Joyful and Eco-Friendly! Explore Responsible Christmas Markets

Most of the markets take place in city centers, which are convenient to reach using public transport. In big cities, there are even trams and trolleybuses decorated for Christmas!
At Christmas markets, you can see a demonstration of traditional Czech crafts. You can purchase items from local artisans or even try making something yourself. Many markets offer various workshops for all ages, not just for kids. The most eco-friendly markets show how to craft decorations from recycled or natural materials.

The Ekocentrum Zahrada in Mladá Boleslav holds a creative workshop where you can create Advent wreaths using natural materials and flowers. In Hradec Králové, Christmas markets feature local specialty foods and products, including those from the Hradecko Regional Product.

For a touch of traditional crafts and a charming Christmas ambiance, visitors can explore several open-air museums around the Czech Republic, where the festive spirit can be felt immediately upon entering. For instance, at the Vysoký Chlumec open-air museum, guests can admire beautifully decorated cottages, see skilled artisans at work, and even try various craft activities themselves.

At the Polabské Christmas markets, you can discover not only work from local artisans but also watch demonstrations of traditional crafts like basket weaving, lace-making, painting glass, leather crafting, pottery, wood carving, beekeeping, and knitting. Additionally, the organizers collaborate with animal welfare organizations like the Asylum Dog Beautiful Forest, Hearts for Paws, and the Four Leaf Clover Aid Foundation.

The Beroun Christmas Market allows visitors to purchase products made by local sheltered workshops and support students in their apprenticeships by buying treats like gingerbread, baked goods, or carpentry items. The town also features a Christmas decoration display in the center made with energy-efficient LED lighting.

To help reduce waste created by disposable tableware, returnable cups are being used this year. At fairs in cities like Jihlava, Hluboká nad Vltavou, Kroměříž, Pardubice, Český Krumlov, Opava, and Ostrava, you can buy hot drinks in these reusable cups. However, the České Budějovice Advent market is taking it a step further by providing reusable Advent mugs as a substitute for single-use cups. Visitors can take these mugs home as keepsakes. This initiative cuts down on waste while promoting local ceramics, making it both attractive and helpful for the environment.

In Jihlava, the organizers have been dedicated to ensuring that Christmas markets positively impact both the community and the environment. The group “Brána Jihlava” focuses on local vendors and regional products; visitors can find handicrafts, traditional artworks, and items from sheltered workshops. The markets also include charitable contributions, with a charity stand in partnership with the Jihlava Charity, where guests can donate to various charitable projects or support the Tříkrál collection.

Additionally, Jihlava emphasizes sustainable market practices. They offer returnable cups to cut down on waste, and the city utilizes energy-efficient LED lighting. Public transport will also join in the Christmas spirit, as a special tram will run from November 30 until Three Kings Day. Visitors can join in workshops dedicated to creating decorations from natural and recycled materials like plywood, plaster, or old textiles.

Tradition Central to Advent – Wallachian Mikulas Fair

Christmas markets also celebrate traditions, which play a big part in the Wallachian St Nicholas Fair. These traditions are a real treasure for the area, making the fair all about supporting local artisans, producers, and customs. Consequently, it has preserved its genuine and sustainable character over time. Attendees can enjoy a classic St. Nicholas Day parade featuring hundreds of masks, demonstrations of crafts, handmade gifts, and historical buildings open to showcase folklore activities. There are also unique Wallachian specialties, including authentic Wallachian sourdough, plus competitions for the best local products. This fair beautifully merges the festive Christmas vibe with respect for local culture and living traditions.

Zlín – Christmas Markets Focused on Local Economy

The Christmas markets in Zlín emphasize supporting local and regional artisans by offering handmade ceramics, wooden ornaments, and woven baskets, along with products from sheltered workshops. The entire area is outfitted with energy-efficient LED lighting to lower energy use while creating a cozy atmosphere. Moreover, there are Christmas-themed trolleybuses equipped with LED lights that add to the festive charm. The experience is further enhanced by creative workshops where you can make decorations from natural and recycled materials.

Pardubice – An Advent Rich with Gingerbread Scents

Pardubice’s Advent markets attract visitors by highlighting local products, traditional crafts, and charitable work. Guests can take part in the Gingerbread Gastro Tour, attend creative workshops, and aid the project Andělka helps, which supports children with cancer. The market runs with eco-friendly practices, utilizing returnable cups and focusing on local suppliers. The center is conveniently accessible via public transport or its Christmas-decorated trolley bus.

A Year-Round Christmas Tree

The Christmas tree is an important symbol of the holiday season. But which type should you choose? In Kroměříž, you can opt for a potted Christmas tree that will continue to bring joy all year long, helping to minimize the number of disposable trees discarded after the holiday season. Similarly, at the Christmas markets in Brno, you can find potted fir trees that not only provide festive cheer but also last throughout the year, preventing waste from discarded trees. This sustainable practice has been backed by a Brno-based non-profit organization for 27 years, with main retail points being Veronica Foundation charity shops.

Another eco-friendly option includes trees made from pruned branches, like those in Jihlava from Vystrkov near Humpolec. These pruned branches come from tree maintenance—utilizing them as Christmas trees is more environmentally friendly than traditional cutting and allowing the holidays to be celebrated with greater respect for nature.

A different choice is available in City of Aš, where Christmas trees and smaller potted options are sourced from the municipal company Ašské lesy s.r.o.. These trees are harvested from the Aš Forest Management Unit, known for its commitment to sustainability, nature conservation, and maintaining biodiversity. The management practices are transparently monitored by the European EDRU system and verified yearly through independent audits.