EVENTS INFORMATION
winter 2023/2024
ART & EXHIBITION DESIGN HISTORY & TRADITION GOURMET MUSIC MOVIE SPORT THEATRE & PERFORMANCES OTHER
winter 2023/2024
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It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Zagreb. So, brush off your ice-skates, put on your mittens and join us at the Ice Park on King Tomislav Square where you can glide around in the magical surrounding and have your fill of mulled wine. Christmas markets, special museum, sports and cultural programs as well as tons of other festive events around town are going to make your yuletide truly merry. The gloomy winter evenings will magically come alight with festive bulbs and ornately decorated shops and restaurants. Zagreb’s enchanting Advent atmosphere will surely put a smile on everyone’s face!
zagreb events & culture
ZTB Archive, S. Cerić Kovačević
Advent is a time of joyful anticipation, and the music that echoes the streets during the weeks preceding Christmas reflects a sense of warmth and unity. This Advent season in Zagreb everything revolves around music. In these turbulent times, music is the instrument that has magical power to alleviate our worries and concerns, transcending us into a better world.
However, Advent is not the end of the winter fairytale in Zagreb. Prepare for a whole bucket list of winter events in the city throughout the whole of January and February, from concerts and exhibitions to sports events and music. In spite of shorter days and cooler temperatures, there will be plenty of excuses for everyone to be out and about having a fantastic time. Remember, winter is not a season; it’s a celebration! Martina Bienenfeld, Ph.D. CEO Zagreb Tourist Board
WINTER 2023/2024
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2/12/2023
.. 7/1/2024
www.adventzagreb.hr
Welcome to Advent in Zagreb, a time for joy and happiness in the Croatian capital. The award-winning festive celebration is one of the highlights of the calendar, no matter your area of interest. During this time, the streets, squares, hotels, restaurants, museums, galleries and other venues of Zagreb are given over to all things festive, with lights, colours and sounds that are tied to the most wonderful time of the year. The outdoor markets are fantastic, with joyful experiences waiting across the city. There are so many things to do in Zagreb this Advent, from a packed schedule of cultural and music events to all the food, drink and festive fun you expect. Wrap up warm and head out into the streets of Zagreb in search of that special joy that can only come from the most magical time of year. Exhibitions, concerts, parties, sporting events, races, and so much more await, all tinged in a festive light that is downright contagious. The most wonderful time of the year? Welcome to Advent Zagreb.
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zagreb events & culture
Food ADVENTure Dust off the special cutlery and bust out the big pants because no Advent is complete without eating and drinking like there’s no tomorrow. The tastes and flavours of Zagreb are front and centre of Advent, whether in the twinkling stalls of the Christmas markets or the menus and kitchens of the city’s fantastic restaurants, cafes and taverns. There is no better way to warm up than by gorging on hot delights, after all. Christmas is supposed to be delicious, and Zagreb serves us a festive treat with all the trimmings.
Jolly Good Time What would Christmas be without a joyful playlist of festive tunes? Zagreb is a musical city at all times, but there is something about the bells and whistles of Christmas that adds an extra quality to the harmonies, melodies and choruses. Songs old and new will ring out through the city’s venues, from concert halls and churches to clubs, streets and squares, from individual majesty to full-bodied group performances and more. Advent is a time for singing, and Zagreb isn’t afraid to let its voice be heard.
Culture in Advent The museums and galleries of the city put their best foot forward during Advent, and Zagreb becomes a hotbed of creativity and culture. Advent is a time for sharing and a time for celebrating, a time for appreciating the world around us, embracing new ideas and admiring the wonders of others. What better way than by exploring an exhibition or enjoying a performance? There are plenty to choose from, and the Zagreb cultural calendar is well and truly jam-packed during Advent.
WINTER 2023/2024
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Junior Advent Christmas is a time when core memories are unlocked and made. For children, it is the most magical time of year, and nothing really comes close. For some, the entire year is one big countdown to Christmas. Advent is for everyone, but nobody enjoys it quite as much as little ones, with their youthful exuberance and inspiring enthusiasm. Advent in Zagreb features a range of special programs for little ones designed to maximise the excitement of this brilliant time and maybe to give older visitors a little nudge to remind them of how magical Advent can be.
Ho-Ho-Hotels The many magnificent hotels of Zagreb well and truly get involved in the festive spirit, with decorations aplenty throughout Advent, not to mention special Christmas menus and a heartfelt commitment to the joy of the season. Four of the best hotels in Zagreb are on board, with Esplanade Zagreb Hotel, Hilton Garden Inn Hotel, Hotel Jägerhorn and Timeout Heritage Hotel the places to go for all your festive accommodation needs, keeping the Christmas spirit going from breakfast to bedtime.
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zagreb events & culture
Advent Décor Zagreb’s beautiful buildings are one of the city’s many highlights, and the awesome architecture of the Croatian capital goes all-in during the festive season. The city squares are the sparkling jewels in the Christmas crown. The fairytale feelings are ramped up to 11 throughout Advent, with Christmas trees, twinkling lights and glittering decorations leaving visitors in no doubt as to what time of year it is. Even the Grič Tunnel gets involved, transforming into a Polar Dream through quirky lights. Ever thought you’d see the Northern Lights underground? Anything is possible during Advent in Zagreb.
Wow Meow Advent Christmas is for all the family, and that includes the furriest members of the team! Zagreb loves pets, and Advent makes space for cats, dogs, and all the rest. The lights and decorations of the city provide the perfect backdrop for walks, while several museums, cafes, pubs and bars aren’t just dog-friendly, they are downright dog-passionate. There’s no need to leave the pets at home in Zagreb this Advent, so bring them along to enjoy the fun.
WINTER 2023/2024
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Sanja Iveković: Works of Heart (1970-2023) 15/6/2023
.. 7/1/2024
Museum of Contemporary Art Avenija Dubrovnik 17 www.msu.hr
Msu Archive, Photo by Boris Cvjetanović
One of the city’s most influential artists gets her first major hometown showcase here, inspired by the exhibition’s title to bridge the gap between relationships and encounters. The exhibition takes its name from one of the artist’s most famous works, a standard-bearer for her commitment to deconstructing gender stereotypes.
.. 28/2/2024
Zagreb City Museum Opatička 20 www.mgz.hr
From the 364 lamps that illuminated the city on Halloween 1863 to the convenient light we enjoy today, this exhibition celebrates the anniversary of a monumental event through pictures and stories, showcasing the importance of gas lamps to the city throughout its modern history.
MGZ Archive
Body Worlds 21/11/2023
.. 18/2/2024
Family Mall Velimira Škorpika 11b www.bodyworlds.com
This fascinating exhibition takes visitors into the curious world of the human body. Anatomy, physiology, disease, lifestyle and more are detailed through real preserved human bodies in a showcase that over 50 million people have seen in 90 major cities worldwide. Photo by ProfiMedia
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zagreb events & culture
EVENTS INFORMATION
31/10/2023
EVENTS INFORMATION
Gas Lantern, I’m So Happy to Have You: 160 years of Gas Lighting in Zagreb
Ivan Meštrović, Zdenac života (The Well of Life), Vienna, 1905, plaster, h. 110, diameter 182 cm, Atelier Meštrović, Zagreb, AMZ-289-293
Ivan Meštrović – Retrospective 23/11/2023
.. 3/3/2024
Klovićevi dvori Gallery Jezuitski trg 4 www.gkd.hr
EVENTS INFORMATION
The life and works of arguably Croatia’s greatest and most influential artist get the retrospective treatment here. The year has been one big celebration of Meštrović’s life to mark the 140th anniversary of his birth, and this exhibition is the most extensive presentation of his work in almost half a century. It covers everything from his formative years to his artistic peak and includes rarely seen and previously unknown pieces and some classics, touching on the many influences in the maestro’s inimitable style.
Kutija šibica Futsal Tournament 25/11
.. 29/12
Dom Sportova, Trg Krešimira Ćosića 11 ŠSD Boško Božić Pepsi, Trnsko 21d ŠSD Dubrava, Gjure Prejca 2 SD Sutinska vrela, Podsusedski trg 14b www. kutija-sibica.hr
For the 52nd time, many of the best futsal players will come together to vie for the title in one of Zagreb’s longest-running sporting events. Matches will take place at four locations, with the final being decided live on television.
MNT Kutije šibica Archive
winter 2023/2024
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Photo by Novaković, HNK Archive
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 12, 15, 18, 19, 21, 23, 24, 27, 30/12; 2, 3, 5/1 Croatian National Theatre Trg Republike Hrvatske 15 www.hnk.hr
EVENTS INFORMATION
EVENTS INFORMATION
Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s adaption of an early 19th-century Ernst Hoffman short story has become one of history’s most iconic classical ballets. Set across two acts on Christmas Eve, it is arguably the most seminal festive ballet in history, an integral part of any Christmas season schedule and a stunning example of storytelling, music and form. The dreamlike atmosphere of this classical ballet is expertly brought to life under the choreography and direction of Vladimir Malakhov.
Guiseppe Verdi: Rigoletto 2/12
Croatian National Theatre Trg Republike Hrvatske 15 www.hnk.hr
Returning to the capital after an absence of more than 15 years, this popular three-act opera focuses on salacious events in the court of Mantua, specifically the loves and losses of the title character’s only daughter. Pier Giorgio Morandi conducts this performance., while Francesco Maestrini directs. Photo by Novaković, HNK Archive
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Leonardo 4/12 Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall Trg Stjepana Radića 4 www.lisinski.hr
Combining ballet with singing and acting, this special show is all about the life and times of the incomparable Leonardo da Vinci. Spread across two acts and featuring over 40 artists, the show pays special attention to a mother figure and is directed by Kevin Arduini. Zaklada Vrt plavih ruža
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Harlem Gospel Choir — Celebrating 60 Years of Whitney Houston 7/12
Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall, Trg Stjepana Radića 4 www.lisinski.hr
One of the world’s great choirs takes to the stage to sing the songs of a 20th-century icon, much missed but eternally alive in the raucous crescendos of her songs. All of Whitney Houston’s hits will shine in this celebration of love, life and music.
Predodrom d.o.o Archive
EVENTS INFORMATION
Kosheen 8/12 Boogaloo Club Vukovarska 68 www.facebook.com/boogaloozgb
Bristol-based electronic band Kosheen reformed to much joy in 2019, giving audiences and a new generation worldwide a chance to enjoy the band’s unique mix of dance, pop and drum’ n’ bass on the live stage all over again.
Kosheen Promo
winter 2023/2024
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EVENTS INFORMATION EVENTS INFORMATION
Hush Hush Market 9/12 Museum of Contemporary Art Avenija Dubrovnik 17 www.msu.hr, www.facebook.com/hushhushmarket
Hush Hush Market Archive
Zagrepčanka 9/12 Zagrepčanka Office Building Savska 41 www.zagreb.run
EVENTS INFORMATION
Part-exhibition and part-sales fair, the city’s most creative market returns in a blaze of fashion, design, and art. A must for anyone searching for a truly original gift or souvenir, this will be the 12th edition of this fantastic market.
One of Croatia’s most unique races returns, as runners of all types run to the top of the country’s fourth-highest building. The race is divided into solo (one ascent), double (two ascents), mega (four ascents), and duo (combined) forms. Photo by Daniel Roščić
Zagreb Advent Run 10/12 www.zagrebadventrun.hr
Christmas fever isn’t confined to the markets and stalls, and this annual fun run is another seminal moment on the festive schedule. Known as the country’s happiest and most colourful race, expect plenty of fancy dress and a mass of running Santas. Zagreb Advent Run Archive
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zagreb events & culture
EVENTS INFORMATION
Black Symphony — Metallica Symphonic Tribute Show 11/12 Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall, Trg Stjepana Radića 4 www.lisinski.hr
This is the biggest-selling heavy metal band of all time, as you’ve never heard them before, as classics from James Hetfield and Co’s back catalogue get the orchestral treatment. Songs like “One,” “Enter Sandman,” and “Nothing Else Matters” take on new life in this environment.
Predodrom d.o.o Archive
Bryan Adams Promo
Bryan Adams 13/12 Zagreb Arena Vice Vukova 8 www.eventim.hr
Six years after his last performance in the city, the iconic Canadian singer-songwriter returns on his So Happy It Hurts world tour. Hits from four decades and a staggering 17 albums will be displayed as the award-winning superstar brings his energetic performance and unmistakable vocals to the stage. The tour takes its name from the Grammy Award-nominated album of the same name, released in 2022.
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EVENTS INFORMATION
We Love Sound Archives
I Believe 15/12
Komedija City Theatre Kaptol 9 www.komedija.hr
EVENTS INFORMATION
The life and music of the hugely influential American Gospel star Mahalia Jackson are celebrated through the incredible vocal talents of Ivana Gali, supported by an all-star band of musical talents. The show is named after the original Gospel program created and performed in 2017. Komedija Theatre Archive, Photo by Ivana Gali
Beauty and the Beast 18, 19, 20/12 Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall Trg Stjepana Radića 4 www.lisinski.hr
Set in a provincial French village that isn’t accustomed to eccentricities, this iconic modern fairytale follows the unconventional romance of Belle and the so-called Beast, although there is more to him than meets the eye. Will love prevail? Komedija Theatre Archive
LADO Ensemble Christmas Concert EVENTS INFORMATION
19, 20/12
Lado Archives
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zagreb events & culture
Parish of St. Anthony of Padua Sveti Duh 31 www.lado.hr
Christmas is a special time for the protectors of Croatian dance and musical heritage, and this December will see two special concerts take place. “Brothers, Let’s Sing Together” will showcase seven carols from the Dubrovnik area, the oldest of which is from the 13th century, while seven carols from Slavonia, Baranja and Ba ka will also be performed. There will also be a special performance outside the LADO concert hall (Trg Republike Hrvatske 6a) the night before the big concert.
Zagreb Philharmonic Archive
Let 3 and Zagreb Philharmonic 31/12 Trg bana J.Jelačića
EVENTS INFORMATION
The Rijeka rockers will bring their classic live show to the capital on New Year’s Eve, although this will be a somewhat different performance than the shocking shows that fans are used to. The Zagreb Philharmonic will join the band to perform classic songs as you’ve never heard them before, ringing in the New Year with innovation and excitement from the very beginning. Like all great rockers, you never know what they will do next.
We Love Sound presents A New Dawn 1/1 Peti kupe Trnjanska cesta 5 www.we-love-sound.com
Start 2024 as you mean to go on with 22 straight hours of dancing, music and atmosphere on one of the city’s most popular dance floors. This promises to be a celebration of enjoyment like no other.
We Love Sound Archive
winter 2023/2024
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Dom Sportova Trg Krešimira Ćosića 11 gpzagrebopen.com
Many of the world’s greatest grapplers will collide across different weight categories at this prestigious wrestling championship, with valuable ranking points on the line. Gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded in all weight limits. Expect technical excellence and physical skills unlike any other.
UWW/GP Zagreb Open Archive
EVENTS INFORMATION
Fred Firth and Susana Santos Silva 16/01
Kontejner Odranska 1/1 www.kontejner.org
Music at its most enigmatic, these two dynamic performers from different worlds bring a mass of ideas together with stunning results. Expect beauty, catharsis and everything in between, with avant-garde experimentation as a foundation.
Photo by Heike Liss
Place2Go - International Tourism Fair 18
.. 20/1
Arena Zagreb Vice Vukova 8 www.place2go.org
39 countries, more than 720 exhibitions and over 120,000 adventurers will attend this celebration of all things travel, with the present and future of tourism always on the agenda. This is the largest tourism fair in Croatia. Place2Go Archive
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zagreb events & culture
EVENTS INFORMATION
Grand Prix Zagreb Open
EVENTS INFORMATION
58th Zagreb Salon
.. 30/1
Lauba Prilaz baruna Filipovića 23a ULUPUH Gallery Ilica 13/I www.ulupuh.hr
One of Croatia’s longest-running and most influential exhibitions of visual expression returns once more, with this year’s event taking the theme of “Don’t Work Alone.” The best of Croatian applied art and design from the last three years will be on show, with 43 authors and groups getting the chance to shine.
Zagreb Salon Archive
Photos : Pat Beaudry, Max Bocanegra, Randy Cremean & Vlad Lorenzo Costumes : Liz Vandal, Cirque du Soleil 2018
Cirque de Soleil: OVO 25
.. 28/1
Zagreb Arena Vice Vukova 8 www.cirquedusoleil.com
A love story between a flamboyant ladybug and an awkward insect takes on new life in this incredible display of athleticism and performance art. The audience will see ants, dragonflies, butterflies and an entire ecosystem in a whole new light, backed with joyful songs and tremendous lighting, bringing the mysterious world beneath our feet onto one of the biggest stages in the city. This is real entertainment for all the family.
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EVENTS INFORMATION
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Vladimir Mažuranić Memorial (Fencing World Cup) 20
.. 21/1
Dom Sportova Trg Krešimira Ćosića 11 www.mszag.hr
The capital’s oldest sporting event returns once again as many promising young talents in the world of fencing compete in the name of Croatia’s great Olympian and fencing star. Competitors from all around the globe will do battle on the piste. Real Grupa Archive
Night of the Museums 26/1
Noć muzeja Archive
For the 19th time, museums across the city will open their doors late into the evening for curious visitors to enjoy. The event aims to shine a bright light on the importance and value of cultural institutions, with new audiences taking centre stage this time around as a new generation of inquisitive minds begins to explore the fantastic world around them. Museums old and young will participate in the event, as will libraries, universities, bookstores, clubs, archives and more, in one of the most popular cultural events of the year.
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EVENTS INFORMATION
www.noc-muzeja.hr
EVENTS INFORMATION
Paris! The Show 4/2 Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall Trg Stjepana Radića 4 www.lisinski.hr
French culture is beloved across the globe, and this celebration of French music is a must for Francophiles of all ages. The songs of Edith Piaf, Jacques Brel, Charles Aznavour, Maurice Chevalier and many more will punctuate an original story, all backed by a fantastic live band.
EVENTS INFORMATION
Vatroslav Lisinski Archive
Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra: Samba Carnival 9/2
Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall, Trg Stjepana Radića 4 www.lisinski.hr
One of many concerts held to mark the 50th anniversary of the hall’s opening, the rhythm and colour of all things carnival will light up the stage in one of the year’s most exciting events. EVENTS INFORMATION
Zagreb Philharmonic Archive
Zagreb Boat Show 14
.. 18/2
Zagreb Fair Avenija Dubrovnik 15 www.zv.hr
The 31st edition of this popular affair returns after a two-year absence, a must for lovers of the sea. The Boat Show is the main event, and Hunting and Fishing Days will help educate and inspire attendees. Nautika Fair, ZV Archvie
winter 2023/2024
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Publisher Zagreb Tourist Board Kaptol 5, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia info@infozagreb.hr www.infozagreb.hr www.meetinzagreb.hr
Production Plava ponistra d.o.o.
Design & Layout Ivana Mihoković
Photo credits (cover) Advent Zagreb, Zagreb Tourist Board Cest is d’Best Archives
Zagreb Tourist Board is not responsible for any changes or cancellations of events organised by third parties. Although we have made every effort to ensure that the information here presented is correct at the time of publishing, we cannot take any responsibility for errors or changes thereafter.
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