Czech Christmas Market 2024

CZECH CHRISTMAS MARKET 2024
‘Tis the season to be jolly! The Embassy of the Czech Republic invites you to its annual Czech Christmas Market on November 9, 2024, from 9:00 am to 6 pm. We look forward to bringing you the magic of the season.
Browse stands filled with beautiful handcrafted ornaments, Bohemian crystal, exquisite bead and glass jewelry, fine art photography, books & prints, decadent chocolates, Moravian wines and traditional liquors. Savor gingerbread and Czech spa wafers from the Olomouc region and shop for beeswax candles, blueprint jewelry, and Christmas decorations from southern Moravia. Enjoy the taste and smell of mulled wine as well as an assortment of delicious Czech pastries and cuisine.
Adore the array of live animals for selfies. Listen to live music by saxophonist KJ SAX, as well as children of American Sokol Washington DC and Slavic American Sokol performing Czech Christmas carols .

EVENT DETAILS:

Date/Time: November 9, 2024, 9:00 am – 6 pm
Location: Embassy of the Czech Republic
3900 Spring of Freedom Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008
Reservations are required (Please pick a timed entry slot) | Admission is free.
If you cannot reserve a time slot, it may be full. Therefore, select another time for entrance.

Please be sure to register the name of each person in your party for entry.
$$$$$$$$ BRING CASH $$$$$$$$
Some of the vendors cannot accept credit cards, so please bring plenty of cash as well.
Embassy Policy:

The Embassy of the Czech Republic disclaims and excludes any and all liability for any loss, injury, or damage, alleged to have been suffered by or as a result of or otherwise on its premises. No large bags are allowed. Small purses may be checked as you pass through security for entrance. RSVP confirmation and photo ID required. No pets allowed.
Parking: Limited non-metered parking is available on Spring of Freedom Street and Tilden Street.
Closest Metro: The Embassy is about a 15-20 minute walk from the Van Ness Metro Station.

PERFORMERS:
KJ SAX |

KJ SAX is a talented saxophonist known for her charismatic performances and wide-ranging repertoire that appeals to listeners of all styles and generations.

American Sokol Washington DC |
American Sokol Washington DC provides a sense of community for individuals and families of Czech, Slovak and Moravian heritage, as well as for any other interested persons. The non-profit organization offers an array of sports and outdoor-appreciation activities, and a variety of social, cultural and educational opportunities.
Slavic American Sokol |
Slavic American Sokol promotes and provides education in the Czech, Slovak and other Slavic languages, folklore, culture and athletics.

COMPANIES:

Ornaments and Glass:

European Trading Company |
The European Trading Company imports hundreds of handmade Christmas glass ornaments from the Czech Republic. The company hand selects its collections from designers and artisans with centuries old skills and traditions of fine glass blowing and decorating, following the latest trends. Since 1994, the family business has imported millions of ornaments to the United States.

Topix Crystal Art |
Topix Crystal Art is a distributer of fine Bohemian crystal imported from the Czech Republic. Each piece is mouth-blown, handcrafted, cut and painted by the most skilled crystal makers, following traditions dating back to the eleventh century. The pieces reflect both classical glass-making techniques and the latest sophisticated processes. Topix has a wide selection of exquisite pieces, ranging from traditional tableware to chandeliers and other works of art.

Jewelry:
Preciosa |
Preciosa's crystal jewelry and décor delight those who love beauty all around the world. Luxurious jewelry and sought-after fashion accessories are created in the cradle of the world’s glass jewelry industry. From the centuries-old tradition of Bohemian cut crystal, Preciosa enriches each creation with craftsmanship, skills and the latest technologies. Berkana USA represents Preciosa in the US.

Shelalee |
Shelalee is a small business, owned by women, handcrafting unique jewelry using Czech glass beads. Founded in 2012, Shelalee has been focusing on inspiring the virtue of beauty as the reflection of uniqueness, compassion, kindness, and strength hidden in every single woman. All Shelalee products are designed and hand-crafted in quantities limited to one or just a few pieces.

Photography:

Lillis Photography | |
Lillis Photography is a fine art, portrait, and event photography business in Washington, DC. Lillis has served as the official photographer for the American Friends of the Czech Republic for over ten years. She has photographed Czech leaders on many occasions and has traveled to the Czech Republic, capturing architectural and landscape images. She is represented by Grand Image, an art consultant in Seattle. Lillis is a Getty Images photographer for over 15 years. Lillis provides decor for the Healthcare and Hospitality industries. She also exhibits her art in DC metro area art galleries. She provides custom orders on paper or canvas of any photo on her website.
OM Design & Photography |
OM Design & Photography creates a unique line of bilingual English/Czech calendars with architectural beauty of the Czech Republic and especially Prague. With an architectural and design background and over 20 years of experience, OM seeks to inspire people to visit the Czech Republic. Matted prints and greeting cards of the Czech Republic are available as well as traditional Czech Christmas cookies made from family recipes, knitted goods and handmade soaps.

Books, Prints, Crafts & Cosmetics:

National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library |
Located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library (NCSML) preserves, presents, and transcends unique stories of Czech and Slovak history and culture through innovative experiences and active engagement to reach cross-cultural audiences locally, nationally, and internationally. The Museum’s award-winning store proudly sells merchandise tied to Czech and Slovak roots, including unique and fun souvenirs. Something for every taste and age!

Nové Wellness |
Nové Wellness is a mother-daughter duo selling their handmade creations. Thirteen-year-old Mischa will be showcasing her LUNE Lavender Eye Pillows, made from Czech fabric and filled with calming Czech lavender. Each pillow is a perfect holiday gift, and $1 from every sale goes to the Brewster Animal Shelter. Jitka will be selling bracelets made from Czech crystal beads.
Penfield Books |
For 45 years, Penfield Books, based in Iowa City, has been publishing Award Winning books on Czech and Slovak subjects, including history, culture, cookbooks, and children's activity books. One of their newest and featured titles is Haunted Prague: Stories of Spirits, Sorcerers, and the Supernatural.

Plamen Press |
Plamen Press is an independent press focused on the publication and promotion of Central, Eastern and Southeastern European literature translated into English. As publishers, Plamen Press believes that its role is to use every means available to reanimate literary works for readers.
Robinson’s Fine Prints |
Robinson’s Fine Prints is an art gallery in the Midtown Scholar Bookstore, Harrisburg, PA, selling original prints from Europe, Asia, and the Americas. With more than 1,000 artworks in stock, prints by Czech artists from the past 100 years dominate the store’s collection. Its featured artists include Ladislav Hanka and Emil Kotrba.
Seneca Studio |
Seneca Studio was created by Łukasz Machoń, who combines his mechanical engineering experience with his love for art and craftsmanship. His original handcrafted furnishings showcase high quality materials and attention to detail. Łukasz has created a one-of-a-kind limited offering of Czech themed products- including various ornaments, engraved Pilsner and rocks glasses, coasters, bottle openers, and flasks.
SunnyDayArt |
Sunny Day Art is a family art studio and woodcraft shop founded in the Sunshine State in 2006. Their authentic “walnut babies” ornaments have been used as traditional Christmas décor in Czechia for many centuries.
Yage Cosmetics |
Yage is an award winning, organic cosmetics company. Uncompromisingly clean, its luxurious products are 100% natural and made from highly concentrated and powered with patented ingredients. Inspired by a mother’s love to help her son and her herbal wisdom gathered in the Bohemian mountains, the cosmetics combine the power of nature and the uniqueness of biotechnology.

Baked Goods & Chocolate
Bakerium Katerina
Baked from scratch with top quality ingredients, Katerina uses recipes to make traditional Czech Christmas cookies, which are an integral part of Christmas for any Czech family. Her delicious creations follow recipes, which have been treasured in her family for generations. Katerina has now been keeping this wonderful tradition alive in the United States for almost three decades.
La Bohemia Bakery |

La Bohemia Bakery is a European artisan bakery located in Rockville, Maryland. Its priority is bringing authentic quality European baked goods to customers at an affordable price. The bakery’s menu includes pastries, tarts and cakes, savory baked goods, breads, and mouthwatering sandwiches.
Marlenka International Ltd. |

MARLENKA® products are made only from the best quality ingredients mainly from local production in the Czech Republic. Marlenka produces a variety of honey cakes and other honey desserts and imposes high quality standards on its production.

Steiner & Kovarik Prague Chocolate |

Steiner & Kovarik Prague Chocolate is a Czech family-owned premium chocolate company founded in 2005. A consistent recipient of the international Great Taste Award, Steiner & Kovarik produces only the highest quality of handmade chocolates manufactured in its own local factory. Wide varieties of chocolates are wrapped in luxurious gift packaging featuring unique designs and motives. It is a family business integrating originality with the power of love.

Wine & Spirits
R. Jelínek |

R. Jelínek is a producer of Jelinek Slivovitz, a national brand and plum brandy originating from the Plum Valley in the Czech Republic. In addition to creating one of the most iconic spirits in the world, R. Jelinek also specializes in the creation of Pear Williams Brandy, Bohemia Apricot Brandy, as well as a variety of many other spirits and liqueurs. Established by the Jelínek family in 1894, the privately owned company continues to adhere to its tradition of kosher distillery production. Exporting the popular brandy to the United States since 1934, it currently distributes in over 35 different states.

Spevak Winery |

Spevak winery is a small family-owned winery based on the philosophy that a good quality wine is born in the vineyard, not the winery. All the grapes used for wine production are sustainably grown and hand-picked on the Spevak Estate. Discover the taste of the Czech Republic - a selection of unique wines from Spevak winery representing the art and craftsmanship of the Moravian wine makers, imported by Willis International in the US.

Live Animals and Crafts

Frederick County Sheep Breeders

The Frederick County Sheep Breeders is a Maryland-based sheep and goat producers association. Its purpose is to promote as well as to educate the public regarding sheep, goat and lamb activities in Maryland.

Whispering Meadows Alpaca Breeders

Whispering Meadows Alpaca Breeders is a family run business with a successful 4H program educating youth on alpacas and agriculture. It will be selling wool and alpaca stockings, hats, figurines, and other items. Lambs, goats, and alpacas will be on hand for selfies and cuddles.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Embassy of Czechia, 3900 Spring of Freedom Street Northwest, Washington, United States