The transformation of Zagreb into a city-wide Christmas market is a fairly recent but extremely successful phenomenon. It’s not just a few stalls around the main square – here in Croatia’s capital, every central hub hosts attractions and entertainment all though December to January 7. And it all starts this Saturday, November 26!
Highlights include a skating rink facing the city’s main station on Trg kralja Tomislava, illuminated trees around a traditional bandstand on Zrinjevac and the nearby Fuliranje zone for craft beer, DJs and romance. Off the main square, they will be serving a range of rakija on Europski trg, where live acts perform in an igloo.
The panoramic promenade of Strossmayerovo šetalište will be converted into an old-school drinking hangout, overlooking the main square where tradition is assured with Yuletide music, mulled wine and sausages.
Look out, too, for the Winterland funfair, with a panoramic big wheel, on green trg dr Franje Tuđmana, and the artisanal jewellery and accessories on sale at Artomat, an arts-and-crafts fair held at the Croatian Fine Arts Association (HDLU). This annual event runs from December 10 to 24.
For more details, see Info Zagreb.