Christmas markets in Olomouc, although currently enjoying the reputation of one of the most beautiful and traditional Advent events in the Czech Republic, represent a complex phenomenon, which is rather the result of the late Renaissance and re-traditionalization and interruption of historical continuity. Medieval roots: Olomouc is culturally connected to macrohistorical Central European traditions. The first documented December markets, which served as predecessors of today's fairs, appeared already in the Middle Ages. Examples include the Vienna Krippenmarkt from 1298 and the first Christkindlmarkt in Bautzen from 1384.2 Olomouc refers to this common cultural sphere, especially with regard to the modern effort to approach the atmosphere of Western European cities.3 Historical Discontinuity (19th and much of the 20th century) The key point is that in the 19th century and for much of the 20th century, Christmas markets in their current social and public form did not exist on the Upper Square. Christmas was then primarily a strictly family and church affair. The only post-war public tradition that took hold on the square was the charitable lighting of the Christmas tree from 1945. The current Modern Renaissance of the Last 20 Years The current model is a product of the commercial and cultural revival of the early 21st century. After initial criticism of the "market character", there was a significant cultivation and expansion, for the first time in history also on the Lower Square. Olomouc markets today are strongly profiled by the punch culture punch trail and the integration of modern attractions into the historic center ice rink, observation wheel.