\nTo make the most of your visit, I recommend reading my Czechia Christmas Market guide. It provides practical information and insights.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Christmas in Karlovy Vary<\/h2>\n\n\n\nFood Specialties<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Trdeln\u00edk<\/strong>: A traditional Czech pastry, trdeln\u00edk is made by wrapping dough around a stick and roasting it over an open flame. It’s often dusted with sugar, cinnamon, or nuts and can sometimes be filled with chocolate or cream. Though found in other Central European countries, it’s a firm favourite at the Karlovy Vary Christmas Market.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSv\u00e1\u0159\u00e1k (Mulled Wine)<\/strong>: Sv\u00e1\u0159\u00e1k is the Czech version of mulled wine, a warm drink perfect for cold weather. It’s made by heating red wine with spices such as cinnamon and cloves, sometimes with added citrus. It’s a common sight at the Christmas market, served in festive mugs.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCzech Christmas Cookies<\/strong>: Many Czech households have a tradition of baking Christmas cookies, and these sweet treats find their way into the market stalls. Varieties may include ginger-flavoured, nut-filled, or jam-filled cookies, providing a taste of Czech Christmas tradition.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPern\u00ed\u010dky (Gingerbread)<\/strong>: Gingerbread, known as pern\u00ed\u010dky in Czech, is a spiced cookie often artistically decorated with white icing. These are delicious and used as ornaments and can be found at Karlovy Vary’s market stalls.<\/p>\n\n\n\nKlob\u00e1sa (Grilled Sausage)<\/strong>: A popular snack at the Karlovy Vary Christmas Market, klob\u00e1sa is a spiced pork sausage, grilled and typically served with mustard or bread. It’s a satisfying, savoury option.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOvocn\u00e9 Knedl\u00edky (Fruit Dumplings)<\/strong>: A dish that can be either sweet or savoury, ovocn\u00e9 knedl\u00edky are fruit-filled dumplings, often made with plums or apricots. They provide a unique taste of Czech cuisine and can be a vegetarian option.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSma\u017een\u00fd S\u00fdr (Fried Cheese)<\/strong>: Sma\u017een\u00fd s\u00fdr, or fried cheese, is a popular Czech dish made by breading and frying a slice of cheese, typically served with tartar sauce and bread. It’s a hearty option and can be adapted for vegetarians.<\/p>\n\n\n\nApple Strudel<\/strong>: This flaky pastry filled with spiced apples is a well-loved dessert in Central Europe. The combination of tender apples, raisins, cinnamon, and crisp pastry makes it a satisfying sweet treat available at the market.<\/p>\n\n\n\nNon-Alcoholic Punch<\/strong>: For those avoiding alcohol, various stalls serve non-alcoholic punch made with fruit juices and spices. This warm beverage captures the festive spirit and is suitable for all visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLok\u0161a<\/strong>: This Slovak flatbread serves as a delightful snack, often filled or topped with various ingredients, satisfying both sweet and savoury cravings.<\/p>\n\n\n\nP\u00e1g\u00e1\u010d<\/strong>: A type of pastry, p\u00e1g\u00e1\u010d is filled with savory ingredients and can be enjoyed as a hearty snack while browsing the market stalls.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLango\u0161<\/strong>: This deep-fried flatbread from Hungary is a satisfying, hearty option, often topped with garlic, cheese, and other toppings, perfect for a fulfilling snack.<\/p>\n\n\n\nGifts and Stocking Fillers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Becherovka<\/strong>: A famous herbal liqueur originating from Karlovy Vary, Becherovka is known for its distinctive taste, made with a secret blend of herbs and spices. It’s often enjoyed as a digestive aid and is a popular gift for friends and family, representing the region’s unique culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCrystal from Karlovy Vary<\/strong>: The crystalline beauty found in Karlovy Vary stands unmatched. Take this opportunity to purchase exquisite crystal from the local Moser Glassworks, where each piece resonates with the grandeur and history of the Austro-Hungarian era.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThermal Spring Salts<\/strong>: Reflecting the town’s spa culture, thermal spring salts are available for purchase. These salts are derived from Karlovy Vary’s famous thermal springs and are often used in baths for therapeutic purposes, making for a thoughtful and unique gift.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMineral Products<\/strong>: Bring home the essence of Karlovy Vary\u2019s spa heritage with mineral products available at the market. These products, infused with the local minerals known for their therapeutic properties, add a refreshing and restorative touch to your wellness routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSpa Wafers<\/strong>: Unique to the spa towns of Czechia, including Karlovy Vary, spa wafers are large, thin wafers often filled with nuts or chocolate. Packaged in decorative boxes, they make for an unusual and tasty gift that is specific to the region’s spa culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLace Products<\/strong>: Lace-making is a traditional craft in the Czechia, and at the Karlovy Vary Christmas market, you can find delicate lace products such as doilies, table runners, and handkerchiefs. These beautifully crafted items can add a touch of elegance to any home.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMarionettes<\/strong>: A part of Czech cultural heritage, marionettes are traditional puppets operated by strings. Available in various characters and sizes, they are not only a fun toy but also a piece of art, reflecting the theatrical tradition of the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWine from Moravia<\/strong>: Explore Moravian wine’s rich and diverse flavours, bringing a taste of the renowned wine region to the Christmas market.<\/p>\n\n\n\nChristmas Ornaments<\/strong>: The Christmas market in Karlovy Vary showcases a wide variety of Christmas ornaments, ranging from classic glass baubles to handmade wooden decorations. These festive items add a touch of Czech tradition to any Christmas tree.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThings to Do in Winter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n I recommend visiting the Karlovy Vary’s official website for up-to-date information on things to do<\/a> in winter or organising a spa visit. It provides a well-organised and extensive list of activities, schedules, and helpful insights into local attractions. Visit Czechia has a good overview<\/a> too. <\/p>\n\n\n\nSustainability Tips<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Here are a few tips on how to travel more responsibly in Karlovy Vary at Christmas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stay in Eco-Friendly Hotels<\/strong>: Karlovy Vary has several hotels that are committed to using renewable energy sources, water conservation, and other environmentally friendly practices. By staying in such places, you’ll be supporting businesses taking significant steps towards sustainability. Local tourist information can provide a list of these hotels.<\/p>\n\n\n\nReduce Food Waste at Markets<\/strong>: The Christmas markets in Karlovy Vary are known for their delicious food. Consider sharing with others or ordering smaller portions when sampling the various dishes. This will allow you to enjoy the local cuisine without contributing to unnecessary food waste. Vendors are often happy to advise on portion sizes suitable for your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPractice Ethical Consumption<\/strong>: Karlovy Vary\u2019s Christmas markets feature a wide array of goods, from traditional crafts to local delicacies. As a responsible traveller, consider purchasing only what you genuinely need or will use. Supporting local artisans who use sustainable materials and practices can also contribute to a more ethical consumer experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\nEmbrace Sustainable Diets<\/strong>: While enjoying Karlovy Vary\u2019s culinary scene, opt for meals that incorporate locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. Many vendors in the Christmas market focus on using regional products, which not only supports local farmers but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with food transportation.<\/p>\n\n\n\nUse Sustainable Transport<\/strong>: Karlovy Vary offers several public transportation options, including buses and trains, that make getting around the city both easy and eco-friendly. Consider walking or cycling for shorter distances; rental bikes are widely available. By reducing reliance on private cars, you’ll be helping to decrease emissions and traffic congestion during the busy holiday season.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you would like to leave a review of Karlovy Vary Xmas Market, comment below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels and tours in Karlovy Vary, Czechia. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Karlovy Vary, also known as Carlsbad, exudes elegance with its renowned thermal spa facilities and picturesque architecture, including its famed colonnades. As you walk along the Tepl\u00e1 River in winter, you’ll find the baroque and art nouveau buildings lit up with Christmas lights and decorations. In this guide, I’ll share everything you’ll need to know…<\/p>\n
Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":13621,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\nKarlovy Vary Christmas Market 2024: Hot Springs in Carlsbad<\/title>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n