Get into the Christmas spirit in Olomouc!

Every year during the pre-Christmas period, the center of Olomouc is filled with more than a hundred stalls, and this year will be no different. The Christmas markets offer not only inspiration for gifts, but you can also buy Christmas decorations, regional foods, handicrafts, and, of course, punch. And there’s plenty of it in Olomouc! The festive experience is enhanced by the view of the Christmas-decorated center from the 75-meter-high town hall tower, accessible as part of guided Advent tours from Thursday to Sunday at 11 a.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. And don’t miss the Advent tours of the Komenium Ceremonial Hall, which has rightly earned the nickname “the Sistine Chapel of Olomouc.” You can visit it with a guide every Advent weekend at 2 p.m.

Advent cruises on the Morava River

During the pre-Christmas period, you will find a festive atmosphere literally at every turn in Olomouc. The cultural program will enliven not only the historic city center, but also the Olomouc riverbank, where markets, concerts, and activities for children are planned during Advent. This year, the traditional Advent cruises on the Morava River return – aboard a heated, Christmas decorated boat that offers a unique view of the city from the water. During the Christmas season, the boat departs every afternoon from Tuesday to Sunday.

Program everywhere and for everyone

The open-air ice rink, located once again this year in the Olomouc market hall, promises fun for all – as does the Ferris wheel. Young visitors can look forward to a carousel in the city center, as well as Santa’s workshop and a bell tower said to grant secret wishes. Adults, on the other hand, can enjoy a culinary show every Saturday and interesting talks on traditional crafts every Advent Sunday at Horní náměstí (Upper Square). The music program on Horní náměstí will feature concerts by popular Olomouc bands as well as performances by Czech music legends.

The quiet beauty of Olomouc’s nativity scenes

However, Christmas is not just about festively decorated towns and carols. Let yourself be enchanted by the quiet beauty of the nativity scenes in Olomouc’s churches. They are usually on display throughout the pre-Christmas period. The largest one can be found in the Church of the Annunciation on Kapucínská Street. The nearly 100-year-old nativity scene is in the Church of St. Michael, and in the Church of St. Maurice you’ll find a manger carved from olive wood. Children will be particularly fascinated by the mechanical nativity scene in St. Wenceslas Cathedral. And every year during the pre-Christmas season, a beautiful, hand-carved nativity scene with almost life-size figures decorates Dolní náměstí (Lower Square) in Olomouc.