Vibrant Markets, Live Concerts, Enchanting Nativity Scenes, and a Dazzling Universe
Christmas in the heart of Ostrava: markets and culture
Ostrava Christmas promises to be breathtaking once more, as the markets will kick off on November 22, 2025, and continue until the Three Kings celebration on January 6, 2026. You can once again enjoy a variety of stalls offering traditional foods, gifts for family and friends, or simply immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit. These stalls will be open daily from 10 AM to 8 PM.
This year, all vendors will be selling hot beverages in reusable cups. As in 2024, guests can donate those cups to the GoodBaskets initiative and contribute the deposit towards the services of the Ondrášek Mobile Hospice.
On Saturday, November 29, 2025, the Christmas tree gifted to Ostrava by the Pikn family from Stará Bělá will be illuminated in a festive ceremony. All the lights adorning the tree are energy-efficient LEDs in white hues. The tree will be decorated traditionally with golden ornaments and visual elements reflecting the spirit of Ostrava’s Christmas, while a star will shine brightly at the top. This tree will stand approximately 10.5 meters tall.
This year marks the one hundredth anniversary of the first decorated Christmas tree in Masaryk Square. To celebrate this milestone, there will be a special exhibition located in the grassy area of the square that showcases the tree’s journey through the decades during Ostrava Christmas.
Big-name artists will perform on the Main Stage during Advent Sundays. This year’s lineup includes performances by well-known singers Lenny, Martin Chodur, Aneta Langerová, and Jana Kirschner. On Tuesday, December 23, Tomáš Savka and the Ostrava Big Band will entertain the crowd.
Ferris wheel, carousel, and ice rink during Ostrava Christmas
In Masaryk Square, from November 22 to January 6, you can spin around on the observation wheel; it will have an accessible booth for those with mobility challenges. A single ride costs 100 crowns. On nearby Jirásek Square, there will also be a children’s carousel from the same date, featuring beautiful historical wooden figures. This year’s display also includes a newly sheltered wooden Havířská nativity scene.
Starting from November 29, a Christmas ice rink will open at Dr. Beneš Square, offering free skating until January 6. Skates will be available for rent on-site.
Nativity exhibition at Silesian Ostrava Castle
At the Silesian Ostrava Castle Gallery, you can view a variety of historical and modern nativity scenes created by both professional and amateur artists until January 4, 2026. The enchanting atmosphere will be enhanced by carols and handmade Christmas decorations.
This year, the focus is on cribs designed by Vojtěch Kubasta, known for his delightful paper cribs that have charmed many generations worldwide. The exhibition will showcase not only Kubasta’s original nativity scenes but also large-canvas versions of his works, allowing you to experience their beauty at “life-size.” Additionally, other paper cribs will be displayed, including historic color prints and contemporary pieces from local artists and collectors. This exhibition will illustrate how the tradition of the crib bridges art, craft, and faith through captivating storytelling.
Christmas at the Castle
The highlight of the festivities is undoubtedly Christmas at the Castle, slated for the weekend of December 6, 2025. Expect an exciting program filled with various activities. In the small and large halls, you can enjoy Vizovice pastries and explore numerous sales stalls. There will also be magical storytelling, performances by jugglers, as well as appearances by St. Nicholas and his helpers. New this year will be exhibits demonstrating traditional crafts and customs. Prepare for minting coins and the chance to buy a symbolic historical coin “from under the pillow.” In the ceremonial hall, kids can join a wooden workshop and try their hand at engraving, painting Christmas motifs on wood, laser burning, making wooden decorations, or crafting wooden flasks. Children can also have fun interacting with sheep, goats, and a donkey.
Universe Light Park in Dolní Vítkovice
At the Dolní Vítkovice area, you’ll find giant light installations featuring planets, rockets, astronauts, and flying saucers as part of the unique Light Universe exhibition. With its breathtaking backdrop of colossal blast furnaces and industrial buildings, this exhibition lights up cosmic planets, star groupings, and pathways to the wonders of the universe. With over half a million lights, the exhibition is open until December 30, 2025, and families can attend for a fee of CZK 550 in advance.
