FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS ZAGREB 2025: A MAGICAL TRANSFORMATION OF THE CITY AWAITS

Few events can signal a shift in the mood of a destination like the Festival of Lights Zagreb, which returns to Croatia’s capital for its seventh edition from March 19 to 23, 2025.

PHOTO: B92

The long winter nights will quickly become a distant memory as the iconic festival greets the springtime with a spectacular display of light, symbolizing the change of seasons through an innovative blend of history, art, and modern technology. 

The festival’s growing international appeal is once again highlighted by a diverse range of installations, as renowned artists from Germany, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and others will join local artists to showcase their works throughout the city.

The 2025 Festival of Lights Zagreb will feature more than 20 installations, including several returning to the Upper Town, a popular location from past editions. This year’s festival will also celebrate several significant anniversaries. The renowned Esplanade Hotel, built to accommodate passengers of the legendary Orient Express, will mark its 100th anniversary with a special installation. The Art Pavilion will light up to commemorate 1,100 years since the coronation of King Tomislav, while one of the most beloved landmarks of Zagreb's cultural heritage, the Croatian National Theatre, will bathe in light 130 years after its opening.

The festival’s commitment to environmental responsibility is emphasized through its ongoing partnership with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), an international non-governmental organization dedicated to preserving nature and reducing human impact on the environment.

As part of this commitment, the Festival of Lights Zagreb will participate in Earth Hour on March 22. The symbol of this year’s festival is the kukureka flower, with its strong associations with tranquility, peace, and calmness.