Discover Excitement: Narrow-Gauge Railways, Devils, Christmas Concerts, and Advent Adventures in Pilsen!
Advent in Pilsen
Christmas markets located in Republic Square in Pilsen offer a wonderful experience, remaining open until December 23 from 10 am to 8 pm. Besides the various market stalls, there’s a Ferris wheel, carousel, and even some animals to see. You can also enjoy cultural events. It’s definitely worth checking out the Jesus Post Office or visiting the spectacular St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral, where you can take in a stunning view from the tower. Don’t forget to explore the West Bohemian Museum, which features an exhibition currently displayed in its main building. Hurry to Bethlehem, the Holy City. This exhibition showcases nativity scenes and their elements from the collections of the West Bohemian Museum in Pilsen, the Dr. Hostas Museum of Homeland History in Klatovy, the diocesan assortment of the bishopric of Regensburg, and members of the group Betlemakers of Pilsen. The exhibition also includes contributions from Museum of Czech Christmas. While in Pilsen, enjoy a ride on the Christmas tram.
Advent time in Zoo Pilsen
Even in the winter months, it’s a great idea to visit the Zoological and Botanical Garden of Pilsen, which is open 365 days a year. One advantage of visiting during Advent is that there are fewer tourists than in the summer, enabling you to enjoy a more peaceful experience—something that can be hard to find in the rush before Christmas. The zoo is open 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. You can even visit the Pilsen Zoo on Christmas Eve. The zoo is traditionally open in the morning. You can leisurely explore the grounds, provide treats for the animals, catch goldfish, or stroll along the Christmas competition trail.
Advent tours in Pilsner Urquell
While we are still in Pilsen, let us invite you to Advent tours at Plzeňský Prazdroj, happening from December 4 to December 20 on Thursdays and Saturdays. These tours will provide fascinating information about brewing as well as the brewery’s history, and there will be tastings and a quiz involved.
Living Bethlehem
The Living Bethlehem of Staroplzenec has been a long-standing tradition of over thirty years. Come and relive the story of Jesus’s birth and sing carols together. The Living Nativity will be performed at various places throughout Advent and Christmas in many locations within the Diocese of Pilsen: on December 13, you’ll find it in Spálené Poříčí at the square by St. Nicholas Church, and on December 20 in Stýskaly next to the Chapel of Our Lady. On Christmas Eve, you can witness it starting at 11:00 in Pilsen at Republic Square and from 14:00 in Stary Plzenec by the Church of St. John the Baptist. In early January, the Tříkrálové collections will be opened in Plzeň at St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral.
Plzenecké železnice rides
The narrow gauge railway in Stary Plzenec is a delightful attraction for families with kids. You can take part in the St. Nicholas Rides on December 6 starting at 14:00. Each child will receive a small gift, just like a traditional St. Nicholas treat. The rides continue on Christmas Eve from 12:00. For those interested, you can take home the Bethlehem Light. Additionally, you can ride the Pilsen Railway on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, both starting at 12:00.
St. Nicholas Council
Join in on the fun with St. Nicholas, an angel, and some playful goblins: this is what you can expect at St. Nicholas events. At the St. Nicholas Council on December 6, you get to enjoy warm tea and participate in creative workshops with your children. The main event will take place twice, first at 14:00 and then at 15:30 inside the castle. The festivities will kick off with the Hellraisers, followed by St. Nicholas and his angel descending from the heavens to distribute gifts to the kids.
Zbiroh Castle is open all year round
Advent season invites you to visit Zbiroh Castle, where you can also enjoy a special Advent dinner. You will be greeted by a lovely nativity scene, the castle Christmas tree, and the cozy holiday atmosphere of the castle tavern. Several unique tours are offered. Christmas tours occur on the 6th, 13, and 20 December at 12:00 and 14:00. Additionally, children’s Christmas tours are available on the 12 and 19 December starting from 5 PM. Please remember, reservations are necessary for the tours. On top of that, a Christmas Fair will be held on December 6. Visitors can view and purchase unique handicrafts, enjoy folk carols, and tour the traditional nativity scene. An Advent concert will begin at 5 PM.
Concerts in Chotěšov and Kladruby
The Three Musketeers, The Borgias, The Royal Affair or Adventures in Forensic Science – this is merely a small sample of the many films, series, and music videos that have utilized the stunning Baroque monastery in Chotěšov as a backdrop. After being closed for some time, it is now accessible during high season, and of course during special events. This year’s Advent is highlighted by concerts. On Saturday, December 6, at 14:00, look forward to a performance by the music ensemble Musica Dolce Vita. A week later, on December 13, the women’s choir Mammas&Mammas will put on a show in the Forest House located on the monastery grounds, starting at 18:00.
You can also enjoy the spirit of Christmas through one of the Christmas concerts in Kladruby. You are first invited to a Christmas concert featuring Daniel Hulka, occurring on December 19 at 6 PM. Then on December 21, the Christmas Concert by the Cavalla early music ensemble and the Cantus Stříbro choir in the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary will start at 3 PM;
The magic of Advent at Kozel Castle
Kozel Castle is typically shut down for the winter months, but they’re opening their doors during the lead-up to Christmas for special visits. You can discover The magic of Advent here on Saturday, December 13, and Sunday, December 14, 2025 through special Advent tours. Come and enjoy the festive atmosphere, see the beautifully decorated state rooms, and listen to captivating stories about Advent and Christmas traditions. Tours are set to start at 11:00, 13:00, and 14:00. Additionally, the castle park is open every day from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
