Zagreb’s Hotel Esplanade is preparing the most glamorous New Year’s Eve in the city — with top-tier entertainment, exquisite delicacies, and a fantastic atmosphere
Red carpet, chilled sparkling wine, the energetic Showtime — one of the country’s best bands, music that invites you to dance, Piano & Cognac Lounge, the traditional midnight waltz, and a children’s disco countdown for the little ones… At Esplanade, an unforgettable night of celebration is guaranteed!
For the ultimate gourmet experience, Chef Ana Grgić Tomić has prepared a selection of carefully curated delicacies — wagyu tartare, oysters, lobster claws, foie gras, Oscietra caviar, truffles — just some of the luxurious culinary offerings awaiting you on New Year’s Eve.
They say the way you enter the New Year sets the tone for the entire year. If that’s true, there’s no room for compromise. Forget pajamas, the couch, and movie marathons — this year, choose glamour! Dress in your finest attire, put on a smile, and step into 2026 with tempting delicacies, dancing, joy, and the fantastic atmosphere of Zagreb’s iconic Hotel Esplanade. Because if you start the year on the red carpet with a glass of sparkling wine, who knows — that energy might just stay with you for all 365 days.
The red carpet will lead you to the magnificent Emerald Hall and the elegant Zinfandel’s restaurant, where every detail is carefully planned. A New Year’s Eve celebration at Esplanade is always a special experience, and the Esplanade team ensures that everyone feels like a true star. The evening begins in the impressive Esplanade lobby, with its lavishly decorated Christmas tree, marble fireplaces, and crystal chandeliers, accompanied by soothing music, a sparkling welcome drink, and gourmet appetizers — just a prelude to the highlight of the night: a six-course gala dinner of exquisite delights.
Delicious bites and infectious dance rhythms
This year, Ana and her team have created an irresistible New Year’s menu that proves great flavors belong alongside great fun. The gourmet journey begins with welcome bites: wagyu tartare in brioche with truffles and truffle aioli, beetroot marinated in cherry juice with Lička base cream and rosemary, and a poached oyster with oyster leaf foam and shiso leaf.
The gala evening continues with a six-course menu: Oscietra caviar served with a caramelized chicory tart and roasted hazelnut gel, while Ana perfectly pairs roasted foie gras with carrot and almond sponge, quince marmalade, and port gel. The meal proceeds with poached lobster claws, orange‑poached carrot, carrot velouté, and saffron aioli, followed by a refreshing citrus sorbet. For the main course, enjoy a succulent beef fillet crowned with truffles, morel mushrooms cooked in cognac, and chestnut and potato roulades.
The grand finale is dessert — dark chocolate and truffle truffles, dark cocoa crumble, roasted hazelnut crémeux, and candied truffles, guaranteed to leave no one indifferent.
Selected premium Croatian wines accompany the dinner, and at midnight, a sparkling toast awaits, along with the traditional waltz and heartfelt wishes. When you need a break from dancing, the famous Esplanade wine goulash is served for post-midnight refreshment.
The musical highlight of the evening will be provided by the energetic band Showtime, whose hits and infectious energy fill the dance floor in record time. From waltzes and evergreens to the biggest pop and rock classics, their music creates an atmosphere that is impossible to resist. Expect a mix of powerful vocals, live performances, and rhythms that keep going until the early hours of the morning.
When you need a break, Esplanade offers the cozy ambiance of the Piano & Cognac Lounge — comfortable sofas, top-quality cognac, a charming team of bartenders, cigars, gentle piano melodies, and excellent company from around the world provide the perfect escape from the dance floor.
A Children’s Celebration at Esplanade Level
While you enjoy the evening, your little ones are cared for by the cheerful team of professional animators from Little Stars by Nina, who organize a children’s disco countdown full of games, laughter, and music. Kids can look forward to an irresistibly decorated space, dancing with peers, board games, and plenty of surprises, with a cool relaxation area where they can even take a nap.
Young guests won’t go hungry, as Chef Ana Grgić Tomić prepares the finest treats just for them — the buffet includes healthy tomato and mozzarella sticks, avocado and chickpea spreads, delicious sandwiches, mini burgers, crispy panko‑crusted chicken, fried sea bass fillets with sweet potato and olive oil cream, creamy vegetable risotto, and tempting baked Esplanade štrukli. For a sweet finish, children can enjoy smoothies, chocolate and fruit muffins, festive cookies, colorful lollipops, mousse in cups, chocolate pralines, and fresh cut fruit.
Experience a Stay at Esplanade
For all guests visiting Zagreb, as well as locals dreaming of a luxurious escape without the hassle of luggage, stress, or crowds, and with complete comfort, we recommend an unforgettable stay at Esplanade, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Surprise a loved one and book a special overnight package, which, in addition to the gala dinner, includes sumptuous accommodations with a VIP welcome, a Bloody Mary breakfast for a refreshing start at Zinfandel’s restaurant with buffet and à la carte options, late check-out, and access to the gym and sauna at the Health Club. Admit it — a brilliant idea!
Secure your spot for the wildest night of the year and join the unforgettable celebration at Esplanade. Emerald Hall or Zinfandel’s — the choice is yours, but availability is diminishing by the day.
The New Year’s Eve celebration with the full evening program is priced at €295 per person and includes a welcome glass of sparkling wine with fine appetizers, a six‑course gala dinner, unlimited selected wine and water, midnight sparkling wine, and goulash for a late-night refreshment.
The children’s celebration (ages 2–10) is €155 per child and includes a rich buffet curated by Chef Ana Grgić Tomić, children’s sparkling wine at midnight, and unlimited juice and water. This offer is available only to parents celebrating New Year’s Eve in one of the hotel’s venues (Zinfandel’s or Emerald Hall).
The New Year’s package with one overnight stay in a Superior Room is €799 for two people and includes New Year’s Eve dinner at Zinfandel’s restaurant or in the Emerald Hall, along with breakfast at Zinfandel’s. The package is available subject to room availability on 31 December 2025. An upgrade to a higher room category (Deluxe, Junior, Deluxe Suite, or Esplanade Suite) or an additional night’s stay at the hotel is available for an extra charge. The price includes VAT. Tourist tax of €1.86 per person per day is not included in the package price. *Prices include VAT.
For more information, visit the Advent Esplanade website. To reserve a table or accommodation, contact the Esplanade Events team at [email protected] or by phone at +385 1 45 66 037.
PHOTOS FOR DOWNLOAD: Esplanade doček Nove 2026 (Esplanade Zagreb Hotel archive)
Published: Zagreb, 12 December 2025
