Hradec Králové transforms into a fairytale destination full of festive atmosphere every year. The Christmas markets Hradec Králové on the Grand Square (Velké náměstí) attract visitors with enchanting decorations, a rich programme, and wonderful market stalls. If you’re planning a visit, I’ve put together all the essential information you’ll need.
Hradec Králové: Where to Stay
Planning to spend more than a day in Hradec Králové? Stay in the city centre, for example at Hotel U Královny Elišky or at Hotel Casa.
💡TIP: You can also visit the Christmas markets as part of an organised tour – browse options on GetYourGuide.
Christmas Markets Hradec Králové: Tree Lighting Ceremony
The Christmas tree on the Grand Square will be lit on Sunday, 30 November at 7:00 PM, though the Advent programme kicks off as early as 5:00 PM. Get ready for a magical experience full of lights and music. The ceremonial lighting is accompanied by a concert from a local choir and Christmas trumpet players. There are also children’s performances and a live nativity scene.
💡You might also like: Christmas Markets in Prague
Christmas Markets Hradec Králové: When and Where
The markets take place on the Grand Square (Velké náměstí), which transforms into an Advent hub with a wide range of stalls and activities. You can also find smaller markets in other parts of the city, such as on Masaryk Square (Masarykovo náměstí).
The markets run from 30 November to 23 December. Opening hours are weekdays from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and weekends from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
The markets have something for everyone – children and adults alike. Special events are held every weekend. Kids can visit creative workshops where they make their own Christmas decorations, or enjoy the carousel on the square. You can also look forward to live music performances by local bands and choirs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of the markets?
The markets are open every day – weekdays from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM and weekends from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Where to park near the markets in Hradec Králové?
Parking is available at car parks in the city centre or in the underground garage near the Aupark shopping centre.
What else to visit besides the markets?
Visit the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, the White Tower, or the local museums.
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!
