Christmas Markets in České Budějovice – What to see, where to stay and where to go for food
Did you know that Advent in České Budějovice has its own special charm? The Christmas markets here are not as crowded as in Prague, and at the same time, they have an original atmosphere, elegance and Christmas traditions.
In 2025, visitors can look forward to not only the scent of punch and cinnamon, but also an ice rink around Samson’s Fountain, a Ferris wheel, concerts and over sixty kinds of punches from all over the world.
Christmas Markets in České Budějovice
Christmas Markets České Budějovice are one of our local markets. It is said that the blacksmith’s mare goes barefoot, and so it is with us with tips for trips and festive events around our homes. But this year I promised myself that I would finally bring you closer to the places that are closest to us, and one of the first is České Budějovice. One of the most beautiful local events is the annual Christmas market. Let yourself be tempted and come to us, at least for one Advent weekend:
When and where Do the Christmas Markets in České Budějovice Take Place?
November 18, 2025 – January 6, 2026
Přemysl Otakar II Square, České Budějovice
The main part of the Advent town will run until December 23. If you come here after Christmas, don’t be sad, because then the Christmas markets in České Budějovice continue in the “holiday version” until January 6, 2026. Stalls with gifts and crafts are partially closed after the holidays, but refreshments, the ice rink and the light decorations remain.
Where to Stay in České Budějovice During Advent?
The best way to enjoy the Christmas markets in České Budějovice is to stay overnight, ideally near Přemysl Otakar II Square. In the center and on the banks of the Malše River you will find stylish hotels and guesthouses that combine comfort with the atmosphere of a historic city.
>> SHOW ACCOMMODATION IN ČESKÉ BUDĚJOVICE
RECOMMENDED HOTELS FOR THE ČESKÉ BUDĚJOVICE CHRISTMAS MARKETS:
✅ Four-star hotel in a historic building by the Malše River
✅ Quiet environment, walking distance from the square
Show availability
✅ Modern rooms with panoramic city views
✅ Excellent breakfast and parking directly at the hotel
Show availability
✅ Historic hotel right on the square
✅ Luxurious breakfast and views of the Christmas markets from the window
Show availability
Where to Park in České Budějovice During Advent?
- Parking on Mariánské náměstí (approx. 10 min. walk from the square)
- Parking garage and outdoor parking at the winter stadium (approx. 5 min. walk from the square)
- Large parking garage at the sports hall – opposite Kaufland (approx. 10 min. walk from the square)
- Outdoor parking lot opposite the exhibition center (approx. 15 min. walk from the square)
All parking is paid – I recommend downloading the parking app and paying online
When Will the Christmas Tree be Lit in České Budějovice?
Are you also looking forward to the annual lighting of the Christmas tree? The one in České Budějovice has been placed high in the polls for “The most beautiful Christmas tree” for many years. This year, the lighting of the Christmas tree in České Budějovice is scheduled for November 29, 2025.
You might also be interested in:
- Christmas Markets Salzburg
- Christmas Markets at Wolfgangsee
- 9 tips for the most beautiful Christmas markets in Upper Austria
What Awaits You – What are the Main Attractions for the České Budějovice Advent 2025?
Ice Rink around Samson’s Fountain
- Samson’s Fountain is one of the main symbols of the city of České Budějovice and during Advent it has been the center of winter joys for years, both for locals and for visitors who come to us for the magical atmosphere of South Bohemian Christmas. Skating is free every day, accompanied by Christmas music and light effects.
Ferris Wheel and Advent Tower
- From above you will see the whole city as if from a Christmas postcard. With a square full of lights and snowy stalls. The Advent wooden tower is one of the Advent attractions of our markets. Admission to this lookout is free and you can see practically the entire Christmas town from here, especially the ice rink and Samson’s Fountain.
Ascent to the Black Tower
- The Black Tower is usually closed during the winter, but tours and ascents to the tower are organized every year on special dates – it is necessary to book and if you are lucky and get to the tower, you will enjoy perhaps the most beautiful view of the Christmas markets in České Budějovice, but also of the surrounding landscape.
The Largest Punch Kingdom in Europe?
- České Budějovice boasts more than 60 types of punches, from classic Viennese to original variants with Tatra Tea, matcha or white chocolate.
- My tip: book accommodation in Budějovice and walk around the Advent stalls around the entire square and taste which Christmas punch or mulled wine you like the most. Maybe we’ll meet in person at some stall.
Christmas Markets in České Budějovice and Tastes from almost all over the World
- In addition to traditional Czech goodies, you can also taste churros, corn dogs, kimchi or local trdelníks. This year’s edition also brings a section with vegan and gluten-free specialties, which I, as a gluten-free person, am especially looking forward to!
Jesus’ Workshop
- The creative zone for children is open from December 1 to 22. Every day in the afternoon, children can create decorations, wishes or small gifts here.
- Creative workshops and other Christmas markets České Budějovice also take place in the town hall premises, right next to the square.
Advent Program České Budějovice 2025
During Advent, the city turns into one big Christmas village. Every day there are musical performances, theatrical fairy tales, Christmas workshops and charity events. Carols and jazz arrangements will be heard on the stage, local bands and school choirs will perform.
| Section | Opening hours |
|---|---|
| Advent town and refreshments | 10:00–22:00 |
| Craft and gift street | 10:00–20:00 |
| Ice rink | 10:00–21:00 (Fri & Sat until 22:00) |
| Ferris wheel | 10:00–21:00 (Fri & Sat until 22:00) |
| Children’s carousel | 10:00–20:00 |
| Observation tower | 10:00–22:00 |
| Jesus’ workshop | Mon–Fri 14:00–18:00, Sat–Sun 11:00–17:00 |
The exact schedule is published on the official website ceskobudejovickyadvent.cz in the„Program“ section.
Preview of the published program:
Ceskobudejovickyadvent.cz
Admission to the program, ice rink, observation tower and photo point is completely FREE.
You only pay for the Ferris wheel: 80 CZK / person
and children’s carousel: 50 CZK / person.
Where to Eat During Advent in České Budějovice?
Masné krámy
-
Iconic České Budějovice restaurant, ideal for traditional cuisine and Budvar from the tank.
Restaurant Solnice
- Modern gastronomy in a historic building. I recommend buying local bread.
Café Datel
- Informal café with excellent coffee, cakes and a winter terrace. Practically near the square.
Indian restaurant
- Our favorite. When friends and family come to visit us in Budějovice, we mainly go here for food.
My tip at the end:
- Book a few nights in České Budějovice and take a day trip to the Christmas markets in Upper Austria. For example, you can drive to Traunsee in 2-3 hours.
