Christmas Zagreb 2019: Advent in Zagreb, lighting of lights, Christmas fairs and other events

Christmas Zagreb: main themes and novelties in 2019

With its Christmas decorations, Zagreb can easily compete with other Central European capitals that have a much longer tradition. What's more, this city is Zagreb in years 2016, 2017 and 2018 in the fight for the best Christmas destination in Europe easily defeated. They take place in the city center and in the surrounding area Christmas fairs, they are organized concerts and cultural events, and magical lighting creates an idyllic atmosphere. Since 2014, it has also been erected on Trg kralja Tomislava a large ice rink.

Already last year, the organizers began to strive to greet the visitors of Zagreb Advent with as little commercial-consumer and as much Christmas spirit as possible. Accordingly, a series of musical and cultural events will be organized in churches, cultural institutions and outdoors.

Advent in Zagreb brings something new every year, and 2019 is no exception. This time, the city will be decorated with two main themes: Nutcracker and Croatian heritage. This means that Hrestač sculptures will be placed all over the city, especially in the Grič tunnel and in the Oktogon passage, where these figures will really dominate.

Events in Christmas Zagreb

Advent in Zagreb starts on Saturday this year, November 30, at 5:00 p.m, when they will light the Ban Josip Jelačić Square in Manduševac the first Advent candle. This will be followed by the opening programs in Zrinjevac and in the Ice Park on Trg kralja Tomislava.

Ice park on King Tomislav Square

A winter idyll awaits you at the skating rink, with music in the background that will enrich your skating experience. Of course, there will also be culinary offerings and numerous cultural events for children and adults.
WHEN: from 30 November 2019 to 7 January 2020 between 10:00 and 23:00 (Mon-Sun), Christmas Eve from 10:00 to 17:00, Christmas from 11:30 to 23:00, New Year's Day from 10:00 to 02:00, New Year from 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. / King Tomislav Square

Advent in Zrinjevac

One of the most popular and beautiful symbols of Zagreb, Park Zrinjevac will be fabulously decorated and a paradise for lovers of Christmas musical classics and waltzes. There will also be a culinary offer of (almost forgotten) Zagreb delicacies.
WHEN: from November 30, 2019 to January 7, 2010 between 12:00 and 11:00 p.m. (Mon.–Fri.) and between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. (Sat. and Sun.) / Zrinjevac park

Advent at Ban Josip Jelačić Square

Ban Josip Jelačić Square will also attract even the most demanding visitors. World Ethno Advent will be held there, a musical program that will include all kinds of performers, from the best cultural to artistic associations, singers, amateur and children's choirs. There will also be a Christmas fair with 20 pop-up shops, which will be like something from a fairy tale. It will be possible to buy the works of Zagreb craftsmen, cookies, gingerbread, souvenirs...
WHEN: from November 30, 2019 to January 7, 2010 / Ban Josip Jelačić Square

Fulling ("jokes") in Josip Juraj Strossmayer Park

A real party awaits you in the park with great concerts and music (16 bands and 35 DJs will perform), innovative drinks and delicious food. The park also has several photo booths, and they also have a special corner for pets.
WHEN: from 30 November 2019 to 1 January 2020 between 12.00 and 23.00 (Mon.-Tue.), between 12.00 and 01.00 (Fri.), between 11.00 and 01.00 (Sat.), between 11.00 and 23.00 (Sun.) / Park Josip Juraj Strossmayer

Advent on the European market

The European Market, located in the heart of the city, is known as a gathering place for the young (and the young at heart). Concerts and exhibitions will take place here, as well as some attractions.
WHEN: from November 30, 2019 to January 7, 2020 / European market

A Christmas story

The imaginative scenery, which became the hallmark of last year's Advent in Zagreb, will be upgraded this year, and all visitors will be shown real Christmas magic in the center of Zagreb.
WHEN: from November 30, 2019 to January 7, 2020 / Johann Franck, Zagreb

Polar Advent in ZOO Zagreb

ZOO Zagreb has prepared special lights for Advent, which will highlight the zoo's horticulture and architecture. Special tours around the zoo will be organized, and the theme will be the polar world and polar animals. Concerts, theater performances, magic shows and other events for children will be added to the program.
WHEN: from November 30, 2019 to January 7, 2020 / ZOO Zagreb

Just ours, Advent in front of the Klovićevi dvori gallery

This location will definitely be very popular again this year, as 24 of the most popular Croatian musicians will perform, and there will also be an ice rink. At the same time, of course, this will also be one of the most beautiful places for creating holiday photos.
WHEN: from November 30, 2019 to January 1, 2020 between 2:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. (Mon.-Fri.), between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 a.m. (Sat. and Sun., Christmas Eve) / Jezuitski trg 4

Advent in Maksimir Park

An Advent oasis awaits you in Maksimir Park, where adults and children will have fun. There will be workshops, evening concerts, installations of the Museum of Illusions, and there will also be a culinary offer.
WHEN: from November 30, 2019 to January 7, 2020 / Maksimirski perivoj

Advent in Octogon

Lučke and Nutcracker will conjure up a real Christmas fairy tale in the arcades.
WHEN: from November 30, 2019 to January 7, 2020 / Oktogon

Advent in the Grič tunnel

In the Grič tunnel, which you enter from Mesnička Street, you will be overwhelmed by childhood memories. This will be decorated and "protected" with Nutcrackers, above which will hang hundreds of colorful toys.
WHEN: from 30 November 2019 to 7 January 2020 between 09:00 and 22:00 and between 9:00 and 14:00 (Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve) / Grič tunnel

Advent with movies in Tuškanec

The new location for Advent with movies combines the enchanting beauty of Tuškanac and the magical old cinema and adds a new dimension to the Advent celebrations in Zagreb with a series of festive films for the whole family.
WHEN: from November 30, 2019 to January 7, 2020 / Kino Tuškanac