Cesky Krumlov Christmas Market 2024: Medieval Czechia

Český Krumlov is famous for its UNESCO-listed historic centre, well-preserved medieval architecture and the scenic Vltava River. A winter highlight is the Český Krumlov Christmas Market, where the main square is adorned with wooden chalets and festive decorations.

Below are essential details for planning your visit, including confirmed 2024 dates, opening hours and specialties worth trying.

Cesky Krumlov Christmas Market 2024

Dates and Location – Confirmed

Český Krumlov dates: 29th November 2024 to 6th January 2025 (confirmed). Verify the schedule and events.
Location: Náměstí Svornosti (Svornosti Square).
Opening times:
Monday to Wednesday: 11am to 6pm.
Thursday to Sunday: 10am to 7pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
New Year’s Eve: Live music from 9:30pm to 1:30am.
Admission: Free.
Lghts: Advent opening ceremony and tree lighting: 2nd December at 4:30pm (unconfirmed).
Santa: Father Christmas Post Office at Zlatý Anděl on 9th December (unconfirmed).
Ice skating: No.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes, but note that the town is quite hilly.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended during busy periods.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: It’s such a beautiful location!
Recommended tour: This city walking tour is hugely popular.
Food specialities: Trdelník, (honey wine), gingerbread, Moravian mulled wine.
Where to stay: Garni Hotel Castle Bridge is 3 minutes from Svornosti Square.

Convenient Hotels

Stay in the popular Old Town area to be near Svornosti Square. The Garni Hotel Castle Bridge is a great choice, as the excellent reviews will show.

Recommended Tours

You may as well go on the most popular and highly-rated city tour.

This is the one I recommend. It’s a two-hour walking tour that visits key attractions, including the town and castle area, the Gothic church of St Vit, and the former town brewery.

Learn about the town’s history, its experience under communism, and its status as a UNESCO-protected site.

Event Location

What to Expect

Local traditions such as lighting the candles on the Český Krumlov Advent wreath add a unique touch to the holiday celebrations.

You can indulge in traditional Czech treats and crafts, but what adds a distinctive touch is the Bear’s Christmas, where bears from the Krumlov castle moat join in the celebrations.

Additionally, there are events such as the public lighting of the decorated tree, St Nicholas Day celebrations, and a live nativity scene complete with musical accompaniment.

Advent photo shoots at the Museum of Seidel Photo Studio and cruises on rafts provide more unconventional experiences.

The market remains open daily and features food, drinks and regional products. A weekend cultural programme keeps the atmosphere lively for both children and adults.

Food Specialties

• Trdelník: A traditional Czech pastry, trdelník is made by wrapping dough around a stick and roasting it over an open flame.
• Medovina: Honey wine, often warmed and spiced.
• Roasted Chestnuts: A classic street food snack.
• Czech Gingerbread: Distinct from other versions, Czech gingerbread is rich in flavour and often intricately decorated.
• Moravian Spiced Wine: Originating from the local Moravia region, this mulled wine is hugely popular.
• Klobása: A type of Czech sausage that is grilled on open fires.
• Potato Pancakes: Crispy and savoury, these thin pancakes are made from grated potatoes and onions.
• Mushroom Soup: A great choice for vegetarians.
• Pretzels: Large, twisted, and sprinkled with coarse salt.

Interesting Gifts

• Glass Ornaments: Český Krumlov has a rich history of glassmaking. Each piece is unique.
• Wooden Toys: Often carved from local timber, they range from simple figurines to puzzles and games.
• Lace Products: The South Bohemian region is renowned for its lacework.
• Ceramic Ware: Mugs, plates and decorative pieces.
• Marionettes: Puppetry has a significant place in Czech culture. Handcrafted with attention to detail, Marionettes are not just toys but also art pieces.
• Honey Products: From raw honey to beeswax lip balms.
• Advent Wreaths: Freshly made with local flora.
• Beer and Wine: Craft beer and Moravian wines.
• Hand-knitted Scarves: A hint of Bohemian style.
• Music Boxes: A timeless souvenir that plays traditional melodies.

Sustainability Tips

• Eco-friendly accommodations: Choose from a selection of hotels dedicated to green practices and renewable energy sources.
• Mindful eating: Order reasonable portions to prevent food waste. If you’re uncertain about the quantity, it’s always best to start small—you can always return for more.
• Ethical shopping: Consider the materials used and the longevity and use of each item.
• Sustainable diets: Order dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Additionally, explore plant-based or vegetarian options that typically have a smaller environmental impact than meat-based dishes.
• Eco-conscious travel: The historic centre’s compact nature makes it perfect for exploring on foot or by bike. Public transport is, of course, available for longer distances. There are several trains a day from Prague if you’re visiting from the capital.

Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.

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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.