If you’ve ever dreamed of spending Christmas in a fairytale, the Czech Republic might be the closest you’ll get. Think cobblestone old towns dusted with snow, medieval squares glowing with Christmas lights, mulled wine warming your hands, and centuries-old traditions still alive today.
The Czech Republic isn’t just another European winter destination — it’s one of the most atmospheric, culturally unique, and surprisingly affordable places to celebrate the holidays.
Whether you’re into bustling Christmas markets, peaceful countryside escapes, historic towns, or spa relaxation, Christmas in Czechia gives you a perfect December blend of charm, culture, and comfort.
Why Spend Christmas in the Czech Republic?
Here’s what makes Czechia a standout holiday destination:
Historic winter atmosphere that feels like a living postcard
Strong traditions — Christmas here is deeply cultural, not commercial
Affordable compared to Austria and Germany
Cities and small towns both shine — you can mix Prague with peaceful villages
Fantastic public transport that makes holiday travel easy
One of Europe’s best networks of Christmas markets
If you want beauty without the chaos of the most famous European markets, Czechia is the sweet spot.
Classic Czech Christmas Traditions You Should Experience
St. Nicholas Day (Dec 5)
On this day, the streets fill with devils (čerti), angels, and Mikuláš (St. Nicholas) who give treats to kids. It’s lively, theatrical, and wonderfully chaotic.
Christmas Carp Tradition
Czechs famously eat carp for Christmas dinner — you’ll see live carp swimming in barrels on the streets in December. It’s one of the most unique holiday customs in Europe.
Czech Christmas Dinner — Dec 24 (main holiday)
Czechs celebrate on Christmas Eve, not the 25th.
Typical dinner includes:
fried carp
potato salad
fish soup
vánočka (sweet braided bread)
Czech Fortune-Telling Traditions
You’ll see these around the markets or in family gatherings:
apple slicing to reveal your “Christmas star”
walnut boats floating wishes
lead pouring for predicting the year ahead
Golden Pig Tradition
If you fast until Christmas dinner, you may “see a golden pig” — a symbol of good luck.
Local festive folklore is half the fun of celebrating Christmas here.
Best Places to Spend Christmas in the Czech Republic
Below are the top cities and towns worth adding to your itinerary.
1. Prague — The Classic Fairytale Christmas
Prague is one of Europe’s most iconic Christmas destinations — and for good reason. The whole city transforms into a glowing holiday wonderland.
Highlights:
Old Town Square Market — the crown jewel, with its iconic tree
Prague Castle Market — small but atmospheric
Lesser Town Square Market — charming and local
Holiday concerts in Gothic churches
Ice skating rinks across the city
Vltava River Christmas cruises
Tips:
Visit markets in the morning for fewer crowds.
Prague gets very busy from Dec 20–26, so book accommodations early.
If you prefer a quieter Christmas Day, cross Charles Bridge at sunrise — magical.
2. Český Krumlov — Christmas in a Medieval Storybook
One of Europe’s most picturesque small towns becomes even more magical in winter. The narrow alleys, wooden stalls, castle views, and quiet snowy mornings feel like stepping back in time.
Why visit for Christmas:
Tiny but charming Advent market
Live nativity performances
Winter castle views
Fewer crowds than Prague
Cozy cafés perfect for warming up
A perfect destination for couples, photographers, and slow travelers.
3. Brno — A Creative, Less Touristy Christmas
Brno, the Czech Republic’s second city, offers a fresher, more local Christmas experience.
Highlights:
Several markets spread across beautiful squares
Famous Brno hot drinks (especially their punch!)
Modern art, indie design, and nightlife
Brno Underground tours
Villa Tugendhat visits (limited winter slots)
Brno is ideal if you want festive vibes without tourist crowds.
4. Olomouc — The Most Underrated Christmas Markets in Europe
Olomouc might be one of Europe’s best-kept Christmas secrets.
What makes it special:
Beautiful UNESCO-listed old town
Locals say it has the best Christmas punch in the country
Large ice rink in the city center
Authentic, local atmosphere
Lower prices than Prague or Brno
If you want a local, cozy, and truly Czech Christmas, go here.
5. Karlovy Vary — A Spa Christmas Escape
Perfect for anyone wanting a quiet, relaxing Christmas.
Best experiences:
Hot thermal baths
Peaceful river walks under the colonnades
Festive lights reflecting off the grand spa buildings
Spa hotels with Christmas packages
Combine relaxation, culture, and luxury.
6. Liberec — Best Christmas Destination for Families
If you’re traveling with kids, Liberec is a fantastic alternative.
Why families love it:
IQ Landia science center
Jested Mountain cable car
Snowy landscapes
Smaller, friendly markets
Ski slopes nearby
Perfect balance of city and nature.
7. Ostrava — Industrial Christmas with a Twist
For travelers who like something different, Ostrava blends industrial architecture with festive events.
Expect:
Christmas markets with local food
Dolní Vítkovice cultural events
Great cafés and bars
Ice skating and winter festivals
Cool, gritty, and atmospheric.
Top Christmas Markets in the Czech Republic
1. Prague – Old Town Square Market
Famous for a reason: massive tree, concerts, mulled wine, crafts.
2. Prague Castle Market
Small but magical — great views.
3. Brno Christmas Markets
Lively, local, creative.
4. Olomouc “Punč” Market
Known for its warm punch variations.
5. Český Krumlov Advent Market
Small, atmospheric, romantic.
6. Kutná Hora & Regional Markets
Local crafts, fewer tourists, charming medieval squares.
Best Christmas Foods & Drinks to Try
Fried Carp & Potato Salad — the most traditional Christmas Eve meal
Vánočka — sweet braided bread with almonds
Czech Christmas cookies (cukroví) — every family makes their own
Perník — beautifully decorated gingerbread
Medovina — warm honey wine
Svařák — Czech mulled wine
Christmas punch — especially famous in Olomouc
Tip: Go to a cukrárna (Czech pastry shop) to sample cookies and vánočka.
Unique Christmas Experiences in the Czech Republic
1. Christmas Concerts
Enjoy classical music in:
St. Nicholas Church
Municipal House
Estates Theatre
Rudolfinum
2. Visit Castles in Winter
Prague Castle, Krumlov Castle, Karlštejn, and others offer limited winter tours.
3. Christmas Night Mass
Even if you’re not religious, it’s a beautiful cultural moment.
4. Ice Skating
Outdoor rinks in Prague, Brno, and Olomouc create a classic winter scene.
5. Spa Christmas
Karlovy Vary and Mariánské Lázně are perfect for relaxation.
6. Gingerbread or Ornament Workshops
Learn Czech craft traditions.
Best Day Trips & Winter Excursions
Bohemian Switzerland National Park
Winter views, frozen waterfalls, dramatic landscapes.Kutná Hora
Medieval town, cathedral, Christmas market.Karlštejn Castle
Easy train ride from Prague.Pilsen
Christmas market + Pilsner brewery tour.Třeboň
Spa town with calm Christmas vibes.
Practical Tips for Spending Christmas in Czechia
1. Book Early
December is peak travel season (especially in Prague).
2. Christmas Eve Closures
On Dec 24, many restaurants, shops, and supermarkets close early.
3. Transportation Runs on Holiday Schedules
Trains run — just less frequently.
4. Weather
Expect:
-3°C to +5°C
Light snow is common
Cold evenings — pack layers and waterproof shoes
5. Safety
Czechia is safe. Just watch for:
Pickpockets at busy Christmas markets
Slippery cobblestones when snow/ice hits
6. Currency
Czech koruna (CZK) — not euros.
Most places take cards, but markets may prefer cash.
Suggested Christmas Itineraries
3-Day Prague Christmas
Day 1: Old Town Market → Concert
Day 2: Prague Castle → Lesser Town Market → River cruise
Day 3: Day trip to Kutná Hora or Karlštejn Castle
4-Day Prague + Český Krumlov
Days 1–2: Prague markets, concerts, museums
Day 3: Train/bus to Krumlov
Day 4: Explore Krumlov market, castle, cafés
4-Day Brno + Olomouc
For those wanting a less touristy experience.
5-Day Prague + Karlovy Vary Spa Christmas
Perfect for a cozy, relaxing holiday.
Conclusion
Christmas in the Czech Republic is everything travelers dream of — charming markets, glowing old towns, snow-dusted castles, heartfelt traditions, and cozy winter experiences. Whether you stick to Prague or venture into smaller towns like Olomouc or Český Krumlov, you’ll find a country that treats Christmas not as a commercial event, but as a season of tradition, beauty, and warmth.
If you’re looking for a magical, memorable, and culturally rich place to spend Christmas this year — Czechia delivers.
Hello, I am Jan, a travel writer based in the Czech Republic. I specialize in discovering and writing about my homeland—medieval towns, mountain hikes, the local pub scene, and off-the-tourist-radar destinations.
I also write about life as an expat in Czechia—just what it is like to live here, and not just visit. That means the little victories, the cultural surprises, and the daily realities of establishing life in this side of the world. If you’re considering visiting or making the move, I hope to give you an authentic, realistic sense of what life in Czechia is all about.