Zagreb is undoubtedly one of the most underrated capitals in Europe, but it is magical with its historical streets and Austro-Hungarian architecture. Even more surprising is how the city wholeheartedly embraces the Christmas season, indulging in festive celebrations every year.
Zagreb isn’t just about its historical streets and Austro-Hungarian architecture, when December arrives, the whole city comes alive with festive cheer. The entire city center is filled with lights, decorations, market stalls, and themed events that capture the Christmas spirit perfectly.
From the main square to the narrow streets of the Upper Town - every corner of Zagreb gives a perfect holiday vibe.
In this blog, we will be sharing our experience of the best Christmas Market in Europe. It’s the “Zagreb Christmas Market.”
Zagreb's Light Displays during Christmas:
The Croatian Capital is turned into the wonderland of fairy tales during Christmas. Not only the main city center was representing the Christmas festivity, but the whole city has a collection of Christmas markets.
From the main fashion streets of the city called “Llica” to the streets “Tkalciceva Street” known for its lively environment, was covered by chandeliers and lights. and celebrating Christmas festivity.
Zagreb's Christmas Market is more than food stalls - the entire city lits up. The trees, buildings, and public square embrace the festivity and are lit with lights.
Must food to try at Zagreb Christmas Market:
Your visit to the Zagreb Christmas Market can't be completed without tasting Croatian Christmas food which includes:
Kobasice - traditional Croatian sausages
Sarma - (cabbage rolls stuffed with minced meat)
Germknedle (sweet dumplings filled with plum jam)
Performances and Entertainment:
The Zagreb Christmas Market also offers performances. children shows and live music.
Tips for Visiting Zagreb Christmas Market:
Dress Warmly: Beware to wear warm clothes, socks, and caps because it gets cold at night.
Bring Cash: You should also keep some cash with you as most of the vendors don't accept card payments.
When to visit the Christmas Market of Zagreb: Mostly, the weekends are very crowded so if you prefer to experience less crowd then weekdays are better.
Stay Central: We would also recommend staying near the city center so you can experience all the Christmas markets.
Must visit Christmas Markets in Zagreb:
1. Christmas Festivity in Llica:
The famous street is decorated and lightened up with Christmas festivity. Many connecting streets take into different squares where several stalls are set up for food and drinks. There are lots of corners and passages representing different scenes.
2. Ban Jelačić Square:
The main square of Zagreb is truly representing the beauty of Christmas. Small stalls sell various Christmas souvenirs, decorations, food stalls, handmade ornaments, and traditional Croatian holiday delicacies.
The big stage is also set up for traditional Christmas musical performances. People from different age groups, from kids to old, dressed in traditional Croatian dresses and performed in front of a big crowd.
The tallest Christmas tree in Zagreb is also over there decorated with sparkling lights.
3. Christmas Market at Zrinjevac Park:
Just a few miles from the main square, you can reach Zrinjevac Park to enjoy another Christmas market.
It’s one of the classical markets with live performances and booths offering food and drinks. In the middle of the park, you can enjoy the classical music performance.
There are pathways that have trees adorned with lights and small wooden chalets selling artisanal goods, homemade food, and dessert-like fried dough balls.
4. Ice Park at King Tomislav Square:
If you want to experience the magic of Christmas with outdoor fun - the Ice Park at King Tomislav Square is for you. The magical Ice rink is set up in Tomislav Square and offers a unique and beautiful experience for ice-skating lovers.
In case, you don’t know how to skate, experience your first ice skating in the fairy tale environment of Zagreb.
Don’t forget to book your ticket online to avoid the wait in the queue. There are also a few stalls for food and drinks near the square.
5. The Nativity scene at Zagreb Cathedral:
Near the Zagreb Cathedral, they have created nativity scenes from the Medieval times. You can see live performances by the people dressed in traditional clothes and presenting tales of lightning fires from old times.
Later on, after the performance, you can also meet the artists and enjoy free traditional drinks.
6. Fuliranje at Strossmayer Square:
It’s one of the best Christmas markets of Zagreb located in Strossmayer Square and called Fuliranje “Fooling around”. The market is next to Tomislacs Square and is famous among Croatians for its amazing vibes, music, and food.
It's the best market if you want to try out new food like Croatian stews, gourmet burgers, seafood, vegetarian options, and a variety of sweet treats.
In 2018, Coca-Cola sponsored the market, so we found booths with a Coke theme and a Christmas Sledge.
7. Gric Tunnel Wonderland:
During the Christmas festivities, the tunnel is decorated and depicts different scenes. In 2018, the tunnel turned into a Winter Wonder theme and gave the feel of the ice caves.
8. Christmas Party in the Upper Town: History Meets Holiday Magic
If you come out from the Gric Tunnel, you can find steps leading towards the Upper Town. You will be amazed by the beauty and festivity in the upper town.
The pathways are fully packed with people, and on one side of the path, there are stalls with beautiful Christmas decorations and lights.
There are also live concerts going out. Everybody was enlightened and induced at the Christmas party.
The next market is set up with Food stalls on one side and a Theme background on the other. We were so amazed to see the beautiful theme set by Nescafe to take beautiful pictures with Christmas themes.
The Upper town has a Christmas market in all the corners and courtyards. The streets are decorated with lights and stalls.
If you walk further in Gornji Grad, you will explore more markets with the beautiful theme set up to take mind-blowing pictures with a background of Zagreb Cathedral. There are long waiting queues to take pictures in picture booths and frames.
Christmas Tram:
There is also a Christmas-decorated tram that passes by Ilica (the main fashion street of Zagreb) with Christmas songs in it.
Ending Note:
Zagreb is one of the best cities to visit during Christmas, as you will enjoy the city and one of the best Christmas markets in Europe which brings together the people around the world to enjoy Croatia's festive spirit.
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