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Christmas in Zagreb 2025 – Market Attractions and Top Hotels

September 9, 2025

Did you know that? Christmas in Zagreb 2025 has earned multiple awards and proudly holds the title of “Best Christmas market in Europe”. Yes, it’s true and has a good reason. It is not just a square, but the whole city changes into a festival of lights, music, food, and culture. Explore the beautiful Zagreb in Croatia to celebrate as it changes into a wonderland.

This guide will help you make necessary stops and experience the treats and Zagreb’s magical winter vibe with your Croatia tourist visa.

Overview of Christmas in Zagreb 2025 and its significance

Overview of the festival

Christmas in Zagreb 2025 runs from the last Saturday in November to early January, with dates announced a month before. The city comes alive with thousands of lights and music at every turn, with scents of Christmas drinks and food served at every corner.

The major attractions include beautiful Christmas markets, ice skating, live performances and native traditions in Zagreb that attract tourists, making it a perfect spot for your travel. So what are you waiting for? Get your Croatia visa from London to enjoy your seamless journey in Zagreb.

Significance of the festival

1- Boosting the Economy

The festivities of the event make it an excellent turnout for tourists, furthermore, helping local businesses, which, in fact, boosts the city’s economy.

2- Cultural exchange

The festival not only assembles Croatian folks but also groups from around the world. It creates an exchange of traditions and expressions. The festival holds significance in identifying the country’s identity. The citizens of Zagreb also support the event by hosting a reception.

3- Widely supported by UNESCO

The Christmas in Zagreb 2025 festival operates under UNESCO, which aims to promote the heritage worldwide, furthering the rich heritage.

4- Increase in Awareness and Tourism

The festival attracts major attendees for the festival including tourists from other ethnicities, thereby raising attention about Croatia’s traditions.

Fun Fact- The city of Zagreb has changed its historic center to a giant solar system for its Advent season. Therefore, if you plan on being a part of the festival, then get your Croatia Schengen visa appointment from UK, and be a part of the Christmas in Zagreb. APPLY NOW!!

Major Christmas and Market attractions of Christmas in Zagreb 2025

While visiting Zagreb, there are a few major attractions that can be explored, some of which are as follows:

1- Bas Nas Advent Market

Bas Nas Advent Market

Zagreb is one of the famous markets that includes ice rinks, live music, and culinary delights. The organizers expect the event to run from November 29, 2025, to January 7, 2026.

Firstly, this market stands out as the main Christmas attraction in the city, sparkling with decorations. Furthermore, red ornaments drape the stalls, and presents rest beneath a light canopy, creating a picturesque atmosphere.

Moreover, the winter decorations in the market make it accessible and fun for photo op shots.

Simultaneously, to make it aesthetic, there is a separate stage for the DJ where music continues to play all day and night.

Lastly, there is no limited supply of the delicacies as the market buzzes with food and drink stalls, offering a variety of delicacies to enjoy.

Also check, Top Reasons to Visit Schengen and Explore in 2025

2- EU Advent art European Square

Visitors come to this beloved market due to its unique setup and design. It is occupied with approximately 30-40 stalls. The tourists can enjoy the Christmas festivities. Huts are decorated with green ornaments and topped with nutcrackers create a charming atmosphere..

Likewise, the market features different themed areas occupied with art displays. It is well known for attracting visitors due to its festive atmosphere, food, music, and other activities.

Moreover, the Advent market showcases main drinks and booths, along with large candy canes, while tables painted to resemble nutcracker faces add to the whimsy.

Simultaneously, this market also features a stage where performances take place at night. They usually happen in the Gric tunnel and Jelacic Square.

Lastly, tourists can expect entertainment activities such as street food, ice skating, and live music. So, what are you waiting for? Get your Croatia visa appointment in UK and be a part of the Christmas festivities in Zagreb.

3- Matos and Cats Market

The cat mural on Masarykova Street attracts several tourist eyes wth plush cats hanging from the lights that make an aesthetic look in the market.

Likewise, there are multiple photo-op shots across the market with a decorated vintage car and cutouts of a snowman and a gingerbread man that attract eyes and are perfect for making holiday memories.

Simultaneously, visitors can also enjoy a charming scene of children writing letters to Santa and placing them in a mailbox.

4- Zrinjevac Market

The market of Christmas in Zagreb 2025 is at the centre of the park, lit with icicle lights. The stalls are decorated with white candy canes and garlanded with heart cutouts.

Moreover, the path is decorated with a gazebo filled with booths, and the stalls are filled with food and drinks.

Lastly, it is worth coming back at night and enjoying the festivities and the lights around the square. So, if you plan on being a part of the festival to enjoy the Christmas and their festivities, get your Croatia Schengen visa appointment from UK right now, APPLY NOW!

5- Fuliranje at Strossmayer Square Market

This Christmas in Zagreb 2025 market is designed for enjoying food, drinks, and music in a festive setting. The stage with wooden floors is set up for shows and DJs to perform.

6- The Ice Park at King Tomislav Square

This is a large square with ice skating designed for passing through to skate. It is the main focus of the market and a major attraction of Christmas in Zagreb 2025.

Simultaneously, the square showcases a wooden terrace decorated with swings and trees that overlook the ice rink.

Lastly, the backdrop of ice skating is the Art Pavilion in Zagreb. It is a beautiful stone building with a designable roof.

7- Oleander Terrace Market

It is a beautiful Christmas in Zagreb 2025 market overlooking the Hotel Esplanade, featuring drinks and food. There are many dining options, such as beef tartare and lamb kofta.

If you’re looking to relax with drinks and meals, a delightful spot near the market features heaters to keep you warm. At night, you can enjoy the live music that the DJ plays.

8- Main square Kaleidoscope Decorations

Near the Bas Nas Advent Market, the main square of Zagreb is filled with Christmas in Zagreb 2025 decorations and a good 3D Christmas tree lighting depicting winter scenes. The group sings the Christmas carols at the square, with people coming over and applauding for the performances.

Moreover, at different intervals during the day, people come out dressed as other characters playing Christmas tunes.

Simultaneously, the square is occupied with good ambiance and vibes, with beautiful spots to take pictures. It is a great place to wander and explore the Christmas markets.

Fun fact- Tourists are open to trying the traditional aromatic biscuit known as the “paprenjak”. It is a combination of honey, walnuts, and pepper. This Christmas in Zagreb 2025 market is a symbol of love and affection on special occasions.

9- Polar Deam Light Tunnel

Polar Deam Light Tunnel

This major attraction invites visitors to celebrate Christmas in Zagreb 2025, which is a delight to experience as it starts by walking through the Gric Tunnel connecting two streets in Old Town that is turned into an ice palace. Moreover, strips of cloth hung from the ceiling decorate the tunnel, changing colours in red, blue, purple, pink, and white every few seconds.

The tunnel is open from 9 am to 10 pm.

10- Nutcrackers at Trg Republike

It is a small plaza that is in front of the Zagreb National Theatre, featuring a group of large nutcrackers. In December, this lovely spot becomes even more enchanting as the theatre is decorated with festive Christmas delights.

Fun fact- Nutcrackers are wooden figures that symbolize good luck and protect homes.

11- Kaleidoscope Tree

The kaleidoscope tree looks pretty in a glass case between Main Square and the Matos and Cats market. Moreover, the ornaments are hung from a string around the tree with a unique “kaleidoscope” effect and are a major attraction of Christmas in Zagreb 2025.

12- Moon Walk in the Park

It is a rare spot to miss in Zagreb and can be experienced in Ribnjak Park. Moreover, the area is decorated with lights, Santa decorations, and a Christmas tree.

Other Events You can’t miss attending when going to December for Christmas in Zagreb 2025

When visiting to attend the Christmas in Zagreb 2025 in December, don’t forget to attend the events that happen around the time, some of which are mentioned below:

1- Peljesac Wine Cellars Open Days

It occurs in the first week of December at Ston, a small drive from Dubrovnik, and showcases the year’s vintage with music and tastings. Therefore, indulge in the sweet love of wine while going, as it opens the doors for the public to sample the wines.

2- Chocolate Festival

This event happens in Opatija, showing the best chocolate made from international brands to experienced manufacturers producing quality desserts. Therefore, you can attend the workshops for tastings and wine pairings during Christmas in Zagreb 2025. Excited to be a part? Get your Croatia visa from London. APPLY NOW!

3- Codfish and Chocolate Week

Local restaurants in Rijeka prepare regional dishes during the week when they serve cod dishes as they undergo a makeover.

Top Hotels in Zagreb to spend your Christmas

Top Hotels in Zagreb to spend your Christmas

If you plan on spending your Christmas in Zagreb 2025, then look at this itinerary for hotels.

1- MANDA Heritage Hotel

This hotel is highly recommended for people planning a cozy visit to Zagreb. With only 600 metres away from Zagreb Cathedral and 1.1km from the Museum of Broken Relationships, the accommodation provides airport transfers. Therefore, if you plan on following the itinerary that covers nearby locations in such cases, bicycle rental services are also available.

Simultaneously, the hotel offers continental and buffet breakfast, with staff speaking German, Spanish, English, and Croatian.

Popular attractions near the MANDA Heritage Hotel include the Archaeological Museum Zagreb, St. Mark’s Church Zagreb, and King Tomislav Square.

2- Hotel Academia

The vibrant Tkalciceva Street hosts a charming hotel that offers accommodation in the heart of Zagreb. Just 700 metres from Ban Jelacic Square, the hotel provides convenient rates for visitors.

Features

  • A- air conditioned
  • B- flat screen TV
  • C- Minibar
  • D- private bathroom with complimentary toiletries
  • E- hair dryer in each unit

Popular attractions near the hotel include Zrinjevac Park and Cvjetni Square.

Christmas in Zagreb 2025: Croatia Visa Requirements for UK Residents in 2025

In order to go to Croatia, travelers have to meet certain visa requirements. As per Schengen rules, UK citizens don’t require a visa for short visits, whereas UK residents need to apply for a Croatia tourist visa in UK. So, if you are eligible and planning to go to this country in order to celebrate Christmas in Zagreb, then here is the application process.

  • To do so, you will need to apply for a Croatia tourist visa.
  • Our team will contact you to book your Croatia visa appointment in UK at the visa centre.
  • Visit the centre with all the necessary documents to get them verified
  • Get your Croatia visa with your passport via post.

Final words

In conclusion, Christmas in Zagreb 2025 should be on your itinerary for experiencing the festival. Expect starry nights with pop-up music, lights, and food with ice rinks stretched across the city. From Zrinjevac to Tunnel Gric, this is a large-scale event that changes the city into a festive wonderland with many Christmas markets, holiday lights, and a cultural program. It serves traditional Croatian food and has locations across the squares and parks. So, if you are planning on celebrating, then apply for a Croatia visa appointment in UK to experience the festival, so don’t forget to be a part of a beautiful event in Zagreb.

FAQs

When does Christmas in Zagreb 2025 take place?

It runs from late November until the first week of January. The festival takes place around Christmas. It covers the whole festival, including Christmas and New Year.

How many days do I need to follow the itinerary?

Two to three days are sufficient to experience the festival and cover all the spots.

What are the spots that should be in your Christmas itinerary for Zagreb?

Some major attractions include the Ban Jelacic Square, European Square, Tunnel Gric, and Zrinjevac Park.

What is the usual temperature of Zagreb in December?

The temperature goes around 0 degrees Celsius to 5 degrees Celsius, with nights a bit freezing. Try wearing boots, scarves, hats, etc.

How do you apply for a Croatia Schengen visa if you are a UK resident planning a trip to attend the festival?

To attend the festival:
1- You must fill out the Croatia tourist visa application form, allowing you to stay for three months within 180 days.
2- Our team will contact you to book your Croatia Schengen visa appointment from UK at the visa centre.
3- Visit the visa centre with all the necessary documents to get them verified.
4- Get your Croatia tourist visa in UK with your passport via post. So why wait? APPLY NOW!

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