November the 14th, 2026 – It’s that time of year again! Advent Zagreb 2026 is just around the corner, promising a programme packed with festive cheer and a very full calendar.
The most wonderful time of the year is knocking at the door. Advent in Zagreb, which is considered one of the best in Europe, starts on the 28th of November and lasts until the 7th of January.
The multi-award-winning Advent Zagreb once again brings a rich cultural, entertainment and food programme, which, along with New Year’s events, will take place from the 28th of November 2026 to the 7th of January 2027. Organised by the City of Zagreb, the Zagreb Tourist Board (TZGZ) and numerous institutional and private partners, the programme will officially kick off with the traditional lighting of the first Advent candle on Ban Jelačić Square, after which the other locations will open.
zagreb’s progression as a festive city delight
Director of TZGZ, Martina Bienenfeld, stated that “Advent Zagreb has grown into one of the most recognisable Advent events in Europe, and this year’s edition brings new cultural content and more strongly connects city locations into a unique holiday experience. We pay special attention to culture and programmes for children and families. Among this year’s novelties intended for the youngest, I’d highlight LumiLicious on Mažuranac, which starts on the 6th of December, the feast of St Nicholas. Novelties are also The Magic Within on Marulić Square and the festive decoration of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, whose ceremonial openings are planned for the 18th of December. Together with the new arrangement of the space in front of the Croatian National Theatre, these contents will connect the locations of the Green Horseshoe into a unique Advent promenade. In this way we enrich the Advent offer and open new possibilities for exploring the city, while at the same time putting Zagreb’s historical spaces, architecture and cultural heritage in the foreground.
The international recognisability of Advent Zagreb is also confirmed by this year’s awards and recommendations from world media. We are particularly pleased that Zagreb has been declared the best European destination for a Christmas city break in the selection of the European Best Destinations organisation, while the prestigious Time Out ranked it first on its list of the best European destinations for a winter city break in 2026, highlighting its attractiveness for family travel. Such recognitions have significant promotional value because they strengthen Zagreb’s international visibility, encourage interest in coming and contribute to its positioning on key source markets. In this context we continue with intensive promotional activities on 17 international markets, including targeted campaigns at stations of the London Underground and the Milan metro, as well as long-standing cooperation with Croatia Airlines and HŽ Passenger Transport.
I believe that Advent Zagreb will once again achieve good tourist results this year and further strengthen Zagreb’s position as an attractive year-round destination. At the same time, we do not measure its success exclusively by tourist indicators, but also by the quality of the experience it provides to visitors and our fellow citizens. Precisely in this balance between tourist attractiveness and value for the local community we see the foundation of its long-term development and sustainability.”
The entire programme, detailed schedules of all events and current information can be found here, and we’ll also bring you descriptions of each below.
what’s on this festive season for europe’s best advent?
What we’ve been waiting for all year finally starts on the last weekend of November. Zagreb has won a new title – it is the best Christmas city-break destination 2026 according to European Best Destinations. Along with well-known attractions such as the Ice Park, Advent on Zrinjevac, Fuliranje and numerous other events, there are also novelties for the youngest on Mažuranac, and the entire Upper Town, as well as the Green Horseshoe of the Lower Town, become a unique Advent promenade. Run with Santa Claus, dance or skate in the parks, sing on the tram or just stop and enjoy.
if you’re the musical type…
Advent concerts of the Zagreb Soloists
Museum of the City of Zagreb, on the 3rd, 6th, 10th and 13th of December at 18:00
The Zagreb Soloists continue the tradition of Advent concerts at the Museum of the City of Zagreb. At each of the four concerts the Zagreb Soloists will be joined by a young musician.
Advent concerts of the Zagreb Chamber Orchestra
Church of St Joseph, Journalists’ House
Advent concerts of the Zagreb Chamber Orchestra in the city’s historical spaces. The Church of St Joseph is the location of the first concert on the 29th of November, followed by three more at the Journalists’ House on the 5th 13th and 19th of December with performances by renowned Croatian and international soloists.
Advent concerts of the Chamber Choir “Ivan Filipović” – Zagreb Voices
Church of St John the Baptist 29 Nov, Basilica of St Anthony of Padua on the 13th of December, the Church of St Francis of Assisi on the 29th of December
Concerts of the Chamber Choir “Ivan Filipović” – Zagreb Voices bring a combination of classical music, choral compositions and Croatian traditional Advent and Christmas songs. Contemporary choral arrangements of Croatian musical heritage are performed for the first time.
Music in St Mark’s Church
St Mark’s Church, on the 13th 20th and 24th of December (Midnight Mass)
Advent tradition, performances of classical and sacred music that echo within the historical walls of the Church of St Mark. Admission is free.
Advent with the Opera of the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb
Republic of Croatia Square, balcony of the CNT, the 5th of December at 17:30 and the 7th of December at 19:00
From the balcony of the Zagreb CNT, young soloists accompanied by piano perform opera and Advent compositions. Two half-hour concerts for residents and guests alike will fill the space in front of the theatre with holiday melodies.
seasonal music
From Christmas balconies to Zagreb
Balcony at the Stone Gate, balcony at Tkalčićeva 33, balcony of the CNT
Christmas melodies from Zagreb balconies performed by the six-member brass ensemble Ad gloriam brass. A unique musical experience of European flair and classical music, film themes and Christmas songs.
Festival of Advent and Christmas songs
Society of University Teachers and Other Scientists, Greek Catholic Co-Cathedral of Sts Cyril and Methodius, Church of St Peter the Apostle, Church of St Mark, Church of St Blaise, Stone Gate, terrace of Cravaticum – the Tie Museum
The Festival of Advent and Christmas songs brings festive concerts of Advent-Christmas music of different genres and eras. From classical to klapa and holiday pop songs at the 11th edition of the festival at six city locations. A children’s concert will also be held as part of the festival.
Zagreb Advent postcards
Oktogon, Neboder, Baković Sisters Passage
The vocal quartet Vox in the heart of Zagreb performs Advent compositions from Croatian and world musical heritage. With pop-up concerts, short performances without prior announcement, they will surprise random passers-by with the musical magic of Advent.
Advent under the lantern
Lotrščak Tower
Join the lamp-lighter and singers every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday until Christmas Eve at Lotrščak Tower. Light the gas lamps while singing kolende at Advent under the lantern in the Upper Town.
Advent symphony of the city
Radićeva – Tomićeva – Stone Gate – Bloody Bridge – Mažuranić Square
An Advent walk through Zagreb accompanied by Christmas songs performed by the Musical-Artistic Atelier Kralj. The Advent symphony of the city from 19:00 to 20:30 at various locations in the heart of Zagreb.
Musical control – Zagreb promenade
Ljubljanica depot, Zrinjevac Park
The Musical Control of the Zagreb ZET Orchestra on Saturday morning will surprise passengers at selected locations in the city. The ride starts at 10:00 from Ljubljanica and ends in Zrinjevac Park.
‘Flash mob’ on the tram
Zagreb trams
Surprise flash-mob concerts on Zagreb trams are a Christmas tradition. Sing along with the choir during the ride through the Lower Town.
single day events
Advent Run
Zagreb streets, 6th of December at 12:00
Zagreb Advent Run, a costume race for the whole family through the city, again has a humanitarian character this year. It is run as part of the Croatian national campaign for early detection of high cholesterol and blood pressure. You can choose to run five or ten kilometres.
Broadcast of the ballet The Nutcracker
Republic of Croatia Square, in front of the CNT, on the 19th of December 2026 at 18:00
Broadcast of the most performed classical ballet in the world in front of the Croatian National Theatre on 19 December from 18:00. The beloved Nutcracker in the ambitious version of the famous Russian ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev.
Choirs on Christmas Eve – Midday Advent Melodies
Ban Josip Jelačić Square, 24th of December at 11:00
This year again on Ban Jelačić Square Zagreb choirs bring Christmas magic with a joint performance of fairy-tale evergreens. Enjoy the harmonious polyphony of the choirs accompanied by guitar and piano.
workshops and activities
Christmas story at the Ethnographic Museum
Mažuranić Square 14
The Christmas programme at the Ethnographic Museum brings an exhibition of Pannonian nativity scenes from Burgenland and an exhibition dedicated to 30 years of exhibiting Croatian Christmas nativity scenes in Rome and the Vatican. You can also make your own Christmas nativity scenes from cornhusks and wool.
Advent at the Museum of the City of Zagreb
Opatička 20
The Advent programme of the Museum of the City of Zagreb brings an exhibition of Advent cards and objects “Christmas Story”, tours “Forgotten Holidays” and creative workshops for making Advent wreaths. For children there are theatre performances on the occasion of the feast of St Nicholas, and for quiz lovers a special edition of KviZG.
Advent at the Croatian Natural History Museum
Demetrova 1
The Croatian Natural History Museum uniquely connects science, art, music and entertainment. There are lectures and projections about the secrets of the universe, interactive scientific and creative workshops, as well as theatre performances and Advent concerts in the museum atrium.
Advent in the Crafts Passage
Ilica 49
A Christmas fairy tale at the Croatian Crafts Matrix in Ilica. There are hand-made souvenirs and appropriate workshops by the greatest masters. All accompanied by concerts of Christmas songs on the gallery of the Croatian Crafts Matrix.
for the kids
Teatrino klincolino
Antun, Ivan and Vladimir Mažuranić Square
The children’s puppet theatre at this year’s Advent performs more than thirty performances of popular and lesser-known children’s stories. Creative puppets perform on Mažuranić Square.
Living Christmas nativity scene
Opatovina Park, 19th to the 23rd of December, 26th to the 30th of December, 1st and the 6th of January
Traditional staging of the living nativity scene at Opatovina. Young people from the Cenacolo Community designed the entire performance themselves and perform it with the help of parents and friends. Performances are held at 16:00, 17:00 and 19:00.
The Magic Within
Marko Marulić Square
The projection runs from the 18th of December to the 1st of January on the building of the Croatian State Archives, which turns into a stylised Christmas house. Together with the neighbouring buildings of FKIT and PMF it will create a visual whole of recognisable architecture.
Very Merry Square
Ban Josip Jelačić Square
The Christmas tree on Ban Jelačić Square is the central symbol of the Christmas holidays in the city. Surrounded by snow-covered pines and sparkling lights, the Square becomes a real winter fairy tale with Manduševac as the most beautiful Advent wreath.
LumiLicious
Antun, Ivan and Vladimir Mažuranić Square from the 6th of December to the 1st of January
Mažuranac comes alive with Christmas magic. Walk through snowy pine forests and discover a world of imagination among oversized Christmas decorations. There are LUMI and LICI, an interactive audiovisual installation that invites children to bring two cute digital characters to life.
HNK – Layers of Christmas
Republic of Croatia Square
This Advent the building of the Croatian National Theatre will be wrapped in Christmas attire. Republic of Croatia Square becomes a glowing forest which is absolutely perfect for photos.
Let It Glow
Flower Square (Cvjetni trg)
The popular Flower Square, through lavish decorations, sparkling installations and interactive elements, combines the charm of old Zagreb with a modern Christmas atmosphere. A special photo point is the perfect place for unforgettable holiday moments.
Advent Open House Zagreb
9th and and the 16th of December
Advent Open House Zagreb opens the doors of normally inaccessible, most attractive architectural works in the city centre with expert guidance in Croatian and English. The festival encourages reflection on the values of the city. Click here to register.
Bells in the Oktogon
Oktogon, from the 13th to the 29th of December
In Zagreb’s Oktogon you will find a sound installation of 24 bells that every full hour perform an atmospheric version of the composition “Imagine”.
Polar Worlds
Grič Tunnel
A true polar dream in the Grič Tunnel – new scenes inspired by glaciers and crystal formations that transform it into an imaginary landscape of polar worlds. Experience the Grič Tunnel in a new edition.
Moon Garden
King Béla IV Park
Step into the magical Moon Garden in King Béla IV Park. Make a special wish on the Moon with an unforgettable view of the city.
Winter Nocturne
Grič Park, Strossmayer Promenade
Winter Nocturne brings a winter atmosphere to Grič Park, inspired by the stars and Chopin’s nocturnes. The benches are free throughout Advent.
Bells and Bell Towers of Croatia: Symphony of Peace and Togetherness
Palace of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts (HAZU), Nikola Šubić Zrinski Square 11
Saša Šekoranja presents drawings and video installations of bell towers from all over Croatia in the HAZU Palace. Their sounds create a unique Advent symphony of togetherness, love and holiday joy.
ADVENT IN HOTELS
Hilton Hotels
Hilton Hotels: DoubleTree, Garden Inn, Canopy
Festive decorations, a warm atmosphere, signature cocktails and special offers at Hilton Hotels Zagreb.
Hotel Jägerhorn
Ilica 14
A small but idyllic Advent is hidden in the passage of Hotel Jägerhorn, the oldest in the city.
Advent Bachata Congress
Hotel Diplomat, Zrinjevac
An international dance congress from the 11th to the 14th of December gathers hundreds of bachata and salsa dancers from all over the world. Free dance programme on Zrinjevac on the 13th of December from 16:00 to 19:00.
Fuliranje
Hotel Esplanade
The Fuliranje – Christmas Station is a new edition of the popular Zagreb Advent project. The Oleander terrace of Hotel Esplanade turns into a unique Christmas destination. There is an impressive covered and heated greenhouse, a Christmas living room that in the evening turns into a large Christmas Disco Club.
LOCATIONS IN THE CITY CENTRE
EU Advent
European Square
EU Advent on European Square brings a new theme – The City that Loves. Through performances by female vocalists, DJ programmes and stand-up evenings, European Square becomes a place of meetings, music, laughter, tastes and togetherness.
Baš Naš Vremeplov
Ban Josip Jelačić Square
January, Ban Josip Jelačić Square will beecome a place where the past and the present meet until January the 7th, 2027. Baš Naš Vremeplov (Our Time Machine) invites all generations to gather in the very heart of Zagreb.
Advent on Zrinjevac
Zrinjevac Park
Thousands of sparkling lights, music from the pavilion, the scents of winter delicacies and charming Advent houses – Zrinjevac once again opens the doors to the most beautiful holiday moments! This year it becomes a magical poetry promenade. Verses of Croatian poets about love, Christmas and Zagreb come to life among the century-old plane trees.
Fuliranje
Strossmayer Square
Until the 7th of January, Fuliranje on Josip Juraj Strossmayer Square brings an open-air winter living room. Creative workshops, children’s and family programmes, musical performances, theatrical and educational content, as well as top gastronomic offerings.
Ice Park
King Tomislav Square
In the heart of Zagreb, against the magnificent backdrop of the Art Pavilion and the glow of thousands of lights, the Ice Park once again becomes a favourite place for winter gatherings. From the first steps on the ice to evening get-togethers with music and favourite winter delicacies. The most beautiful outdoor winter stage is once again adorned by the Nutcracker on Ice performance.
Caffe de Matoš – Advent in the Upper Town
Strossmayer Promenade and Gradec Plateau
On Strossmayer Promenade, Caffe de Matoš offers a daily musical programme of young bands in cooperation with the Music House. A photo point with the best view of Zagreb. On the nearby Gradec Plateau, Caffe de Matoš revives the spirit of old Zagreb in a special holiday edition. Thousands of lanterns, red houses and a magical forest, with an unforgettable view of illuminated Zagreb.
The Great ZbiGatsby on Stross
Strossmayer Promenade – west
On Zagreb’s most romantic promenade, feel a touch of old Zagreb. Tak imam te rad – The Great ZbiGatsby on Stross brings the warmth of holiday gatherings with the charm and elegance of the 1920s and 1930s.
