Holiday shoppers in search of unique gifts have plenty to look forward to in December. Looking to shop local this Christmas? Here are five art markets that are taking place in Croatia in the next few weeks
Several art markets will be popping up all over Croatia in the next few weeks, featuring local artists, artisans and other creatives. Have a look at our list, and in case one of these fairs is taking place in your area, go give the talented makers some love!
Christmas artBazaar 2021 (Rijeka)
After a two year break, the Christmas edition of the artBazaar market is back in Rijeka!
artBazaar is an urban market project aiming to promote local brands and artists who create high-quality handmade products. The market typically takes place in Rijeka twice a year, in spring and at Christmas time, and has already had over 20 instalments.
Participating artists
This year, we’ll see 25 artists and brands present their work at the artBazaar market at a unique location: the Children’s House, a wonderful centre built purposely to host events and activities intended for kids. It’s a place beaming with good vibes and creative energy, and as such a perfect location for a craft fair! Of course, visitors of all ages are welcome to the artBazaar which is taking place for three days on the weekend before Christmas.
The event is part of the week-long Winter Story at Benčić programme that will also see music shows, theatre plays, film screenings and other attractive events between December 13th and 19th.
Date: December 17th - 19th
Working hours: 12pm to 8pm
Location: Dječja kuća (Children’s House), Art quarter Benčić
Address: Ul. Nikole Tesle, Rijeka
Click here for the Facebook event.
HUSH HUSH Christmas Market (Zagreb)
The HUSH HUSH art market is back this Christmas, gathering designers and artists who’ll display their new collections and products in the Museum of Contemporary Art in Zagreb.
Stop by the museum this weekend and browse a range of beautiful products that are locally manufactured and largely handmade. The makers will be displaying jewelry, clothes and accessories, home decor, ceramics and even plants! Plenty to choose from and definitely a good place to check off a few presents from your Christmas shopping list.
Date: December 11th - 12th
Working hours: 11am to 7 pm
Location: Museum of Contemporary Art Zagreb
Address: Avenija Dubrovnik 17, Zagreb
Click here for the Facebook event.
Creative collective MADE BY: (Zagreb)
The creative collective MADE BY: brings together artists, designers and manufacturers of handmade products. Some artists and brands are featured at their virtual fair (check out the site and the webshop here), but they also have an opportunity to take part in a creative fair which will have its 5th instalment this December.
Forty creatives from Croatia and the region will be showcasing their products at the MADE BY: creative fair. The event will take place the weekend before Christmas at the seat of the Croatian Journalists’ Association, a beautiful landmark in downtown Zagreb.
Date: December 17th - 18th
Working hours: 10am to 8pm
Location: Novinarski dom
Address: Perkovčeva 2, Zagreb
Click here for the Facebook event.
Q’ARTY PARTY by Project Ilica (Zagreb)
Ilica street in Zagreb will be turning into a lively open market on December 19th for the winter edition of the popular Q’ARTY PARTY event.
Apart from numerous creatives who’ll be presenting their unique products, the fair will see students of the Academy of Art in Zagreb displaying and selling their artwork - Cash and Carry is the way to go.
This year’s event will feature a sweet corner with cakes, pastry and sweets for visitors to enjoy in case they find themselves in need of a little pick-me-up.
Project Ilica: Q’Art is a collective public art project bringing together artists and the community and exploring urban culture. It was first conceived in 2000 and named Community Art, and has been taking place in the current form since 2016.
Date: December 19th
Working hours: 10 am to 2:30 pm
Location: outdoors on Ilica street!
ReArt Festival, Winter Edition (Osijek)
We’re heading to eastern Croatia for the last craft fair on our list! The ReArt Festival will feature more than 20 creative brands based in Osijek and the region.
You can browse and buy lovely handmade products and artworks, including visual art, decor and souvenirs, toys, natural cosmetics, clothes and fashion accessories, and much more. Don’t hesitate to stop and chat with the artists - they’re always happy to share their story and tell you more about their work.
ReArt Festival is taking place on December 18th at the Cultural Centre Osijek. Apart from the art market, the event will include several workshops and end with a bang: a Christmas jumper afterparty featuring an exhibition and a live gig of the bands Svemirko and Čuvarkuća.
Participating artists
Date: December 18th
Working hours: 9am to 7pm
Location: Kulturni Centar Osijek (Cultural Centre Osijek)
Address: Ulica Kneza Trpimira 2/a, Osijek
Click here for the Facebook event.
A valid digital EU Covid certificate is needed to attend all events on this list.
