Each spring, as the days begin to stretch longer, Zagreb marks the changing season in spectacular fashion. From March 18 to 22, 2026, the Festival of Lights Zagreb returns, transforming Croatia’s capital into a glowing open-air gallery where art, technology, and urban space come together after dark.
Now one of the city’s most anticipated cultural events, the Festival of Lights unfolds across Zagreb’s historic centre, illuminating streets, squares, parks, and landmark façades with immersive light installations and large-scale projections. For five evenings, familiar city spaces are reimagined through colour, movement, and storytelling—inviting visitors to experience Zagreb from an entirely new perspective.
Organized by the Zagreb Tourist Board in collaboration with the City of Zagreb and a network of local and international partners, the festival has become a symbolic opening of the spring season. It also reinforces Zagreb’s growing reputation as a creative, forward-thinking European capital—one that embraces innovation while celebrating its architectural and cultural heritage.
Light serves as both medium and message throughout the festival. Installations blend art and technology to create interactive experiences that encourage exploration, curiosity, and connection. As night falls, the city takes on a new rhythm—dynamic, welcoming, and infused with a sense of shared energy as locals and visitors move between glowing urban stages.
According to Martina Bienenfeld, CEO of the Zagreb Tourist Board, the festival has evolved into a platform that unites art, culture, science, and sustainability, while strengthening Zagreb’s international cultural profile. A key milestone in that global recognition is Zagreb’s participation in the Festival of Lights Berlin, one of the world’s most respected light art events—positioning the Croatian capital firmly within the global cultural conversation.
As a member of the Festival of Lights International network—alongside cities such as Berlin, Munich, and Sofia—Zagreb actively promotes cross-border artistic collaboration and sustainable creativity. Environmental responsibility is woven into the festival’s DNA, with a strong focus on energy efficiency, responsible technology use, and partnerships with scientific and educational institutions.
More than a visual spectacle, the Festival of Lights Zagreb demonstrates how public space can be transformed into a canvas for innovation and dialogue. Its thoughtful blend of art, science, and sustainability continues to attract audiences, creative professionals, and international collaborators, reinforcing Zagreb’s status as a leading destination for contemporary cultural experiences.
For travelers seeking a reason to visit Croatia in early spring, the Festival of Lights offers a compelling excuse—one that reveals Zagreb at its most imaginative, vibrant, and luminous.
Top Hotels for Your Zagreb Visit
Luxury & Elegant Stays
- Esplanade Zagreb Hotel – Iconic luxury hotel near the city centre with timeless style and excellent service.
- art’otel Zagreb, Powered by Radisson Hotels – Stylish boutique option with contemporary design and artful flair.
- Best Western Premier Hotel Astoria – Comfortable upper-mid-range option with refined décor and a central address.
Mid-Range & Comfortable Choices
- DoubleTree by Hilton Zagreb – A reliable international chain with modern rooms and good transport links.
- The Westin Zagreb – Spacious rooms and classic comfort within walking distance of many attractions.
- Sheraton Zagreb Hotel – A big-brand favourite close to key city sites.
Boutique & Local Gems
- Hotel Jägerhorn – Charming heritage hotel on bustling Ilica street.
- MANDA Heritage Hotel – Stylish, local-flavour stay with a unique character.
- Boutique hotel HOH, Zagreb – Slightly further out but well-reviewed for design and comfort.
