Retro Car Rides, Ice Skating, and Santa's Magic: Kids Will Enjoy Advent Zagreb Once Again
Every free moment, little boys and girls feast on their favorite sweets, go ice-skating, ride a special train with Santa Claus, receive gifts from St. Nicholas, marvel at the live Nativity scene in the very heart of the city…
The list of events is as long as a child’s wish list to the bearded old man himself - so I’ll highlight only the most famous features of Advent Zagreb that it offers every year, including this one.
Christmas train with Santa Claus
A magical ride with Santa Claus and his cheerful companions - filled with fun, laughter, and festive gifts - will delight everyone, especially the youngest visitors. On Mondays and Thursdays, both the young and the young at heart can hop on the tram from 4 PM to 7 PM, on Fridays from 12 PM to 4 PM, and on weekends and holidays, mostly from 10 AM to 4 PM (with exceptions for Christmas and New Year’s Day).
Fotografije Zagreba
Live Nativity scene - 24th time in the center of Zagreb
From the scenery and costumes to the music and performances, children are sure to be enchanted by the live Nativity scene, which, for the 24th year, warms the hearts of visitors right in the city center. Performances take place every afternoon at Opatovina Park (Park Opatovina).
Heartwarming story in Mala Scena Theatre
Many little adventurers will enjoy the experience prepared by the Mala Scena Theatre. In the play, a girl named Iva joins her grandmother on a mission to save Santa Claus from an evil witch - a heartwarming family story, play, and togetherness that reminds us of the true values of Christmas.
Workshops for the whole family
Family workshops? This Advent has them as well. The Zagreb Crafts Chamber has prepared a program full of music, creativity, and festive joy in the Great Hall and Passage of the Croatian Chamber of Trades and Crafts (Zgrada Matice hrvatskih obrtnika, Ilica 49). Visitors can browse imaginative souvenirs, take part in various workshops, and enjoy a program that includes Saint Nicholas’s visit, musical evenings, and days dedicated to sports, culture, and knowledge.
Retro electric ride? Yes, you've seen it all
A ride through the city has never been more fun - Advent Ride by Old Tour Zagreb offers a special retro electric car ride through the most beautiful parts of Kaptol and the Upper Town. For all those eager for a wildly fun four-wheel adventure, the ride runs from Thursday to Sunday, 6 PM to 10 PM.
Fuliranje and Kids - A Perfect Match
The fun for little revelers never stops! From Monday to Thursday, children can join guided educational tours along the Fuliranje adventure paths. On Sundays, the kids’ program begins with a performance by the beloved children’s choir Zagrepčanke i dečki, followed by festive children’s theatre shows.
The City of St. Nicholas and the Zagreb Zoo Celebrate with a Humanitarian Spirit
A magical City of St. Nicholas is celebrating its 10th anniversary, while the Zagreb Zoo marks an impressive 100 years of existence. Together, they will blend tradition, a festive fairytale atmosphere, and a strong humanitarian spirit through an unforgettable two-day program at the Zagreb Zoo on December 5 and 6, 2025, in the afternoon hours. Continuing as well is the traditional initiative “I Wish You a Smile - Children of Croatia for Little Patients,” (ŽELIM TI OSMIJEH - djeca Hrvatske za djecu malene pacijente) through which St. Nicholas, Olympians, and Paralympians deliver gifts to young patients in three children's hospitals in Zagreb, Split, and Rijeka.
As a special highlight, they present the exhibition Pictures with a Signature (Slike s potpisom) - unique artworks created exclusively for the City of St. Nicholas by well-known figures from the worlds of sports, film, architecture, literature, and art. These works will be donated to children’s hospitals in Zagreb, Split, and Rijeka so their hallways may shine with the light of the holidays and the vibrant colors of life during the hospital days of young patients.
A must-visit destination, the City of St. Nicholas, has prepared a highly engaging program of entertainment, creative workshops, circus performances, games, shows, and plenty of music and joy.
Teatrino klincolino
The Children’s Puppet Theatre is bringing performances for kids to the Gradec Plateau (Plato Gradec) and Katarina Square (Katarinin trg). More than 30 performances of popular and lesser-known children’s stories will take place through early January.
And, of course, endless ice-skating
Apart from the ice rink at Šalata, the most popular one is on Tomislav Square. The Ice Park (Ledeni park) is one of the largest open-air ice rinks in this part of Europe, and it offers far more than just skating — it also serves as a stage for various fun events from morning until late in the evening. It’s designed for all generations, especially young people and families, who are sure to enjoy a winter adventure to remember.
Fotografije Zagreba
Whether children choose to spend their days skiing, tasting sweets across the city, enjoying theatre performances, or meeting Santa Claus in his carriage or festive tram, one thing is certain — there will be no shortage of fun. And it’s not only the little ones who will be delighted; Advent offers experiences and unforgettable moments for the whole family.
Header image credit: M. Gašparović
Author: Pia Humski