Christmas Markets

Experience an Advent weekend in the Czech Republic with historic squares, the scent of mulled wine (Svařák) and festive lights. To make the journey there as relaxing as the visit to the markets, the digital vignette should be firmly planned in advance: it is either valid immediately or can conveniently be activated with a chosen start date. This way, you can enjoy your Christmas break to the fullest. Incidentally, motorcycles in the Czech Republic are exempt from the vignette requirement.

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 is often noticeably quieter. As dusk falls, the market glows in atmospheric lighting. For photographs, it is worth planning around the tree illuminations and trying 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 motorways and expressways, vehicles up to 3.5 t gross weight need a digital vignette. Particularly convenient is parking at P+R sites on the outskirts (e.g. at major metro hubs) with onward travel by metro or tram into the Old Town. Anyone wishing to park centrally should book hotel garage spaces 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 point: live music at Freedom Square, handicrafts and design at the Vegetable Market, and a family-friendly offering at Moravian Square. The most important areas can easily be reached on foot. A special feature is the tradition of collector's mugs, available in new designs every year. In the evening, the stage programme creates a peaceful atmosphere. Anyone preferring it quieter should plan a visit in the later afternoon and/or on a weekday.

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

• Getting there: From Prague via the D1, and from Vienna/Bratislava via the D2. The vignette requirement applies to cars and light motorhomes up to 3.5 t gross weight. It is advisable to park in car parks on the edge of the Old Town and then walk into the centre. Alternatively, P+R sites with tram connections are available to save time and parking costs.

Olomouc: A Festive Variety of Punch

Between Horní 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 types of punch and creating your own personal "punch tasting". In the evening, small 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. The digital vignette must be arranged 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 medieval lanes, an impressive castle backdrop and a cosy market on the main square. This destination is especially suited to those who prefer a romantic and quieter atmosphere. An evening walk 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 Christmas atmosphere in Český Krumlov usually begins on 22 November and lasts until 4 January. Concerts, Advent singing or nativity plays are also frequently held during opening hours.

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

Why You Need a Vignette

In the Czech Republic, a vignette requirement applies to vehicles up to 3.5 t gross weight (e.g. cars, vans, light motorhomes) on motorways and selected expressways. The vignette is digital: the licence plate is registered online. This means there is no need to attach or later remove a sticker. Depending on your travel plans, you can choose between different validity periods.

• Motorcycles are vignette-free in the Czech Republic.

• Vehicles over 3.5 t gross weight (e.g. trucks, buses, heavy motorhomes) pay a distance-based toll via OBU/transponder; for these vehicles, the vignette requirement does not apply.

• There are no special toll routes in the Czech Republic.

Tips for Planning Your Trip

• Timing: In the late morning and early afternoon hours (approx. 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.), the markets are often quieter. From dusk (approx. 4:00–6:00 p.m.), the atmospheric lighting begins. Weekends and evenings are usually particularly busy.

• Route & Planning: Combine markets within one region, e.g. Brno and Olomouc. Be sure to consider the vignette requirement throughout your round trip.

• Clothing: Czech winters can be cold and windy. Several layers of clothing (layering 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 helpful.

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

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

The Europamaut Team Wishes You a Pleasant Journey

We wish you a pleasant journey to the Czech Republic and lots of enjoyment on your exploration tour through the country's impressive nature. Please make sure to inform yourself in good time about the applicable toll regulations. In addition, our route planner is available to help you plan your trip optimally and display the corresponding toll products. If you have any questions, we will of course be happy to help. Feel free to contact us at any time by email.