ART & EXHIBITION
DESIGN
HISTORY & TRADITION
GOURMET
MUSIC
MOVIE
SPORT
THEATRE & PERFORMANCES OTHER
INTRODUCTION
The ever-exciting Advent program is once again ready to show why it has been praised by everyone from CNN to National Geographic and beyond. The program is packed with classic events that showcase all that makes Christmas magical, from special church concerts and pop-up carol singing to iconic ballets and street-food markets. Winter has come to Zagreb, bringing with it a sense of anticipation and excitement. The temperatures may be dropping, but the program of events and entertainment is heating up, and the city’s venues provide plenty of excellent reasons to step out of the cold and into the heart of the action. As ever, we’ve got it all covered, from the city’s award-winning Advent Zagreb celebration to numerous exhibitions, concerts, initiatives, and more. There is something special about Croatia’s capital in winter, and all you need to do is show up and embrace it. Wrap up warm, put on your snow boots, and let’s see what Zagreb has to offer this season.
Jewellery designer Nenad Sovilj’s 20-year career is celebrated in an intriguing exhibition titled (2+2)x5, centred around a modular sculptural necklace filled with symbolism and meaning. Sovilj’s creativity also shines through Geometry of Silence, a snowflake sculpture in the Lapidarium of the Archaeological Museum that transforms from day to night. Continuing the festive theme is artist Saša Šekoranja’s First Snow, a sumptuous light-and-sound installation in the Oktogon Passage, while the excellent Advent Open House will reveal the stories behind some of the city’s most impressive architectural achievements.
Elsewhere, culture lovers will find plenty to enjoy at the annual Night of the Museums in January, a tradition that sees museums, galleries, and institutions across the country keep their doors open long into the night. Nora Turato’s first-ever solo showcase in the city of her birth is one artistic experience not to be missed, while the Klovićevi Dvori Gallery hosts In the Beginning Was the Kingdom, an exhibition marking the 1,100th anniversary of the Croatian kingdom by exploring its history, heritage, impact, and influence. Zagreb is a beautiful destination in winter, one that shines with romance, optimism, and joy.
Martina Bienenfeld, Ph.D. CEO Zagreb Tourist Board
Advent Zagreb, Photo by Julien Duval, ZTB Archive
29/11/2025 .. 7/1/2026
www.adventzagreb.hr
Advent Zagreb is a very special experience. The Croatian capital’s winter celebration has become one of Europe’s most popular festive attractions, and it isn’t difficult to understand why. The 2025/26 schedule is as packed as ever, with several popular events returning alongside new, exciting extravaganzas. From iconic festive ballets and incredible light shows to fascinating exhibitions, sporting competitions, music festivals, street-food markets, wine tastings, and more, Advent Zagreb is a time of joy, one that heightens festive excitement and brings a smile to the face of even the Grinchiest of Grinches.
If you’re looking for something romantic, head to the city’s parks when night falls for sumptuous scenes of starry crowns and twinkling lights. Christmas is a time of harmony, melody, and enjoying the good things in life, whether that means joyful concerts in the city’s churches or thrilling pop-up events on public transport. And if you want to get creative, workshops across the city offer the chance to learn new skills and techniques. Advent showcases the city at its very best, so get ready to embrace everything the festive season has to offer and ring in the new year in the best possible way.
ECHOES OF ADVENT
What is Christmas without those classic Christmas songs?
Zagreb’s 10th Festival of Advent and Christmas Songs offers a joyful celebration of Croatian and global musical heritage, with a ceremonial opening by the Cantores Sancti Marci choir at St. Mark’s Church. Special Advent concerts will also be performed by a range of talented ensembles over the festive period, including the Zagreb Soloists (playing at the Oktogon Passage on November 30 and on December 7, 14, and 21, and at the Zagreb City Museum on December 4, 6, 11, and 20), the Zagreb Chamber Orchestra, and more, as well as a special concert at the Church of St. Mark to accompany the festive Midnight Mass. Some of the locations are spectacular, such as brass band performances on Zagreb’s beautiful balconies. Enjoy spontaneous pop-up Advent concerts at popular locations such as Oktogon Passage, Masaryk Street, and ZKM, featuring festive compositions, carols under the lanterns, and even some surprising musical moments on the city’s trams.
ONE DAY WONDER
While many festive events take place throughout Advent, some can be enjoyed only once this season. One particularly special event will see eight choirs from across Zagreb join forces to perform classic festive songs on Christmas Eve, the perfect way to welcome the big day. Elsewhere, there will be a brilliant broadcast of The Nutcracker in front of the Croatian National Theatre, a special urban performance by the Q’ART collective, and a High School Advent on Kennedy Square. And when it comes to one-day festive events, does it get any more exciting than the wildly popular Advent Run? Time to get that costume sorted.
Zagreb is a splendidly creative city, and that creativity doesn’t stop just because of the festive season cheer. Many of the city’s finest museums and galleries embrace all things Advent, starting with a special Christmas Story at the Ethnographic Museum (starring TikTok sensation Igor Jadan).
The Zagreb City Museum will host everything from paper nativity scenes to decoration workshops and guided tours, while the Croatian Museum of Natural History goes all out for Advent with workshops, performances, DeepSpace projections, and more. Among the packed schedule, jewellery designer Nenad Sovilj’s fabulous (2 + 2) × 5 exhibition (also at the Ethnographic Museum), marking his 20-year career, stands out as a particular highlight.
ARTvent
MUSEUMS, MAYBE
Sticking with culture, curious visitors will find a broad range of unusual attractions and experiences across the city throughout the season. The delicious Chocolate Museum hosts a nostalgic exhibition about chocolate’s role in Christmas, while the Oto Reisinger House of Caricature approaches Advent in its inimitable humorous style with a rich festive program. The Museum of Unfinished Art showcases pieces by candlelight, the Museum of Lost Tales dresses its exhibitions in festive cheer, and the Museum of Laughter presents a special HOHOHOuse for some holiday hilarity. There will also be special performances across the city.
FAMILY ADVENTure
Christmas is all about family, and there is no shortage of fun for all the family in Zagreb this Advent. There will be special plays for children in the passage between Gradec Plateau and Katarina Square (organised by Teatrino Klincolino) that let young ones get involved in Christmas culture, while Santa Claus will be out driving his carriage through the city. Speaking of rides, a retro electric car will offer special journeys through Zagreb during Advent, marrying the worlds of old-fashioned nostalgia and modern technology. The Mala Scena Theatre presents a brilliant story about saving Santa Claus, along with a unique live Nativity scene in Opatovina Park and a cultural program by the Zagreb Chamber of Crafts.
MERRY MINGLE
Take to Zagreb’s streets and squares during Advent to soak up the festive atmosphere through music, food, and magic, from Christmas concerts to workshops, wreaths, and more. Beautiful Zrinjevac Park will leave no stone unturned in its quest for festive cheer, while Strossmayer Square will shine under the theme Nature and Society, highlighted by a Nature and History Trail that presents Zagreb’s history in a new light.
There will also be a daily music program at Café de Matoš on Strossmayer Promenade, while Fooling Around is a gorgeous Orient Express-themed gastronomic event on the Oleander Terrace of the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel. The city’s beloved ice-skating rink also returns to King Tomislav Square. The neighbourhood square Kvatrić will likewise offer its own special holiday vibe, with festive decorations, marvellous melodies, delicious food, refreshing drinks, and a schedule of creative work shops to keep inspiration flowing throughout Advent.
ADVENT DÉCOR
Zagreb goes all out with Christmas decorations during Advent, putting on its most festive face with special light shows and delightful installations. Visit the towering Christmas tree on ić Square before exploring themed arrangements throughout the city, from the curious luminous forest of Masaryk Street and oversized sculptures on King Petar Svačić Square to Nenad Sovilj’s gemstone snowflake at the Lapidarium of the Archaeological Museum and the bronze bells in the Grič Tunnel.
Saša Šekoranja’s nostalgic
First Snow installation will illuminate the Oktogon Passage (inside the National Museum of Modern Art). The enchanting Winter Nocturno adds a touch of romance with a light-filled stroll, while the starry crowns of the Moon Garden on Strossmayer Promenade are every bit as magical.
JINGLE ALL THE WAY
You won’t struggle to find Christmas cheer in Zagreb during Advent, but there are plenty of surprises for those willing to look a little closer. Romantics can follow the string of twinkling lights from Radićeva through Zakmardijeve Stube to the atrium of the Klovićevi Dvori Gallery and don their finest threads for the ZagreBal, a nostalgic throwback to the golden age of ballroom dancing. There will also be an enthralling glimpse into the secrets of the city’s architecture through the Advent Open House Zagreb initiative, while the third edition of the Advent Bachata Congress will bring sultry swing to the city.
The city’s hotels don’t miss out on the fun during Advent, and festive cheer awaits at Zagreb’s finest accommodation spots. The Hilton brand leads the way with beautiful decorations and signature cocktails, while the historic Hotel Jägerhorn main tains its high holiday standards in its charming passage. The Boutique Hotel HoH, located in the Upper Town, will enhance its sumptuous city views with a Christmas bonfire, the perfect way to embrace the fairytale that is Advent Zagreb. There will also be special festive pro grams at the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel and the Amadria Hotel.
Archaeology and Popular Culture
Nora Turato: Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!! 11/10 .. 31/1
HDLU – The Meštrović Pavilion, Trg žrtava fašizma 16 www.hdlu.hr
Language is constantly evolving, and no one frames it more captivatingly than this Croatia-born, Amsterdam-based graphic designer. The expressive moniker of this exhibition gives a good indication of what to expect: a raw, unfiltered homage to the origins and development of language — be that words, expressions, noises, and the rest. This site-specific intervention wraps around the currently closed pavilion, utilising the space to create something truly unique. This marks Turato’s first solo showcase in the city of her birth.
3/10 .. 1/2
Archaeological Museum in Zagreb, 1st Floor, Zrinjevac 19 www.amz.hr
The thrilling development of technology has enabled us to explore the past in increasingly engaging ways, and this fascinating exhibition offers a broad look at how archaeology has informed and influenced popular culture in all aspects of the modern world. Archaeology and pop culture might seem like polar opposites, but the two are eternally intertwined.
Exhibition setup, Archaeological Museum in Zagreb Archive
Installation of the monumental installation by Nora Turato at the Meštrović Pavilion, photo Gabrielius Laureinaitis, HDLU
In the Beginning was the Kingdom 16/10 .. 15/2
Klovićevi dvori Gallery, Jezuitski trg 4 www.gkd.hr
This year marks the 1100th anniversary of the establishment of the Kingdom of Croatia, and this brilliant exhibition offers a broad look at those pivotal first steps toward nationhood. The exhibition is divided into thematic units, giving visitors an engaging look at the life and times of the Kingdom.
Indoor football tournament „Kutija šibica“ 21/11 .. 30/12
Various sports halls across the city, with the finals at the Dražen Petrović Sports Hall www.kutija-sibica.hr
The beloved annual mini-football tournament is back for its 54th edition, once again hosting events for veterans and women alongside the popular main tournament. The tournament’s curious name (it translates as “box of matches”) refers to its original location in Trešnjevka.
6/11 ..
Zagreb City Museum, Opatička 20 www.mgz.hr
The life of an artist is a curious thing, often playing out across two parallel worlds. One is the public exhibition of expression, while the other is the very private nature of everyday life. This exhibition juxtaposes those two in the context of one of Croatia’s first female artists.
Francis of Vranjan (Vrana near Zadar, c. 1430 – Avignon, 1502), Bust of Antonio Barresi, Palermo?, c. 1470 – 1471, Klovićevi Dvori Archive
Lina Crnčić-Virant, Children in the Zoo, 1938, Kovačić-Mihočinec Collection, photo by Filip Stolnik
Kutija šibica Archive
Winter concerts
26/11 .. 31/1
As the temperatures drop and the city gets chilly, Zagreb’s concert schedule heats up with an exciting range of live shows happening across the capital. From violin virtuosos to hard-rocking heroes, these are some of the highlights.
26/11 Andrei Rieu, Arena Zagreb
6/12 Clutch, Tvornica kulture
16/1 Midge Ure (Ultravox vocal), Tvornica kulture
26/1 Marcus & Martinus, Tvornica kulture
31/1 Alter Bridge, Boćarski dom
6/2 Deutsch Amerikanische Freundschaft (DAF), Tvornica kulture
12/2 White Lies, Boogaloo
The XV Triennial of Croatian Sculpture 25/11 .. 1/2
Contemporary Art Museum, Avenija Dubrovnik 17 https://thk.hazu.hr/
What have been the standouts in contemporary Croatian sculptural art over the last three years? This prestigious event celebrates the best of the best, showcasing innovation, creativity, and technical brilliance in one of the most historically important artistic mediums.
XV. trijenala hrvatskoga kiparstva
Alter Bridge, Photo by Chuck Brueckmann
A sip of the past – Old Zagreb Cafés, Taverns, and
Inns (1887–1939)
27/11 .. 15/3
Zagreb City Museum, Opatička 20 www.mgz.hr
What is a city without a vibrant cafe and tavern culture? These pockets of liquid-fuelled social interaction have always been an indispensable aspect of any great place, and this delightful showcase takes visitors back to some of Zagreb’s classic watering holes from the turn of the century.
Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall 2/12 .. 28/2
Trg Stjepana Radića 4 www.lisinski.hr
Croatia’s most prestigious concert hall will hold another sumptuous selection of shows over the winter, and visitors can enjoy musical excellence of all types in these gorgeous surroundings.
06/12 100 Violins – The Budapest Gypsy Symphony Orchestra
8/12 Chris Hadfield, A Journey Into the Cosmos
30/12 Philharmonic Ball – Zagreb Philharmonic
12/2 The Bootleg Beatles
Zagreb Fair
28/11 .. 11/12
Avenija Dubrovnik 15
Zagreb’s central hub for trade shows and expansive fairs has a packed schedule over the winter, hosting everything from prestigious dog shows to boxing, boats, and beauty.
28 .. 30/11 Zagreb Winter Classic –International dog show
8 .. 11/12 VII Grand Prix Zagreb International Boxing Elite Men Tournament, Zagreb Boxing Centre
31/1. .. 1/2 Beauty and Hair expo Zagreb
18 .. 22/2 Zagreb Boat Show
20 .. 22/2 Zagreb Hunting Fair
St. Mark’s Square, Inn K žabici A. Louikotka Vladimir Guteša, 1905. MGZ
Zagreb Boat Show, ZV Arhive
Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra
The Nutcracker, ballet 1,8,11,13,19,20,22,23, 24/12, 3, 4/1
Croatian National Theatre, Trg Republike Hrvatske 15 www.hnk.hr
What is Christmas without Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s iconic festive ballet? Set on Christmas Eve, this late 19th-century two-act classical ballet is as indicative and representative of festive stories as it gets, and it has been an annual tradition in Zagreb for years. The ballet will show throughout December and into early January and is a brilliant festive experience for adults and children alike. No matter how familiar you are with Tchaikovsky’s classic, experiencing this show at Christmas is a must.
57th Golden Spin of Zagreb 3 .. 6/12
Velesajam Ice Skate Rink, Avenija Dubrovnik 15 www.croskate.hr
This prestigious figure skating competition (an ISU Challenger event) has been a popular staple on Zagreb’s winter calendar since 1967. Last year’s event saw gold medal positions for Estonia in the men’s singles, the US (women’s singles), Poland (pairs), and the UK (ice dance).
Zlatna Pirueta Archive
23/12 Strauss Christmas Gala, Arena Zagreb
200 years after his birth, the original Strauss orchestra will perform in Croatia for the very first time
31/12 ‘Di ćeš za Novu? – U Tvornicu kulture!
Ring in 2026 the right way at Zagreb’s wildest NYE extravaganza, featuring fabulous DJs across two floors
Various Advent Events 5 .. 31/12
There is always something going on in Zagreb, and many events get a special festive sheen during Advent.
8..20/12 Advent in Dubrava, Dubrava Cultural Centre
This free-to-attend cultural feast will include a pub quiz, stand-up comedy, folk ensembles, live music, and so much more
6,13,20/12 Art plac, Dolac Market – Splavnica
Expect an explosion of colour and creativity at this fabulous Saturday art market, complete with workshops, sales, and more
16/12 Advent concert Szentegyháza Children’s Philharmonic, St. Anthony’s Basilica (Sveti duh street 31)
Comprising 140 members between the ages of 10 and 20, this brilliant philharmonic ensemble will perform a special festive program this Advent
20/12 Lado – Christmas Concert, St. Anthony’s Basilica (Sveti duh street 31)
The folk heritage group will perform a vibrant collection of Croatian Christmas songs, specially arranged by some of the nation’s best musicians
Genre Film Festival (GEFF) Exhibition
11/12 .. 15/2
Contemporary Art Museum, Avenija Dubrovnik 18 www.msu.hr
Continuing the traditions of the region’s first experimental film festival (the first edition was held in 1963), the exhibition tells its story and bridges the divide between film and other forms of art through archival materials, artefacts, and more.
N. Stazić: The slap 4/12, 9, 30/1
Kerempuh Theatre, Prolaz Fadila Hadžića 3 www.kazalistekerempuh.hr
Laughter is the best medicine, and there will be plenty of that in this wildly creative comedy that blurs the lines between wistful nostalgia and envelope-pushing innovation. This classic comedy gets a modernised sheen in 2025.
Lisinski for kids 12/12 .. 31/1
Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall, Trg Stjepana Radića 4 www.lisinski.hr
Proving that classical culture is for everyone, this special program is tailor-made for younger visitors.
12, 13, 19/12 The Nutcracker: A Musical Story for Children 13/12, 31/1 Learning About Music with the Zagreb Soloists / Concert and Workshop for Children 13,14/12 P. I. Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker, Ballet 14, 20, 21/12 The Magical Christmas Hour, Children’s Theatre Performance
18, 19/12 Zagreb Philharmonic: Home Alone, Film with Live Orchestra
Kerempuh Archive
The Nutcracker, Vatroslav Lisinski Archive
Vladimir Petek at the first edition of GEFF
Zagrepčanka 512 race 13/12
Zagrepčanka building, Savska cesta 41 www.zagreb.run
There’s no race like this, an energy-sapping tour de force of determination and fitness up the 490 steps and 25 floors of Croatia’s fourth-tallest building. Held annually since 2012, this is one of the most unique events in the country.
Future Scope
13/12
Boogaloo Club, Vukovarska 68 www.entrio.hr
Featuring pioneering DJs pumping out energetic techno that keeps the energy levels high, this event is a must-attend for any clubbing aficionado in Zagreb during Advent.
Hush, hush market 13,14/12
Contemporary Art Museum, Avenija Dubrovnik 17 www.facebook.com/hushhushmarket/
This engaging market will feature exhibitions alongside a special sales fair, where works by around 40 excellent designers will be available for purchase. If you’re looking to brighten up your style ahead of the new year, this is for you.
Photo by Niko Goga
Photo by Shooting like Pablo
Hush Hush Promo
New Year’s Eve Celebration 31/12
The wheel continues to turn, and Zagreb will once again hold a spectacular celebration as the calendar turns from 2025 to 2026. This city knows how to party, and its streets will throng with revellers and optimism long before the countdown begins or ends with a bang. The vibes are impeccable, the drinks are delicious, and there is no better way to celebrate the new year than by enjoying the city’s official celebration.
Candlelight Concerts 21/12 .. 15/2
Hotel Esplanade Zagreb, Mihanovićeva 1
www.feverup.com/en/zagreb-hrvatska
Everyone from Queen to Vivaldi gets the candlelight treatment over the winter season
12, 13, 19/12 Tribute to Queen 13/12, 31/1 Coldplay vs. Imagine Dragons
13,14/12 Christmas Classics
14, 20, 21/12 Vivaldi’s Four Seasons 18, 19/12 Tribute to Hans Zimmer 15/2 Valentine’s Special
Unsplash
www.noc-muzeja.hr
A city tradition since 2005, this popular event has grown from six museums and 10,000 visitors to to include around 300 museums, galleries, and cultural institutions around the country, attracting more than 350,000 people. This fabulous event sees those establishments open their doors until late in the evening, allowing wide-eyed visitors to enjoy creativity and history in a different environment. Entry to all the museums is free during the event, opening culture to everybody.
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.