Christmas Beyond Prague: 2023 Edition

Christmas with a UNESCO touch

From December 3, the Christmas markets in the courtyard of Italian Court in Kutná Hora will take place every Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00. You can look forward to traditional delicacies, regional products, handmade crafts, and much more. The accompanying program is not to be missed. On December 4, 2023, on the feast of St. Barbara, the Christmas tree on Palackého náměstí will be lit.

When city strolling becomes tiresome, head to the nearby Kačina Château. The château cellar and courtyard host an Advent market full of Christmas delights and handmade products. Here, you can taste Christmas treats and warm up with favorite Christmas punch or mulled wine. Guided tour will transport you to the time when the count and countess strolled through the château, and the kitchen was filled with the aroma of prepared feasts.

Christmas in the Berounsko Region

Experience the true Christmas atmosphere in the courtyard of Křivoklát Castle – one of the most beautiful castles in the Czech Republic. Expect a magical Christmas decoration, traditional Advent markets with a great atmosphere, and the sweet scent of Christmas cookies and punch. Doesn’t it sound wonderful? Traditional markets and demonstrations of crafts, a tightrope walker from Bordeaux, an angel on stilts, jugglers, a fairy tale for children, a Christmas play with songs, a flutist, folk dances, and market music await you. The program is scheduled for December 9-10, 2023, and December 16-17, 2023, always from 10:00 to 17:00.

The Christmas atmosphere and tradition will be evoked by the Advent decoration of the Imperial Palace at the medieval Karlštejn Castle during regular tours of the basic circuit of Emperor Charles IV’s residence from December 1 to December 17, 2023, every Friday to Sunday.

Enjoy the Czech Christmas Mass by Jan Jakub Ryba, without which we Czechs cannot imagine the holidays. It will traditionally take place at Karlštejn in the Knight’s Hall of the Imperial Palace on December 10, 2023, at 17:00 and 19:00.

While you’re at Karlštejn, don’t forget to visit the year-round Museum of Nativity Scenes located in the foothills below the castle. You’ll see a collection of Czech historical nativity scenes carved from wood or from period rarities such as wax, sugar or bread.

How about a hand-engraved glass as a gift for your special someone? Rückl Family Glassworks has been synonymous with premium cut crystal since 1846. The glassmaking tradition has been passed down in the family for three hundred years. On Saturday, December 2, from 10:00 to 20:00, a rich program awaits you, culminating in the lighting of the Christmas tree. Warm and cold refreshments, local beer, mulled wine, children’s punch, and trdelník will be served all day long. Guided tours and experiential blowing of Christmas decorations in the glassworks and engraving of Christmas and other motifs on glasses in the grinding shop will take place from 10:00 to 15:00.

Beroun, a picturesque town just a few minutes west of Prague, is preparing to celebrate the upcoming Christmas time in a grand style from December 3, 2023. Children can look forward to a carousel, ice rink, a corner with animals, and Santa’s office. The upper part of the square will feature a Christmas market.

Outdoor events will be complemented by activities in the facilities of the Beroun Municipal Cultural Center. Joining the advent celebrations will be the Museum of Beroun Ceramics, the city cinema, the information center, the cultural house Plzeňka, and the Museum of the Czech Karst.

The program will also include exhibitions taking place in the Beroun City Gallery, the Dutch House Gallery, and the Museum of Beroun Ceramics.

On the three Advent weekends, December 2-3, 9-10, and 16-17, from 9:00 to 16:00 at Hamous’s farm in Zbečno, immerse yourself in the festive ambiance with a special nativity scene exhibition, winter displays, and demonstrations of traditional winter customs. Explore the craft market showcasing local artisans’ wares, providing inspiration for unique Christmas gifts.

The lavender may no longer be in bloom, but winter adds an irresistible charm to Lavender Valley just outside Beroun. Visit the largest organic lavender field in the Czech Republic. Not only will you learn about the magical powers of this queen of herbs, but you will also be able to tune in to the upcoming Christmas holidays.

Over three Advent weekends, you can look forward to various exhibitions and concerts, workshops for skilled hands, and Christmas music. Festive atmosphere will be complemented by excellent food and drinks, which you can enjoy at the local restaurant V Duhové hale, located right next to the field.

Where to go northeast of Prague?

At the Exhibition Park in Mladá Boleslav, the sixth Evening Christmas Market begins on Sunday, December 3, and runs until Sunday, December 31, every day from 16:00 to 20:00.

Get ready for the festive joy with delightful refreshment stalls, a variety of Christmas treats, and enchanting amusement park rides, including a Ferris wheel and carousel. Long strings of lights will replace fallen leaves on the trees, creating a magical atmosphere that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a Christmas Wonderland.

In Mladá Boleslav, tech enthusiasts can enjoy an exhibition of Nativity scene by David Černý, known for his distinctive sculptures found in Prague, such as the upside-down equestrian statue, giant babies in Kampa Park, and the iconic sculptures on Žižkov TV Tower. You will find it at the Škoda Museum.

Loučeň Castle welcomes back the exhibition The Story of the Christmas Tree. Christmas atmosphere, decorated trees, and guides in costumes await you every day of the week, including Saturdays and Sundays, until January 21, 2024. To make it even more special, the castle park and its twelve mazes and labyrinths are adorned with large light sculptures, kilometers of light chains, and decorations with hundreds of thousands of LED lights. This year’s premiere of this unique family experience is part of the international project Lights Tell the Story by the Czech company DECOLED.

Want to enjoy an undisturbed Advent? Stay at the lifestyle Maxmilian Resort and pamper yourself.

From Loučeň Castle, just one village away, from December 1 to December 21, 2023, leave the hustle and bustle at the gate of Mcely. Rest and contemplate at Chateau Mcely in the middle of the forest, enjoying the exceptional end-of-year time without the frenzy of shopping and stress. What awaits you?

Endless strings of lights, glowing chandeliers hanging from century-old oaks, a Christmas tree with handmade Glassor ornaments, a night park full of light, carols, fireworks, traditional Czech Christmas cookies, a rich Advent program, and necessary relaxation in the local spa.

Spoil yourself with a prepared accommodation package or celebrate Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or the following festive days at Chateau Mcely in the stay packages Christmas Dine & Stay or Festive Break.

The Land of Silence comes to life with carols

You can already enjoy the upcoming Christmas atmosphere on Sunday, December 3, during the opening of Advent in Příbram when the Christmas tree on T. G. Masaryk Square will be lit. This year’s Advent stops on Příbram squares and streets will be carried out in the spirit and performance of local artists, bands, and ensembles, and there will be Christmas markets and craft workshops.

Combine a visit to Příbram with a visit to Holy Mountain, one of the most beautiful pilgrimage sites in our country, or with a tour of the nearby Mníšek pod Brdy Château, which is open every day in December. You can have lunch in the Kytín or Corso Řevnice breweries, enriching your visit to Central Bohemia with another gastronomic experience.

Elevate your vacation: Stay active and hit the slopes

Maintain your activity levels during the holidays by shedding those extra calories gained during festive feasting at Ski Resort Monínec. Don’t worry about packing your equipment for a laid-back vacation; the local rental has everything you need for both snowboarding and skiing. This season introduces the use of recycled snow, preserved through the innovative Snowstorage technology, ensuring a seamless transition from summer to the next winter season.

Skiing is available daily from Friday to Sunday, running from 9:00 to 16:00. Even on Christmas Eve, enjoy the slopes with the lift operating from 9:00 to 12:00. Starting on Christmas Day, both day and night skiing options will be available, providing the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation for your holiday escape.

Take advantage of favorable conditions and head to Mnichovice to explore Ski Arena Šibeniční Vrch. The local slopes are ideal for families with young children and those who are new to skiing and snowboarding.

Swap your skis for ice skates in Kolín and Beroun. Revel in the joy of skating beneath the sparkling Christmas lights and indulge in unconventional entertainment with family and friends in the heart of these two royal towns.