Strakonice to Sparkle Again with a Medieval Christmas Market Beneath Rumpál
The gates of Strakonice Castle will grandly open on Friday, December 5, 2025, at 3 p.m. Like every year, the Advent Market under the Rrumpál will fill the castle courtyard with different artisans and musicians from the local area, showcasing a wide variety of handmade goods. You’ll find items such as Advent wreaths, Christmas decorations, nativity scenes, mistletoe, candles, gingerbread, and other festive products. There will also be beautifully forged and carved items, jewelry made from different materials, ceramics, spices, dried plants, wirework, handmade textiles, natural cosmetics, and knitted hats and headbands. Traditional fare like mead, punch, trdelník, roasted almonds and nuts, sausages, pickled cheeses, potato pancakes, doughnuts, fruit skewers, and traditional Bohemian dishes will also be available.
The cultural program is sure to entertain visitors of all ages. As is tradition, the markets will be inaugurated by trumpeters, followed by performances from choirs, elementary schools, brass bands, and bagpipers. Children and adults will also enjoy puppet shows and a live nativity scene featuring animals including llamas and camels. Throughout the market, visitors can hear the delightful sounds of castle carols and Christmas songs performed by local choirs and music groups. Additionally, there will be an exciting lineup of sword fighters and historical attractions.
During the market, guests can also visit a Christmas exhibition inside the castle. This year, the exhibition space will be filled with film costumes, photographs, and stories from The Magic of Kings, The Waterboy, and Caroline and The Three Brothers, which were filmed at the enchanting Water Mill in Hoslovice, under the management of the museum.
Attendees can look forward to original costumes borrowed from Barrandov and Czech Television, along with film photos, intriguing anecdotes from the filming, and even short clips from the movies themselves. The exhibition also features an interactive game designed for both children and adults – Fairy Tale Journey. This unique exhibition acts as a large game board where visitors will navigate through as living characters, completing fairy tale tasks inspired by beloved stories—ranging from “Feed the Wolf” to “Test of Courage” and “Fight for the Ruby Heart”.
