December 14, 2019 - So how is the atmosphere at this year's Advent in Zagreb? We sent our 3 TCN interns out and about with their phones to take a look.
Join us in wandering the streets of Zagreb, interspersed with the Nutcracker theme.
After winning the Best Advent in Europe for three consecutive years (2016, 2017, 2018), Zagreb is stealing tourists' hearts once again with its originality. This year's theme is the Nutcracker, so every corner is hiding his character.
But what makes this year's Zagreb Advent special is that it's not just the Nutcracker head topic. According to Zagreb Tourist Board (TZGZ) director Martina Bienenfeld at a media conference, the focus is still on ecology and sustainability and accessibility for people with disabilities. Thus, most caterers will use paper cups and plates instead of plastic ones, and special bypasses will be installed to facilitate the movement of people with disabilities.
The whole of Zagreb is imbued with the Advent spirit, but it is most prevalent at European Square, the Croatian National Theater, the Tuškanac cinema, Oktogon, Ban Jelacic Square, the Strossmayer Promenade, Maksimir ZOO, King Tomislav Square, etc.
Mulled wine is one of the most famous drinks oat Advent, and you can find it throughout the city. There are many concerts held at the Klovićevi dvori. You can find a detailed schedule of the concerts on their Facebook page.
Food lovers can find something for themselves on stands that sell sausages, fritters, germknödeln, and many more. When you are satisfied with food, you can take pictures of the many attractions and sightseeing spots in Zagreb.
Walking through Park Zrinjevac, you will see Olaf, with whom you can take a picture. But be aware that you have to pay 10 kn for a group photo. On Zrinjevac, there are stands with handmade toys and other typical Croatian souvenirs, as well as traditional Croatian food.
The concerts are held from Monday to Friday from 18:00 to 20:00 and from 20:00 to 22:00. Concerts of classical music are held on Saturdays from 11:00 to 12:00, and regular music program is held from 18:00 to 20:00 and from 20:00 to 22:00. On Sunday concerts of classical music are held from 11:00 to 12:00, and the regular music program starts at 18:00 and finishes at 20:00.
The famous ice rink is situated between The Art Pavilion and monument to King Tomislav. If you are not a fan of skating, you can enjoy a rich gastronomic offer and beverages here, as well. The cash register opens 30 minutes before opening the skating ring. Special working hours are:
Christmas Eve: 10:00 to 17:00
Christmas: 11:30 to 23:00
New Year's Eve: 10:00 to 02:00
New Year: 11:30 to 23:00
Looking for a guide to what's on at this year's Advent in Zagreb? Check out the TCN guide.
To learn more about Zagreb, check out the Total Croatia Zagreb in a Page guide.
