Christmas and New Year 2026 in Croatia: Day Trips from Zagreb

Samobor: A Sweet Escape

Just 25 kilometres west of Zagreb, Samobor is a favourite day trip for locals and visitors alike. The town is known for its kremsnita, a custard cake that you will see in almost every bakery, and for its baroque centre and the ruins of Samobor Castle, a short but steep walk from the main square. At Christmas, the streets are lightly decorated and the atmosphere is cosy without being crowded. Buses run from Zagreb's main bus station roughly every 30 minutes, and the journey takes about 45 minutes. By car, take the A2 motorway and exit at Samobor; the drive is around 30 minutes.

If you visit in late December, combine your trip with a walk along the Gradna stream and a stop at one of the local restaurants serving traditional Croatian dishes. The castle is free to enter and offers views over the town, but the path can be slippery in winter, so wear sturdy shoes. I would book a hotel in Zagreb for this trip rather than staying overnight in Samobor, as the town is small and accommodation options are limited. Return to Zagreb in the late afternoon to enjoy the capital's Christmas markets, which are among the best in Europe.

Varaždin: Baroque Charm

Varaždin, about 80 kilometres north of Zagreb, is often called the baroque capital of Croatia. Its well-preserved old town, with pastel-coloured houses and cobbled streets, feels like a step back in time. During the Christmas season, the town hosts an Advent programme with concerts and stalls, but it is more low-key than Zagreb's. The drive takes around 1 hour 15 minutes via the A4 motorway, or you can take a train from Zagreb's main railway station; the journey takes about 2 hours and runs several times a day. Check the official Croatian Railways website for schedules.

While in Varaždin, visit the castle, which now houses a museum, and stroll through the central square. The town is compact and easily explored on foot. I recommend visiting on a weekday if possible, as weekends can be busier with local visitors. For lunch, try a traditional restaurant near the square; expect hearty dishes like štrukli and roasted meats. If you are looking for a hotel, Zagreb's wide range of options makes it a better base than Varaždin, where choices are fewer and often booked up during the holidays.

Kumrovec: A Step Back in Time

For a different kind of day trip, head to Kumrovec, the birthplace of Josip Broz Tito, about 50 kilometres northwest of Zagreb. The village is home to an open-air museum, Staro Selo, with traditional houses and workshops that show how life was lived in the Zagorje region. In winter, the museum is quieter and sometimes has reduced hours, so check the official site before you go. The drive takes around 1 hour via the A2 motorway, or you can take a bus from Zagreb to Klanjec and then a local bus or taxi to Kumrovec; the total journey is about 1.5 to 2 hours.

The surrounding Zagorje hills are beautiful even in winter, and if there is snow, the landscape becomes picture-perfect. Combine your visit with a stop at the nearby town of Klanjec, which has a small but interesting gallery. I would book this trip as a half-day outing from Zagreb, as there is limited accommodation in Kumrovec itself. Back in Zagreb, spend the evening exploring the Christmas market at Ban Jelačić Square, which is within walking distance of many hotels. Remember that December 25 and 26, and January 1, are public holidays, so some shops and restaurants may be closed.

Practical Tips for Your Day Trips

When planning day trips from Zagreb during the Christmas and New Year period, consider that daylight hours are short, so aim to start early. Public transport is reliable but can be less frequent on holidays; check schedules in advance. If you are driving, be aware that winter conditions can affect roads, especially in the hills around Samobor and Kumrovec, so check weather forecasts and road conditions. You can find updates on the Croatian Automobile Club (HAK) website.

For accommodation, Zagreb offers the widest choice of hotels, from budget to luxury, and many are within walking distance of the main Christmas market. Book well in advance, as the holiday season is popular. I would choose a hotel near Ban Jelačić Square or the main railway station for easy access to day trips. Avoid staying outside the city centre if you rely on public transport, as connections can be slower on holidays. With a Zagreb base, you can enjoy the city's festive atmosphere and still explore the surrounding region.