Celebrate Advent in Czechia with Christmas Tours at Castles and Châteaux
People everywhere are preparing for the holidays in the four weeks leading up to Christmas. This is also the perfect season in Czechia to explore castles and chateaux decked out for the festivities.
Many historical sites are beautifully decorated and offer special tours for visitors. Wander through snowy castle parks, shop for gifts at local craft markets, or immerse yourself in traditional customs!
Festive Season at Karlštejn Castle
The renowned Gothic Karlštejn Castle will be adorned with traditional decorations, recreating the Christmas customs of long ago. Visitors can soak in the seasonal ambiance along the usual tour route, The Imperial Residence of Charles IV, to learn about the holiday traditions unique to this historic setting. Tours are available from November 29, 2024, to January 5, 2025, every Friday through Sunday.
A Noble Christmas at Třeboň Château
The Třeboň Château, nestled in the scenic, UNESCO-protected pond landscape, invites you to experience a princely Christmas. A favorite winter residence of the Czech-German-Austrian House of Schwarzenberg, the château offers special tours from November 30 to December 22, 2024, and again from December 28 to January 3 (Thursday to Sunday). Visitors can also enjoy a sales exhibition of handmade ornaments (November 30 to December 7) and the Advent markets held on December 7-8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Christmas and New Year’s at Sychrov Château
Celebrate the days between Christmas and New Year at Sychrov Château, a stunning example of neo-Gothic architecture, where every room is dressed in holiday cheer. Christmas trees, handcrafted ornaments, and the aroma of freshly baked cookies fill the château, which welcomes guests from December 27, 2024, to January 1, 2025.
Advent at Valtice Château: A UNESCO Treasure
From November 11 to December 22, the Valtice Château, part of the Lednice–Valtice Cultural Landscape, offers self-guided tours of Franz I’s apartment, lavishly decorated for Advent. The Baroque interiors feature ten Christmas trees and thousands of handmade ornaments from glass workshops across Czechia. Admire vintage decorations, blown glass beads from Rautis, and Art Nouveau pieces from the Koulier workshop. On December 8 and 15, there will also be workshops where visitors can create their own ornaments—reservations are recommended.
Christmas at Hrádek u Nechanic
Step into old England at the Hrádek u Nechanic Castle, styled after Windsor Gothic architecture. Open to the public on weekends from November 30 to December 15, with weekday tours at noon and 2 p.m., the castle offers a nostalgic experience with nutcrackers, nativity scenes, and traditional holiday customs. Visitors can taste English punch in the castle kitchen, and on select Fridays (November 29, December 6 and 13), experience the unique candlelit evening tours (booking required).
Advent Celebrations at Jindřichův Hradec
Jindřichův Hradec Castle and Château, in South Bohemia, remains a beloved destination during Advent. Enjoy performances, markets, and crafts against the majestic backdrop of this grand castle during the weekend of December 7-8.
Royal Advent at Křivoklát Castle
The medieval Křivoklát Castle in Central Bohemia, once home to Czech royalty, is another must-visit destination. The castle hosts artisan stands during the weekends of December 7-8 and December 14-15, where you can browse a traditional Old Bohemian market featuring mulled wine, sausages, and Christmas cookies. The castle interiors are open to explore at your own pace.
Advent Tours at Villa Stiassni: Christmas and Hanukkah in One
Brno’s Villa Stiassni may not be a traditional château, but its elegance and 1920s-30s ambiance make it a perfect festive destination. During Advent, the villa showcases vintage holiday decorations and a Christmas tree adorned with UNESCO-listed blown glass ornaments, alongside a Hanukkah menorah. Special tours run from November 29 to December 16, and December 27-31, offering a glimpse into how Christmas was celebrated here in the 1930s by the Jewish family who built it.
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