The Magical Spirit of Advent in Zagreb

Hello everyone!

I hope everyone is enjoying their December and will soon have the time to visit some of the Christmas markets.

I’d like to start by saying that if there’s one season that truly brings Zagreb to life, it’s our beloved Advent. Known as **the best Christmas market in Europe for three consecutive years (2016, 2017, and 2018) **which makes every Croat proud, this event has become a recognizable symbol of Croatia’s festive holiday tradition. As it often is, Croatia is known by it’s stunning coastline and Game of Thrones filming locations (lol I’ve never watched it🥲) but, the Advent in Zagreb is a different kind of magic. It’s a celebration that connects together history & culture in a way that leaves no one disappointed.

This year, the Advent festivities have expanded to include new and exciting locations while keeping the charm of the old favorites (I think there’s 12 locations total). Iconic spots such as Ban Jelačić Square, European Square, Zrinjevac Park, and King Tomislav Square are the heart of the event and are a must visit. Additionally, locations like Hotel Esplanade, Masarykova Street, Hotel Jägerhorn, and Tunel Grič add a twist to the overall experience. Each venue has its own story to tell, that adds to the overall magical atmosphere.

@ssekulji and I visited the Advent today, and it was a beautiful exploration of the city we spent our lives in. There’s no grater feeling than falling in love with your city all over again. We met at the Ban Jelačić Square (which is tje main square and the hot spot of Zagreb) and took a look around. The year “2025” is put up and while I was looking at it it made me slightly emotional. Time goes by so fast, this year flew by. Let’s hope for a better future and an even exciting year ahead. As we strolled through, we admired the huuuuuge Christmas tree, illuminated by thousands of small lights, and cute ornaments.

From there, we wandered along Ilica Street, one of Zagreb’s most famous streets. *Fun fact: Ilica is the longest street in the city, stretching 6.4 kilometers, and it’s filled with shops and cafes. Historically, it’s been a vital artery of Zagreb. Even today, it’s a lovely place to experience.

Our next stop was Hotel Jägerhorn, which is located in a quieter corner in Ilica. The hotel, known for its historic charm, is a hidden gem during Advent, with its cozy courtyard lit up. Despite the crowds, the atmosphere was cozy, a perfect retreat from the bustling streets.

From there, we headed to Zagreb’s Upper Town, a district steeped in history and culture. The Upper Town is home to some of Zagreb’s most iconic landmarks, including St. Mark’s Church, with its striking tiled roof depicting the coats of arms of Croatia and Zagreb (unfortunately because of the incident that occurred there the Upper Town is closed for the public. You can come admire it but unfortunately can’t stroll like you could before. I’m happy that I got to enter the Church and admire the beautiful architecture of it). It’s also the seat of Croatian politics, with both the Parliament and Government buildings located one across another.

One of the stops on our journey really stood out. It was Tunel Grič, an underground tunnel that has become a key part of Zagreb’s Advent experience. Originally built during World War II, the tunnel is now transformed into a festive wonderland, with lights, music, and decorations creating a true Christmas experience. It’s always decorated so nicely, when you enter it’s like you’re in a different world. You can see a glimpse of the magical atmosphere in the link here:

Of course, no Advent visit is complete without sampling the festive treats, but be prepared for crazy prices... “Dubai fritule” (Croatian mini doughnuts covered with chocolate and bits of pistachio [i don’t understand the hype around it..]) are a mind blowing €11, and a cup of mulled wine will set you back around €5. If you’re looking to save, I recommend relaxing in a nearby bar for a cozier and more affordable experience. After all walking is free and healthy ;D! If you’re coming with kids or you want to be a kid again, there’s an Ice-skating park located at King Tomislav Square. And there’s also 2 Christmas trams this year! A historic 1924 tourist tram as well as a new low-floor NT 2300 tram. Each 30-minute ride includes a performance featuring Santa and his helpers, complete with a sweet treat distribution for all visitors :)!

Despite the high prices, Advent in Zagreb is an unforgettable experience, you’ll definitely find something for yourself. Whether it’s the Christmas lights, the heartwarming music, or the rich history, our city knows how to embrace the festive spirit. If you’re planning to visit, let me know—we’d love to meet and share the magic of Zagreb’s Advent with you! The more Hiveians the better 😁!

Thank you so much for reading and upvoting my content. I really appreciate it :)❤️! Happy holidays everyone!
[//]:# (!worldmappin 45.81301 lat 15.97730 long Zagreb Christmas markets d3scr)