Last updated: 29.10.2025
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Experience an Advent weekend in the Czech Republic with historic squares, the scent of mulled wine (Svařák), and a sea of festive lights. To keep the journey as relaxed as your market visit, make sure to pack the digital vignette: valid immediately or conveniently with a preferred start date. That way you can fully enjoy your Christmas getaway. By the way, motorcycles are exempt from the vignette requirement in the Czech Republic.
Christmas Markets in Prague: Old Town Square & Wenceslas Square
Prague puts on its full scenery during Advent: between the Church of Our Lady before Týn, the Town Hall, and the large tree, wooden stalls line up with crafts, sweets, and savory treats. Just a few minutes away, Wenceslas Square adds even more festive flair. On weekdays you can enjoy the Christmas market at your leisure. When dusk falls, the market shines with wonderful lighting and atmosphere. For photos, don’t miss the beautiful tree illuminations and be sure to sample the tasty food.
- Opening hours: The Christmas markets in Prague usually take place from late November to early January. Most markets are open between 10:00 and 22:00. You can soak up the magical atmosphere into the evening.
- Getting there: From Germany via the D5 (Plzeň) or D8 (Dresden/Ústí n. L.). On motorways/expressways, vehicles up to 3.5 t GVW require the digital vignette. Park stress-free at P+R sites on the outskirts (e.g., at major metro hubs) and continue by metro or tram into the Old Town. If you want to park centrally, reserve a space in a hotel garage in advance, as parking in the Old Town is scarce and expensive.
Advent Magic in Brno
In Advent, Brno feels like a big meeting point: live music on Freedom Square, crafts and design at the Vegetable Market, and family-friendly offerings on Moravian Square. You can reach it all easily on foot. A special highlight of this Christmas market is the tradition of collectible mugs. Every year there are new mugs you can purchase as a souvenir. In the evenings, the stage program adds a contemplative mood. If you’re looking for peace away from the hustle and bustle, visit the market in the late afternoon and/or on weekdays.
- Opening hours: The Christmas markets in Brno usually run from late November to December 23. Daily opening hours may vary by weekday.
- Getting there: You can reach Brno’s Advent magic from Prague via the D1 and from Vienna/Bratislava via the D2. For cars and light motorhomes up to 3.5 t GVW, the vignette requirement applies. Our tip: park in garages at the edge of the Old Town and walk to the center. Alternatively, use P+R and take the tram into the city. This saves you time searching for a free spot and money on expensive parking.
Olomouc: A Variety of Christmas Punch
Between Horní and Dolní náměstí, Baroque façades, the Holy Trinity Column (UNESCO), and dozens of stalls light up the scene. Olomouc is famous for punch in many variations, along with bramborák (potato pancakes) and vánočka (braided Christmas bread). Don’t miss the different punch varieties and host your own “punch tasting.” In the evening you can also listen to small concerts and soak in the musical ambiance.
- Opening hours: You can enjoy Olomouc’s Christmas charm from November 22 to December 24. The market is open daily into the evening. Every day you can take in the festive atmosphere from 10:00 to 22:00.
- Getting there: Olomouc is easily reached via the D35/D46. Remember the digital vignette for your motorway journeys. Park on the edge of the Old Town (a 5–10 minute walk) or take a bus/tram from outer districts into the city. This way you avoid a nerve-wracking search for parking and can stroll to the market relaxed.
Insider Tip: Český Krumlov
Český Krumlov enchants with medieval lanes, a castle backdrop, and a cozy market on the main square—perfect for anyone who prefers romance and tranquility. Enjoy an evening walk across the bridge: the castle, river, and festive lights create a magical panorama. If you’re looking for handicrafts, you’ll find them in the small studios off the square.
- Opening hours: The Christmas spirit in Český Krumlov begins on November 22 and lasts until January 4. During opening hours you can often also attend concerts, listen to Advent singing, or watch nativity plays.
- Getting there: Reach Český Krumlov via the D3 toward České Budějovice (Budweis). Please note that a digital vignette is required. In Český Krumlov, it’s best to use parking lots P1–P3 on the edge of the Old Town and then stroll to the festivities on foot (about 10–15 minutes).
Why You Need a Vignette
In the Czech Republic, vehicles up to 3.5 t GVW (e.g., cars, vans, light motorhomes) require a vignette on motorways and selected expressways. The vignette is digital: your license plate is registered online. This means there’s nothing to stick on and nothing to scrape off your windshield afterward. Choose from different validity periods to match your travel plans.
- Motorcycles are exempt from the vignette requirement in the Czech Republic.
- Vehicles over 3.5 t GVW (e.g., trucks, buses, heavy motorhomes) pay a distance-based toll via OBU/transponder. Therefore, they do not need a vignette.
- There are no special toll sections in the Czech Republic.
Tips for Planning Your Trip
- Timing: Late morning to afternoon (11:00–15:00) is often quieter—ideal for enjoying the markets. From dusk (around 16:00–18:00), the atmospheric lighting sets the mood for an evening stroll. Try to avoid weekends and evenings as they are peak times.
- Route & planning: Combine markets within one region, e.g., Brno and Olomouc. However, please note the vignette requirement for your round trip.
- Clothing: Czech winters are cold and sometimes windy. Dress in layers, wear warm hats/gloves and non-slip, weatherproof shoes. A thermos and some cash (deposit/small stands) are handy.
- Food & drink: Try Svařák (mulled wine), klobása (grilled sausage), and perníčky (gingerbread). Look out for stalls with regional specialties off the main routes; they are often more authentic and cheaper. You can find more traditional Czech dishes in our guide.
- Parking & public transport: Use P+R on the outskirts (Prague/Brno/Olomouc) and take the metro/tram to the center. In historic cores, parking spaces are scarce and expensive.
The DMC team wishes you a great trip!
Whether Prague, Brno, Olomouc, or our insider tip Český Krumlov: each destination offers a unique Advent feeling. Book your Czech Republic digital vignette online with us now and enjoy the most beautiful Christmas markets without toll stress. You are also welcome to use our route planner for your trip planning.
FAQ: Questions About Christmas Markets & the Vignette
Yes, as soon as you use motorways or expressways with a vehicle up to 3.5 t GVW, you need a vignette. Motorcycles are exempt from the vignette requirement. Vehicles over 3.5 t GVW use the distance-based toll via the OBU system.
For 2–3 days, the 10-day vignette is usually suitable. If you only have a single travel day (e.g., outbound and return on different weekends), the 1-day vignette is a flexible alternative.
With the digital vignette you can travel worry-free and enjoy the delicious
traditional Czech dishes without having to worry about fines. If you don’t have a valid digital vignette,
hefty fines may apply. Purchase your
digital vignette from us: the DMC team supports you with all vignette questions and offers
support in 15 languages. That way you can travel stress-free!
With DMC, immediately upon request after the online purchase.
No, vignettes are country-specific. At DMC you can also get digital vignettes for Austria, Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Switzerland—perfect for Christmas-market road trips.
No. In the Czech Republic there are no special toll sections, only the digital vignette and the distance-based toll.
