Top Five New Year's Eve Picks for Those Not Afraid of Lady Winter
Looking back on the past memories, I loved New Year's Eve. I could dress up and shine brighter than a Christmas tree, put makeup that you bought in July just for this night and drink non-alcoholic champaign. Of course, I'm talking about celebration 10 years ago when I was 16 years old. Since then, I have grown up to be Grinch who hated that question “Where will you spend the New Year's Eve?“. Today, everyone is talking about outdoor New Year's Eve celebrations and here I am, eating fritule with chocolate and extra sugar and wondering what I am missing. So if you want to stand next to the famous clock in Jelačić Square waiting for the new year to come, keep on reading!
Are you romantic? Zrinjevac Park might be a place for you
Have you seen Zrinjevac? You could not fail to notice this glittering heart of Zagreb. They say that those beautiful tree crowns are decorated with more than a thousand lights! Great place to begin a bright new year, right?
Image credit: Zagreb Tourist Board, Hrvoje Pilić
In the middle of Zrinjevac, there is an old music pavilion that was built in 1891. It is a place that will spread happy music throughout the entire park. Gastro houses will be opened most of the night and morning, so this is a great place to eat, drink, dance and enjoy fireworks with your loved ones. Unfortunately, although Zrinjevac is a favourite playground for pets, fireworks might scare your four-legged-friend so keep your pets safe at home.
The Ice Park (Ledeni park) - New Year's Eve in the Frozen style
There is no difference between a child or an adult in the Ice Park on Tomislavac. And I like that rule! It doesn't matter if 2016 was a bad or a great year, this is a place where everyone could live in idyllic and romantic reality full of good music, surrounded by friends or family and ice skating throughout the fragrance of mulled wine and other culinary delights, and in the end – fireworks! Besides, the Ice Park is situated between two cultural monuments. To be precise, between the monument of King Tomislav, the first Croatian king, and the oldest exhibition hall in the south Balkans - the Art Pavilion in Zagreb. I'm telling you, this is a place where all your dreams come true.
Image credit: Zagreb Tourist Board, Julien Duval
If you are not that playful as Anna from Frozen, then there is a possibility for table reservation on Ledeni Vidikovac. From there you will have an idyllic view of the Ice Park, a band, lights decoration and colourful fireworks. And if you are interested in that, I've got more great news for you – you can celebrate the New Year's Eve there until 4 am! No need to rush back to reality, right?
The Main Ban Jelačić Square is always a place to be
There is a legend that every year the best outdoor celebration is right there, on the Ban Jelačić Square! I don't know if it is more of a Croatian tradition or a legend, but if I may judge from the previous years, almost everyone will be there. Varied and colourful music program on the open stage will warm up everybody. So, for all those Libras and undecided individuals, Ban Jelačić Square might be the place for you! Also, there is no age limit. Never in my wildest dream did I think that I could have a crazy celebration of the New Year's Eve until 2 am with my 80-year-old grandmother or my 4-year-old niece, but the rumour has it that this is the magic of the Ban Jelačić Square – it makes everyone happy!
Image credit: Zagreb Tourist Board, Hrvoje Pilić
Ban Jelačić Square is surrounded by white Christmas houses full of culinary delights, so there is no way that you will stay hungry or thirsty. Besides, even if you don't like crowded celebrations, there is always another option. Visit the Upper Town and experience the winter magic in this mystical part of Zagreb and after that enjoy the most beautiful fireworks at midnight.
Small streets for great parties: European Square and Fuliranje
Relaxed atmosphere, chic design and gourmet food. That's how I would describe European Square and famous Fuliranje on Tomićeva Street. Fuliranje is located in a narrow, but long street just a few feets away from the famous uspinjača (funicular) that connects the Upper Town and downtown. It is a project that represents an innovative and modern cultural – entertaining place.
Since the beginning of the Advent season, every time I walked along Tomićeva Street, it was crowded, so I decided to visit it a few days ago. And really, this is a place where you can find and taste food and beverages of the finest domestic restaurants and bars. Moreover, if you spice it up with good music, you have all the ingredients you need for a chic and special celebration of the New Year!
Image credit: Zagreb Tourist Board, Julien Duval
Ten minutes away on foot from Tomićeva Street, on the west side of the Ban Jelačić Square, you can find even more famous European Square. On the New Year's Eve, it will become the biggest outdoor pop-up club where you can dance into tomorrow to the rhythm of jazz, boogie, house, funk and disco! Aside from Fuliranje in Tomiceva, you can also find Fuliranje at Kurelceva street which is right next to European Square. The whole point of Fuliranje at this second location is open air disco club. Get your dancing shoes on, maybe even 70s hairstyle and prepare yourself to do the hustle at the beginning of 2017.
Image credit: Zagreb Tourist Board, Mirsad Mehulić
I think I'll go with the Frozen style on the Ice Park. How about you?
P.S.: More about New Year´s Eve in Zagreb read here adventzagreb.com/new-year
Header Image credit: Zagreb Tourist Board, Julien Duval
Author: Kristina Rep