Discover Ice Sculptures, Winter Castle Tours, and Thrilling Ski Races in 2026!

An icy world of fairy tales in the Beskydy Mountains

The ice sculptures draw a lot of interest each year. From 17 January to 8 February 2026, get ready for the event called Ice sculptures on Pustevny. Each year, artists use a massive amount of 40 tons of ice to create beautiful pieces centered around the theme of “The Ice World of Fairy Tales“. Typically, two tents set up in the Hermitage showcase these sculptures, complete with light and sound spectacles. There’s also an ice bar, a photo booth, and impressive snow sculptures.

Ice sculptures are back in Prague too during the Advent season, specifically at Černý Most, where you can visit an exhibition titled Ige Magic that runs until mid-February 2026. This year, the exhibition promises 12 themed areas.

Winter in the spirit of sport: running, cross-country skiing, sledding

January is packed with sporting events, both on skis and off. For instance, on Saturday, 17 January 2026, take part in the 52nd annual run to Blaník. Additionally, in Deštné v Orlických horách, from 20th to 24th January 2026, the traditional dog sled race Šediváček’s long 2020 will take place. Typically, around 700 sled dogs and more than 100 mushers tackle a challenging 300 km course spanning five stages through the breathtaking terrain of the Orlické Mountains.

From 15 to 18 January 2026, head over to Pec pod Sněžkou for the Skialpujfest. This action-packed event features all-day workshops led by knowledgeable mountain guides, insightful talks, equipment trials, group outings, and the Seal Belt Night, which is known as the biggest ski mountaineering race in the Czech Republic.

The Jizerská 50 event kicks off on 29 January 2026, with races continuing until Sunday, February 1, 2026. Besides the main 50 km race, there are also shorter courses for those looking for a lighter challenge.

You can also participate in classic runs this January, such as the Winter Run Hradec Králové on January 10, 2026, or the Winter Run České Budějovice on January 24, 2026. Additionally, the winter series of cross-country races will also be held under the name ČEZ RunTour Winter Edition.

January concerts and balls

The New Year is welcomed with the classic New Year’s concert by the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, slated for January 1, 2026, in the Dvořák Hall of the Rudolfinum, at both 15:00 and 20:00. The Municipal House will also host a New Year’s concert, offering a traditional New Year’s program featuring Slavonic Dances by Antonín Dvořák. In Brno, the New Year’s concert is scheduled at the Janáček Theatre. From 14-16 January 2026, you’re invited to celebrate the New Year with the Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra in Ostrava.

Traditionally, the New Year is celebrated in a way that reflects medieval customs and traditions. You can take a trip back in time by attending a medieval ball on January 10, 2026, at the refectory of Prague’s Emmaus Abbey Na Slovanech.

Winter tours of castles and chateaus

Not all castles and chateaus in the Czech Republic close for winter. Some stay open year-round, while others are offering special winter tours.

For example, you can visit Hluboká, where guests will have the chance to see nine rooms filled with the private belongings of the last four generations of its owners, the Schwarzenbergs.

At Karlštejn Castle, the first tour route features The Imperial Residence of Charles IV.

Winter tours at Bohemian Sternberg Castle will guide you through fifteen beautifully furnished rooms.

Svatá Hora pilgrimage site in Příbram also offers classic guided tours and a chance to visit the Museum, partly located in the former Jesuit crypt, showcasing finds from recent renovations.

Counting birds at the bird feeder

Lastly, here’s a fun suggestion that might be different from the usual. If you’re interested in helping birds during the cold season and want to learn more about them, consider joining the Czech Ornithological Society’s event called Bird Hour. This nationwide birdwatching event allows people to observe and count the birds visiting feeders across the country, taking place from 9-11 January 2026.