Christmas Markets

Experience an Advent weekend in the Czech Republic with historic squares, the scent of mulled wine (Svařák) and festive lights. To make your journey as relaxing as your visit to the markets, you should be sure to plan ahead for the digital vignette: it is either valid immediately or can conveniently be activated on a date of your choice. This way you can fully enjoy your Christmas getaway. Incidentally, motorcycles are exempt from the vignette requirement in the Czech Republic.

Christmas markets in Prague: Old Town Square & Wenceslas Square

During Advent, Prague unfolds a particularly impressive backdrop: 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. On weekdays, the Christmas market can often be experienced much more peacefully. As dusk falls, the market glows with atmospheric lighting. For photos, it's 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 nad Labem). For motorways and expressways, vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight require a digital vignette. 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 is particularly convenient. Anyone wishing to park centrally should book a spot in a hotel garage in advance, as parking in the Old Town is limited and expensive.

Advent magic in Brno

During Advent, Brno feels like one big meeting point: live music at Freedom Square, arts and crafts and design at the Vegetable Market, and a family-friendly offering at Moravian Square. The main areas are easy to reach on foot. A special feature is the tradition of collectible mugs, available in new designs every year. In the evening, the stage programme creates a contemplative atmosphere. Anyone who prefers a quieter experience should plan a visit in the late afternoon and/or on a weekday.

• Opening hours: The Christmas markets in Brno usually run 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. Cars and light motorhomes up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight are subject to the vignette requirement. It's advisable to park in car parks on the edge of the Old Town and continue on foot into the centre. Alternatively, P+R sites with tram connections help 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 create a striking scene. Olomouc is known for punch in many varieties, complemented by bramborák (potato pancakes) and vánočka (sweet braided bread). It's worth trying different types of punch and putting together your own personal "punch tasting". Towards 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. A digital vignette is required for travel on motorways. Park on the edge of the Old Town (about a 5–10-minute walk) or use the bus/tram from the outer districts to avoid a lengthy search for parking.

Insider tip: Český Krumlov

Český Krumlov captivates with its medieval lanes, 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 walk across the bridge offers a lovely view: the castle, the river and the 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 carol singing or nativity plays often take place 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 route. On site, car parks P1–P3 on the edge of the Old Town are suitable; from there it's about a 10–15-minute walk into the centre.

Why you need a vignette

In the Czech Republic, vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight (e.g. cars, vans, light motorhomes) are subject to a vignette requirement on motorways and selected expressways. The vignette is digital: the licence plate is registered online. This means there's no need to attach a sticker or remove one later. Depending on your travel plans, you can choose between different validity periods.

• Motorcycles are exempt from the vignette in the Czech Republic.

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

• In the Czech Republic, there are no special toll routes.

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 generally particularly busy.

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

• Clothing: Czech winters can be cold and windy. Several layers of clothing (the layering principle), a hat and gloves, as well as non-slip, weatherproof shoes are recommended. A thermos flask and some cash (deposit/small stalls) are also 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: Make use 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 countryside. 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 will of course be happy to help. Feel free to contact us at any time by email.