Ostrava Christmas markets open Nov. 21, with free ice skating to follow

Ostrava’s Christmas celebrations will begin Nov. 21, bringing markets, performances and family activities to the city center. Free outdoor ice skating will follow a week later.

The Ostravské Vánoce festivities will run through Jan. 6, 2027, organizers announced Thursday as preparations got underway. Several central squares will host different parts of the program.

This year also marks the start of an upgrade to the markets’ wooden stalls, with 60 replacements planned by 2028.

Masarykovo náměstí will host the main stage, while nearby Jiráskovo náměstí will provide a program for families with children.

The Christmas tree on Masarykovo náměstí will be illuminated Saturday, Nov. 28. The city center’s festive decorations will also switch on that day, and the outdoor rink on náměstí Dr. Edvarda Beneše will open.

Skating admission will remain free, as in previous years. Visitors will still pay for skate rentals and other services. The rink is scheduled to operate through New Year’s Day.

Decorations will extend to other parts of the center, including Prokešovo náměstí outside the New City Hall.

The staggered opening dates mean visitors arriving during the markets’ first week can explore the stalls before the tree lighting and skating season begin Nov. 28.

Further program information will be published on the official Ostrava Christmas website.

The city is investing CZK 18 million in replacing market stalls that organizers say are approaching the end of their usable life. Councilors approved the funding in June.

The renewal will take place gradually, beginning with this year’s event and continuing through 2028.

Mayor Jan Dohnal said the investment would help preserve the markets’ character while providing better facilities for future editions.

“Ostrava Christmas is one of the traditional events that brings the city center to life each year and creates a place for residents and visitors to meet,” he said.

Municipal company Černá louka is responsible for organizing the celebrations, working with the central district of Moravská Ostrava a Přívoz.

The district’s technical services handle delivery and installation of the stalls, electrical connections and other practical preparations.

Jiří Šimon, managing director of Černá louka, said work begins well in advance because the individual venues, technical requirements and entertainment program all need to be coordinated.

For visitors, the key dates are Nov. 21 for the start of the markets and Nov. 28 for the tree lighting, festive illuminations and free skating.