Ostrava has a completely different atmosphere from the rest of the Czech Republic, and at Christmas that’s doubly true. The rougher industrial backdrop blends with twinkling lights, mulled wine fills the air, and suddenly everything beautifully falls into place. ☺️ Ostrava Christmas Markets start this year on Saturday, November 21, 2026 and run until January 6, 2027, so you can already get excited about what’s in store. I’ve prepared a guide for you with all the details on where to find the best programs, where the Ferris wheel is, and how to enjoy Ostrava’s Advent season to the fullest.
Summary for those who don’t have time to read the whole article
- Dates: November 21, 2026 to January 6, 2027.
- Main locations: Masaryk Square (Ferris wheel), Jiráskovo náměstí (nativity scene), Solná and Zámecká streets, Dr. Edvard Beneš Square.
- Opening hours: Stalls are usually open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
- Tree lighting ceremony: The date for 2026 hasn’t been announced yet; last year the tree at Masaryk Square was lit on Saturday, November 29, 2025.
- Ice skating rink: You’ll find it at Dr. Edvard Beneš Square and entry is traditionally free.
- Ferris wheel: Located at Masaryk Square, offering beautiful views of the illuminated city center.
- Nativity scene: Children and adults alike can enjoy the traditional nativity at Jiráskovo náměstí.
- Transportation: I recommend taking the tram to the city center; parking can be tricky during Advent.
- What to try: Warm up with classic mulled wine, punch, or grab some roasted chestnuts and trdelník.
The full destination guide: Czechia — guide and what to see
All 2026 Christmas markets: a calendar of dates and tips on markets across Europe
Where to stay
If you’re planning to spend more than one day in Ostrava, it’s worth staying near the city center:
- Brioni Boutique Hotel,
- Imperial Hotel Ostrava,
- Ruby Blue.
Ostrava Christmas Markets: Tree Lighting and Opening Hours
The ceremonial lighting of the Christmas tree is always a big event that draws people from across the region. The lighting date for 2026 hasn’t been announced by the city yet, so we’ll have to wait a bit longer. For reference, last year the tree at Masaryk Square was lit on Saturday, November 29, 2025. You’ll find current information at ostravskevanoce.cz.
Market stalls traditionally operate daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. This gives you plenty of time to leisurely explore the squares, pick up small gifts, and most importantly soak up the true Advent atmosphere with a hot drink in hand.
TIP: Organized tours to Christmas markets are also available. You can choose one on the Invia portal.
Ostrava Christmas Markets: Where they take place this year
Ostrava Christmas Markets 2026 run from November 21, 2026 to January 6, 2027, with the first Sunday of Advent falling on November 29 this year.
You’ll find stalls and Christmas attractions in Ostrava at several main locations in the city center:
- Masaryk Square,
- Jiráskovo náměstí,
- Solná and Zámecká streets,
- Dr. Edvard Beneš Square.
You might be interested in: Christmas Markets in Brno
Masaryk Square
Masaryk Square serves as the main hub of Ostrava’s Christmas celebrations. Besides the beautifully decorated tree and plenty of stalls with handcrafted goods, you’ll find one huge attraction here. The square features a large Ferris wheel offering fantastic views of the festively lit city.
There’s also a rich cultural program running almost daily. You can enjoy live concerts, watch performances by local groups, and soak in the relaxed atmosphere. 💡 Tip: If you’re looking for the current concert schedule, you’ll find it just before the markets begin on the city’s official website.
Solná and Zámecká streets
You can also enjoy a pleasant Christmas stroll along Solná and Zámecká streets. These streets connect the individual squares and are beautifully decorated. Here too you’ll come across stalls that add to the overall market atmosphere.
If you want to avoid the biggest crowds at the main square, these adjacent streets offer a somewhat quieter experience. You can stop for mulled wine or hot chocolate and leisurely browse the souvenirs and handmade gifts on offer.
Jiráskovo náměstí
Jiráskovo náměstí traditionally functions as a stage dedicated to families and children. This year you can again look forward to a beautiful Christmas nativity scene, which is an inseparable part of Advent and children are usually thrilled by it. The stage here often hosts theater performances or entertainment programs prepared especially for the little ones.
Dr. Edvard Beneš Square
At Dr. Edvard Beneš Square you’ll find the best winter fun, because a Christmas ice skating rink regularly opens here. The rink will operate in 2026 from November 28, 2026 to January 1, 2027, daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The best news is that entry to the ice rink is free. If you don’t have your own skates, no problem at all—there’s equipment rental and a skate sharpening service on site.
Czech Christmas customs and Ostrava traditions
Our Czech Christmases are full of magical customs that we’ve kept at home for generations. Traditionally, gifts are brought by Ježíšek (Baby Jesus) on the evening of December 24. No one actually knows exactly what he looks like because he’s never depicted anywhere, which gives him that real air of mystery. Even before Christmas, specifically on the evening of December 5, St. Nicholas accompanied by an angel and a devil visits children to reward them with sweets or give them a talking-to.
Christmas Eve dinner revolves around traditional fish soup and fried carp with potato salad. Because of this, starting December 20 you’ll see tubs of live fish on the streets, which can be quite a shocking sight for foreigners. Anyone who manages to fast all day on Christmas Eve until dinner will supposedly see a golden piglet. And I can’t forget about Christmas cookies. In many families, baking starts from the beginning of Advent and you’ll typically find 8 to 15 varieties on the table, including vanilla crescents and gingerbread. On Christmas Eve morning, people often have sweet braided vánočka bread for breakfast.
After dinner comes fortune-telling time. Traditionally, apples are cut open (a star shape means health, a cross means illness), walnut shell boats are floated in water, and in the past people used to pour molten lead. Today, because of lead’s toxicity, we pour melted wax or tin instead. The Ostrava region also has a strong mining tradition, so December 4 is widely celebrated as the feast of St. Barbara, patron saint of miners. On this day, people also cut barborky—cherry tree branches that should bloom in a vase by Christmas.
💡 Interesting fact: Did you know that the very first public Christmas tree in our country was lit in Brno? It happened on December 13, 1924 at Freedom Square thanks to writer Rudolf Těsnohlídek. Five years earlier he had found a frozen little girl in the forest, and the collection under the tree then funded the Dagmar children’s home.
Practical tips for Christmas markets in Ostrava
When to go: If you don’t like crowds, head to the markets on weekdays in the morning or right after lunch. On weekends and evenings, the squares get really packed, especially around the mulled wine stalls.
What to try: At the markets you’ll definitely come across vendors selling fragrant punch and mulled wine. I recommend trying the non-alcoholic versions made with hot apple, or grab a trdelník and roasted chestnuts. Stalls commonly sell local sausages and potato pancakes too, so you definitely won’t go hungry here.
Transportation and parking: Getting to Ostrava’s city center is by far most convenient by tram. The Elektra or Výstaviště stops will drop you a short walk from the action. Street parking in the center is quite complicated during Advent, so I recommend using the Forum Nová Karolina shopping center instead and walking the rest of the way.
Where else: more Advent tips
If Christmas markets have caught your interest, check out these articles too:
- Moravian Christmas markets: 13 prettiest spots
- Bielsko-Biała Christmas market
- Christmas Markets in Opava
- Christmas Markets in Brno
- Christmas Markets in Katowice
- Best Christmas Markets in the Czech Republic
Frequently asked questions
When do the Christmas markets in Ostrava start?
The Ostrava Christmas markets 2026 run from November 21, 2026 to January 6, 2027.
Where do the Christmas markets take place?
You’ll find stalls and events at Masaryk Square, Jiráskovo Square, on Solná and Zámecká Streets, and at Dr. Edvard Beneš Square.
When will the Christmas tree be lit?
The lighting date for 2026 hasn’t been announced yet. Last year, the ceremonial lighting took place on Saturday, November 29, 2025. Check ostravskevanoce.cz for current information.
What time do the market stalls close?
The stalls are typically open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Where can I find the Ferris wheel in Ostrava?
The popular Ferris wheel is located right on the main Masaryk Square during Advent.
Is ice skating at the rink free?
Yes, admission to the ice rink at Dr. Edvard Beneš Square is traditionally free. There’s also a skate rental and service available on-site.
What attractions are suitable for children?
For families with children, Jiráskovo Square is ideal, where you’ll find a beautiful nativity scene and a children’s program on stage.
Where should I stay in Ostrava near the markets?
If you want to be close to the center, we recommend hotels like Brioni Boutique Hotel, Imperial Hotel Ostrava, or Ruby Blue Hotel.
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