Illustration of a christmas market scene (Old World Christmas Market)
Christmas Markets

Old World Christmas Market

Experience the magic of the Old World Christmas Market, a festive celebration inspired by traditional European markets with a Midwest twist. Browse local handcrafted items, savor delicious treats, and enjoy entertainment for all ages. This enchanted event offers a delightful blend of culture, community, and holiday cheer, with free admission to the market and the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library galleries.

What to Expect

European-inspired Christmas market with local crafts and food

Event Details

Duration

2 days

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Czech Village

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library

Food & Drink

Assorted beverages available for purchase, including pop, holiday specials, wine, and beer. Czech and Slovak food will be available to order at Culinary Tastes.

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families, shoppers, cultural enthusiasts

Vibe

Festive, cultural, community-oriented

Energy Level

Low to medium

Budget

FREE

Photo Friendly

📷 📷 📷 📷 📷 (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

Low

Location

National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
1400 Inspiration Place SW
Cedar Rapids, IA
52404

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: FREE
  • Parking: NCSML has several parking options. The underground parking garage is free and open throughout the market, with entrance off 15th Ave. An outside side lot is next door with a door through the parking garage to the museum. Two larger lots are outside off Inspiration Pl across from the clocktower or behind the Soko building off A ST SW. Public parking is available throughout the Czech Village with parking lots off 15th Ave and 17th Ave.
  • Accessibility: NCSML is handicap compliant with ramps located outside at the front of the building and inside the parking garage where elevator access is available. Designated handicap parking spots are available in the underground parking garage.
  • Pets: Service animals welcome

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive early on Saturday to experience the market at its most vibrant, or visit on Sunday for a potentially more relaxed atmosphere.
  • Take advantage of the free underground parking garage for convenient and sheltered access directly to the museum.
  • Explore the museum's galleries, which are included with your free admission to the market, for a richer cultural experience.
  • Check the museum's website for any specific vendor lists or entertainment schedules released closer to the event dates.
  • Consider bringing cash for smaller vendors, although many may accept card payments.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Free admission to museum galleries
  • Looking for volunteers

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dates and times for the Old World Christmas Market?

The Old World Christmas Market is scheduled for December 5 and 6, 2026. Specific hours are not listed but it is a weekend event.

Is there an admission fee for the market?

No, the Old World Christmas Market is free for all to attend, including admission to the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library galleries.

What kind of food and drinks can I expect?

They will offer assorted beverages like pop, holiday specials, wine, and beer. Czech and Slovak food will be available for purchase at Culinary Tastes.

Where can I park?

There are several parking options, including a free underground parking garage, an adjacent lot, and public parking in the Czech Village.

Is the museum accessible for visitors with disabilities?

Yes, the museum is handicap compliant with ramps, elevator access from the parking garage, and designated handicap parking spots.

Tags

Christmas marketholiday marketfamily friendlyhandmade craftsartisanal productsfestive foodholiday shoppingcommunity celebrationcultural eventsfree event

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Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Sep 20, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team