Sometimes, this time of year, you are wondering if Santa receives the letters from the grown-ups. As days are colder and nights longer, you are tempted to lighten up your Christmas spirit. Wrapped up with the smell of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, Advent in Zagreb is waiting for you!
During this Christmas period, entire Zagreb looks like it popped out of a fairytale so it is no wonder that it attracts more visitors each year. So, it’s not surprising that Advent in Zagreb was voted the Best Christmas Market two years in a row, leaving behind some of the bigger European cities like Vienna, Prague, Brussels, and Strasbourg. Let’s see what Zagreb has to offer in 2017!
The Ice Park at King Tomislav Square
The Ice Park at King Tomislav Square has found a home by the magnificent Art Pavilion building at Zrinjevac, and it spreads across a surface of almost two thousand square meters. Besides the main ice-rink, it also features a 400-meter long outer track that enables visitors to skate around the entire park. At the Ice Park, you can enrich your outdoor ice skating experience with the fragrance and flavor of a variety of culinary delights.
This year the Ice Park has entered into a partnership programme with the Art Pavilion. If you show your ticket for the ice rink, the Art Pavilion will grant you a 10 kuna discount on your entry ticket for the current exhibition. While the Ice Park, if you show your ticket for the exhibition, will grant you a 5 kuna discount on your ticket for the ice rink. Cool, right? 🙂
‘Fooling Around’ at Advent in Zagreb
Fuliranje (Fooling Around) is moving from Tomićeva and Kurelčeva street to Strossmayer square, between Tomislav square and Zrinjevac. With the motto “Life is a Circus” visitors will be entertained by clowns, fire-eaters, etc. You can fool around every day from November 30, 2017, until January 1, 2018, from noon to 11 p.m., and from 11 a.m. until 1 a.m. on weekends.
If you continue to walk in direction of the main ban Jelačić square, at your right side you’ll see another Christmas event at Zrinjevac. A varied daily programme will also take place on ban Jelačić square. There is the Christmas Fairytale, in which visitors can experience true Christmas magic passing through a forest of pine trees covered in snow. You can grab a cup of mulled wine and some food there. Nearby is a European square, which is well known for great concerts during Advent in Zagreb. The detailed program is available here.
Free Christmas Plays „The Birth of Jesus“
If you’re a Catholic, you might be interested in free Christmas plays for children The Birth of Jesus. They are held in front of Zagreb cathedral, near the European square. You can come by and watch it three times a day, twelve days during Advent in Zagreb. The more detailed schedule is waiting for you here.
Christmas Vibes While Walking Through Zagreb
You can’t help to feel excited and sense the magic in the air while walking through the Marić Passage. You’ll be passing through a tunnel of intertwining branches leading to an abundance of Christmas attractions. With a couple of different scenographies, Grič Tunnel is also worth visiting. Check it out.
Santa Claus Rides for the Youngest Advent in Zagreb Visitors
Christmas trams are the most popular trams that go through the streets of Zagreb every working day from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and departures take places every 30 minutes. In the weekend, the tram runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
There are also Christmas trains in Zagreb. Special Tin-Express trips for children from kindergartens and primary school are organized during the week, while the weekend train is open to everyone who wants to have fun and enjoy an unforgettable journey in a cheerful holiday spirit.
When talking about trains, this year advent took place in Croatian Railway Museum, too. The museum will offer numerous workshops for all generations as well as educational and fun programs for its youngest visitors. In addition, visitors will have the opportunity to ride on an outdoor railway model with smaller versions of real locomotives during weekends.
Backo Mini Express – the greatest model train in Southeast Europe can be found in Gundulićeva Street.
Take the Best Holiday Photo at the Klovicevi Dvori Gallery
The Gallery gives you an opportunity to take the most beautiful winter photo – a special white frame is placed on the square in front of the Gallery.
Besides that, Klovicevi Dvori Gallery has to be on your to-visit-list if you are looking forward to the live concerts, that are absolutely free! On the Gradec plateau in front of the entrance to the Klovićevi dvori Museum, you will be able to enjoy a rich gastronomic offering and free concerts. The programme of concerts ends on 30 December.
Don’t forget to take a RoamFree Ninja on your Zagreb adventures. Thanks to your little magic device you’ll have free Internet access in Zagreb to share your winter joy with your friends and family.
Have a lovely holiday season!