Every December, Zagreb turns into a real winter wonderland through Zagreb Christmas Market. Croatia’s capital has been proclaimed the best Christmas market in Europe three years in a row, from 2016-2018. Zagreb really goes all in during Christmas. It’s a place worthy of your visit any time of the year, but especially during Christmas time.
Zagreb Christmas market starts at the end of November and lasts all the way to early January. Exact dates vary each year. This year it’s from November 30th to January 7th.
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As someone who lives in Zagreb and has regularly visited Zagreb Christmas market for the past 5 years, here’s the ultimate guide to places and activities you need to include in your Zagreb itinerary.
Where to stay in Zagreb?
If you’re only here for the Zagreb Christmas market, the best option is to stay in or close to the city center. Anything from Crnomerec to Maksimir is very well connected with the city center where most of the Christmas market activites are located.
Check out Booking.com or AirBnB.com for apartments. Apartment renting is huge in Zagreb and often preferred to hotels. Most of them are very reasonably priced for a few nights, and are way more comfortable than hotels. I have a guide on best AirBnBs in Zagreb if you need help!
In case you really want a hotel, check our the following hotels: art’otel Zagreb, Esplanade, Jagerhorn, Sheraton, or Met Boutique hotel.
How long should you stay in Zagreb?
If you’re visiting for Zagreb Christmas market only, 2 days will be more than enough. Try to come during the week though, since weekends are exceptionally crowded. If you’re interested in doing some day trips from Zagreb stay longer. We have several excellent day trip recommendations if you’re up for it!
RELATED: ZAGREB: HOW TO SPEND 2 FANTASTIC DAYS IN NORTHWEST CROATIA!
Where to eat in Zagreb?
You can easily eat at Zagreb Christmas Market – most street vendors are actually mobile locations of several popular restaurants in Zagreb. During Christmas market, it’s a tradition for various restaurant to put their special twist on street food.
That food is definitely on the pricier side, so if you want something affordable and delicious to eat, check out these restaurants: Nokturno, La Štruk, Submarine burger, El Greco, Batak. Here’s our guide to best restaurants in Zagreb.
What places to visit during Christmas Market?
Zagreb Christmas Market is held on various locations throughout the city, but most of them are within walking distance from each other, so you don’t need any way of transportation once you’re in the city center.
Each of these locations is worth visiting, so if you only have one day try to visit each of them at least for a short time. If you have 2 days or more, you can take your time and properly enjoy each location.
Josip Jelacic square
Zagreb’s main square always has some very interesting activities. Every year something changes, but the staples that show up each time are street vendors in gorgeous wooden huts with local products, Croatian souvenirs, and snack food.
There’s also always a stage with various concerts or dance acts, and people come to enjoy the music and have a cup of mulled wine. Josip Jelacic square is the perfect starting point because it’s only a couple minute walk to any other Christmas market location.
UPDATE: This year, due to the renovations of the Upper Town, most of the Christmas Market activities are on Jelacic Square. You can enjoy food, music, and excellent photo spots all in one place!
There’s also a lot of food and drink stalls on European Square, only a few steps from the lively Ban Jelačić Square, so make sure you check it out.
Zrinjevac
Only 5 minutes away from Jelacic square, Zrnjevac is one of Zagreb’s most beautiful locations. Completely engulfed in lights, this location looks like a true winter wonderland.
Zrinjevac has tons of wooden huts selling food and drinks, as well as hand-made goodies by local artists. It’s a magical place where you’ll hear many Christmas classics and enjoy the gorgeous view. This year, Zrinjevac is heavily inspired by music, so you’ll see several musical light displays which are great for taking photos!
Strossmayer Square – Fuliranje
If you’re a foodie who loves to eat, Strossmayer Square is the place for you. This location has been home to an event called “Fuliranje” for years now, and the event specializes in food.
Whether you want to try typical Croatian dishes or something completely new, “Fuliranje” won’t let you down. Each year around 15 of Zagreb’s finest restaurants come up with their versions of street food, and it’s always a hit.
Keep in mind that the food here is unique but quite expensive, so choose carefully which items you’d like to try. While you’re eating, there’s always a DJ who keeps the Christmas vibes going, so you’ll definitely enjoy this location.
King Tomislav Square
The most special location in Zagreb is Ledeni park situated at King Tomislav Square. Ledeni park (Ice Park in English) is home to the biggest ice rink in Zagreb and it’s everyone’s favourite location.
Both kids and adults love ice skating, so be prepared for some crowds, but the activity is worth the wait. You need 8 euros for a pair of ice skates and 60 minutes of skating in the rink, which is really affordable for the memories you’ll make.
There are also several huts with food and drinks if you get tired and hungry after an hour of ice skating!
Klovicevi dvori
Another very popular and loved Christmas market location is in the upper town, and it’s at Klovićevi dvori. Another amazing event is happening there, called BAŠ NAŠ ADVENT. There’s plenty of good food, drinks, live music, and amazing photo spots there, that you won’t even want to leave.
In 2023 and 2024, this location is not included because there are several construction sites near said location. It will probably return in 2025. This blog post will be updated once it’s known for sure.
Right next to BAŠ NAŠ, there is Strossmayer’s promenade, or as the locals call it, Stross. Stross has many incredible light installations, various Instagram photo locations, and delicious food and mulled wine.
Tunnel Grič
One of the most interesting visual attractions this year is Tunnel Grič. This tunnel is a historic and cultural landmark which every year gets transformed into a magical holiday destination during Christmas. Originally, this was a World War II bomb shelter, but now it’s a popular pedestrian passage and event space. This year, it was inspired by the Polar Express, so you can enjoy stunning installations and decorations such as lights, trains, holograms, and so on. It’s completely free.
Additional locations with festive decorations
If you want to see some other locations with gorgeous Christmas decorations, check out these! While these aren’t really a part of any Christmas market, they are scattered throughout the city center and can serve as a really pretty and Christmassy photo backdrops.
- A gorgeous balloon at Frane Petrića Street
- food stalls and Christmas lights at Gajeva Street
- Christmas lights at Illica Street
- The Nutcracker decorations in front of the Croatian National Theatre
- Unique Christmas Trees at Masarykova Street
Wow, looks great! We really enjoyed our time in Zagreb and xmas there looks fun. I love your beautiful first photo of the market square!
This looks like the perfect location for Christmas markets.
Wow! Looks so festive.
I love traveling in Croatia! It is so pretty and relatively affordable for travelers/backpackers from the United States. I visited in the summer, so Zagreb was a bit hot. Would love to see it at Christmas time (:
Aww I’ve never been to Croatia and I’ve always wanted to go. It looks so cute during the Christmas time as well!