Zagreb’s award-winning Christmas market extravaganza closes on January 7, bringing to an end the month-long, city-wide festivities. That said, there’s still enough time to check out the highlights of this winter’s edition and soak up the last few drops of the holiday atmosphere.
From the Archives of the Chocolate Museum Zagreb
Prepared especially for Advent Zagreb, Chocolate Museum Zagreb’s exhibition From the Archives takes a look back at the history of the chocolate industry in Croatia, featuring treats from the back half of the 20th century that are no longer being produced.
For locals, the packaging and wrappers on display are sure to trigger a sense of nostalgia, though the exhibition is fascinating for all as each artefact tells a story of popularity or cultural significance – as well as providing intriguing details into the specifics of their production.
From the Archives runs until January 6, admission €9.50/€7 5-18s. For more details, see the website.
Open: Mondays 2pm-10pm; Tuesday - Saturday 10am-10pm; Sundays 10pm-9pm.
Screening of The Nutcracker at HNK
Ever-popular over Advent in Zagreb, the Croatian National Theatre’s (HNK) performances of Tchaikovsky’s ballet The Nutcracker sell out almost instantly. However, as a gift to the people of Zagreb, a free live projection of the show is to be screened tonight, Friday, January 3, outside the theatre. For more details, check out Time Out Croatia’s full article on the event here.
Moon Garden
This magical attraction, created in collaboration between the Zagreb Tourist Board and Umjetnost za grad (‘Art for the City’), transforms Ribnjak park into an intimate and romantic winter wonderland. Hundreds of little hanging lamps and numerous little crescent moons accompanied by lovely musical backdrop make for a spellbinding experience, especially after the sun goes down. Moon Garden runs until January 7, so make sure to check it out this weekend!
Santa’s carriage ride around Zrinjevac park
Zrinjevac park is itself a highlight, decorated beautifully and bustling with energy, but taking a ride on Santa’s horse carriage presents an opportunity to see it from a totally different – and more festive – angle. On Tuesdays through to Sundays, catch a ride around Zrinjevac between 6pm and 8pm. Adults €13/children €7.
Christmas classics
The gorgeous art installation in Grič tunnel – Polar Express – and the classic ice skating rink Ice Park at Trg Kralja Tomislava both run until January 7, and were featured in our Top 5 Advent highlights article. These are both seminal parts of the Advent Zagreb experience, so make sure to cross them off your list before celebrations draw to a close!
Ice Park is open daily from 10am to 10pm. Admission is €3.50 until 3.30pm, €4.50 thereafter. Polar Express is free to enter and is open daily from 9am to 10pm, apart from Monday, January 6 when it runs from noon until 8pm.