Christmas isn’t just a time of gift hunting, visiting relatives and endless hours in the kitchen. Christmas time starts much earlier, on the first Sunday of Advent. Advent should above all be a time of peace, meditation and patient anticipation of Christmas. Do you really want to enjoy this season? Here is a list of all the important events in the region where you can shop for gifts, taste festive specialities or just soak up the Christmas atmosphere. Spend the whole Christmas season in peace and quiet. With us, you will definitely succeed.
Spa town Christmas Market
The fact that Christmas is around the corner is reminded in many squares in the Karlovy Vary Region by a glowing Christmas tree surrounded by wooden stalls with Advent delicacies and traditional Christmas goods. If you are tempted to sample mulled wine, punch or grilled specialties or want to buy candlesticks, mistletoe and other Christmas essentials, be sure to visit the Advent market in Cheb. According to visitors, the local Christmas markets are among the best in the Czech Republic. In addition, you can use the outdoor ice rink, warm up by the indoor fireplace or enjoy the view from the town hall tower.
Or let yourself be carried away by the magic of Christmas in Karlovy Vary! The spa town turns into a fairy-tale town full of lights, pleasant tones and tempting scents. The Christmas stalls are complemented by attractions for children, creative workshops, a rich cultural programme and a Christmas car train transports visitors to the spa town.
If you prefer a more intimate atmosphere and fewer people, be sure to visit Sokolov, Ostrov or Mariánské Lázně. Sokolov Christmas will offer you a pleasant Christmas atmosphere, an ice rink and a rich programme, including the traditional devil’s parade, which this year takes place on 15 December. Here too, various attractions are prepared for visitors, but without unnecessary crowds or queues for trdelník. For example, Ostrov, where the 20th anniversary exhibition of nativity scenes is being held in the Ostrov Monastery complex, is alive with the Bethlehem tradition. Together with the exhibition of Church Art of the Western Erzgebirge and the complementary exhibition Destroyed Churches in the Karlovy Vary Region, it is a truly festive experience. The weekend Advent market in Mariánské Lázně will fill the colonnade with Christmas atmosphere, comfort and culture. Christmas events in Mariánské Lázně also take place in the Chopin House. This year, you can also look forward to the Elves’ Christmas in Aš, where a magical Christmas mood full of traditional concerts, Advent markets and many novelties awaits you. You can enjoy the fun at the local ice rink.
Christmas in the castles
Castles and chateaux have also prepared markets and special events for their visitors. The third weekend of Advent will turn Loket Castle into a magical place, as the traditional Ore Mountains Christmas Market will be held here. You can look forward to old crafts and customs associated with the Ore Mountains and Poohří region. Gourmet appetites will enjoy authentic Ore Mountains cuisine and gingerbread decorating. The right atmosphere of Advent will be complemented by a flute player, carols, Ore Mountains folk music, dancing and theatre pieces for young and old.
Local specialities
To enhance the true Christmas spirit, be sure to visit the Christmas House at the very end of Karlovy Vary, in the Doubí district, where the small castle on the Ohře River has become a gateway to another world. The Christmas House is a unique exhibition of Christmas decorations and ornaments. It is the first and only Christmas House in the Czech Republic that brings visitors Christmas decorations on an unprecedented scale. You will be accompanied by the smell of purple, sparkling Christmas decorations, figures from nativity scenes, Advent wreaths and the familiar strains of Christmas music. In addition, a cosy café will be on hand to help you enjoy the Christmas atmosphere, complete with Christmas decorations and a Christmas menu. In short, the perfect place for a “personal Christmas party”.
Christmas spirit will also engulf Boží Dar, where the Santa Claus Christmas Market will be held on 7 December. As usual, craftsmen and artists from all over the Ore Mountains will gather here and have prepared the most original handmade gifts. Don’t miss this unique experience. In addition, you can combine your visit to the Christmas market with a trip in the footsteps of Jesus. The fun trail Jesus’ Journey is full of challenges for young and old alike. As a reward, you can leave your secret Christmas cards in the Jesus’ post.
As you can see, there are countless events where you can soak up the Christmas atmosphere and relax from the hustle and bustle so typical of the pre-Christmas time. You can find them all here. And now all that’s left to do is to wish you well: Merry Christmas! 🙂
