The heart of the day is the historic Pernštýnské square. As soon as Advent begins, its appearance changes beyond recognition. Wooden stalls with regional products, handmade decorations, Christmas decorations, and gingerbread treats create an atmosphere that attracts both locals and visitors from the surrounding area. The Christmas markets are open daily throughout the week, and the atmosphere is enhanced by the scent of mulled wine, punch, and mead. Those who want to escape the pre-Christmas hustle and bustle for a moment will find a space to sit and warm up under the roof of a heated tent.
Christmas at Every Turn
However, the Christmas atmosphere does not only spread in the center. Festive decorations and accompanying programs can be found in other places throughout the city — at the castle, in the Automatic Mills, in the Republic Square, or in the regional library. On weekends, these places come alive with music, performances, and craft workshops. Among the main Advent locations, the Christmas train will once again run, and popular photo points will be created around the city, inviting visitors to capture the festive atmosphere. Visitors can also enjoy the Christmas mood from above. A new Christmas observation wheel will be located at Republic Square near the East Bohemian Theatre, moving to the city center this year.
Gingerbread Gastro Tour
A significant part of the Pardubice Advent is the sixth edition of the Gingerbread Gastro Tour. Local cafés and restaurants participate each year with their own specialties, resulting in a diverse offer of more than fifty desserts, drinks, and dishes with a gingerbread twist. In addition to classic gingerbread, you can taste roasted duck leg with red cabbage and gingerbread dumplings, gingerbread macarons, gingerbread cheesecake, or warm drinks like "Gin-gin bread" or gingerbread mulled wine. These and more than 50 different gingerbread specialties will be offered by businesses throughout Pardubice — over forty will participate. This part of Advent gives the city its unmistakable taste and aroma.
Christmas Traditions and Accompanying Program
Those who enjoy traditions will also find something for themselves. In the exhibition space of the Mázhaus, there will be an open little hell with live devils and an exhibition for children on Czech winter traditions. On weekends, craft workshops for children take place here. On December 5th, the traditional Zelenobranské Devil's event will take place at Pernštýnské square, where St. Nicholas will walk through the city with angels and devils. In Ježíšek's workshop, children can make Christmas decorations and create unique ornaments for their tree. In addition to the workshop, there will also be Ježíšek's post office, where children can drop off their letters to Ježíšek with wishes for under the tree. Many other attractions and games await them in the square, which will enhance the pre-Christmas time and create a true Christmas smile. Those heading to the Pardubice Castle can enjoy special tours that bring closer the Christmas customs of the Renaissance period. The castle program will also include mulled wine and punch tastings and other accompanying events on Advent weekends.
Pardubice during Advent offers not only classic Christmas markets but primarily a rich program that connects gastronomy, traditions, and the pleasant atmosphere of the city. This makes it an ideal place for a pre-Christmas trip with family and friends. It is enough to walk through the historic center, taste some of the gingerbread specialties, and soak in the unique festive atmosphere. Advent in Pardubice has its charm that is worth visiting.
