St. Mark's Church Zagreb

Zagreb Christmas Guide: 13 Tips to Celebrate Christmas in Croatia

Danique

 

19 December 2019
Last updated: November 4, 2025

I love Christmas and can't get enough of all the lights and festive cheer. When you think of Christmas, Croatia might not be the first place that comes to mind. But I've discovered firsthand that a city like Zagreb is truly wonderful during the holidays. Did you know that the Zagreb Christmas market has been voted the most beautiful in Europe three times in a row? After our winter city trip to Zagreb, we at TEAM YOURBB understand why. In this Christmas guide for Zagreb, I've compiled 13 festive tips for you.

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𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱! I've rounded up a complete list with the coziest and most festive Christmas markets in Amsterdam you don't want to miss this year. Think twinkling lights, mulled wine, food stalls, live music, unique gifts and lots of Christmas vibes all December long. Whether you're planning a festive day with the fam or friends, or just want to soak up that holiday spirit. These are the markets in Amsterdam to put on your calendar now. 🎄✨ 𝘿𝙧𝙤𝙥 “𝘾𝙃𝙍𝙄𝙎𝙏𝙈𝘼𝙎𝙈𝘼𝙍𝙆𝙀𝙏” 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄'𝙡𝙡 𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝗮 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝙔𝙇𝘽𝘽-𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝘾𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙢𝙖𝙨 𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙩𝙨. Send this list to your festive partner-in-crime, grab a hot chocolate (or mulled wine 😉), and have fun! ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #yourlittleblackbook #christmasinamsterdam #amsterdammarkets #christmasmarkets #amsterdamguide thingstodoinamsterdam winterinthenetherlands festiveseason christmasvibes marktlovers amsterdamtips
HOME ALONE 4 INCOMING 😅 My trip to NYC ends in a bad (Christmas) movie when the hotel gives my carry-on with my passport to an old lady who doesn't realize it and checks it in for a flight to the UK! Now I'm stuck here in NY without my passport, and I've missed my flight. I've experienced a lot in all the years I've been traveling for Your Little Black Book, but this is a first 😅. This chat video is purely therapeutic in nature 🤣🤣🤣. Because really: HOW?! 🫢 Note to self: better to take my passport with me all day, instead of leaving it 'safely' in the hotel apparently... and from now on, suitcases should be tied together with a cable in the storage room. Even if you're in a luxurious and expensive hotel, everything is still human work. Now I'm stuck in one of the nicest cities in the world, but of course I just want to be home with Manuel as planned. 😔 To be continued 🧳✈️ And thanks for all the sweet DMs ❤️❤️❤️❤️ ✖️✖️✖️ Anne
And do you also have a nice garden? I want to thank you for your patience and help. 𝟳-𝗷𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲! This time we went to @williams.farmhouse one of my favorites for lunch in Amsterdam Oud-Zuid. But is this also fun during the day with kids? We ordered a 'plain' version of the Farmhouse burger 🍔: yes, really just meat + cheese 🤣… and together with the fries it was a mega success. Child happy, us happy… and it was such a cozy, rainy afternoon. I mean this interior, I immediately dream away to the Cotswolds again! Do you have a favorite 𝗸𝗶𝗱 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁 in Amsterdam or the Netherlands? Let me know in the comments, I'll collect all for the next 𝗞𝗜𝗗𝗦𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗘𝗙! ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #amsterdam #amsterdamfood #amsterdamrestaurants #amsterdamfoodie #amsterdamguide amsterdamwithkids kidsproef familyfriendly amsterdamlunch amsterdamoudzuid yourlittleblackbook kidsproofamsterdam
So happy to finally share this! @lefoodwalk is back this winter with four themed walks during the Amsterdam Light Festival, running from November 27th to January 18th. Perfect for a day out with friends, a date, colleagues, or family. From a Street Food Walk to an Oyster Walk and from Cocktails to an Old Amsterdam Drinks Walk. The Le Foodwalk team has listened to you, and there's a different experience available almost every day. Tickets (which are even cheaper than last year 🔥) are live now! I've added a link in my bio. 𝗟𝗘 𝗙𝗢𝗢𝗗𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗞 𝗫 𝗔𝗠𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗗𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗙𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗔𝗟 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗘𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗢𝗗 𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗞 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: Every Thurs-Sat Price: 4 bites + Amsterdam Light Festival app (worth €6,99) 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲-𝘂𝗽: ⦁ @weareedn_amsterdam ⦁ @caferestaurantdebazel ⦁ @soulkitchen_amsterdam ⦁ @blackandblue_reguliers 𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀: € 43,50 𝗢𝗬𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗞 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: Every Thurs-Sat 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗱: 4 x 2 oysters + Amsterdam Light Festival app (worth € 6,99) 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲-𝘂𝗽: ⦁ Soulkitchen ⦁ De Bazel ⦁ @bellyofthebeastbar ⦁ @vermeerswijnkamer 𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀: € 43,50 𝗖𝗢𝗖𝗞𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗟 𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗞 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: Every Wed-Sat Included: 3 cocktails (also 0.0%) + Amsterdam Light Festival app (worth €6,99) 𝗖𝗼𝗰𝗸𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗯𝗮𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲-𝘂𝗽: ⦁ @feijoaamsterdam⦁ @lottisamsterdam ⦁ Belly of the Beast 𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀: € 35,50 𝗔𝗠𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗗𝗔𝗠 𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗞 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: Every Sun-Wed 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗱: 3 Dutch drinks & 3 Dutch bar snacks + @amsterdamlightfestival app (worth €6,99) 𝗕𝗮𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲-𝘂𝗽: ⦁ @hetkarbeel ⦁ @proeflokaalvanwees ⦁ @beertemple_amsterdam 𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀: €33,50 Who do you want to do a Foodwalk with this winter? **Sunday in the evening in Amsterdam.** ✖️✖️✖️ @anne_de_buck #lightfestival #lefoodwalk #amsterdamlightfestival #amsterdamfoodguide #amsterdamfood #amsterdambynight #canalview
I hope everyone gets into the Christmas spirit this Christmas 2020 🎅🏼 The countdown to Christmas has officially begun and I can tell you: this list will immediately get you in the Christmas spirit. 🎄 📍In this new video, I've listed the most beautiful Christmas markets and winter fairs in the Netherlands, from Maastricht to The Hague. Whether you're in the mood for mulled wine, raclette, Christmas carols, ice skating with your besties, or planning a cozy weekend getaway in December, now's the time to block your calendar. Send the tips to your Christmas date ❤️ and comment "CHRISTMAS MARKET" to receive a link to ALL the Christmas market shortlists on Your Little Black Book. Let the Christmas anticipation begin! ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #yourlittleblackbook #kerstmarktnederland #kerstuitje #winterfair #kerst2025 #weekendtips #thingstodointhenetherlands #magischmaastricht #royalchristmasfair #kerstmarktamsterdam #winterinthenetherlands #kerstvibes #yourlbb #kerstmarkt #christmasmarket
Amsterdam, get your skates ready — ice skating season has officially begun! ⛸️ The first rinks, like @schatbaanmuseumplein, are opening this weekend and we are so ready for it. I already planned a mom & son date — that's how excited we are to hit the ice. 💙 This year, there are some new rinks to discover across the city too. And who knows... maybe we'll even get lucky with natural ice again. Until then, these are the 7 best ice skating rinks in Amsterdam you don't want to miss. Whether you're planning a festive date, a day with friends, or skating with the kids — this guide has you covered. 📍All details are in the Amsterdam Ice Skating Listicle on Your Little Black Book (link in bio). Send this to your skating buddy and start planning your first winter weekend on ice! ❄️ ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #yourlittleblackbook #yourlbb #amsterdamwinter #iceskatinginamsterdam #amsterdamchristmas #thingstodoinamsterdam #amsterdamguide #winterinthenetherlands #amsterdamlife #cityguide #amsterdamcheck #wintervibes #travelamsterdam #weekendinams #holidayseason #schaatsen
𝟱 𝘅𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘂𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗯𝗯𝗲𝗻. From new hotspots to lowspots and from hand-pulled noodles to an intimate Mediterranean bistro, I've listed 5 new favorite restaurants for you that you definitely want to try. Save this guide for your next dinner date 🍽️ 📍 Orchid House (Oost) Vibe: all day dining at Oosterpark, family friendly and good vibes. Must orders: ceviche, angel hair pasta with sea urchin and picanha. @orchidhouse.ams 📍 Omri (De Pijp) Vibe: small and cozy corner building with a warm interior and dimmed lights. Perfect for a date night. Must orders: the dolmas and lamb shawarma tostada with watermelon. @omri_amsterdam 📍 Chingu (De Pijp) Vibe: mainly focused on take-away, but trust me: you'll want to go out of your way for these Taiwanese rice balls. Must orders: Jumeok Bap with king crab or mayak egg, so delicious. English: @chinguamsterdam 📍 Leonardo's Ravioli Bar (De Pijp) Vibe: Italian bistro full of cozy corners in the always lively Pijp. Now also open for lunch on the weekend. Must orders: as many as possible. And share everything. I can be brief about it. @leonardosraviolibar 📍 Yellow River Handpulled Noodles (Centrum) Vibe: like you've ended up in a Chinese canteen. You order via the kiosk and wait until your number is called. Must orders: choose your favorite thickness noodles + the minced meat noodles. The dumplings are really worth trying too. @yellowrivernoodles Let me know where you're going first. Or where you've had the most delicious meal recently, I'm curious! ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #amsterdamfood #amsterdam #amsterdamrestaurant #amsterdamlife #amsterdamtravel #amsterdamrestaurants #hotspots
The most beautiful Christmas shows at garden centers throughout the Netherlands are now open! 🎄 Only 7 more weekends until Christmas... and this cozy and free Christmas outing is perfect to get into the Christmas spirit. Trust me, I've already been ;-). Do you have a favorite that's not in this video? Let me know in the comments! You can also find the complete list of 30 tips via the link in my bio ✨. ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #christmasshows #christmasshow2025 #christmasdecoration #christmasinspiration #gardencenter #weekendtip #thingstodo #discoveringthenetherlands #winterouting #cozyoutings #christmasholiday #christmasfeeling #christmasmarkets #decembertips

Train City Trips

view all 5 tips here

Zagreb Christmas Guide: 13 Christmas tips in a row

Go to Salajland

Surprisingly, one of the most Christmassy things isn't in Zagreb itself. Just an hour away, you'll find the most beautiful light paradise, SalajlandWith 5 million Christmas lights, this is the place to start your Christmas trip. The story behind this fairytale-like place is beautiful. The Salaj family wasn't very well-off in the past and couldn't afford beautiful Christmas lights. Now, they've worked hard to create them and want everyone to enjoy them. The family's yard is decorated with Christmas lights in every color, shape, and size, and that's precisely why a visit to Salajland is so worthwhile.

Salajland Zagreb

Salajland Zagreb

TIP: It's best to book a hotel right in the city center. That way, you can step out of the hotel and be at the Christmas market in no time. View all hotels in Zagreb here >>

Visit the Kezele farm

When I travel abroad, I always enjoy learning more about the locals and the typical dishes they eat. If you find that interesting, then visit the Kezele farm Located a little further from Salajland, this old Croatian farm offers plenty to do. You can sample the local dish Kotlovina, a specialty from Zagreb and northwest Croatia. There's a small exhibition featuring various objects used in traditional Croatian households, and they make their own wines, which you can sample during a wine tasting. If you can't get enough of the charming farm atmosphere, you can even stay overnight. There are cottages available for rent on the Kezele farm grounds. It might be best to visit when it's still light, as the farm is surrounded by a vineyard, which is invisible after dark.

Christmas in Zagreb

Flower market in Zagreb

Christmas in Zagreb: 13 Christmas tips in a row

Take a city tour 

To see as much of the city as possible, you can take a nice walk in Zagreb walking tour We walked with a guide through the city's most beautiful spots, discovering all sorts of hidden streets and stories along the way that you probably wouldn't find on your own. In about two hours, you'll pass Zagreb's most famous squares, make several photo stops, and learn more about the history and local traditions. Afterward, we had lunch at Mila Bar, a small restaurant serving modern Croatian cuisine. The table was filled with fresh hummus, a goat cheese salad, gorgonzola risotto, and spinach and cheese rolls. As you might have guessed, Croatians love cheese, and you can taste it in almost every dish. 

Mila Bar Zagreb

Mila Bar, Zagreb

| TIP: Via the website Zagrebcard.com Buy a card that allows you to use public transport for 24 or 72 hours and get free admission to most museums. Very convenient!

Christmas in Zagreb: 13 Christmas tips in a row

Here you will find the Christmas markets in Zagreb

Zagreb doesn't really have a single Christmas market, but there's plenty to do throughout the city. Each year, the Christmas market has a theme; for example, the 2019 market's theme is The Nutcracker. This is reflected in the decorations throughout the city. Zagreb boasts seven city parks. Walking from park to park would create a horseshoe shape around the city. During the Christmas season, each park is filled with fun things to see, do, and experience. For example, you can ice skate on King Tomislav Square, find the tastiest mulled wine and winter treats at Ban Josip Jelačić Square, and find the most charming Christmas gifts at the many chalets located at Park Zrinjevac.

Go to upper town in Zagreb

Have you purchased a Zagreb Card? Then you can easily travel throughout the city by tram. Take the tram from downtown to the world's shortest funicular and ride to the upper town in 30 seconds. From the upper town, you'll have a beautiful view of the entire city and find some great hotspots. With your Zagreb Card, you can visit: the museum of broken relationships, you will find a very beautiful church on St. Mark's Square and during the Christmas season there is a nice Christmas market where you can get all kinds of things. 

Want more tips for the holidays in Zagreb? Then also check out croatia.hr by whom we were invited to Zagreb Advent.

Curious about other great hotspots in Zagreb? Then check out our list of 11 X hotspots in Zagreb to check out during your next city trip

Christmas in Zagreb

Amsterdam Light Festival Foodwalks

All about the Foodwalks

Travel Essentials

view all 36 tips here