Christmas Markets

Experience an Advent weekend in Czechia with historic squares, the scent of mulled wine (Svařák) and festive light displays. To make the journey there as relaxed as visiting the markets themselves, the digital vignette should be firmly planned in advance: it is either valid immediately or can be conveniently activated for a date of your choosing. This way, you can fully enjoy your festive getaway. Motorcycles, incidentally, are exempt from the vignette requirement in Czechia.

Christmas Markets in Prague: Old Town Square & Wenceslas Square

Prague unfolds a particularly impressive backdrop during Advent: between the Church of Our Lady before Týn, the Town Hall and the large Christmas tree, wooden stalls line up offering handicrafts as well as sweet and savoury specialities. Just a few minutes away, Wenceslas Square adds to the festive atmosphere. During the week, the Christmas market can often be experienced in a much quieter way. As dusk falls, the market lights up with atmospheric illumination. For photographs, it is advisable to plan around the tree illuminations and try regional dishes.

• Opening hours: The Christmas markets in Prague usually take place from late November to early January. Most markets can generally be visited between 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.

• Getting there: From Germany via the D5 (Pilsen) or D8 (Dresden/Ústí n. L.). For the toll-liable motorways (D-roads), vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight require a digital vignette. Parking at P+R sites on the outskirts of the city (e.g. at major metro hubs) is particularly convenient, with onward travel by metro or tram into the Old Town. Anyone wishing to park centrally should reserve a space in a hotel garage in advance, as parking options in the Old Town are limited and costly.

Advent Magic in Brno

During Advent, Brno feels like one big meeting place: live music at Freedom Square, handicrafts and design at the Vegetable Market, and a family-friendly offering at Moravian Square. The main areas are easily reached on foot. A special feature is the tradition of collectible mugs, which are available in new designs every year. In the evening, the stage programme creates a reflective atmosphere. Those who prefer it quieter should plan a visit in the later afternoon and/or during the week.

• Opening hours: The Christmas markets in Brno usually take place from late November until 23 December. Opening hours may vary depending on the day of the week.

• Getting there: From Prague via the D1, from Vienna via Mikulov (initially on the toll-free I/52, then from Pohořelice-sever onwards on the toll-liable D52), and from Bratislava via the D2. The vignette requirement applies to cars and light motorhomes up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight. It is advisable to park in car parks on the edge of the Old Town and walk into the centre from there. Alternatively, P+R sites with tram connections are a good option to save time and parking costs.

Olomouc: A Festive Variety of Punch

Between Horní náměstí and Dolní náměstí, Baroque façades, the Holy Trinity Column (UNESCO) and numerous market stalls shine brightly. Olomouc is known for punch in many varieties, complemented by Bramborák (potato pancakes) and Vánočka (sweet braided bread). It is worth trying different kinds of punch and creating your own personal “punch tasting.” Towards evening, smaller concerts round off the festive atmosphere.

• Opening hours: You can generally visit the Christmas market in Olomouc from 22 November to 24 December. Opening hours usually extend into the evening, often from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

• Getting there: Olomouc is conveniently accessible via the D35/D46. A digital vignette should be planned for motorway travel. Park on the edge of the Old Town (approx. 5–10 minutes on foot) or use the bus/tram from outer districts to avoid a lengthy search for parking.

Insider Tip: Český Krumlov

Český Krumlov delights with its medieval alleys, an impressive castle backdrop and a cosy market on the main square. This destination is particularly suited to those who prefer a romantic and quieter atmosphere. An evening stroll across the bridge offers a beautiful view: the castle, river and lights create an atmospheric panorama. Anyone looking for handicrafts will find suitable offerings in small studios away from the square.

• Opening hours: The festive atmosphere in Český Krumlov usually begins on 22 November and lasts until 4 January. Concerts, Advent singing or nativity plays are often held during opening hours as well.

• Getting there: You can reach Český Krumlov via the D3 towards České Budějovice. Please note that a digital vignette is required for this. On site, the car parks P1–P3 on the edge of the Old Town are suitable; from there it takes around 10–15 minutes on foot to reach the centre.

Why You Need a Vignette

In Czechia, a vignette requirement applies on motorways (D-roads) for vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight (e.g. cars, vans, light motorhomes) according to the official list. The vignette is digital: the number plate is registered online. This means there is no need to attach a sticker or remove it later. Depending on your travel plans, you can choose between different validity periods.

• Motorcycles are exempt from the vignette in Czechia.

• Vehicles over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight (e.g. trucks, buses, heavy motorhomes) pay a distance-based toll via the electronic, satellite-based system MYTO CZ using an on-board unit (OBU); for these vehicles, the vignette requirement does not apply.

• Czechia has no special toll routes.

Tips for Planning Your Trip

• Timing: The markets are often quieter in the late morning and early afternoon hours (approx. 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.). The atmospheric lighting begins at dusk (approx. 4:00–6:00 p.m.). Weekends and evening hours are generally particularly busy.

• Route & planning: Combine markets within one region, e.g. Brno and Olomouc. Keep the vignette requirement in mind during your round trip.

• Clothing: Czech winters can be cold and windy. Several layers of clothing (onion-layer principle), a hat and gloves, as well as non-slip, weatherproof shoes are recommended. A thermos flask and some cash (for deposits/small stalls) are useful.

• Cuisine: Try Svařák (mulled wine), Klobása (grilled sausage) and Perníčky (gingerbread). Stalls away from the main routes are often more authentic and better value. You can find more traditional dishes in our guide.

• Parking & public transport: Make use of P+R facilities on the outskirts of the city (e.g. in Prague/Brno/Olomouc) and travel into the centre by metro or tram. In historic city centres, parking spaces are often limited and expensive.

The Europamaut Team Wishes You a Pleasant Journey

We wish you a pleasant journey to Czechia and lots of enjoyment on your exploration tour through the country’s impressive natural landscape. Please make sure to find out about the applicable toll regulations in good time. In addition, our route planner is available to help you plan your journey optimally and display the relevant toll products. If you have any questions, we would of course be happy to help. Feel free to contact us at any time by email.