Zagreb Advent 2023
Welcome to a winter wonderland in the heart of Croatia! As the festive season approaches, Zagreb transforms into a dazzling spectacle of lights, flavors, and melodies, making it a top destination for holiday revelers.
Join us as we embark on a magical journey through Zagreb's Christmas markets, ice rinks, and culinary delights. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning admirer, get ready to experience the charm and joy of Zagreb's Advent season. Let's unwrap the festive spirit together!
We visited Zagreb the day after the first Advent candle was lit, on Sunday, December 3rd, expecting it to be less crowded. However, we were mistaken. There were a lot of people, especially around the Ice Park.
This year, the only disappointment is that nothing is happening in the Upper Town, so Advent is confined to the Lower Town with the novelty of Matoš's Cats.
We visited Zagreb the day after the first Advent candle was lit, on Sunday, December 3rd, expecting it to be less crowded. However, we were mistaken. There were a lot of people, especially around the Ice Park.
This year, the only disappointment is that nothing is happening in the Upper Town, so Advent is confined to the Lower Town with the novelty of Matoš's Cats.
1. Fuliranje: A Gastronomic Journey (Strossmayer Square)
Fuliranje in Zagreb
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 12-01, Sat-Sun 11-01
First on our list is the legendary 'Fuliranje', located at the charming Strossmayer Square. This spot is a foodie's paradise, offering everything from the refined tastes of Nebo by Deni Srdoč to the unique Asian fusion delights of Izakaya by Davor Bienenfeld. Whether you crave a gourmet picnic or plant-based wonders by Beg's, Fuliranje is where your culinary dreams come to life amidst the holiday spirit.
At Fuliranje, we only tried the Debrecinka sausage at Mate Janković's stand and we have to admit that his sausages are better than at other stands because they have more sauce and various cool side dishes. The price of all sausages is €6.50.
First on our list is the legendary 'Fuliranje', located at the charming Strossmayer Square. This spot is a foodie's paradise, offering everything from the refined tastes of Nebo by Deni Srdoč to the unique Asian fusion delights of Izakaya by Davor Bienenfeld. Whether you crave a gourmet picnic or plant-based wonders by Beg's, Fuliranje is where your culinary dreams come to life amidst the holiday spirit.
At Fuliranje, we only tried the Debrecinka sausage at Mate Janković's stand and we have to admit that his sausages are better than at other stands because they have more sauce and various cool side dishes. The price of all sausages is €6.50.
2. Fooling around: A Terrace of Tastes (Esplanade's Oleander Terrace)
Fooling around - Hotel Esplanade, Zagreb
Opening hours: Daily from 12 to 22
Next, let's 'Fool around' at the Esplanade's Oleander Terrace. This year's highlight? The exquisite dim sum by Kiyomi Vida Nikolić and Davor Bienenfeld. Not to forget, Deni Srdoč's Hidden Wine Bistro offers an intimate experience for wine lovers. It’s a blend of elegance, taste, and festive cheer – a combination you can't miss!
Next, let's 'Fool around' at the Esplanade's Oleander Terrace. This year's highlight? The exquisite dim sum by Kiyomi Vida Nikolić and Davor Bienenfeld. Not to forget, Deni Srdoč's Hidden Wine Bistro offers an intimate experience for wine lovers. It’s a blend of elegance, taste, and festive cheer – a combination you can't miss!
3. Matoš's Cats: Street Food & Culture (Pedestrian zone Masarykova/Preradovićeva)
Matoševe Mačke, Advent Zagreb
Opening hours: Mon-Wed 12-23, Thu-Fri 12-24, Sat-Sun 10-24
Dive into the street food scene at Matoš's Cats near the famous mural in Masarykova/Preradovićeva. With ten Advent huts serving everything from savory traditional dishes to sweet delights, this spot is perfect for those looking to explore local flavors in a vibrant, outdoor setting.
This is a new Advent colourful location in the newly opened pedestrian zone in Zagreb. The place is cool, funky with a good vibe. We tried delicious fritters there, which we paid 4.5 Eur per portion.
Dive into the street food scene at Matoš's Cats near the famous mural in Masarykova/Preradovićeva. With ten Advent huts serving everything from savory traditional dishes to sweet delights, this spot is perfect for those looking to explore local flavors in a vibrant, outdoor setting.
This is a new Advent colourful location in the newly opened pedestrian zone in Zagreb. The place is cool, funky with a good vibe. We tried delicious fritters there, which we paid 4.5 Eur per portion.
4. Ice Park: Gliding into Festivities (King Tomislav Square)
Ice Park, Zagreb
Opening hours: Mon-Thu 10-23, Fri-Sat 10-00, Sun 10-23
For those who love a bit of adventure, the Ice Park at King Tomislav Square is your go-to destination. With its grand opening on December 2, featuring a spectacular ice show, and weekly performances, it promises fun for all ages. Lace up those skates and glide into the heart of Croatian Christmas!
If you're coming on the weekend and have decided to go ice skating, be prepared to be patient because on the day we were there, Sunday evening, this location was packed with skaters. The Ice Park, as always, is the most visited and probably the most attractive Advent location.
For those who love a bit of adventure, the Ice Park at King Tomislav Square is your go-to destination. With its grand opening on December 2, featuring a spectacular ice show, and weekly performances, it promises fun for all ages. Lace up those skates and glide into the heart of Croatian Christmas!
If you're coming on the weekend and have decided to go ice skating, be prepared to be patient because on the day we were there, Sunday evening, this location was packed with skaters. The Ice Park, as always, is the most visited and probably the most attractive Advent location.
5. Advent in the Passage(Advent u Prolazu): Hidden Gems (Hotel Jägerhorn, Ilica 14)
Advent u Prolazu, Zagreb
Opening hours: Mon-Thu 16-22, Fri 16-23, Sat 10-23, Sun 10-22
Seeking something more intimate? The 'Advent in the Passage' at Hotel Jägerhorn offers a cozy, less-crowded experience. It's not just about the food here - although the offerings are delightful - but also about the soulful music that ranges from jazz to urban rhythms.
We really liked this location because it's peaceful, quiet, and beautifully and elegantly decorated. We recommend it to everyone who enjoys a more intimate atmosphere to come and visit this secluded corner of Advent. At the top of the passage towards the Upper Town, there are food stalls and even a few tables where you can sit down.
Seeking something more intimate? The 'Advent in the Passage' at Hotel Jägerhorn offers a cozy, less-crowded experience. It's not just about the food here - although the offerings are delightful - but also about the soulful music that ranges from jazz to urban rhythms.
We really liked this location because it's peaceful, quiet, and beautifully and elegantly decorated. We recommend it to everyone who enjoys a more intimate atmosphere to come and visit this secluded corner of Advent. At the top of the passage towards the Upper Town, there are food stalls and even a few tables where you can sit down.
6. EU Advent: A Blend of Music, Gastronomy, and Art (European Square)
EU advent, Zagreb
Opening hours: Mon-Thu 12-23, Fri 12-00, Sat 10-00, Sun 10-23
The EU Advent at European Square is a cultural mosaic. With its unique blend of music, gastronomy, and art, this location offers a more rounded festive experience. Don't miss the beautifully decorated huts emitting the rich scents of local and international cuisines.
At the beginning of the European Square, right when you descend from Ban Jelačić Square, there is a stall with the popular Germknoedl, a sweet treat. We tried them, and they were excellent, highly recommended. One costs 6 euros.
The EU Advent at European Square is a cultural mosaic. With its unique blend of music, gastronomy, and art, this location offers a more rounded festive experience. Don't miss the beautifully decorated huts emitting the rich scents of local and international cuisines.
At the beginning of the European Square, right when you descend from Ban Jelačić Square, there is a stall with the popular Germknoedl, a sweet treat. We tried them, and they were excellent, highly recommended. One costs 6 euros.
7. Baš Naš at Ban Jelačić Square (Ban Jelačić Square)
Baš Naš, Jelacic Square
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30-00, Sat-Sun 10-00
One of Zagreb's most iconic Advent programs, Baš Naš, is back this year with a fresh twist - it's moved to Ban Jelačić Square. This event promises a delightful blend of gastronomy and music to warm your heart during the cold winter days.
As December unfolds, you can look forward to performances by Songkillers, Daleka obala, Vesna Pisarović, Hiljson Mandela, Albina Grčić, and ToMa, among others. Baš Naš at Ban Jelačić Square is the place to be for a fantastic Advent experience.
One of Zagreb's most iconic Advent programs, Baš Naš, is back this year with a fresh twist - it's moved to Ban Jelačić Square. This event promises a delightful blend of gastronomy and music to warm your heart during the cold winter days.
As December unfolds, you can look forward to performances by Songkillers, Daleka obala, Vesna Pisarović, Hiljson Mandela, Albina Grčić, and ToMa, among others. Baš Naš at Ban Jelačić Square is the place to be for a fantastic Advent experience.
8. Advent Pri Nami (Zakardijeve stube)
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 07-01, Sat 08-01, Sun 10-01
For those seeking a hidden gem in the heart of Zagreb, Advent Pri Nami is the perfect choice. Located at Zakmardijeve Stairs, this event combines delicious cuisine and fantastic music. The organizers are preparing a delectable menu with something for everyone, from traditional sausages to tacos and wok.
Don't miss the winter cocktails, and be sure to catch live bands, DJs, and klapa music every Wednesday to Saturday. Sundays are reserved for the harmonious sounds of klapa music.
For those seeking a hidden gem in the heart of Zagreb, Advent Pri Nami is the perfect choice. Located at Zakmardijeve Stairs, this event combines delicious cuisine and fantastic music. The organizers are preparing a delectable menu with something for everyone, from traditional sausages to tacos and wok.
Don't miss the winter cocktails, and be sure to catch live bands, DJs, and klapa music every Wednesday to Saturday. Sundays are reserved for the harmonious sounds of klapa music.
9. Sweet Zrinjevac (Zrinjevac park)
Zrinjevac park, Zagreb
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 12-23, Fri 12-00, Sat 10-00, Sun 10-23
Zrinjevac Park transforms into a culinary paradise this Advent season with "Sweet Zrinjevac." The masterminds behind RougeMarin, a renowned Zagreb restaurateur, are curating this delightful experience.
Expect an array of mouthwatering dishes, including Buncaš, Grahos military beans, Kaiser sausage, Hot Italian, Spaniard, Italian porchetta, empanadas, kroštule, Christmas pudding, and churros. Renowned chefs such as Mihovil Roso, Damir Bajo, Zvonimir Štrk, Mario Mihelj, Melkior Bašić, Marin Medak, and Kroštulin baker Karlo Vulin will ensure your taste buds are thoroughly pampered.
Zrinjevac Park transforms into a culinary paradise this Advent season with "Sweet Zrinjevac." The masterminds behind RougeMarin, a renowned Zagreb restaurateur, are curating this delightful experience.
Expect an array of mouthwatering dishes, including Buncaš, Grahos military beans, Kaiser sausage, Hot Italian, Spaniard, Italian porchetta, empanadas, kroštule, Christmas pudding, and churros. Renowned chefs such as Mihovil Roso, Damir Bajo, Zvonimir Štrk, Mario Mihelj, Melkior Bašić, Marin Medak, and Kroštulin baker Karlo Vulin will ensure your taste buds are thoroughly pampered.
Conclusion:
Zagreb’s Advent is a festival of lights, flavors, and sounds, promising unforgettable memories. Whether you're here for the food, the culture, or simply the joy of Christmas, Zagreb welcomes you with open arms and a warm heart. Pack your bags, bring your festive cheer, and join us in celebrating the most wonderful time of the year in one of Croatia's most beautiful cities. See you in Zagreb!
Hashtags: #AdventZagreb #ZagrebChristmas #CroatianWinterWonderland #Zagreb
Zagreb’s Advent is a festival of lights, flavors, and sounds, promising unforgettable memories. Whether you're here for the food, the culture, or simply the joy of Christmas, Zagreb welcomes you with open arms and a warm heart. Pack your bags, bring your festive cheer, and join us in celebrating the most wonderful time of the year in one of Croatia's most beautiful cities. See you in Zagreb!
Hashtags: #AdventZagreb #ZagrebChristmas #CroatianWinterWonderland #Zagreb
