Christmas Markets

Experience an Advent weekend in Czechia with historic squares, the scent of mulled wine (Svařák) and festive sparkling lights. To make the journey just as relaxing as the visit to the markets, the digital vignette should be firmly planned in: it is either valid immediately or can be conveniently activated with a chosen start date. This way, you can fully enjoy your Christmas 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 savory specialties. Just a few minutes away, Wenceslas Square adds to the festive atmosphere. During the week, the Christmas market can often be experienced in a noticeably calmer way. As dusk falls, the market is illuminated in atmospheric lighting. For photographs, 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 the vignette-required motorways (D-roads), vehicles up to 3.5 t GVW require a digital vignette. Parking at P+R lots on the outskirts (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 book parking spaces in hotel garages 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 main areas are conveniently within walking distance of each other. A special feature is the tradition of collectible mugs, available each year in new designs. In the evening, the stage program 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 to December 23. 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 vignette-free I/52, then on the vignette-required D52 from Pohořelice-sever), and from Bratislava via the D2. Cars and light motorhomes up to 3.5 t GVW are subject to the vignette requirement. It is advisable to park in parking garages on the edge of the Old Town and continue on foot into the center. Alternatively, P+R lots with tram connections are available 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's worth trying different types 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 November 22 to December 24. 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 (about 5–10 minutes on foot) or use bus/tram from outer districts to avoid a lengthy search for parking.

Insider Tip: Český Krumlov

Český Krumlov enchants with medieval lanes, an impressive castle backdrop and a cozy market on the main square. The destination is especially suited for anyone who prefers a romantic and quieter atmosphere. An evening stroll across the bridge offers a beautiful view: the castle, river and lights create an atmospheric panorama. Those seeking handicrafts will find suitable offerings in small studios off the main square.

• Opening hours: The Christmas atmosphere in Český Krumlov usually begins on November 22 and lasts until January 4. 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 route. Locally, parking lots P1–P3 on the edge of the Old Town are suitable; from there, it's about a 10–15 minute walk into the center.

Why You Need a Vignette

In Czechia, according to the official list, a vignette requirement applies to vehicles up to 3.5 t GVW (e.g. cars, vans, light motorhomes) on motorways (D-roads). The vignette is digital: the license plate is registered online. This eliminates the need to affix a sticker as well as remove it later. Depending on your travel plans, you can choose between different validity periods.

• Motorcycles are vignette-free in Czechia.

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

• There are no special toll routes in Czechia.

Tips for Planning Your Trip

• Timing: In the 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 especially 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 (layering principle), a hat and gloves, as well as non-slip, weatherproof shoes are recommended. A thermos and some cash (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 priced. You can find more traditional dishes in our guide.

• Parking & Public Transport: Use P+R facilities on the outskirts (e.g. in Prague/Brno/Olomouc) and take the metro or tram into the center. In historic city centers, parking spaces are often limited and expensive.

The Europamaut Team Wishes You a Pleasant Journey

We wish you a pleasant journey to Czechia and much enjoyment on your exploration tour through the country's impressive nature. Please 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 relevant toll products. If you have any questions, we are of course happy to help. Feel free to contact us at any time by email.