The Best Winter Vacation: Advent in Zagreb
Advent in Zagreb has a program packed with events, concerts, and food specialties. Twinkling candlelight, colorful displays, festive food and drink, concerts, choirs, it’s all here. But in case you are wondering where to find all these things, what surprises await you here, and what is the Creme de la Creme of the advent in Zagreb, here are the TOP 10 spots you should not miss during your visit here.
And that’s not all.
At the end of this text, we have one Christmas present for all you guys. Something like this 🎁, just in a different shape.
It is a time of giving and sharing, so we wanna give you something sweet which we believe you can use.
So, ready, set…
Advent in Zagreb!
1. Fooling Around (Fuliranje)
Fuliranje (Fooling around) is probably the most original Advent event in Zagreb. You know what? Let’s go that far to say that it is the most original Christmas market event you will ever find anywhere in the world!
The number says it all.
With more than a million visitors, 500 concerts, music and DJ events, street performances, and exhibitions, your ears and eyes will be astonished by so many interesting, funny and original things. Clowns, fire-eaters, stilt walkers, and other fascinating characters, will make Fuliranje your favorite part of Zagreb Advent.
Oh, one more thing.
Make sure you try some of the traditional culinary specialties and sweet delights, made especially for the Advent.
2. Zrinjevac Park
When you think of Christmas, do you think of your childhood and family gatherings around the Christmas tree, Christmas songs, and the nice smell of your grandma’s dishes? If you want to truly relive those happy memories, the Advent of Zrinjevac is the best place for you.
Apart from enjoying unique Christmas ornaments and handmade souvenirs from selected local artisans, you will have the opportunity to try 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 then, of course, there are magnificent strudels.
Yummy.
3. Ice Park on King Tomislav Square
Do you enjoy that magical winter sensation? The magical smell of Christmas in the air that just makes you feel warm in your heart? If this is the feeling you are looking for, then head straight to King Tomislav Square because there is something magical awaiting you there.
Just between the Art Pavilion and the statue of Tomislav, the first Croatian king, a one of a kind winter idyll on ice is taking place. If you’re not entirely sure how to ice skate or are afraid of an embarrassing fall in front of your friends, make sure to ask some of the experienced skating instructors available at the rink to show you some basic moves. With nice background music, a variety of culinary delights, and lots of cultural events, this magical winter ambiance ensures a whole lot of fun.
But check this out.
You can get a 33% discount in the sliding area if you install the Culture Places app on your phone and show it to the people working there.
Your fairy tale is real and it takes place right here. 😉
4. European Square
Are you looking to spend some quality time with your friends, and at the same time want to see a good movie, warm yourself with a cup of mulled wine or simply find a nice Christmas souvenir?
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!
5. Klovićevi Dvori
Klovićevi dvori Gallery is the largest gallery institution in Croatia and yet another very interesting advent location in Zagreb. It was opened in 1982 and named after 16th-century artist Juraj Julije Klović, who was born in Croatia. Situated in the historic area of Gradec in Zagreb’s upper town, Klovićevi dvori Gallery is visited by no less than several hundred thousand visitors a year. Its variety of programs is always intriguing to a broader public and the gallery is hosting up to 30 exhibitions every year.
But it is during the advent time when this place gets its true charm.
Photography lovers will also be amazed when they see a special frame, designed to make you the most beautiful Advent photo this year.
Credits: adventzagreb.com
6. Lotrščak Tower
While strolling through the upper town, you will definitely come upon the famous Lotrščak Tower. It was built in the 13th century with the purpose of protecting the southern city gate. Don’t hesitate to climb up and enjoy a perfect 360-degree view of Zagreb. If you happen to come by the tower at noon, don’t be alarmed if you’re surprised by the sound of a cannon.
The Lotrščak Tower cannon is also known as the Grič cannon and is fired every day to mark midday. Close to the tower, there is a funicular railway, constructed in 1888, that connects the lower and upper towns. Except for being fun, this funicular is the oldest organized public transportation system in Zagreb.
Climb to the tower and witness the best Christmas view Zagreb can offer you.
7. Backo Mini Express – The Greatest Model Train in Southeast Europe
Credits: adventzagreb.com
Along with hundreds of regular trains normally running at Backo Mini Express, for this Advent, there are special holiday trains prepared.
Designed with festive colors, ornaments, and singing Christmas songs, it will make your Christmas look like in the Home Alone 2 movie.
8. Grič Tunnel
Credits: adventzagreb.com
A fairy-tale location in the Upper Town, located between the Lotrščak tower and the DHMZ building, at the beautiful historical Vranicanijeva Poljana. It is here where you can enjoy gourmet food and wonderful background music performed by classy jazz musicians and great DJs who will make you want to dance to their jazz groove and dance rhythms.
The magical, mystical mood of this special place will be emphasized with a specially designed stage set. The place itself is so beautiful that we think it’s best to come here and see it with your own eyes!
9. Strossmayer Square
When you are walking in between King Tomislav square and Zrinjevac Park, you might stumble upon a monument hidden among the trees at the center of the park. This is another nice and quiet place to visit during Advent. This square bears the name of a famous Roman Catholic bishop, Croatian politician, and leading cultural figure of the time, Josip Juraj Strossmayer.
Look at the stunning historical palace surrounding Strossmayer Square to be transported back to the 19th century. This square was very important to the citizens of Zagreb because anyone who wanted to be considered an important person needed to own a house in this part of the city. We could call it the VIP residential area of those times.
Christmas combined with old-times = perfect combination.
10. Museum of Arts and Craft
In case you want to enrich your Christmas visit to Zagreb with some cultural experience, then this is the place to go.
Less than 200 meters away from Mimara Museum, you will find the Museum of Arts and Crafts. Established in 1880, the museum was conceived with the aim of putting together a collection of samples of different styles and materials by master craftsmen and artists to revive the production of items for daily use. The building, constructed in 1888 by Hermann Bollé, is one of the first edifices built specifically to accommodate both a museum and a school. Stylistically, the building is a grand Historicist palace in the spirit of the German Renaissance. In the museum’s diverse collection, you will find ceramics, clocks and watches, glassworks, graphic design pieces, furniture, musical instruments, paintings, photography works, sculptures, and fashion accessories.
Bonus Christmas Surprise
Finally! Santa has arrived and he has got some presents.
We thought that we can make your Advent in Zagreb even more cool with this sweet thing.
So, you want to know what it is?
Drum roll
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Dramatic pause.
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Completely free travel app for one of a kind Christmas experience.
Cultural Places is your own personal multilingual travel guide to more than 1700 city attractions and museums around the world. It is a one-stop solution for all you culture lovers. Travel media guide that takes traveling to a completely different level.
And you want to hear the best thing?
Cultural Places is super easy to use. All you need to do is download the app and let it take you on the most Christmas journey of your life. Just click here.
What is so special about this tour is that it will offer you a totally new holiday experience. In case you want to hear the sound of Christmas bells, the scent of gingerbread, and try best-boiled wine in Zagreb, just download the app, listen and enjoy the Advent.
Some Final Words
Advent in Zagreb offers a lot of events that will satisfy all senses and even the most demanding visitors. A lot of concerts, art exhibitions, tasty food, and just plain fun will make Christmas time with your friends and family something special.
And of course, Santa Claus will be there for your kids, so there will be no need to wait for him by the chimney.
We want to thank Advent Zagreb and European best destinations for providing us with the information and being the inspiration for writing this article.
P.S. The Advent is open from 2nd December 2017 to 7th January 2018. Make sure you check it out.
