Winter in Silesia has its own unforgettable charm, and the Christmas markets in Opava, Czech Republic only prove it. ☺️ For a few weeks, the historic centre transforms into a fairy-tale village full of twinkling lights, the scent of cinnamon, and hot punch. You can look forward to a varied cultural programme, a beautifully decorated tree, and honest craft stalls. I’ve put together a complete guide with everything you need to know for your visit.
Summary for those short on time
- Dates: November 20 – December 23, 2026, on Horní and Dolní náměstí.
- Where the markets take place: The main action happens on Horní and Dolní náměstí.
- Tree lighting: Sunday, November 29, 2026, at 5:45 PM on Dolní náměstí.
- Dolní náměstí: The entertainment hub, with concerts from well-known bands and a packed cultural programme.
- Horní náměstí: A calmer zone with a wooden nativity scene, craft stalls, and a Santa’s post office.
- Extended sales: Punch and trdelník stalls on Horní náměstí run from October 23, 2026, to January 6, 2027.
- What to try: Hot mead, mulled wine, sweet trdelník, or Silesian potato pancakes.
- Parking: The most convenient spot is the car park at the Breda & Weinstein shopping centre, a short walk from the centre.
- Nearby trip: We definitely recommend combining your visit with a winter walk to Hradec nad Moravicí Castle.
- Accommodation: Great choices in the centre include Apartmány Kramer or KATERAIN hotel.
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 in Opava
Planning to enjoy Advent in Opava over several days and soak up that genuine Silesian atmosphere? We recommend staying right in the centre, so you’re just a few steps from the mulled wine stalls:
Christmas Markets Opava: Tree Lighting
The ceremonial lighting of the Christmas tree on Dolní náměstí is one of the most anticipated events of the whole Advent season. This year, the tree lights up on Sunday, November 29, 2026, at 5:45 PM; last year it was on November 30 at 6:00 PM. The programme usually starts in the early evening with musical performances by local schools and folklore groups. Everything culminates in a festive speech, followed by the moment the tree bursts into a thousand lights.
💡TIP: Find a trip to the Christmas markets through Invia.
Christmas Markets Opava: When and Where They Take Place
The markets bring life to two main spots in Opava — Dolní and Horní náměstí. This year, the Advent village runs from November 20 to December 23, 2026. We definitely recommend checking the official city website for the latest updates. Visitors can browse stalls full of honest handmade crafts, pick up small gifts for under the tree, and warm up with hot drinks.
On Dolní náměstí, you’ll find performances by leading Czech and regional artists, such as No Name, Michal Hrůza, or Kamil Střihavka, plus fairy tales and children’s shows that will delight the youngest visitors. Horní náměstí offers a life-size nativity scene, Santa’s post office, and screenings of classic fairy tales.
Besides the cultural events, the markets in Opava tempt you with a wide range of regional products and treats. Anyone with a sweet tooth will love the trdelník and gingerbread stalls. You can warm up with a classic mulled wine or some honest mead. For meat lovers, traditional sausages are always on the stalls, while vegetarians will appreciate potato pancakes and various cheeses. Sales of punch and trdelník on Horní náměstí continue even after Christmas, all the way until January 6, 2027.
💡You might also like: Check out the Christmas markets in Ostrava or plan a trip across the border to the Christmas markets in Katowice.
Practical Tips for Visiting Opava
If you’re heading to Opava by car, the best place to park is the car park at the Breda & Weinstein shopping centre. From there, it’s just a few minutes’ calm walk to both squares, and you’ll avoid the stress of hunting for a spot in the narrow historic streets. From the train station, it’s also just a short walk to the centre.
Families with kids should definitely head to Horní náměstí, where the atmosphere is a bit calmer. 😉 You’ll find the popular Santa’s post office and a beautiful wooden nativity scene that always fascinates children. Weekends tend to get pretty crowded at the markets, so if you want to browse the stalls in peace, it’s best to go on a weekday afternoon.
💡 Tip: If you have more time in Opava, take a trip to nearby Hradec nad Moravicí Castle. In winter, the castle park has a wonderfully fairy-tale-like atmosphere.
Czech and Silesian Christmas Traditions
In the Opava region of Silesia, Czech traditions beautifully blend with influences from nearby Poland and the mining area of Ostrava. From childhood, we’re used to the idea that gifts are brought by Ježíšek (Baby Jesus) on the evening of December 24. International visitors are often surprised that we don’t actually know what he looks like — he’s never depicted, which adds a wonderful touch of magic to the whole evening. Already on December 5, Mikuláš (St. Nicholas) walks the streets with a devil and an angel, handing out small sweets to children, probably the most beloved pre-Christmas tradition.
Advent season is inseparable from baking Christmas cookies, with Czech households usually preparing eight to fifteen different kinds. Vanilla crescents, linzer cookies, and “wasp’s nests” are an absolute must. On Christmas Eve morning, people typically have sweet braided vánočka bread for breakfast. The Christmas Eve dinner itself consists of fish soup and fried carp with potato salad.
Anyone who manages to fast all day is said to see a golden piglet in the evening. A typical pre-Christmas sight on the streets is tubs full of live carp, which usually shocks visitors from abroad. Midnight is traditionally reserved for the festive midnight mass.
After dinner comes the time for traditional fortune-telling and customs. People commonly cut apples in half — a star shape inside means health, while a cross shape means illness. Another favourite is floating little walnut-shell boats, or throwing a shoe over the shoulder, a tradition meant to show single women whether they’ll marry within the year. In the past, people poured molten lead; today wax or tin is used instead, due to toxicity concerns.
💡 Tip: Did you know the tradition of public Christmas trees in the Czech Republic started in Brno? The first tree was lit there on December 13, 1924, thanks to the writer Rudolf Těsnohlídek, who found an abandoned little girl in the forest. The proceeds from the collection under the tree back then went toward building a children’s home.
Where Next: More Advent Tips
If you’ve caught the Christmas market bug, take a look at these articles too:
- Moravian Christmas markets: 13 prettiest spots
- Christmas Markets in Ostrava
- Christmas Markets in Katowice
- Christmas Markets in Brno
- Best Christmas Markets in the Czech Republic
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the Christmas markets in Opava take place?
The Christmas markets in Opava take place this year from November 20 to December 23, 2026, while the stalls with punch and trdelník on Horní Square remain open until January 6, 2027.
Where exactly can I find the markets in Opava?
The main program and markets take place in two locations in the center. Most concerts are held on Dolní Square, and the quieter family zone with the nativity scene is on Horní Square.
When is the Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Opava?
The festive lighting ceremony will take place on Sunday, November 29, 2026 at 5:45 PM on Dolní Square.
Where’s the best place to park in Opava during the markets?
The most convenient parking closest to the center is the parking garage at the Breda & Weinstein shopping center. From there you can walk to both squares in just a few minutes.
What treats can I taste at the markets?
You can warm up with hot mead, mulled wine or Christmas punch. The stalls sell sweet trdelník, potato pancakes and various types of sausages.
Are the Opava markets suitable for children?
Absolutely. Many activities are prepared for children, especially on Horní Square, where they’ll find the popular Baby Jesus post office, a huge wooden nativity scene and children’s workshops.
Do the markets continue after Christmas?
The main program ends on December 23. However, the stalls with punch and trdelník on Horní Square remain open until January 6, 2027.
Who brings gifts in Czechia?
Traditionally in Czechia, gifts are brought by Baby Jesus (Ježíšek) in the evening of December 24 after the festive Christmas Eve dinner. Unlike Santa Claus, he is never depicted anywhere and no one knows exactly what he looks like.
What are typical Czech Christmas traditions?
After dinner, apples are often cut to see if the family will be healthy. People also float little boats made from walnut shells with candles, or pour wax to tell the future.
How is St. Nicholas Day celebrated?
St. Nicholas accompanied by a devil and an angel visits children on the eve of his feast day, December 5. Good children receive sweets, while naughty ones sometimes find coal or potatoes in their bag.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (simple monthly subscription) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
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