Zagreb
45°49′ N 15°59′ ECityPop. 767,131Croatia
Zagreb suits families and groups who like variety, since Advent spreads across the Upper and Lower Towns and runs from 28 November 2026 to 7 January 2027. The spread means walking between sites, with stalls in parks, on squares and in a tunnel under the Upper Town.
Who should base here
Advent Zagreb runs through Christmas and New Year to 7 January, so a stay can start in late November or end after Epiphany. European Best Destinations says the event was voted Europe's best Christmas market three years in a row, and the Zagreb Tourist Board shows the awards for 2016, 2017 and 2018 on its Advent site. Each evening can take in a different part of the city, from Zrinjevac Park to European Square and the rink on King Tomislav Square.
Stay in Donji grad (the Lower Town) between the main station and Ban Jelačić Square, and most Advent sites sit within a walk. The Tourist Board's food list makes a good menu for a cold night. Start with sarma (cabbage leaves rolled round minced meat), or turkey roasted the Zagreb way with mlinci flatbread, and take home a bag of paprenjaci (peppery honey biscuits).
Worth knowing
- The Tourist Board's site infozagreb.hr carries arrival guides and links to the Zagreb Card.
Quick answers about Zagreb
Is Zagreb a good place to stay?
Advent Zagreb runs through Christmas and New Year to 7 January, so a stay can start in late November or end after Epiphany. European Best Destinations says the event was voted Europe's best Christmas market three years in a row, and the Zagreb Tourist Board shows the awards for 2016, 2017 and 2018 on its Advent site. Each evening can take in a different part of the city, from Zrinjevac Park to European Square and the rink on King Tomislav Square.