They say Christmas time is the most wonderful time of the year. And we couldn’t agree more. It truly is. 🙂

There is undoubtedly something special about Christmas time that warms our hearts so powerfully: magnificent sound and lights in all perky colors, shops and the facades of the buildings that glitter with a golden glow, the majestic Christmas trees, skating rinks, the various exhibitions which dot the event…and the Christmas markets, bursting with treasures, which delight the eyes of the curious and the tastebuds of gourmets. The sound of Christmas bells, mulled wine and various delicacies inviting passengers to forget everything for a while and to simply enjoy the moment! 🙂

Photo credit: Julien Duval /Zagreb Tourist Board

During the Advent season, Croatia offers a variety of events that will satisfy even the most demanding visitors. Plenty of fun, excellent food, unique events, art, but also a genuine Christmas atmosphere, await you on the streets of Croatia!
Get into the spirit of the festive season and enjoy the warmest of welcomes as you visit the Christmas markets in Croatia. It is up to you to choose the city of your liking, and we present you with the Advent program of the most famous two.

The most wonderful time of the year in Croatia capital

Photo credit: Julien Duval /Zagreb Tourist Board

Advent in Zagreb is the unmissable end-of-year event in which, for the occasion, dons its festive costume and pulls out all the stops on the menu. The reasonable argument to visit precisely Zagreb witness the fact that in the last few years Zagreb won Best Christmas Market award (2016., 2017. & 2018.).
A magical atmosphere around the city starts with the Christmas lights being turned and signal the start of Advent in Zagreb.

Advent on the Main Square

Photo credit: M. Vrdoljak /Zagreb Tourist Board

First things first, you definitely should not miss Trg Ban Josip Jelačić, the main square, and also the beating heart of the city’s Christmas festival. A perfect place to taste the best-mulled wine and sausages, and it is also the biggest open space in Zagreb to celebrate New Year’s Eve.

Advent on Zrinjevac

Photo credit: Julien Duval /Zagreb Tourist Board

Park Zrinjevac is a place where numerous small wooden cabins find their homes during the Advent. This is also a more intimate venue to drink your mulled wine, taste some authentic Zagreb specialties and enjoy the fairytale atmosphere of the surrounding Zrinjevac park.

Advent on European Square

Photo credit: S. Kaštelan /Zagreb Tourist Board

Located just a few meters from Ban Jelačić Square, European Square is the best place to enjoy concerts and exhibitions during Advent. Once again, stalls offer authentic souvenirs, food and great mulled wine for those wanting to warm up.

Christmas Fair

Photo credit: S. Kaštelan /Zagreb Tourist Board

In Bogovićeva street you can find not only wooden cabins where fritule, sweet almonds, and mulled wine are offered but also beautiful handmade souvenirs, scarfs, and gloves.

Ice Park

Photo credit: Julien Duval /Zagreb Tourist Board

For those in the mood for a bit more active role in Christmas magic – King Tomislav Square is a perfect place to be – a magical winter idyll on ice. With vivid background music, you can enrich your outdoor ice skating experience with the fragrance and flavor of a variety of culinary delights, as well as numerous cultural events both for children and adults.

Fooling Around at Strossmayer square

Photo credit: S. Kaštelan /Zagreb Tourist Board

Fooling Around is famous for introducing a fresh perspective to the Advent program. From the end of November until New Year, be sure to visit Zagreb’s best Christmas Market and enjoy the best food and entertainment.
Flavors to keep you warm and hungry for more. Culinary delicacies that bring together the very best of the street and soul food. Either nearly forgotten traditional Croatian dishes, or some unusual and delicious international meals.
Local meals like sarma, buncek, beans and duck with mlinci and many other culinary delights from all over the world.

Magical scenes and mild Mediterranean weather in Croatia’s second-largest city

In Split– immersed in a magical atmosphere, with a paradise of twinkling lights and beautifully decorated Christmas trees – you see, smell, hear and taste Christmas in every corner.

Split’s mild Meditteranean climate, coupled with its status as Croatia’s second city, makes it the perfect Advent place or winter break. Keep in mind that restaurants all over the city are taking part in the program and have prepared special Dalmatian Christmas menus. Croatia Airlines are offering promotional fares to the city this Christmas followed by discounts offered by Split hotels and the Croatian railway company, all united and determined in the same goal – to spread the Split Christmas spirit around the globe! 🙂 

Photo credit: Branimir Džaja /Split Tourist Board

Split Advent boasts nineteen Christmas stalls in three locations – the Riva, Đardin, and the Split 3 neighborhood. Rustic wooden stalls are set up under fairy lights of Riva, offering mulled wine, rakija fruit brandy, sausages, seasonal desserts, and other goodies, as well as gifts and souvenirs. Taking a stroll down the illuminated streets of the main promenade, the visitors may taste the delicious gastronomic products from all over Dalmatia, marvel at the variety of art and crafts, dance to the music and the sound of Christmas carols.

Đardin will host an Ice Park this Advent, transforming the famous Split meeting spot into a true winter wonderland. A vibrant program and food and drink offer will only complete the experience.

Photo credit: Branimir Džaja/Split Tourist Board

We have listed just a few possibilities in Croatia in case you decide to spend a few days abroad and to enjoy Christmas magic on travels. Although, staying at home for Christmas is just fine! 🙂

We would like to take an opportunity to encourage you to enjoy a warm home atmosphere with your loved ones no matter where that might be.  And remember that gifts of TIME and LOVE are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas, so make sure to take a bit of Christmas a little at a time, all year round!

Happy holidays! 🙂

Photo credit: S. Kaštelan /Zagreb Tourist Board