Czech Republic: The Most Beautiful Christmas Markets

Christmas markets have a long tradition in Germany. In our neighboring countries, families and friends also come together during Advent, such as in the Czech Republic. We reveal where the festive hustle and bustle is most beautiful.

Advent, Advent... Not only in Germany does the Christmas anticipation spread through the streets and squares. It's festive and full of atmosphere in the Czech Republic too. These are the places worth visiting in December.

The golden Prague - in winter, when the spires and roofs are white, casts a special spell over the Czech capital. Especially during the Advent season, when numerous Christmas markets herald the festivities. At Peace Square (Námestí Míru), behind the large towers of St. Ludmilla's Church, festive activities with roasted almonds, chestnuts, mulled wine, mead, and punch take place up until Christmas Eve. The market is open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM.

Among the largest and most atmospheric Christmas markets in Prague is the fair at the Old Town Square, the Staroměstské náměstí (until January 6, daily from 10 AM to 10 PM). If you're up for taking a spin on an original ride, check out Manifesto Market Andel: here you'll find a large carousel in French style.

There's also Advent spirit in Brno. The country's second-largest city, known as Brno in Czech, was referred to as 'Manchester of Austria' during the Habsburg era up until 1918, due to its unique textile production within the Austrian monarchy. No wonder Brno has been considered an exciting counterpoint to proud, venerable Prague, with modern architecture and a lot of boldness for experimentation.

However, during Advent, the city embraces tradition. The Christmas market at Freedom Square (Námestí Svobody) runs until Friday, December 23, daily from 11 AM to 9:45 PM. The visual highlight each year is the large carved Nativity scene. The market also offers some culinary specialties. How about a Trdelnik? This sweet pastry from the rotating spit is a beloved treat among the Czechs.

When it comes to Christmas highlights, Ústek (Auscha) is at the top - literally. In this small town in northern Bohemia, every year sees a special airborne event. On a December Saturday, three angels descend from the tower of St. Peter and Paul Church. After their heavenly, rope-secured flight, the winged beings pass around angel cards to children, for them to write or draw their secret wishes on.

The spectacle is framed by numerous stalls where more than 150 artisans from the region offer their crafts: ceramics and candles, glass and leather goods, toys, and festive decorations. Choir and organ music in the church accompany the one-day Christmas market. This year, the event is on Saturday, December 17. The angels make their flights at 11 AM, 2:30 PM, and 5 PM. The market is open until 6 PM.

With an unparalleled density of castles and palaces, the Czech Republic offers particularly fairytale-like settings for colorful festive activities. The Christmas market at Silesian Ostrava Castle (Slezskoostravský hrad) in Northern Moravia near Ostrava is not a secret anymore.

Here, guests experience Advent magic with a medieval flair on Saturday and Sunday, December 11 and 12, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Especially popular are the demonstrations of artisan crafts and Christmas customs such as lead pouring, apple cutting, and nutshell boat floating.

The castle is festively illuminated, and there's the scent of roasted chestnuts in the air. And if you're looking for a special gift, you're likely to find it here: the range of local artisans includes artful woodcarvings, woven baskets, painted ceramics, and delectable beekeeping products.

Also in Bohemia, just 15 kilometers from Ústek, visitors embark on a little time journey. At the open-air museum in Zubrnice (Saubernitz), they can see how rural life was once organized. The complex includes a completely furnished log farmhouse, an old village store, a village school, and a baroque church. A wooden well from 1695 and a working hot-air fruit drying facility are also part of the exhibition.

Those visiting the open-air museum during Advent can see how Christmas was celebrated in the 19th century. On Saturday and Sunday, December 10 and 11, demonstrations in the old farmhouses from 9 AM to 4 PM show how gingerbread is decorated, and Advent wreaths are made according to typical Bohemian traditions. Visitors enjoy festive music and freshly baked Christmas cake.