The mayor of Zagreb, Tomislav Tomašević, and the head of Zagreb tourism, Martina Bienenfeld, were on hand this Saturday to cut the ribbon and declare Zagreb Advent open.
Until January 7, Christmas celebrations and family-friendly entertainment will take over the centre of Zagreb, in the city’s major squares and parks, including a few new locations.
As Time Out Croatia reported in the run-up to the big opening, revellers can look forward to skating on Trg kralja Tomislava by the Art Pavilion, street food and live music on Zrinjevac, and Christmas in the form of chocolate sculptures at the Chocolate Museum.
In addition, Christmas comes to Ribnjak park, in the shadow of Zagreb Cathedral, for the first time, where a star-filled Moon Garden will be set up for visitors to make a special Yuletide wish. The Snow Queen will later pay a visit when Ribnjak becomes the Ice Fairy Tale, a children's winter wonderland.
On the other side of the main square, just off Ilica, the Grič Tunnel has been transformed into a Polar Dream, inspired by the Northern Lights. And, of course, the biggest Christmas tree is reserved for Trg bana Jelačića itself, Zagreb’s focal crossing point converted into a kaleidoscope of lights and colours.
Later in December, giant sculptures and huge Christmas ornaments will fill Trg kralja Petra Svačića, and the student hall of Mažuranac will host balls accompanied by live classical music.
This year’s Advent celebrations coincide with the 50th anniversary of Lisinski Hall, where choirs will perform through December, including special guests from Australia.
Time Out Croatia will be focusing on the main events of Advent Zagreb in more detail, look out for our coverage through December. For more information, see the Advent Zagreb website.