The Christmas season is a time when cities across the Czech Republic come alive with festive cheer. The Christmas markets in the Czech Republic, filled with twinkling lights, the scent of spices, and joyful music, are an essential part of the Czech Advent tradition. In this article, we’ll take you through the best and most beautiful Christmas markets in Czechia that are guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit. Grab a cup of mulled wine and read on. 🎄
Christmas Markets in Czechia: A Bit of History
Christmas markets have a rich tradition in the Czech Republic, dating all the way back to the Middle Ages. These markets originated as places where people could buy everything they needed for Christmas – from baking ingredients for holiday cookies to gifts for their loved ones. Beyond shopping, however, Christmas markets also served as a gathering place for sharing the festive atmosphere.
Over time, Christmas markets became a beloved tradition that has been preserved to this day.
💡TIP: Organised trips to Czech Christmas markets are available every year. Find yours on Invia. You can also book your accommodation nearby via Booking.com.
14 Best Christmas Markets in the Czech Republic
If visiting Christmas markets is one of your favourite holiday traditions, then I’ve put together a list of 14 of the best and most beautiful Christmas markets in the Czech Republic for you.
💡You might also like: Best Christmas Markets in Europe
Christmas Markets Prague
Prague’s Christmas markets are among the most visited in Europe. Old Town Square is decorated each year with a massive Christmas tree, complemented by stunning light displays. The stalls offer traditional Czech products such as trdelník (chimney cake), mulled wine, and gingerbread. Besides Old Town Square, the markets on Wenceslas Square and Republic Square are also well worth a visit.
Christmas Markets Brno
Christmas markets in Brno are spread across the entire city centre – from Freedom Square (Náměstí Svobody) through the Cabbage Market (Zelný trh) to Dominican Square. Their offerings include local specialities, original handcrafted goods, and an accompanying programme with live music and theatre performances.
Christmas Markets Ostrava
Ostrava’s Christmas markets are known for their gorgeous decorations and diverse selection of treats. Masaryk Square and its surroundings come alive with festive lights, stalls offering regional delicacies, and a rich programme for both children and adults.
Christmas Markets Opava
In Opava, you’ll find smaller but truly enchanting Christmas markets on both the Upper and Lower Squares. Both squares transform into an Advent village with traditional crafts and local treats. The programme is equally impressive, featuring carol singing, well-known performers, and Christmas theatre shows.
Christmas Markets České Budějovice
If you’re visiting southern Bohemia, you simply can’t miss the Christmas markets in České Budějovice. Přemysl Otakar II Square hosts one of the largest markets in southern Bohemia. In addition to traditional stalls, you’ll find a live nativity scene, a Christmas tree, a Ferris wheel, and an ice rink. The atmosphere is enhanced by Advent music and the aroma of local specialities.
Christmas Markets Uherské Hradiště
Uherské Hradiště offers charming markets on Masaryk Square with local delicacies, concerts, and Christmas workshops for children. The town prepares a colourful city-wide cultural programme with a Christmas theme that is sure to delight everyone. You can look forward to theatre performances, music concerts, and plenty of other entertainment. The atmosphere here is steeped in tradition and hospitality.
Christmas Markets Liberec
Liberec’s Christmas markets take place on Dr. E. Beneš Square in front of the historic town hall. The stalls offer traditional handcrafted goods, fragrant Christmas treats, and unique gifts. For families with children, there are various activities such as craft workshops and fairy-tale programmes. There’s also an ice rink where you can enjoy some winter fun right in the middle of the markets.
Christmas Markets Hradec Králové
Hradec Králové’s Christmas markets on the Grand Square (Velké náměstí) attract visitors with fragrant mulled wine, holiday cookies, and handcrafted products. Beyond the stalls, you’ll find an ice rink and a rich accompanying programme that includes concerts and workshops for children.
Christmas Markets Zlín
Zlín’s Christmas markets on Peace Square (Náměstí Míru) boast a wide variety of stalls, a Christmas ice rink, and a rich accompanying programme. At the markets, you can savour local specialities such as frgály (traditional Moravian pies) or Wallachian punch, and shop for unique gifts from local artisans.
Christmas Markets Pilsen
Republic Square in Pilsen (Plzeň) comes alive with one of the largest Christmas markets in western Bohemia. The highlight of the markets is a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, surrounded by dozens of stalls selling regional delicacies, handcrafted goods, and unique gifts. The programme often includes concerts and traditional Christmas processions. Don’t forget to visit the local nativity scene and soak in the unmistakable atmosphere of the historic city centre.
Christmas Markets Jihlava
In Jihlava, the Christmas markets are traditionally held on Masaryk Square, where a wooden nativity scene and a Christmas tree are set up each year. The stalls offer a wide range of handcrafted goods, Advent decorations, and regional treats. Beyond shopping, you can enjoy concerts, craft workshops for children, or simply take in the atmosphere while listening to carol singing.
Christmas Markets Olomouc
Olomouc boasts some of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Moravia. The main attraction is the punch zone, where you can choose from dozens of different types of punch. The Upper Square (Horní náměstí) regularly hosts concerts and cultural events throughout the Advent season.
Christmas Markets Tábor
On Žižka Square in Tábor, you’ll find intimate yet very cosy Christmas markets. In addition to traditional stalls, you can enjoy a cultural programme that often features historical Christmas customs and traditions.
Christmas Markets Karlovy Vary
The Christmas markets in Karlovy Vary, set in the spa town’s centre, combine the magic of Advent decorations with the unique atmosphere of the colonnades. The main part of the markets is located near Hotel Thermal and at the Mill Colonnade, where you’ll find stalls selling Christmas decorations, traditional spa wafers, and classic Czech treats. The atmosphere is enhanced by concerts and performances that give the markets an extra festive touch.
What to Try at Czech Christmas Markets
No visit to Christmas markets in the Czech Republic is complete without mulled wine, punch, trdelník (chimney cake), gingerbread, bramboráky (potato pancakes), and grilled sausages. However, each region offers its own specialities that are well worth trying. For the full festive experience, book a guided food tour through GetYourGuide.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do Christmas markets in the Czech Republic usually take place?
Most markets begin in late November and run until Christmas Eve, sometimes even longer, into January.
Where can I find the largest Christmas tree in the Czech Republic?
The largest tree is typically found on Prague’s Old Town Square.
What activities at the markets will keep children entertained?
Children can enjoy craft workshops, concerts, ice rinks, and visits to live nativity scenes.
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 (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
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!
