Zagreb Christmas Market: The Complete Guide
Christmas in Croatia has one of the best European Christmas market scenes where you will find a little bit of everything under the sun. Bring your appetite, your wallet, and your Christmas joy when you visit the capital city, Zagreb, Croatia at Christmastime. Croatian Christmas traditions can be found in the best Christmas Markets in Zagreb.
A Zagreb Christmas market is filled with unique gift ideas, festive people, and a lot of Christmas spirit. The holidays are done up right in this city. Plan your trip and visit at least one Christmas market in Zagreb when you visit in November or December. You will not regret it and may even come away with a trinket or two for that special someone.
When you are exploring, you will want to find a Zagreb luggage storage service to leave your belongings while you are out and about. Dragging along heavy bags while you shop is no fun at all and trying to make your way through crowded markets with excess luggage or shopping purchases will be a chore. Stow your extra gear and check out these favorite Christmas markets in one of the best European cities.
Advent in Zagreb
Also known as the Zagreb Christmas Market Advent or Zagreb Advent, Advent Zagreb is one of the most popular Christmas markets in Europe. This market was voted Europe's Best Christmas Market for three consecutive years for the glitz and glam that makes this market super special. The number of visitors keeps increasing each year, so make sure you plan accordingly.
The Zagreb Christmas Market is scheduled for November 26th through January 7th, with the days following Christmas being just as crowded as the days leading up to Christmas. The Advent in Zagreb Winter Festival is filled with Croatian excitement, several vendors, street food vendors, and live music. It is a market that is filled with laughter, merriment, and great deals on gifts.
The market is spread throughout the city with various markets opening on different days during Advent. Be sure to visit the live nativity scene that is next to the Zagreb Cathedral in Kaptol. Wander through the Gric Tunnel, it is transformed into a winter wonderland and the gazebo in Zrinjevac Park is the place to be when looking for live music.
European Square is home to fairy tale holiday huts where kids will celebrate with arts, crafts, and other activities. Maksimir Park also has wonderful kids’ activities if European Square is too crowded for your tastes. Food stalls abound here, complete with Croatian sausages.
What to do near Advent in Zagreb
Because this Christmas market is held throughout Zagreb, there are numerous amazing attractions and activities nearby. St. Mark’s Church is a great place to drop by and check out the traditional Croatian architecture. Upper Town is a historic area in Zagreb that a lot of tourists like to visit. Another interesting thing to see is the Museum of Broken Relationships.
Fuliranje at Strossmayer Square
Fuliranje, or “fooling around” is a rather unique Christmas market that is located between Tomislavac Square and Zrinjevac Park. This market creates a fun and merry experience where authentic Zagreb architecture and Christmas decorations create a mystical and magical atmosphere that the whole family will love.
With several stalls offering different gift items, you are certain to get your Christmas shopping finished. Listen as a DJ spins classic Christmas carols while watching world-class chefs create culinary masterpieces. Some of the best Croatian dishes are offered at this festival. Head over to Strossmayer Square in December and discover exactly what Fuliranje means.
What to do near Fuliranje
Be sure to take a stroll along the Strossmayer Promenade after exploring the Fuliranje Christmas Market. Take a tour of Lower Town where parks, bars, and restaurants abound. Upper Town is a fantastic area to explore filled with old-world charm. Climb the steps of Lotrscak Tower and look out over Zagreb.
Zagreb Christmas Tale at Central Ban Jelačić Square
The absolute best winter wonderland in Zagreb is at Central Ban Jelačić Square. Wooden cabins serve as vendor stalls and line the streets of Jelačić Square. You will find souvenirs, Christmas decorations, ornaments, personalized items, one-of-a-kind art, and so much more.
The gourmet delicacies will make your mouth water. Sip mulled wine or hot chocolate to stay warm and sample Croatian sausages and sweet treats. Bring your appetite, your pocketbook, and some empty bags to fill with all the goodies you are going to find.
What to do near Zagreb Christmas Tale
Once you have fully explored Jelačić Square and the Zagreb Christmas Tale, check out the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Maksimir Park has some wonderful Christmas decorations including Christmas trees and Christmas lights that you will enjoy. For fabulous views of the surrounding area, visit Kula Lotrscak.
Christmas Market Fair at Gajeva and Bogovićeva Street
Spend the day strolling around Gajeva and Bogovićeva located in the city center of this Croatian capital. The streets are lined with several amazing stalls filled with interesting items, many handmade, that would be ideal Christmas gifts.
Souvenirs are also abundant here and you will probably find a few things that you cannot live without to remind you of your trip to Zagreb and the Christmas markets you visited. Many of the vendors have set up shop in adorable wooden cabins that help keep you out of the elements while you shop. You will find knitted hats and gloves, ornaments, and even sweet treats such as fritters, pastries, Croatian cakes, sweet almonds, mulled wine, and of course, hot chocolate.
What to do near Christmas Market Fair at Gajeva and Bogovićeva Street
Visit Kaptol and the Zagreb Cathedral, a medieval church that has breathtaking architecture. Then head over to St. Mark’s Square and visit St. Mark’s Church. The Constitutional Court and Croatian Parliament are also found in St. Mark’s Square.
See a Lovely European Christmas Market
Christmas markets in Zagreb are filled with holiday magic and you will make some pretty fabulous memories. Christmas destinations in Zagreb include King Tomislav Square, Tunnel Grič, and even a WWII bomb shelter. European best destinations for Christmas markets now include Zagreb with its advent markets and own unique theme.
Visit the ice park and ice skating rink to help herald in the advent season and put you in the holiday spirit. If you do not have your own, you can rent skates. With multiple locations, a Zagreb Christmas market is the place to be and does live up to all the hype. Don't miss the fun!