December is a time of festive cheer, and one of the most popular city getaways for Christmas vibes and cheer is undoubtedly beautiful Advent Zagreb.
With its beautiful holiday decorations, illuminated streets, and rich cultural offerings, Zagreb has become one of the most popular destinations during this time. This year as well, the city promises an unforgettable experience, full of Christmas spirit, starting with the lighting of the holiday lights, enriched with numerous events and attractions.
When do the Zagreb Christmas lights get turned on?
Zagreb is known for its exceptional holiday lights, which attract numerous visitors from all over Europe each year. Slovenians traditionally love to visit the Croatian capital in December, as we are enchanted by the thousands of sparkling lights that decorate the city’s streets and parks. The main attraction that marks the beginning of the festive season every year is the switching on of the Christmas lights, which usually takes place at the end of November or the beginning of December.
This year, the lighting ceremony will, as usual, take place at Ban Jelačić Square, where, accompanied by Christmas music and the excitement of the crowd, the festive illumination will come to life. The date for 2025 has already been officially confirmed — the lights will be switched on during the first Advent weekend, on Saturday, 29 November 2025. At that moment, Zagreb will transform into a true winter fairy tale, as the streets, avenues, and historic buildings will be adorned with festive decorations that fill the city with warmth and light.
Advent Time in Zagreb
The Heart of Advent – The Lower Town
This year, the main events will once again take place in the Lower Town, where visitors will be able to enjoy iconic locations:
- Ban Jelačić Square – the city center and the symbolic start of Advent, featuring the large Christmas tree and the lighting of the first candle at Manduševac,
- Zrinjevac – the park that will once again become the most romantic corner of Zagreb,
- King Tomislav Square (Ice Park) – the largest ice rink in the region with a view of the Esplanade,
- Strossmayer Square and European Square – offering a diverse musical and culinary program.
Ice Park – 151 Years of Skating Tradition
The year 2025 brings the continuation of the beloved Ice Park, which will remain the only official Advent ice rink. Skating, festive lights, music, and the fragrant stalls surrounding the ice surface will once again create that unique winter atmosphere that has made Zagreb a three-time winner of the award for the most beautiful Advent in Europe.
Culinary Experience at Advent in Zagreb
Advent in Zagreb offers a special culinary experience that reflects local flavors and traditional holiday dishes, creating an authentic atmosphere of Croatia’s capital for visitors. Among the popular dishes is sarma with mashed potatoes, which not only warms you up in the cold winter but also brings a sense of comfort. These rolls made from sour cabbage and minced meat are described by locals as a quintessential holiday dish, which has long held a place in Zagreb’s tradition.
Among the sweet treats, makovnjača stands out. This pastry made from leavened dough and sweet poppy seeds is a traditional Croatian dessert often served during Christmas. It is popular as a breakfast treat with hot milk, further emphasizing its coziness and festive spirit.
The advent stalls also feature vanilla kiflice — small, buttery cookies with a hint of vanilla, which are an essential part of the festive atmosphere in Zagreb. These simply made cookies are a favorite among visitors, bringing them a warm sense of holiday nostalgia.
Paprenjaci, spiced gingerbread cookies with pepper, offer something truly unique. This traditional Croatian cookie, known since the writings of August Šenoa, is often purchased by visitors as a distinctive Zagreb souvenir. The pepper in these cookies creates a blend of sweet and spicy flavors that is truly unforgettable.
For a main course, many visitors recommend turkey with mlinci, a holiday classic in Zagreb. The turkey is tender, and the mlinci, when served with sauce, perfectly complement this traditional dish that symbolizes the hospitality and joy of the holidays in Zagreb.
Thus, Zagreb’s Advent is a magical mix of festive spirit and rich culinary heritage that attracts numerous visitors with its unique flavors.
New Attractions and Events in 2025
The Upper Town – The Historical Soul of Advent
Although part of the Upper Town is still under renovation, several locations will reopen. A new Christmas-themed art installation is planned for the Grič Tunnel, while the live nativity scene will likely take place again on Opatovina. In this way, the Upper Town preserves its traditional, more intimate side of Advent.
Festive Events and Music Program
Advent in Zagreb is not just a fair, but a true city of music and social gatherings. In the upcoming 2025/26 season, numerous concerts, choir performances, street artists, and dance shows are expected. Music will resonate from balconies, pavilions, and squares, while various themed installations and light displays will be set up throughout the city.
What else can you see besides the Christmas Lights?
In addition to the lighting of the holiday lights and traditional Advent events, Zagreb offers many other attractions in December. If you decide to visit the city, be sure to take time to see the Zagreb Cathedral, which is magnificently decorated and illuminated during Advent. A walk through the Upper Town will give you a beautiful view of the city sparkling under thousands of lights.
The Museum of Broken Relationships is another unique attraction worth visiting in Zagreb. This unusual museum showcases objects connected to failed relationships and is a great alternative for those seeking something a bit more unconventional during their holiday visit.
Art lovers can visit the Museum of Contemporary Art or attend one of the many art exhibitions the city offers in December. If you’re a food enthusiast, you’ll be delighted by the many restaurants and cafés where you can try traditional Croatian holiday dishes such as ”potica ” -walnut bread, fritule, and turkey with ”mlinci”.
With its 2024 Advent program, Zagreb continues to be one of the best December destinations in the region. The lighting of the holiday lights, rich cultural offerings, new events, and light installations will ensure that every visitor finds something special. Slovenians have enjoyed visiting the Croatian capital in December for many years, and 2024 will surely be another opportunity for an unforgettable Advent trip.
