Prague, Brno, Olomouc and Český Krumlov – there are the four cities you should definitely visit while travelling in the Czech Republic, even though there are Christmas and Advent markets all over the country. The Prague Christmas market is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world, but the Christmas atmosphere in Moravia is also charming.
Prague: The Largest Christmas Market in the Country
When: 30/11/2019 – 6/1/2020This year, as any other year, you can take a stroll through the beautifully decorated Prague streets. The Prague Christmas Market is the largest one in the Czech Republic and it is often called one of the best markets in Europe. CNN, the American TV station, even said that it is one of the most beautiful markets in the world. And what can you expect to see in Prague before Christmas? The Christmas market at the Old Town Square always attracts a lot of visitors as the market brings the atmosphere of true Czech Christmas to the historical centre of Prague. At the Old Town Square, you won’t miss the richly decorated Christmas tree, lit at the beginning of Advent. Under the tree, there is a nativity scene as well as live animals that remind us of the atmosphere in Bethlehem – you can take a selfie with sheep, a donkey or a lama. The stands are fragrant with punch and trdelnik (special rolled pastry) and you can also purchase typical Christmas goods there and look forward to the display of traditional folk crafts and Christmas songs and carols. This year, the Prague Castle will also be lit with thousands of sparkling lights as it will also host a Christmas market. The area of the largest castle in the world will offer quality Christmas products. There are other markets at other places in Prague – at St. Wenceslas Square and the Republic Square, Tyl’s Square, Peace Square – those are the places where Prague celebrates Advent and Christmas.
Brno: Two Squares Full of Christmas
When: 29/11/2019 – 5/1/2020This year’s Christmas in Brno will be the largest event taking place in the centre of Brno that will take place at two squares where you can try to weave an Advent wreath, watch the Nutcracker performance or bake some unusual Christmas cookies. The centre of the Christmas celebrations is the Freedom Square which will pulsate with holiday atmosphere, light show, live music or famous personalities. The winter bar will offer Christmas long drinks, the small stage regular evenings with live electronic music. The second square, Dominican, will enchant you with the romantic scenery created by the New City Hal and St. Michael’s Church. At this square, you can have a look at the hand-carved nativity scene, a petting zoo, Ježíšek’ post and a bell ringer.
Olomouc: Punch, Punch and Punch
When: 22/11/2019 – 24/12/2019You can try various kinds of punch, hot wine and other hot drinks at all the markets but you will not find as many different kinds anywhere else than in Olomouc. The Christmas market in Olomouc is the only one in the Czech Republic that offers the original quality of Nuremberg wine and punch. You can try over 10 kinds of wine and punch, and the entire assortment is also sold in a gift package. You can look forward to the packed programme with all genres of music, theatre performances for children and adults, Advent customs, period attractions and there will also be a carved nativity scene and carollers right at the square. Moreover, you can go ice-skating on the open rink for free until the end of December.
Český Krumlov: Traditional Christmas under a UNESCO Castle
When: 29/11/2019 – 6/1/2020Advent gives the South Bohemian city of Český Krumlov a brand new face – a face full of peace and poetry. The traditional events include lighting the Christmas tree, carollers, St. Nicholas gifts, Ježíšek’s post, or the old Bohemian Advent market at the Svornosti Square. Not only families with small children will appreciate the opportunity to start Christmas Eve with bears in the first castle courtyard. The local castle and chateau registered on the UNESCO list are closed in winter but you can visit the Castle Museum (until 22/12) or climb the chateau tower. The live nativity scene – a biblical story presented through songs and dances, accompanied by live music, is charming.
