Writer: Helena Bergström
Updated: August 2026 | The Zagreb Christmas Market, or Advent Zagreb, is one of the great winter experiences in the Croatian capital. During Advent, central Zagreb is filled with Christmas lights, market stalls, food, mulled wine, music and various events in squares, streets and parks.
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ShareWe have experienced Zagreb during Advent ourselves and were surprised by how big the event is. It is not about a single, delimited Christmas market, but about the Christmas spirit in many different places around the city. When we were here, we were greeted by illuminated parks and streets, market stalls, music, warming drinks and lots of people out enjoying the Christmas spirit.
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Advent Zagreb – Christmas atmosphere throughout the city
Zagreb really lights up in December and the whole city is in the Christmas spirit. Every street is lit up and decorated with garlands, the big park in the centre of town is glittering, the trams are wearing Santa hats and every little bicycle taxi is driven by a Santa Claus. gnome. A large stage in the town centre is used for singing Christmas carols, while costumed elves walk around and have their picture taken with the children.
From Europe's best Christmas market to Advent Zagreb
Zagreb's Christmas celebrations had a major international breakthrough when the city was named European Best Christmas Market three years in a row – 2016, 2017 and 2018. The awards came through the annual European Best Destinations poll and helped put Zagreb on the map as one of Europe's popular Advent destinations.
Since then, the event has continued to develop under the name Advent Zagreb. It is actually more accurate than talking about a single Christmas market. Advent celebrations spread across large parts of central Zagreb, with Christmas lights, decorations, food and drink, music, market stalls and various events in several locations.
This was also what surprised us when we visited Zagreb during Advent. At first we thought we had seen the Christmas market as we walked across the central squares and streets – but the Christmas atmosphere continued through the parks and further up towards the upper town. The whole of central Zagreb felt in many ways like one big Christmas market.
Christmas market in Zagreb - with everything
The stalls at this year's Christmas market in Zagreb never seem to run out, and there's plenty to buy: crafts, Christmas decorations, jewellery, hats and mittens, toys, delicacies and Christmas sweets.
If you're hungry, you can tuck into one of the many sausages grilled everywhere, or you can try 'fritule', a type of fried doughnut that seems to be immensely popular.
Hot red and white wine (or black and white wine, as it's called in Croatian) is also sold everywhere. It's a great way to warm up in the cold, because even though it's a bit warmer than in Sweden, Zagreb is quite chilly this time of year.
More to see and do in Zagreb
While in Zagreb, you can of course take the opportunity to see and experience more of this beautiful capital city. Don't miss strolling along the cosy Tkalčić Street, where you'll find plenty of cafés and restaurants. You can explore the city's squares and parks and perhaps take the funicular up to Gornji Grad, the upper part of the city.
FAQ – frequently asked questions about the Christmas market in Zagreb
When is the Zagreb Christmas Market in 2026?
Advent Zagreb 2026 will be held from November 28, 2026 to January 7, 2027. The event will continue even after Christmas and New Year, allowing you to experience the Christmas spirit in Zagreb even during the first days of the year.
Where is the Christmas market in Zagreb?
Advent Zagreb is not just one Christmas market in one location, but consists of many different Advent events and Christmas environments around the center of Zagreb. Markets, decorations, food, music and activities are usually found in several of the city's squares, parks and promenades.
Exact locations and programs may change from year to year, so before your trip it is a good idea to check this year's map and program at Advent Zagreb official website.
Is Zagreb's Christmas market the best in Europe?
Zagreb has received a lot of international attention for its Advent celebration and won the vote European Best Christmas Market three years in a row, 2016, 2017 and 2018.
What is there to do during Advent Zagreb?
During Advent Zagreb you can stroll through Christmas-decorated streets and squares, visit market stalls, eat Croatian winter specialties and listen to music. The program varies from year to year and usually includes everything from concerts and culture to activities for children and various temporary winter attractions.
What can you eat at the Christmas market in Zagreb?
Food and drink are a big part of the experience. When we visited the Christmas market, we saw lots of grilled sausages and fry, small deep-fried dough balls that are popular during Christmas. Of course, mulled wine is also part of Advent.
What is fritule?
Fritule are small deep-fried dough balls that are common in Croatia, especially during Christmas and other holidays. They can be a bit reminiscent of small doughnuts and are often served with powdered sugar or various sweet toppings. We saw them everywhere when we visited Advent Zagreb – and they are undeniably great when it's chilly outside.
Is Zagreb worth visiting in winter?
Yes, we actually think Zagreb is a great winter destination. The city has many cafes, restaurants and attractions that work regardless of the weather, and during Advent there are Christmas lights, markets and events. It will be a completely different experience than visiting Croatia's coastal resorts in the summer.
How many days do you need for Advent Zagreb?
A two or three day weekend is just right if you want to experience Advent Zagreb and see some of the city. Since the Advent events are spread out across the city center, it's nice to have time to walk around without having to rush between places.
Is it cold in Zagreb in December?
Yes, expect winter weather. Zagreb is located inland and December is considerably colder than what many might associate with a holiday in Croatia. Temperatures can be around a few degrees above zero and even drop below zero, especially in the evening and at night.
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Christmas in Split – this is how to celebrate Christmas in Croatia
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English (UK) 
Svenska
Steve says:
Yes, everything seemed to be there and well-lit,
06 December 2016 - 6:29
Dianasdrömmar says:
Cosy, hugs
06 December 2016 - 6:34
Lennart says:
Cosy city.
06 December 2016 - 6:35
Lena - gott för själen says:
But ohhhh, how cosy it looks! Christmas market in Zagreb should definitely be remembered!
Hug Lena
06 December 2016 - 6:53
åsa i åsele says:
Cosy 🙂
Zagreb, Croatia is a relatively cheap city/country to visit... or am I wrong?
06 December 2016 - 7:36
admin says:
Steve, the whole town was lit up and in the Christmas spirit. Lovely indeed!
Lennart, yes we have become really fond of Zagreb!
Lena, I think so! We were surprised by Zagreb the first time we were here, by how cosy it is. And now that feeling was confirmed 🙂
Åsa in Åsele, Croatia is not as cheap as it used to be. It is still a bit cheaper than Sweden, but it is not very cheap (and the city of Dubrovnik is more expensive than the rest of Croatia).
06 December 2016 - 8:02
Ditte says:
I am not at all fond of Christmas markets and this one in Zagreb seemed very nice and not so much, in my opinion, completely unnecessary Christmas stuff. Zagreb seems to be a very beautiful city.
I particularly liked the beautiful lighting and the Santa Claus hoods of the trams and buses. I would also have liked to try the food.
Great pictures from a beautiful city.
06 December 2016 - 8:55
nils-åke says:
Beautiful lights and tram, here at home a bus was banned from driving with Christmas lights Ha Ha
06 December 2016 - 9:05
Ann-Louise says:
It looks really cosy. Wonderful that the tram has a Santa hat! 🙂
06 December 2016 - 9:15
Berit "desires' says:
It looks magically Christmas cosy, we haven't even been there in the summer....
06 December 2016 - 10:13
Imelda says:
Never been to Zagreb (a bit ashamed) but it's on my "to go list". Looks really cosy!
06 December 2016 - 13:03
Kattis says:
But no, I will honestly say that I never thought about going to Croatia this time of year...but these posts from your trip just make me more and more convinced that Croatia is not just a sun paradise in the summer and I have to make sure to do a tour of this country!?
06 December 2016 - 13:40
Lena says:
Very beautiful light decorations, different! Atmospheric you really feel the smells of Christmas holidays, thanks for good reportage!
06 December 2016 - 14:10
Ruth i Virginia says:
LOVE your header. The baubles are absolutely gorgeous. Exquisite!!!
What details! - I wonder if Christmas has always been celebrated extra much
in Zagreb; I don't mean with so much lighting and such,
but with food and drink and St Nicholas. Tito's communism
was somewhat milder than others behind the Iron Curtain.
A couple of good sausages would not be bad right now. 🙂
St Nicholas is 100 times cuter than Santa Claus!!!!
06 December 2016 - 14:54
admin says:
Ditte, Zagreb's Christmas decorations are really nice! And yes, the Santa hats are nice, aren't they? 🙂
Nils-Åke, sometimes there are too many rules in Sweden ...
Ann-Louie, aren't they beautiful? 😉
Berit, it's easy to forget about Zagreb when in Croatia, but it's definitely a city worth visiting!
Imelda, get a grip, you have to get there right away! 😉
Kattis, Croatia can definitely be visited at any time of the year (although I wouldn't want to swim right now ;)).
Lena, glad to hear that you like the report! 🙂
Ruth in Virginia, but oh, how nice to hear that you like my picture with the baubles! I was really happy with it myself! By the way, I agree that St Nicholas is nicer than our elves 🙂 .
06 December 2016 - 17:47
BP says:
WOW! Zagreb has really gone "all in" with Christmas decorations and the Christmas market. Now I know why I've always thought that our counterpart on Stortorget in Gamla Stan is so shabby and slightly "retarded". The Christmas decorations in Stockholm are way behind here too, not to mention that you can't buy good sausages here, let alone enjoy a "real glühwein" with alcohol in it. Understand that you enjoy!
06 December 2016 - 18:16
Husisblogg says:
Such a nice Christmas decorated bus rolled in Gothenburg for a couple of days until someone reported that it was not roadworthy... (?) there were lights hanging in a nice way on the sides of the bus. The bus could then not be driven without the lights being removed, sadly.
06 December 2016 - 19:52
Matts Torebring says:
Oh how tempting you are, what if we could go, I get soooo hungry.
06 December 2016 - 20:32
Discovering The Planet says:
Seems cosy. Have not been to Zagreb or Croatia. Maybe soon 🙂
And congratulations again on the award!
06 December 2016 - 20:51
Marina says:
To answer your question: Until now, no, but after reading and seeing the pictures: Yes!
07 December 2016 - 2:36
admin says:
BP, Stockholm seems to be a bit behind here actually ... In Zagreb it was really Christmas in the whole city 🙂 ...
Husisblogg, yes I heard about the bus ... boring! Sometimes there are a little too many rules in this country, it feels like ...
Matts, nice to be able to tempt a little... 😉.
Discovering the planet, then you have something nice left to discover! Thank you very much, and congratulations yourself! 🙂
Marina, nice that we can showcase something that you might not have thought of! 🙂
07 December 2016 - 6:51
Elisabeth says:
How nice! Zagreb has probably never been in my mind when it's time for a Christmas market!!!
14 December 2016 - 20:32
Ann-Sofie says:
Hi. I wonder if you know if zagreb will have such a big Christmas market this year? Can't find anything about it.
13 October 2018 - 11:17
Helena says:
Hi Ann-Sofie! Yes, I think so! You can read it here: http://www.adventzagreb.com/?lang=en
13 October 2018 - 11:20