The Christmas markets in Prague, specifically in the Old Town Square, are among the most beautiful in Europe. They won several awards and are visited by people from all over the world. Other cities in the Czech Republic are not far behind, offering, among other things, a rich cultural program, ice rinks, observation wheels and much more.
Christmas Markets 2023: When are they taking place?
Click on a specific city for more information.
Christmas tree lighting
To light the Christmas tree on the Old Town Square in Prague thousands of people get married every year. This year it is scheduled for Saturday, December 2 from 4:30 p.m. Subsequently, it will take place every hour and the last lighting will take place at half past ten in the evening.
For example in Brno the lighting of the Christmas tree will take place in three places on the same day, the first at náměstí Svobody on Friday, December 24 from 5 p.m., an hour later at Zelné trh and from 7 p.m. at Moravské náměstí.
In Ostrava the Christmas tree will be ceremonially lit on Saturday, November 25 in the early evening.
Lighting of Christmas trees in other cities
- Liberec: Friday, November 24 from 4:15 p.m
- Czech Budejovice: Saturday, December 2 from 4:30 p.m
- Czech Krumlov: Sunday, December 3 from 2 p.m
- Zlin: Sunday, December 3 from 5:45 p.m
- Pilsen: Sunday, December 3 from 6 p.m
Advent markets abroad
For the somewhat different atmosphere of large Christmas markets, Czechs also like to go to some cities abroad. For the largest ones, tours can also be purchased at travel agencies. For example, markets are very popular in Viennaespecially the Christkindelmarkt on the Rathausplatz square in front of the town hall, which started already on November 10 and is one of the largest in Europe.
It is the most famous fair in Poland in Krakow on the Main Square, starting on Friday, November 24. In Germany, the Striezelmarkt leads to the Altmarkt square in Dresdenheld since the Middle Ages, which opens its doors this year on Wednesday, November 29.
