Advent and Christmas is a time of year that many people look forward to. We will tell you where to enjoy a pleasant holiday atmosphere in the Czech Republic. Where to buy great gifts. Or where to energise yourselves. Squares in towns and cities will be adorned with the Christmas tree for a few weeks; there will be markets and various cultural programmes for children and adults alike. If you travel to the Czech Republic this year, check out our tips.
Christmas Markets in Prague
The Prague Christmas markets with beautiful wooden stands are one of the most famous in Europe and they have received many international awards. They take place at various Prague squares, such as the Old Town Square, the Republic Square, St. Wenceslas Square or the Mír Square. They offer traditional Christmas condiments and delicacies, hand-made craft products or delicious beverages, such as hot chocolate and spicy mulled wine. You will definitely find some inspiration for Christmas gifts and a wide selection of ornaments, toys, jewellery, winter clothes and accessories. The markets in Prague are a great alternative to traditional Christmas shopping. If you decide to visit the holiday markets, you will definitely enjoy the true Christmas atmosphere. The Old Town Square Christmas market takes place every day from 27 November to 6 January. The stands are open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the refreshments are available from 10 a.m. to midnight. The large stage offers a programme every day, from theatre performances to concerts and performances of child and folklore choirs and ensembles. Your children can look forward to a live Nativity scene, examples of traditional folk crafts, workshops, St. Nicholas or New Year’s Eve programme. The Christmas market at the Prague Castle is also interesting; it takes place at the U Svatého Jiří Square, behind the Cathedral. The market will be open from 26 November to 6 January. The market offers quality products by carefully selected sellers, and it excels in its beautiful position at the square of an ancient castle, as well as a pleasant atmosphere.
Advent Market in Plzeň
The Christmas market in West Bohemian Plzeň will take place in the city centre, the Republic Square, by the Cathedral of St. Bartholomew, from 23 November to 23 December. The market will offer dozens of stands with craft products and demonstrations of manufacture, as well as refreshments and regional specialities. If you come after the sunset, around 5 p.m. or later, you will see the unique atmosphere created by the holiday lights at the square.
Popular Olomouc Market
The Moravian town of Olomouc is preparing their popular Christmas market at the Upper Square. You can look forward to a diverse programme with music, theatre for children and adults, demonstrations of Advent customs, historical attractions, or a carved Nativity scene. And what can you get there this year? Besides the famous punch and mulled wine, more than a hundred of stands will be selling products related to Christmas and winter. Moreover, you can admire the beautifully illuminated Holy Trinity Column, inscribed by UNESCO, during the Christmas market and on long dark evenings. The market will open its gates on 27 November, and it will remain open until 23 December.
Christmas in Brno
The Moravian capital – Brno – is getting ready for Christmas after last year’s break when the markets did not happen due to COVID-19. During the Advent, the streets in the city centre will transform with decorations at all corners. This year, the markets take place from 26 November to 23 December at the Liberty Square, Dominican Square, the Cabbage Market and the Moravian Square. You can look forward to various delicacies, the Christmas tram, the traditional Halouzka Nativity Scene and much more.
Old Bohemian Christmas in Český Krumlov
Český Krumlov is a South Bohemian town with a beautiful chateau in its centre, rising above River Vltava. In summer, it is full of tourists, but it slows down in winter and everyone can enjoy the peaceful Christmas market. You can buy some traditional products and cookies at the Svornosti Square at the Old Bohemian Market from 26 November to 6 January. Both children and adults can enjoy Advent and Christmas concerts at the market.
Advent in České Budějovice
19 November is the opening day of the popular České Budějovice Advent full of wooden stands with diverse Christmas assortment, gifts, refreshments, punch of various aromas and flavours, mead, trdelník and other popular Christmas beverages and condiments, which will take place at the Square of Přemysl Ottokar II in the centre of České Budějovice in South Bohemia. There will also be stands with traditional crafts and hand-made products. However, there is one attraction in České Budějovice like no other anywhere else. You have the opportunity to skate around the fountain. The ice-rink with a skate rental will be opened to the public for free until Monday, 6 January.
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