Discover the Most Enchanting Christmas Markets in the Czech Republic
Prague – the biggest Advent market in the Czech Republic
The largest Advent market takes place in the capital city from 20 November 2025 to 6 January 2026. The Christmas markets in Prague are well-known throughout Europe. A prestigious UK newspaper, The Times, has enthusiastically highlighted the beauty and atmosphere of the Advent market in central Prague. They named it one of the most beautiful in Europe, and the American news website CNN also ranks it among the most stunning Christmas markets in the entire world.
Old Town, Havel Square, Wenceslas Square, Republic Square (near V Celnici Street), Tyl Square, and Peace Square are locations where Prague celebrates Advent and Christmas each year. Both locals and visitors can explore the Advent Village, which features charming stalls selling Christmas decorations, small gifts, and snacks. Market-goers can enjoy the festive decorations of Prague’s central square, which radiates a lovely Christmas vibe. With a warm cup of mulled wine, everyone can gather in front of the stage, where mainly children’s groups perform carols. Stalls will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m..
Brno – the essence of Christmas in the Moravian capital
Moravian Metropolis Brno comes alive every year with a unique Brno Christmas atmosphere, spreading Advent cheer at every corner. The heart of the celebration is Liberty Square. Besides the Christmas tree, this year you’ll find a winter bar, a large design consumption zone by the fountain, and a charming Christmas tram. Here, you can enjoy a daily schedule of musical and cultural events that confirm Brno’s title as a UNESCO Creative City of Music is truly deserved. Just a few steps from “Svobody” leads you to Dominican Square, which features a wooden Halouzek’s nativity scene, showcasing over a hundred intricately carved figures. Kids can send their wishes at Santa’s post office, and on weekends, you can enjoy regular fairy tales and creative workshops. During the week, chamber concerts are held here.
If you want to explore more markets, don’t miss the Green Market and the one at Moravian Square, featuring a giant observation wheel and a spacious ice rink of 800 m2. There, you will also discover craft products like ceramics, handmade soaps, bath salts, and Christmas decorations. You’ll encounter blacksmiths, candle makers, soap makers, bell makers, and bookbinders showcasing their crafts. The markets will also provide delicious food and drink, which are an essential part of the Advent season. An exciting time machine will also be running, releasing little gifts until December 24, 2025. This year, rides through the historic center in a beautifully decorated Christmas carriage will be available throughout the Advent season.
Olomouc – Advent season filled with the scent of punch
The Christmas markets in Olomouc, happening from 21 November to 23 December 2025, are the only ones in the Czech Republic that serve authentic Nuremberg wine and punch. The wine’s quality is strictly controlled and the recipes have been maintained for generations. They offer over ten varieties of wine and punches, all available as gift packs of one litre. You can try them at selected stalls. These stalls will offer items such as ceramics, Advent wreaths, Christmas decorations, blacksmithing items, textiles, wooden crafts, bee products, and winter accessories. The stalls will be located on the Upper and Lower Squares and, in collaboration with the Exhibition Centre Flora, also at the marketplace, where the popular Christmas Ferris wheel and a large outdoor ice rink have been set up. The beautifully decorated Market Hall will host stalls mainly featuring craft items such as ceramics, Christmas decorations, Advent wreaths, and homemade goods. The observation wheel and stalls will be open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.. Hours.
Ostrava – a stylish and festive Ostrava Christmas
The holidays in Ostrava, illuminated with festive lights and exciting experiences, kick off this year on November 22 and continue until Monday January 6, 2026. Traditional Christmas markets will be held at Masaryk and Jirásek Square. You can find a Christmas tree in Masaryk Square, along with a giant Ferris wheel and a popular ice rink. Naturally, there will be stalls filled with delicious goodies and gifts perfect for decorating your Christmas tree. These stalls will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., giving visitors ample time to shop and enjoy the true Christmas spirit. Throughout the Christmas Fair, visitors will be entertained by various theatre performances, folk music, and other musical groups.
Pilsen – a traditional Christmas market in central Pilsen
Every year, the Christmas markets take place at the Square of the Republic. This year, the square is once again enveloped in a delightful Christmas atmosphere, infused with the scents of mulled wine, traditional Bohemian pastries, and gingerbread, lasting until 23 December 2025. You can witness demonstrations of folk traditions and crafts centered around Christmas themes. It’s a great opportunity to gather inspiration for Christmas gifts or to purchase them directly at the markets! Children will enjoy seeing live animals like donkeys and sheep in a nativity scene and a program filled with Christmas carols. The Christmas markets feature numerous stalls showcasing artisan products and craft demonstrations this year, alongside plenty of food stalls offering delicious local specialties. Stalls are open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m..
České Budějovice – Advent in České Budějovice with a giant wheel and ice rink
The traditional Christmas markets in České Budějovice at the main square of Přemysl Otakar II. began on November 18 and will continue until January 6, 2026. The program is as engaging and entertaining as ever. Stalls are open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (until 10:00 p.m. on weekends). Visitors can expect a charming Advent town with numerous stalls, an observation tower, a quaint gazebo A bell tower with viewing areas, an Advent stage offering diverse programs, and a beautifully carved life-size nativity scene, along with creative workshops, all contributing to an authentic Christmas atmosphere. A giant observation wheel provides a breathtaking view of the enchanting city center. There is also a Santa’s Workshop nearby for children, where they can create and learn about traditions for free, guided by local craftsmen.
The almost 600 m2 ice skating area is designed in an octagonal shape, with a circle surrounding the fountain, forming the heart of the Christmas market as it does every year. The atmosphere at the ice rink is enhanced by beautiful lighting, life-size historical Advent figures, and Christmas tunes that fill the air. This year’s edition of the České Budějovice Advent has once again brought a vibrant cultural program to Přemysl Otakar II Square. Musicians perform not only live, but also on request.
Český Krumlov – Traditional Old Bohemian Christmas Market on Svornost Square
The Christmas decorations and the Old Bohemian Fair will enhance the magical atmosphere of Český Krumlov as they do each year. The Advent markets on Svornosti Square will be open from 22 November 2025 to 4 January 2026. The stalls are available from Monday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Fridays and Saturdays, the delightful scent of trdelník and mulled wine will fill the air from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. On Friday, 12 December, a spectacular Angel Parade will take place through the town at 5:00 p.m. The parade will wind through the Monastery Courtyard, Latrán, Radniční Street to Svornosti Square, and will reach the steps in front of St. Vitus Church.
Not just for families with young children, but also on 24 December, you can kick off Christmas Day with a special gathering in the first courtyard of the castle for the Bear Christmas event. The bears Maria Theresa, Polyxena, and William will be celebrating Christmas, and you’re welcome to bring gifts for them. All gift items (like cakes, cookies, Christmas treats, apples, vegetables, and honey) must be placed in the castle moat, under the decorated tree, and will be supervised by a bear keeper ensuring that anything harmful does not get given to the bears.
Whether you decide to visit Prague’s Old Town, the enchanting Krumlov, or a small local market, the Czech and Moravian Advent markets will surely bring you joy, beauty, and unforgettable experiences. We wish you a tranquil Advent and a warm, magical Christmas full of happiness and cherished moments!
