Best Places to Visit in Czechia for Christmas Cheer

The holiday season in Czechia is a magical time, especially for expats and digital nomads looking to soak up the festive atmosphere. From charming Christmas markets to dazzling light displays and traditional celebrations, the country offers plenty of ways to embrace the spirit of the season. Whether you're craving cozy mulled wine, handcrafted ornaments, or lively parades, these destinations are sure to fill you with holiday cheer.

Prague’s Old Town Square

Prague’s Old Town Square is the heart of the city’s holiday celebrations, transforming into a winter wonderland with one of the most famous Christmas markets in Europe. The market, known as Váno?ní trhy na Starom?stském nám?stí, features wooden stalls selling handmade gifts, glass ornaments, and traditional Czech crafts. The scent of trdelník (a sweet pastry cooked over an open flame) and sva?ák (mulled wine) fills the air, while a towering Christmas tree and nativity scene add to the festive charm. Carolers, puppet shows, and live folk music performances make this a must-visit spot for anyone wanting to experience Czech holiday traditions.

We Recommend: Don’t leave without trying *váno?ka*, a sweet braided bread often sold at the market, or a cup of *sva?ák* with a shot of rum for extra warmth. The market’s giant Christmas tree, adorned with twinkling lights, is also perfect for a festive photo.

?eský Krumlov

This fairy-tale town in South Bohemia is even more enchanting during the holidays, with its medieval streets dusted in snow and twinkling lights. The ?eský Krumlov Christmas Market takes place in the town square, offering handcrafted wooden toys, lacework, and local honey products. The market’s cozy atmosphere is enhanced by live music, including traditional Czech carols, and the scent of roasted chestnuts and gingerbread. The town’s castle, illuminated against the winter sky, adds a magical backdrop to the festivities.

We Recommend: Try *perní?ky*, spiced gingerbread cookies often decorated with icing, or warm up with a bowl of *kulajda*, a creamy mushroom soup with potatoes and dill—a Czech winter favorite.

Brno’s Nám?stí Svobody

Brno’s main square, Nám?stí Svobody, hosts one of the largest and liveliest Christmas markets in Moravia. The market is known for its vibrant atmosphere, with stalls selling everything from hand-knitted scarves to Moravian wine and honey. Visitors can enjoy live performances, including folk dances and choir concerts, while children can ride a small carousel or visit Santa’s workshop. The market’s centerpiece is a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, and the surrounding historic buildings provide a stunning setting for holiday photos.

We Recommend: Sample *bramboráky*, crispy potato pancakes served with garlic sauce or sauerkraut, or pick up a bottle of *bur?ák*, a young, semi-fermented wine that’s a seasonal specialty in Moravia.

Kutná Hora

Kutná Hora, a UNESCO-listed town known for its eerie Sedlec Ossuary, takes on a more festive mood in December with its charming Christmas market. Held in the town’s historic square, the market features handmade ceramics, wooden toys, and intricate lacework, all crafted by local artisans. The market’s highlight is the *Betlém*, a large nativity scene made entirely of gingerbread, which draws crowds every year. The town’s Gothic architecture, dusted with snow, creates a picturesque setting for holiday shopping and strolling.

We Recommend: Warm up with *medovina*, a honey-based mulled wine that’s a specialty of the region, or try *váno?ní cukroví*, an assortment of traditional Czech Christmas cookies.

Olomouc’s Upper Square (Horní nám?stí)

Olomouc’s Christmas market in Horní nám?stí is one of the most beautiful in the country, set against the backdrop of the Holy Trinity Column, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The market is known for its high-quality crafts, including hand-blown glass ornaments and intricate embroidery. Visitors can enjoy live music, including classical concerts in nearby churches, and a variety of Czech holiday treats. The market’s ice rink, set up in the square, is a popular spot for families and couples looking to enjoy some winter fun.

We Recommend: Don’t miss *olomoucké tvar?žky*, a pungent but beloved local cheese, often served grilled at the market. Pair it with a cup of *sva?ák* for the full Czech experience.

Pilsen’s Republic Square (Nám?stí Republiky)

Pilsen’s Christmas market in Nám?stí Republiky is a festive hub, especially for beer lovers, as the city is home to the famous Pilsner Urquell brewery. The market features stalls selling handmade gifts, local crafts, and, of course, plenty of beer-related souvenirs. The highlight is the *Pilsner Christmas Beer*, a special seasonal brew that’s darker and spicier than the usual lager. The market also hosts live performances, including folk music and theater shows, and a large Christmas tree that dominates the square.

We Recommend: Try *klobása*, a grilled Czech sausage, with a side of *ho??ice* (mustard) and a pint of the seasonal Christmas beer. The market’s *perníková chaloupka*, a gingerbread house stall, is also a hit with visitors.

Liberec

Liberec’s Christmas market, held in the shadow of the striking Ješt?d Tower, is a cozy and scenic destination for the holidays. The market is known for its handcrafted wooden toys, wool products, and local honey, as well as its warm and welcoming atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy live performances, including carolers and folk dancers, and the market’s ice rink is a popular spot for families. The nearby North Bohemian Museum often hosts special holiday exhibitions, adding to the festive experience.

We Recommend: Warm up with *trdelník* filled with Nutella or whipped cream, or try *lívance*, small Czech pancakes dusted with powdered sugar and jam.

Prague’s Vinohrady Neighborhood

While Prague’s Old Town Square gets most of the holiday attention, the Vinohrady neighborhood offers a more local and relaxed Christmas experience. The market at Nám?stí Míru is smaller but equally charming, with stalls selling handmade gifts, organic produce, and artisanal foods. The neighborhood’s cozy cafés and wine bars also get into the spirit, offering seasonal treats like *váno?ní pun?* (Christmas punch) and *medovník* (honey cake). The market’s tree-lighting ceremony, usually held in early December, is a highlight, featuring live music and a visit from St. Nicholas.

We Recommend: Stop by one of the neighborhood’s wine bars for a glass of *sva?ák* or *váno?ní pun?*, and pair it with a slice of *medovník*, a layered honey cake that’s a Czech holiday favorite.

Karlovy Vary

Karlovy Vary, famous for its thermal springs, takes on a festive glow in December with its elegant Christmas market. Held in the colonnades near the thermal springs, the market is known for its high-quality crafts, including Bohemian crystal, hand-painted ceramics, and local spa products. Visitors can enjoy live classical music performances and sample seasonal treats like *váno?ní cukroví* and *perní?ky*. The market’s location, surrounded by historic buildings and twinkling lights, makes it one of the most picturesque in the country.

We Recommend: Try *Karlovarské oplatky*, thin wafers often filled with vanilla or hazelnut cream, or warm up with a cup of *sva?ák* infused with local herbs. The market’s hand-blown glass ornaments also make for unique souvenirs.

Ostrava’s Stodolní Street

Ostrava’s Stodolní Street, known for its vibrant nightlife, transforms into a festive hub during the holidays with its lively Christmas market. The market features stalls selling handmade gifts, local crafts, and plenty of food and drink options, including grilled sausages and *sva?ák*. The street’s bars and restaurants also get into the spirit, offering holiday-themed cocktails and live music. The market’s highlight is the *Stodolní Christmas Parade*, usually held in early December, featuring floats, performers, and a visit from St. Nicholas.

We Recommend: Grab a *klobása* with mustard and a pint of local beer, or try *smažený sýr*, fried cheese, a Czech pub favorite. The market’s *váno?ní strome?ek* (Christmas tree) is also a great spot for photos.