A beautiful European country with great beaches and hot summer weather will soon open an incredible Christmas market. When you think of the best European Christmas markets to go to, your mind might go straight to the likes of Prague, Vienna, Munich or Budapest. But if you open your mind a little bit more, there are plenty more odd things around the continent that are worthy of visiting. One of them is in a country you may well have been to before.
There are many countries in Europe that Brits consider worthy of visiting in the summer months. Classic examples include Spain, Portugal and Greece. One has grown in popularity in the last few years, attracting people for its vibrant islands, crystal clear water and historic towns. Croatia is now considered a staple summer holiday destination in Europe, which many Brits love. But in winter, many people don’t consider visiting, even though its capital city has an amazing Christmas market. Advent Zagreb is a city-wide festive event that runs between November and January every year.
This year, it takes place between November 29, 2025 and January 7, 2026. The vent features stalls selling traditional Croatian cuisine, streets filled with sparkling lights, vendors selling unique Christmas gifts and plenty more festive fun.
When you visit Zagreb at this time of the year, you will find all of this kind of festive fun happening in public streets, parks and squares. The city really embraces the whole Christmas season, and you will forget that you’re in a country known for its beach clubs and tropical-esque islands over summer.
The festival began in the 2010s and has grown significantly. However, many Brits still haven’t heard of it, opting to go to more overcrowded Christmas festivals around the UK and Europe.
Although your trip could centre around Advent Zagreb, there is plenty more to do in the city over the Christmas period. Some of the capital city’s historical attractions should be visited when you’re in the city, including Upper Town Gornji Grad, St Mark’s Church and the Museum of Lost Tales.
But Advent Zagreb might be the real showstopper for visitors. People who have been there before have had great things to say about it.
One TripAdvisor reviewer wrote: “It was a fun experience to visit Advet in Zagreb. I went in the day time so I would suggest to go at night because it is much nicer with all the lights. If you haven’t been already, you should visit Advent in Zagreb.”
Another said: “The event is very cool day and night, the food chalets are cool and there is something for everyone. The event extends into the city with a food court, an ice rink and other chalets scattered around. It was very nice to walk around there.”
However, some weren’t impressed. One negative review reads: “Lots selling sausage and wine but very few selling Christmas things.”
Zagreb is a two-hour-and-15-minute flight from London, and slightly longer from cities in the north of the country.
