Hotel Esplanade Zagreb is preparing a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration in the heart of the city, promising outstanding entertainment, exquisite food and a truly festive atmosphere.

A night of music, fine dining and timeless elegance in Zagreb’s most iconic hotel

The evening begins in true Esplanade fashion with a red carpet welcome, chilled sparkling wine and a glamorous setting. Live music by Showtime, one of the country’s most popular bands, sets the tone and invites guests to dance, while the Piano and Cognac Lounge offers a more relaxed escape with smooth piano melodies. Tradition is honoured with a midnight waltz, and even the youngest guests are invited to celebrate with a specially designed children’s disco party.

The culinary experience is led by chef Ana Grgić Tomić, who has created a luxurious New Year’s menu featuring carefully selected delicacies. Guests can expect indulgent flavours such as wagyu tartare, oysters, lobster claws, foie gras, Oscietra caviar and truffles, all brought together into an unforgettable dining experience.

The celebration unfolds in the grand Esplanade lobby, beautifully decorated with a lavish Christmas tree, marble fireplaces and crystal chandeliers. Guests are welcomed with gentle music, sparkling wine and refined bites that serve as a prelude to a six course gala dinner. The gourmet journey starts with elegant welcome canapés, followed by a thoughtfully crafted tasting menu. Highlights include Oscietra caviar paired with a caramelised Jerusalem artichoke tart, roasted foie gras with carrot and almond sponge, poached lobster claws with saffron aioli, a refreshing citrus sorbet and a main course of beef tenderloin crowned with truffles, morel mushrooms and chestnut potato rolls. Dessert brings the evening to a sweet close with dark chocolate truffles, cocoa crumble, hazelnut crémeux and candied truffles.

Premium Croatian wines are served throughout the evening, and at midnight, guests raise a glass of sparkling wine as the waltz plays and good wishes are shared. After midnight, Esplanade’s comforting wine goulash awaits those in need of a late-night refreshment before returning to the dance floor.

For those seeking a quieter moment, the Piano and Cognac Lounge offers cigars and relaxed elegance. Children are looked after by professional animators from Little Stars by Nina, who organise a lively disco celebration filled with games, music and laughter. The children’s area is thoughtfully designed with space to dance, play and rest. Chef Ana Grgić Tomić has also prepared a generous children’s buffet featuring wholesome snacks, warm dishes and a tempting selection of desserts, smoothies and fresh fruit, ensuring that young guests are just as well cared for as their parents.

Visitors to Zagreb, as well as local residents, are invited to extend the celebration with a stay at Hotel Esplanade, which this year proudly marks one hundred years of history. A special accommodation package includes the New Year’s Eve gala dinner, overnight stay with a VIP welcome, a Bloody Mary breakfast at Zinfandel’s with buffet and à la carte options, late check out and access to the Health Club gym and sauna.

The full New Year’s Eve programme is priced at 295 euros per person and includes a sparkling wine welcome with fine bites, a six course gala dinner, unlimited selected wines and water, sparkling wine at midnight and a late night goulash. The children’s celebration for young guests from two to ten years of age is priced at 155 euros per child and includes a rich buffet, children’s sparkling wine at midnight and unlimited soft drinks and water. This option is available exclusively to parents celebrating New Year’s Eve within the hotel venues.

A New Year’s package with one overnight stay in a Superior room is available from 799 euros for two people and includes the New Year’s Eve dinner at Zinfandel’s or the Emerald Ballroom, as well as breakfast at Zinfandel’s. Room upgrades and additional nights are available upon request, subject to availability.

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For more information check out Esplanade Zagreb website.