The aroma of cinnamon, roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, and the faint festive chatter and cheer wafting through the crisp winter air tells us we’re getting close. We are on our way to the Český Krumlov Christmas market and are excited as children.
Strolling into Svornosti Square, home of Český Krumlov Christmas market in December, I feel like I’ve stepped into the proverbial Christmas wonderland. Already a fairytale with a castle towering above cobbled streets and medieval architecture, the town surely takes it up a notch during the festive season and takes on an extra layer of magic.
If you’re anywhere near Český Krumlov in December, you must really come and experience it yourself.
Since you’re reading this, it’s petty safe to say you’re already researching your Christmas trip to Europe, so let’s show you why this little firecracker of a Christmas market in South Bohemia should not be missed.
Thank you to VisitCzechia for hosting us in Český Krumlov. As always, the insatiable appetite for trdelník and svařák and opinions are our own.
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Our Visit to Český Krumlov
We visited Český Krumlov on 29 and 30 December, breaking the norm by staying two nights in town, unlike everyone else who only comes for a day trip from Prague. Two nights are perfect for seeing the town without rushing. This also allowed us to visit the Christmas market during the day and night.
During the day, the market is very nice and buzzing with tourists. However, once the sun goes down, Český Krumlov transforms into something almost magical, and the Christmas market completely changes character.
The market still buzzes at night, but most visitors will be locals or Czechs visiting from elsewhere in the country, with far fewer international tourists in the mix. We found the market 437% (our rough estimate) better after dark than during the day.
A night at the Christmas market is something that day trippers to Český Krumlov sadly miss out on. Don’t be like them. Be like us and stay overnight to experience this special event in South Bohemia’s special town.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, we highly recommend Boutique Hotel Romantick, where we stayed. It has a fantastic breakfast spread and is just a 10-minute walk from Svornosti Square and the Christmas market.
Český Krumlov Christmas Market Info
- When is the Český Krumlov Christmas Market? The market runs for 38 days, typically from the last weekend in November to the first weekend in January. Check the official website for exact dates each year.
- Hours: Most stalls are open from mid-morning until early evening, usually around 10 AM to 7 PM. Some food and drink vendors might stay open later. Extended hours on weekends.
- Weather: Dress warmly and in layers, as temperatures can be quite chilly. Comfortable shoes are essential for walking on the cobblestone streets. Comfort before fashion, duh.
- Money: Cash is king. Bring some Czech koruna (CZK) in cash, as not all vendors may accept cards.
- What can you eat and drink? There is a great variety of Christmas food and drink on offer. It won’t be a real Christmas market without trdelník (chimney cake), kaštany (roasted chestnuts), perníčky (gingerbread cookies) and klobása (Czech sausages), to name just the usual suspects.
Alcohol and soft drinks will get young and old in the festive spirit in no time. There is svařák (mulled wine), punč (punch, duh), horká medovina (hot mead), cold beer, hot chocolate, coffee and tea.
- Entertainment: There was a great band playing Christmas and rock tunes on the night we visited. For the little ones, the wooden merry-go-round with a rooster, bear, elephant and ponies was the cutest we’ve ever seen. There are various events in the Advent weeks leading up to Christmas, too.
- What can I buy? We liked the good balance between food stalls and souvenir stands. While food is definitely the main event here, there are a few stalls selling crafts. We saw some very unique, handmade Christmas decorations at the Český Krumlov Christmas that we didn’t see anywhere else in Czechia.
Is Český Krumlov Christmas Market Good?
Duh! Of course, it’s good. It’s excellent, actually.
We liked the small, intimate atmosphere and fantastic food. I’ve said it before, but let me repeat myself: If your’re anywhere near Český Krumlov in the last few weeks of the year, get your arse over here. Even if it’s just for the little firecracker of a Christmas market.
HO HO HO, Have to go. Enjoy Český Krumlov and have a svařák for us. And Merry Christmas!
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