The 12 Most Magical Christmas Markets in the Czech Republic (2025 Edition)

I absolutely love the time in run up to Christmas and every single year, I challenge myself to visit as many Christmas markets as possible! For me, there’s nothing better than wrapping up warm, sipping a mulled wine and soaking up that wonderful festive atmosphere in a historic city square.

Prague gets most of the attention, and quite rightly, the Christmas markets here are gorgeous! But, if I’m being honest some of my favourite market experiences have happened in smaller towns where you’ll stumble upon local pottery makers, try regional sweets you’ve never heard of, and chat with stall holders who’ve been doing this for decades.

Once you venture out of Prague, you discover local Christmas traditions, incredible artisan makers and regional foods you simply won’t find anywhere else.

I’ve put together my ultimate 2025 guide with all the practical stuff you’ll need: when they’re open, where to go, and what makes each one worth the trip. I’ve chosen 12 largest and my favourite Christmas markets in historic towns across whole Czech Republic.

All of these markets are beautiful towns (worth a visit on their own) and all of them are perfectly reachable on a day trip from Prague. Some, like Cesky Krumlov, Karlovy Vary or Ostrava make a super long day, but others like Kutna Hora, Liberec or Pardubice are only an hour away by a train or a bus.

1. Prague – The Largest Christmas Markets in the Czech Republic

• Dates: 20 November 2025 – 6 January 2026
• Opening Times: 10 am – 10 pm (every day)

Prague always has the biggest Advent markets in the Czech Republic and they have been also noticed abroad! The prestigious British newspaper The Times has repeatedly listed them among the prettiest in Europe in its travel section, while the American news portal CNN ranks them among the most beautiful Christmas markets in the entire world.

There are several Christmas markets in Prague as each town’s area has it’s own market. But the main ones and my favourite ones are: Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí), Havel’s Market (Havelské náměstí), Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí), Republic Square (náměstí Republiky—specifically in the area towards V Celnici street), Tylovo Square, Peace Square (náměstí Míru), Jiriho z Podebrad (Zizkov, Prague 3 area) and Andel (Prague 5, Smichov).

The Advent Markets have stalls set out in pretty wooden stalls and you can find here everything from traditional glass Christmas decorations, children’s toys and small gifts. The festive food and drink includes mulled wine with different flavours, gingerbreads, Christmas cookies, fried carp, ham and other treats. The largest market at the Old Town Square has a beautifully decorated tree next to an entertainment stage, where music bands sing carols and Christmas songs.

2. Brno

• Dates: 20 November 2025 – 6 January 2026
• Opening Times: 10 am – 10 pm (every day)

Brno is the second biggest town in the Czech Republic and the biggest Christmas market is right in the centre of the town with a perfect title of ‘Brno Christmas’ (Brněnské Vánoce).

The heart of the celebrations is Freedom Square (Náměstí Svobody). Apart from decorated Christmas tree, you can also find here a winter bar, a large, well-designed dining area around the fountain and if you are lucky you can also see the town specially decorated Christmas tram passing by. You can also enjoy a daily programme of Christmas themed music and culture here. The music always beautifully performed, which is no surprise, since Brno recently got a title as a UNESCO Creative City of Music.

From Freedom Square, it’s just a short walk to Dominican Square (Dominikánské náměstí), where you can find large wooden ‘Halouzek Nativity Scene’ (Halouzkův betlém) made up of over a hundred hand-carved figures.

The youngest visitors can send their wishes to ‘Baby Jesus’s Post’ (Ježíškova pošta), and at weekends, they can look forward to regular fairy tales and creative workshops. On weekdays, you can listen to regular classical music concerts.

If you are looking to explore even more markets in Brno, you certainly shouldn’t miss the ones at Vegetable Market (Zelný trh) and Moravian Square (Moravské náměstí).

On Moravian Square you will be able to find a giant observation wheel and the large, 800 square metre ice rink for everyone to enjoy.

There are also stalls with traditional handicrafts, such as pottery, handmade soaps, bath salts, and Christmas decorations. You’ll be able to meet craftsmen, including blacksmiths, candlemakers, soap makers, bell founders, and bookbinders.

3. Olomouc

• Dates: 21 November 2025 – 23 December 2025
• Opening Times: 10 am – 10 pm (every day)

The Christmas markets in Olomouc are the only ones in the Czech Republic to offer genuine, high-quality Nuremberg wine and punch. The composition of this wine is strictly monitored, and the recipe for each product has remained the same for generations.

You can find more than ten varieties of wine and punch here, with the entire range also available as one-litre gift packs. You can sample them at selected stalls, where vendors will also be offering items such as pottery, Advent wreaths, Christmas decorations, forged iron, textile, and wooden products, bee products, or winter accessories.

The market stalls will be located on both Upper Square (Horní náměstí) and Lower Square (Dolní náměstí).

There will be also market stalls at the Marketplace (Tržnice), which once again features the popular Christmas observation wheel and a large outdoor ice rink. Here will be able to find stalls with traditional crafts, including ceramics, glass Christmas decorations, Advent wreaths, and homemade gifts.

4. Pardubice – Gingerbread Christmas

• Dates: 29 November 2025 – 24 December 2025
• Opening Times: 1 pm – 6 or 8 pm on weekdays and 11 am – 7 – 8 pm at weekends

There is no better time to visit Pardubice than at Christmas time, as this is the town that made the traditional Czech gingerbread famous.

The main part of the market is at the historic Pernštýn Square (Pernštýnské náměstí) and you can also find stalls and festive programme at the Pardubice Chateau, the Automatické mlýny (Automatic Mills), and Mázhaus Exhibition Space.

You can look forward to stalls offering delicious festive food, traditional mulled wine, mead, and of course a huge variety of gingerbreads. There will be also stalls with wooden toys, traditional glass Christmas decorations, and gifts from local sellers.

There will be also lots of entertainment, including large Observation Wheel right next to the historic theatre with spectacular views of the illuminated city.

A miniature Christmas train will run regularly on weekends between Pernštýn Square, Příhrádek, the Chateau, and the Automatické mlýny.

Kids can enjoy a small carousel, craft workshops at Baby Jesus’s Workshop (Ježíškova dílna), and even meet live ‘devils’ in a special ‘Little Hell’ (Peklíčko) attraction held at Mázhaus Exhibition Space.

The main stage hosts daily cultural performances, including music, choirs, and theatre. St. Nicholas’s Day on 5th December, which is one of the main Czech Christmas traditions, will be celebrated by a special appearances by St. Nicholas, angels, and devils, that will walk around the town and give gifts to the children.

5. Plzeň

• Dates: 20 November 2025 – 23 December 2025
• Opening Times: 10 am – 6 pm (every day)

The Christmas markets are held every year in Republic Square (náměstí Republiky), where you can find wooden stalls selling mulled wine, the not so traditional Czech trdlo (sweet pastry), and gingerbread.

You can find a lot of inspiration for pretty Christmas gifts and the children will certainly enjoy the donkey and sheep in the live nativity scene or the Christmas carols sang by a local school singing groups.

This year, the Christmas market will also have dozens of stalls selling handicrafts and craft demonstrations by the stallholders.

My local tip: Don’t miss the beautifully decorated Christmas tram that runs though the town. This year, it’s decorated as a Christmas cottage on the outside and inside you can find a real tree, Christmas gifts, lights and pictures hand on the wall to make it look like a real cottage!

6. České Budějovice

• Dates: 18 November 2025 – 6 January 2026
• Opening Times: 10 am – 9 pm (weekdays) or 10 pm (weekends) – open every day

The traditional Christmas market is on the main Přemysl Otakar II Square, where you will be able to find a beautifully decorated Advent town with dozens of festive stalls, an observation tower, the stylish ‘Belfry’ gazebo (Zvonička) with a viewing area, an Advent stage with a packed programme, a life-sized carved Nativity Scene, creative workshops, and, most importantly, a truly genuine Christmas atmosphere.

There is also a giant observation wheel with magnificent views of the picturesque city centre. Children can enjoy the ‘Baby Jesus’s Workshop’ (Ježíškova dílna) where they can take part in free creative activities and learn about traditions under the guidance of South Bohemian craftspeople.

If you fancy a bit of exercise, you can enjoy the nearly 600 square metre ice ring built around the square large fountain.

My local tip: The Christmas Market has the largest selection of different types of mulled wine I’ve ever seen at any Christmas markets – I’ve counted well over 60 different ones! I’ve tried the Gingerbread Mulled Wine and Plum Mulled Wine and they were absolutely delicious!

7. Český Krumlov

• Dates: 22 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
• Opening Times: 10 or 11 am – 6 or 7 pm – shorter hours at weekdays and longer at the weekend – open every day

Cesky Krumlov looks like a fairytale all year round, but at Christmas the town is simply magical! Whilst it’s not to difficult to get to Cesky Krumlov, you will need a whole day for your visit as it’s quite a distance from Prague. The Advent markets are set up in Svornosti Square (náměstí Svornosti), where you can find stalls with traditional Czech Christmas gingerbreads and other cookies, mulled wine and hot pear or apple drinks.

On Friday, 12th December, the Angel Procession (Andělský průvod) will pass through the town at 5:00 pm. The route will lead through the Monastery Courtyard, Latrán, Radniční Street to Svornosti Square, and up to the steps in front of St. Vitus Church.

On Christmas Eve (24th December) you can join the castle staff at celebrating the Bear Christmas (Medvědí Vánoce). The castle bears, Marie Terezie, Polyxena, and Vilém will celebrate Christmas, and you can bring them gifts.

This even is perfect for children who can bring all gifts (such as apples and other fruits or vegetables) down to the castle moat and place them under a decorated Christmas tree. This is all done under the supervision of the bear keeper, who checks the gifts and ensures that nothing harmful reaches the bears.

My local tip: Don’t miss the ‘Christmas Street’ which is tucked away behind the main square. It’s all beautifully decorated with Christmas decorations, lights and you can get hot mulled wine, gingerbread and other treats from the restaurants in the streets as you walk through.

8. Hradec Králové – Royal Christmas Markets

• Dates: 30 November 2025 – 23 December 2025
• Opening Times: 1pm – 8 pm – weekdays, 10 am – 8 pm – weekends

The historic heart of Hradec Králové will be transformed into a festive wonderland for the Royal Christmas Markets (Královské vánoční trhy). The main markets on Great Square (Velké náměstí) will start on the first Advent Sunday, 30th November 2025, with the lighting of the Christmas tree at 6:00 pm. The festive programme will begin at 4:00 pm with the opening of the market stalls, followed by musical performances, including Squadra Risonante, Bohemia Voice, and a concert by Michal Horák with his band.

The market has around 60 stalls with traditional products, handmade gifts, Christmas decorations, and a wide range of food and drinks including mulled wine, mead, grilled meat and other festive treats.

There will be also 400 square metre outdoor ice rink at the main square open to all for free and skate rental will be available. The rink will stay open until 5th January 2026.

Over 80 performers are scheduled throughout the Advent season, including local choirs, folk groups and popular Czech artists like Bára Basiková, Oceán, and David Deyl.

9. Liberec – Advent under Mount Ještěd

• Dates: 26 November 2025 – 23 December 2025
• Opening Times: 10 am – 7 pm (every day)

Christmas is the perfect time to visit Liberec as you can enjoy the festive markets and you are very likely to see the snow too! The town is nestled beneath the iconic Ještěd Mountain and since it’s very easy to get to Liberec by bus, it makes it a great day trip from Prague.

The main festive village is set up in front of the spectacular Town Hall on Dr. E. Beneš Square (náměstí Dr. Edvarda Beneše) and a smaller, complementary market runs nearby in Soukenné Square (Soukenné náměstí).

The festive period begins with the ceremonial lighting of the Christmas tree in front of the Town Hall on Friday, 21st November 2025, at 5:00 pm. The tree itself is beautifully decorated with Herrnhut stars (a special 3D pointy star popular in Germany) and pretty glass baubles from the local Železný Brod Glass School, as Liberec region is famous for glassmaking.

To get into the Christmas spirit you can try the giant 25 metres high observation wheel and see the town from a birds view.

You can also see the very intricate Mechanical Nativity Scene by Mr. Fiala and listen to the popular Czech artists like Tomáš Klus and Poutníci, local carol singing groups or children’s fairy tales or join creative workshops on weekends.

There is also a festive mini-train, which runs between the two main market locations (Dr. E. Beneš Square and Soukenné Square) every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

A highlight is the traditional Procession of Devils and Angels (Rej čertů a andělů) on Friday, 5th December, held in front of the Town Hall.

10. Karlovy Vary – Christmas Magic by the Colonnades

• Dates: 29 November 2025 – 1 January 2026
• Opening Times: 12 noon – 8 pm weekdays and 10 am – 9 pm weekends

Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) is a famous spa city, which transforms its elegant centre into a glittering Christmas town with stalls selling locally made gifts, traditional Czech Christmas sweets and mulled wine.

You will find most of the stalls stretching from the Thermal Hotel right up to Theatre Square (Divadelní náměstí) with the central hub of the markets and most cultural activities at the Mill Colonnade (Mlýnská kolonáda).

The ceremonial lighting of the tree takes place on the first Sunday of Advent, 30th November 2025, at 6:00 pm.

There are so many festive foods and drinks to try at this Christmas market, including mulled wine, various punches, traditional trdelník (chimney cake), smoked fish or cheeses.

Karlovy Vary region is famous for it’s porcelain and there are plenty of stalls selling locally made porcelain cups, mugs and tableware.

You can also listen to the Christmas carols at the main stage in front of the Mill Colonnade or ride the specially decorated Christmas road train from one side of the town to the other.

11. Kutná Hora – A Medieval Advent

• Dates: Advent Weekends from 29 November 2025 – 20 December 2025
• Opening Times: 10 am – 6 pm (every day)

Kutná Hora is beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site with silver mining history and magnificent Gothic architecture. It’s also very easy to get to Kutna Hora by public transport from Prague, which makes it a great day out.

Unlike some larger cities, Kutná Hora’s markets are held on Advent weekends and specific dates and not as a continuous market. The main celebrations are on Palacký Square (Palackého náměstí) and the courtyard of the historic Italian Court (Vlašský dvůr).

The festive time begins with the lighting of the main Christmas tree on Thursday, 4th December 2025, which coincides with the celebration of St. Barbara’s Day, the patron saint of miners and the city. This event is held in Palacký Square and includes a festive market and programme for children and adults.

The main Christmas markets take place in the central Palacký Square on the three Advent Saturdays: 6th, 13th, and 20th December 2025. There will be stalls selling handmade crafts, regional specialities, local treats, and hot festive drinks.

The weekend markets are complemented by a music programme called the ‘Musical Advent,’ with Czech bands, folk groups and local children school singing groups.

The beautiful courtyard of the former Royal Mint will transform into a charming, family-friendly Advent marketplace on the first two Advent Sundays: 30th November and 7th December 2025 (11:00 am – 6:00 pm). This smaller market will have local handmade gifts stalls and offer creative workshops for children.

12. Ostrava

• Dates: 22 November 2025 – 6 January 2026
• Opening Times: 10 am – 8 pm (every day)

The traditional Christmas markets take place in Masaryk Square (Masarykovo náměstí) and Jirásek Square (Jiráskovo náměstí). You will find the main Christmas tree in Masaryk Square, alongside a giant observation wheel and the very popular ice rink.

There will be plenty of stalls selling various treats and gifts that would be perfect under the Christmas tree. You can also enjoy Christmas entertainment provided by local theatre companies, folk groups, and children school singing groups.

This blog post was originally written on 2 December 2025 and last updated on 2 December 2025