Advent trips around the Pilsen Region: to markets, nativity scenes, and the St. Nicholas train

Světce Riding Hall: Christmas Market, Crafts, and Ryb's Mass

The national cultural monument located about two kilometers from Tachov is open year-round. It offers two guided tours: Riding Hall and Herbalism + Czech Forest. You can join guided tours from Friday to Sunday at 10, 11:30, 13, and 14:30.

On the weekend of December 12 and 13, 2026, the riding hall will come alive with a Christmas riding market. It will be open on Saturday from 10 AM to 7 PM and on Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM. You can look forward to stall sales, historical crafts, and creative workshops for children. If the weather is favorable, you can ride horses and release a boat of luck at the stylish pond near the riding hall.

Admission is free, and bus transportation as well as tourist train transport will be provided for visitors. By purchasing a boat of luck, you will also contribute to the Home Hospice West, which helps the terminally ill and their families.

On Sunday, December 20, 2026, at 3 PM, the Czech Mass "Hey, Master" by Jakub Jan Ryba will be performed by the Domažlice ensemble Čerchovan and its guests.

Christmas Plzeň from the Square and the Ferris Wheel

From November 21 to December 23, 2026, the Advent and Christmas markets in Republic Square in Plzeň will attract visitors. You can stop by every day from 10 AM to 8 PM.

In addition to traditional markets, you will find a carved nativity scene and a wishing bell. And if you want to see the square from a different angle, head to the Ferris wheel.

The Nativity Scene in Sušice Comes to Life with Movement, Light, and Music

One of the largest mechanical nativity scenes can be found in the Šumava Museum in Sušice. It consists of approximately 300 figures, about half of which move. They represent various crafts, water flows from a carved well, and the entire scene is accompanied by lights and music.

The nativity scene is set in motion every hour on the hour during opening hours, year-round. During the Advent season, it is activated more frequently based on visitor interest.

Advent in Chanovice: Castle Courtyard, Nativity Scene, and Crafts

You can enjoy the pre-Christmas atmosphere on Sunday, November 29, 2026, in the courtyard of the castle in Chanovice. Stalls with refreshments and decorations will be prepared, along with performances by children from the local elementary school. The lighting of the Christmas tree will begin at 5 PM.

You can combine a family trip with a guided tour of the local folk architecture open-air museum. Tours take place at 10, 11, 12, and 1 PM. The Chanovice carved nativity scene will be on display from 2 to 5 PM. The permanent exhibition of crafts in the castle's stable also invites visitors.

To Mikuláš with the Kralovice Express

On December 4, 2026, the Kralovice Express will carry the Mikuláš crew – and you can join them. The train connects Prague with Rakovnicko and Kralovice. Its route from Prague goes through the Prague Semmering to Zličín and through Kladno, Lužná near Rakovník, and Rakovník to Kralovice and back; it regularly departs on selected days.

The nostalgic atmosphere will be complemented by the "cloudy" motor locomotive of the series T 478.1 and passenger cars from the 1960s of the series Bix. The train departs from Prague's main station at 1:52 PM, arriving in Kralovice at 4:50 PM. It departs back at 5:05 PM and returns to Prague at 8:43 PM.

Krampus Nacht Lights Up Opálka Castle

Decorated and illuminated for Christmas, Opálka Castle will come alive on December 12, 2026, from 3 PM with rock music and a fire show. Eight Krampus groups from the Czech Republic, Germany, and Austria will arrive for the Krampus Nacht event.

For Czech Glass and Ceramics in Klatovy

The PASK Glass Pavilion in Klatovy will host an Advent market for Czech glass and ceramics on December 5 and 6, 2026. It will be open both days from 10 AM to 4 PM. You can combine your visit with a tour of the unique private collection of Šumava glass from the Lötz company.