Twinkling lights, the scent of mulled wine, and the soft glow of the first Advent candle, Zagreb once again prepares to wrap the city in a magical Christmas embrace. As snowflakes begin to drift across rooftops, Croatia’s capital readies itself to welcome visitors to one of Europe’s most enchanting holiday celebrations.

Organised by the City of Zagreb, the Zagreb Tourist Board (TZGZ), and numerous institutional and private partners, the award-winning Advent in Zagreb will once again enrich the city’s festive offering. The event will take place from 29 November 2025 to 7 January 2026, including New Year’s festivities. The ceremonial opening is set for Saturday, 29 November, when the first Advent candle will be lit at Ban Jelačić Square, followed by the opening of other locations throughout the city.

During the presentation of Advent Zagreb 2025, Zagreb’s mayor Tomislav Tomašević emphasised the event’s renewed brilliance. He stated that Advent Zagreb returns in full splendour as one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe and the world, a fact confirmed by numerous international recognitions. He also expressed special joy over the return of Advent to the revitalised Upper Town, which will once again become a central hub of festive happenings. According to the mayor, the restored Strossmayer Promenade is expected to reaffirm its reputation as one of the most beautiful and most visited winter attractions. This season will also include the charitable High School Advent at Kennedy Square, enhancing the holiday atmosphere in that part of the city. Due to high public interest, two Merry Christmas Trams have also been organised in cooperation with ZET.

Martina Bienenfeld, director of the Zagreb Tourist Board, shared additional details about what visitors can look forward to. On the Upper Town, guests will find a rich gastronomic offer, three decorative zones, the “ZagreBal” program in the Klovićevi Dvori Gallery atrium, and numerous concerts in sacred, public, and historical venues. Various activities for children will further enhance the festive experience. She also highlighted artistic collaborations, including Saša Šekoranja’s transformation of the former savings bank space in the Oktogon passage and Nenad Sovilj’s special installation in the Archaeological Museum’s lapidarium, marking his 20 years of artistic work. Furthermore, this year’s edition will feature the Advent version of Open House Zagreb and the project Museums, Maybe, both of which blend culture, architecture, and the city’s unique spirit.

Advent in Zagreb continues to appear on lists of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe. More than 50 international media outlets, including CNN, Condé Nast Traveller, Mirror, National Geographic, and Time Out, have already covered the event, strengthening Zagreb’s position as a globally recognised Advent destination. Building on this visibility, TZGZ is preparing a special promotional campaign across 30 stations of the London Underground and will continue its long-standing partnerships with Croatia Airlines and HŽ Passenger Transport.

With strong interest already evident, organisers are confident that this year’s season will deliver excellent results and once again confirm Advent in Zagreb as one of the most attractive Christmas markets in Europe, a place where the authentic holiday spirit of the city comes alive.

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For detailed schedules, cultural programs, and up-to-date information, visit the official Advent Zagreb website: adventzagreb.hr.

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