Christmas market, Olomouc, Czechia

Olomouc: A Gem in the Heart of the Czechia

It's that time of year when people head out to Christmas markets. Almost everyone has their favorite ‒ or at least their traditional ‒ destination. I'm partial to Vienna's markets myself, though some people go to Krakow, others to Brno, Prague, or Plzeň.

But then you think, why go all that way when we've got famous Christmas markets right here, practically on our doorstep?

I had some errands to run in Olomouc this afternoon. So I figured I'd make the most of it and headed out to the Christmas market on the Upper and Lower squares after dark.

Musím se přiznat k jedné svojí závažné chybě. Ačkoliv jsem Hanák jako poleno a v „Olomócu“ jsem byl nekonečněkrát, pořád si pletu, které je Horní náměstí a které Dolní, a pořád si podvědomě s tím nejsem nějak jistý.

Actually, Christmas markets aren't all that different from each other. Sure, you'll find different specialties in Vienna versus Krakow or Prague. But that Christmas spirit is the same everywhere. There are lights, decorated stalls, musicians, good food, crowds of people, and plenty of warm drinks. 😊

The traditional masks and characters change with time (and place). Baby Jesus, Saint Nicolaus, Santa Claus, Father Frost… Lately, "Krampuses" have been gaining popularity. Though I've got to say, these ones are pretty unconventional even by my standards. 😊

This year's Olomouc Christmas market had an international flair: Viennese mulled wine, French mulled wine, Nuremberg mulled wine, and of course Olomouc mulled wine… you'd get dizzy just trying to sample them all 😊

Lidem s humanitním vzděláním se samozřejmě musí vybavit Ladislav Stroupežnický a jeho „Naši furianti“: Pantáto, ten punč platím já!!

This year's Advent is in full swing—are you planning to hit any Christmas markets? Which ones? Is it a tradition for you?