the Historical Museum of
Concerts the City of Cracow and the Embassy of the
Monday to Friday: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. / 8 p.m. Republic of Poland in Zagreb.
– 10 p.m.
Where?
The Polish exhibition Cracow Nativity Park Zrinjevac, Zagreb
Scene will be held from 1 to 31 December
2018 on Zrinjevac Park as an open-air Price:
exhibition and as one of the events of the Free
upcoming Advent in Zagreb. The exhibition
Ice Park on King Tomislav Square
A Christmas fairy tale awaits you in one of Zagreb’s most beautiful parks – ice skating rink,
selected food and beverages, as well as music events. This is the place to watch people
skating and having fun. Visitors are encouraged to join in!
Are you enjoying this magical feeling? This is exactly what awaits you in King Tomislav Square
– a magical winter idyll on ice. With good music playing in the background, you can enrich
your outdoor ice skating experience with the fragrance and flavor of a variety of culinary
delights, as well as numerous cultural events for both children and adults. You still haven't
opened your eyes and put on ice skates? Don't worry, our experienced skating instructors will
wake you up! Your fairy tale is real – it takes place right between the Art Pavilion and the
statue of the first Croatian king, Tomislav.
OPENING HOURS: Monday through Sunday 10am-11pm
The hospitality kiosks with food and and 10 p.m. You can find all the details
beverages will be open until 1 a.m. on about the performers on our Facebook
Fridays and Saturdays, and until 4 a.m. on page.
New Year's Eve.
Where?
TICKET OFFICE HOURS Trg kralja Tomislava
Monday through Sunday 9:30am-11pm
And again this year the Ice Park will be Price:
even more fun with a music programme 10 to 20 kn session + 20 per skate
which is scheduled every day between 7
Christmas story in Čazma (Salajland)
The Salaj family continues the amazing tradition of decorating one special house and every
centimetre around it is in twinkling Christmas lights. Amazing coloured lanterns and lights in
all shapes and sizes transform the whole area. Hedges suddenly sparkle deep blue while a
bridge may be lit up in glistening red. Even ponds have a special glow. Last Christmas the
regional electricity provider generously donated the power for 1.5 million bulbs enabling
Čazma to have its brightest Advent to date. Here too there are stalls selling Christmas treats
and specialities.
The Salaj family have been telling their Christmas Fairy Tale, which has become the most
significant event in the continental part of Croatia, for 17 years now.
The Salaj family has turned its estate into a fairy-tale setting by decorating every centimetre
with Christmas fairy lights. This year the estate will be lit up my more than 4 million lights, and
you will also be able to experience a plentiful programme and gastronomic offer.
In line with tradition, there will be fireworks every evening, children's entertainers and a large
Advent village where you can view and buy various home-made products, as well as
handcrafts and souvenirs. This year's Christmas story will thrill everyone with its sheer scale
and special character. Apart from more lights, this year they have expanded the area of the
estate that you can view. Enjoy the excellent food and drinks with your friends and family, take
part in creating a festive atmosphere and come and see everything that is new. Be a part of
the magical experience of the year.
Opening hours: adults, also for invalids, foster children and
Every day (including all holidays) 3 p.m. to adults with special needs)
10 p.m.
Awaken the spirit of Christmas and
Admission: 40 kunas (free for children experience a true Christmas fairy tale with
under the age of 7 when accompanied by a trip in train decorated with a multitude of
lights.
Christmas Tale (Božićna bajka)
The imaginative scenography that became the trademark of the last year's Advent in Zagreb
will be upgraded and we will show all visitors a real fairy-tale Christmas magic in downtown
Zagreb.
Program: Hospitality kiosks with food and beverages
open weekdays between 11 a.m. and 11
p.m.
Hospitality kiosks with food and beverages Saturday evenings: the best DJs in Zagreb
open on weekends between 10 a.m. and from 6 p.m.
midnight Sunday mornings: children's programs
Hospitality kiosks with food and beverages from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.
open on public holidays between 10 a.m.
and midnight 12/20 – Elvis Christmas Special – Johnny
Wednesdays through Sundays: DJ and his Rockin' Tunes
program between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Thursdays and Fridays: Live bands from 8
p.m. Where?
Saturday mornings: children's programs Johann Franck, Zagreb, Croatia
from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Advent in Marić Passage (Marićevom prolazu)
Embrace your loved one while you are walking through the discreet passage that runs
between Gajeva Street and Praška Street, under intertwined white branches decorated by led-
lights that point the way to the splendor of other attractions.
The passage offers a shortcut between Christmas Fair at Gajeva and Bogovićeva Street and
Advent on Zrinjevac. Hug your loved one while you walk under intertwined passageway.
Where?
Praška ulica 6
Advent on Stross + Vranyczany Plateau
Enjoy the Christmas atmosphere with a view of the city!
When we dream of Advent and Christmas holidays, we think of fine food, shiny lights and
beautiful decorations, of joyful music, all to be enjoyed in the company of people we care about
the most.
The Upper Town in Zagreb has a spot for all of your holiday dreams to come true, a place
where you can enjoy good company and good fun. Advent at Stross is like a small town in its
own right, catering to all your needs, body and mind. Come and live your holiday dream in the
most romantic spot in Zagreb's Upper Town, enjoy daily concerts and DJ entertainment, bring
your children to have fun at weekend art workshops, pamper yourself with great food and drink
and enjoy the most amazing views of Zagreb for an unforgettable holiday experience.
A new attraction this year is the light installation "100 lamps on Strossmayer Square", which
will be lit by hand every evening at 6 p.m.
Where?
Strossmayerovo šetalište (zapad)
Vranyczanyeva ulica 1-3
Caffe de Matoš
Discover ancient Zagreb with elements of charm from coffee-houses of days long gone and
immerse yourself in the warm atmosphere in the company of street bands, dancers and
entertaining comedians. All these elements serve to spread love and the romantic spirit in the
Upper Town.
Where?
Strossmayerovo šetalište (istok)
Advent at the Klovićevi Dvori
Advent in the Klovićevi Dvori Gallery brings
concerts, great fun and many attractions for
visitors.
On the most beautiful city stage, in the
idyllic surroundings of the Upper Town, this
Advent attraction is the epitome of great
fun, unforgettable moments and the most
beautiful Advent memories.
In addition to free concerts and a plethora
of unique culinary treats, the Advent in the
Klovićevi Dvori Gallery offers great fun for
the entire family.
The traditional "Best Advent Photo" with an idyllic view of the Zagreb Cathedral has become
a hit on social media over the past few years and this year it's back with three new and
interesting Advent backdrops on the Gradec Plateau.
With the mobile application, visitors will be able to view the magical atmosphere on the Gradec
Plateau. Every day they will be treated to an unforgettable experience – witnessing the landing
of Father Christmas accompanied by his reindeer from the far North.
The program in the atrium includes Christmas films that will be shown in the Advent Cinema,
and visitors will be able to enjoy Zdenko Bašić's remarkable illustrations with motifs from
August Šenoa's famous novel "The Goldsmith's Treasure" (Zlatarovo zlato) at the entrance to
Klovićevi Dvori.
Advent at Prekrižje
Discover the interior of the Prekrižje villa and estate. Enjoy the beauty of its traditional and
festive arrangements accompanied by appropriate music programs.
Villa Prekrižje was built as a summer residence in 1942. The villa was designed by Ivan
Zemljak, one of the leading architects of the modern school of architecture between the two
World Wars.
This rustic villa in Gornje Prekrižje is an example of an architectural style focused on using
elements of traditional Croatian architecture in both overall design and décor. The interiors
designed with pieces specially contracted from local artisans and manufacturers to represent
“traditional style” include cast iron lamps, traditional embroidery on textiles and furnishings,
country-style trunks of carved wood, and ceramic stoves built to resemble those in country
homes. The walls are adorned with paintings by local artists featuring scenes from country
living, and the wooden roof is a traditional double-pitched thatched roof.
The rustic villa has been used for formal receptions and activities of the Office of the President
of the Republic of Croatia as part of the presidential complex.
Fridays and Saturdays: 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Advent in Maksimir
Just around the corner from the bustling city streets and pavements, just behind the main
entrance to Maksimir Park, you will discover an Advent oasis where adults and children can
have a great time and learn so much. Workshops, evening concerts, a wacky photo-installation
from the Museum of Illusion, an interesting spot courtesy of the Natural History Museum, a
selection of fine food and drinks and so much more – and all this in the immediate vicinity of
the Zoo. Advent in Maksimir Park is the perfect family destination, and a destination for all
those who are looking for a Christmas atmosphere full of color and are eager to experience
something that Advent in Zagreb has not offered until now.
OPENING HOURS Music programme every day from 4pm to
Monday through Thursday 4pm-11pm 11pm
Friday 4pm-1am Children's playgroups:
Saturday 10am-1am Monday-Friday 4pm-9pm
Sunday 10am-11pm Saturday-Sunday 11am-9pm
Opening ceremony: December 2nd at Where?
4:30pm Maksimirski perivoj
COOL ADVENT AT THE CROATIAN NATIONAL
THEATRE (KUL ADVENT)
Starting from Saturday, December 1st, the area outside the Croatian National Theatre will be
the home of the second edition of COOL ADVENT, a special Advent program that highlights
artistic expression.
This year the entertainment program will bring you classical, jazz and soul music with live
performances by Croatian musicians, DJs, and vocal ensembles performing a traditional
repertory of Christmas music. It is with special pleasure that we can announce concerts by
two Italian jazz bands, Letizia Gambi and Sugarpie and the Candymen. The Advent jazz line-
up will also include local favourites such as Maja's Jazz Enthusiasm and Lea & Three Colours
of Jazz, both bands from Croatia.
A special gastronomic section of COOL ADVENT will top the festive mood by offering the best
of the regional culinary traditions from all parts of Croatia.
COOL ADVENT programs are scheduled from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. every day from 1st December
to 23rd December.
PROGRAMS * Organizers reserve the right to change
December 19 6.30 p.m. Croatian String the schedule if necessary
Quartet
December 20 6.30 p.m. Krug Dobre Vibre, Where?
choir Trg Republike Hrvatske 15
Saint Mark’s Church
Saint Mark’s Church uniquely colourful tiled roof makes it a Zagreb icon! Also, it is one of the
oldest buildings in the city dating from the 13th century.
Saint Mark’s Church is Zagreb’s iconic building due to its signature colourful tiled roof. It is one
of the oldest buildings in Zagreb dating from the 13th century. You will notice the Southern
portal. It is equally important as it is the richest looking gothic portal in Croatia. The portal
consists of 15 sculptures (11 stone gothic sculptures and 4 wooden baroque sculptures) in 11
niches. Sculptures present Virgin Mary with the Child, Christ, St. Mark and the apostles.
Saint Mark’s uniquely colourful tiled roof was constructed in 1880 by Friedrich Schmidt and
Herman Bollé. On it, you will see the medieval coat of arms of Croatia, Dalmatia and Slavonia
on the left side, and the emblem of Zagreb on the right.
On the other hand, inside, you will see sculptures by Ivan Meštrović and art by Jozo Kljaković
and Ljubo Babić. Eventually, the frescos were renovated, the ceiling was gilded with 22-carat
gold leaflets and a new organ has been recently installed.
Address Mass schedule:
Saint Mark Square 5 Weekdays at 18:00
Saturday at 7:30
Opening hours Sunday at 10:30 and 18:00
Weekdays 09:00-12:00
Entrance may be restricted Admission
Free, but entrance may be restricted
Zagreb Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed
Virgin Mary
Zagreb Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a Zagreb landmark. As a
matter of fact, it is the most monumental sacral building in Neo-Gothic style southeast of the
Alps.
Zagreb Cathedral was formerly known as St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Today, the Cathedral of
the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary and to
kings Saint Stephen and Saint Ladislaus.
Once you get to Kaptol Square you will see it is dominated by Zagreb cathedral which has
been there since the 11th century.
The Archbishop’s Palace encloses it from three sides, and because of its twin 108 meters (354
ft) high spires, it is the tallest building in Croatia. It literally soars over the city. The Zagreb
Cathedral must be seen and its sacristy is of great architectural value.
What you will see today does not represent the original construction. The first Cathedral was
damaged during the Tartar attack and a great fire in the 13th century.
Finally, it was severely damaged by the 1880 earthquake and was restored in the Neo-Gothic
style by Hermann Bollé, the cathedral you see today.
Zagreb Cathedral Organ
The Zagreb Cathedral Organ belongs to the line of concert organs with romantic sound
characteristics. In fact, it is classified among the top ten finest and top-quality organs in the
world!
It has more than 6,000 flue pipes, seventy-eight registers and four manuals.
As a zero-category monument of culture, the organ is registered with the Ministry of Culture
of the Republic of Croatia as a protected cultural good.
Contact Mass schedule:
Address Monday – Saturday 7, 8, 9 and 18:00
Kaptol 31 Sundays and holidays at 7, 8, 9, 10, 11:30
and 18:00.
Opening hours
Monday – Saturday 10:00-17:00 Admission
Sunday 13:00-17:00 Free
Advent in Tunnel
Dec 14 – Jan 6 Winter Garden, magical world of the imaginary castle from a
frozen fairytale.
Where?
Tunel Grič, Zagreb, Croatia
