The first advent is slowly but surely approaching, and with it come the traditional Christmas markets. If you’re planning a trip to the South Bohemia region of the Czech Republic, you absolutely must not miss the Christmas markets in České Budějovice. In this article, you’ll find all the information about the location, dates, programme and the Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
Where to stay
We always recommend staying right in the city centre when visiting Christmas markets, so you can enjoy mulled wine and punch without having to worry about a long journey back to your accommodation.
Our top pick is the Residence Mariánská apartments. These apartments with parking are perfect for both couples and families with children. You’ll find a fully equipped kitchen and a washing machine, which is especially handy for longer stays. Dogs are also welcome. If you’d prefer a hotel with breakfast, we can recommend Boutique Hotel U Solné brány.
Tip: Combine your visit to České Budějovice with a trip to Český Krumlov – you won’t regret it.
Christmas Markets České Budějovice: Tree Lighting
The Christmas tree lighting ceremony is always a major event that attracts hundreds of visitors every year. This year, the festive tree lighting will take place on Saturday 29 November 2024 at 16:30 on Přemysl Otakar II Square.
TIP: Various organised trips to Christmas markets are available each year. Check out the offerings on the Invia travel portal.
Christmas Markets České Budějovice: When and Where
This year, the Christmas markets in České Budějovice will begin on 18 November and run until 6 January 2026, when the traditional Feast of the Three Kings is celebrated. They are held, as every year, on Přemysl Otakar II Square (náměstí Přemysla Otakara II).
Visitors can look forward to an ice rink surrounding the famous Samson Fountain, a rich cultural programme (you can find it here) and dozens of Advent stalls with a wide variety of goods. The Advent village will also be decorated with a Christmas tree, a stunning Ferris wheel, a life-sized wooden nativity scene and an observation tower.
The Advent markets are open daily from 10:00 to 22:00. The ice rink opens on 22 November and is open daily from 10:00 to 21:00. On Fridays and Saturdays it stays open until 22:00, and on Sundays until 20:00 – right through to 6 January 2026.
Fun fact: In 2023, České Budějovice was ranked 9th on the prestigious list of the most beautiful European Christmas markets by the British newspaper The Times.
You might also like: Christmas Markets in Prague
Our tips
Check out our guide on things to do and see in České Budějovice, and also have a look at our article about Český Krumlov, as it’s just a short trip from České Budějovice. You could easily make a longer trip of it and also visit Třeboň and Jindřichův Hradec.
Frequently asked questions
When are the Christmas markets in České Budějovice?
The Christmas markets in České Budějovice run from 18 November 2025 to 6 January 2026.
When is the Christmas tree lighting in České Budějovice?
The Christmas tree in České Budějovice is lit on Saturday 29 November at 16:30.
Where are the Christmas markets in České Budějovice?
The main Christmas markets are held on Přemysl Otakar II Square, the main square in the city centre.
What are the opening hours of the Christmas markets?
The Christmas markets are open every day from late November through to the new year, from 10:00 to 22:00.
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!
