Quick Picks for Your Family Visit

Before diving into the full list, here are some quick recommendations. These help you prioritize your time at the museum. The Christmas House is quite large, so planning ahead is useful.

• Best for families: The Teddy Bear Museum collection.
• Best for rainy days: The Angelic Cafe with hot chocolate.
• Best for kids: The Christmas Cookie Decoration Workshop.
• Best free activity: Walking through the Doubí Castle grounds.

Most visitors spend about two to three hours here. You should check the Christmas House Doubi Castle opening months before your trip. The museum is generally open year-round except for a few holidays. This makes it one of the most reliable must-see places in Karlovy Vary for families.

10 Family Activities at Christmas House Museum

The museum is divided into several festive zones. Each area offers a different way to experience the holiday season. Here are the top ten things to do with your children.

1. Name: Teddy Bear Museum Type: sight Why go: It houses over 12,000 teddy bears, making it one of the largest collections in Europe. Best for: Young children and collectors. Where: Upper floor of the castle. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Included in general admission. Tip: Look for the bears dressed in traditional Czech costumes.
2. Name: The Angelic Cafe Type: experience Why go: This themed cafe serves festive treats and warm drinks in a snowy setting. Best for: Relaxing after exploring the exhibits. Where: Main museum building. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Price of food/drinks (moderate). Tip: Try the traditional Czech Christmas cookies with a cup of hot cocoa.
3. Name: Christmas Ornament Workshop Type: activity Why go: Kids can paint their own glass ornaments to take home as a souvenir. Best for: Creative children and families. Where: Creative corner near the shop. Time: 30-45 minutes. Cost: Small fee for materials. Tip: Arrive early in the day as the workshop tables fill up quickly.
4. Name: The Enchanted Garden Type: nature Why go: The outdoor area features thousands of lights and festive statues. Best for: Evening visits and photography. Where: Castle courtyard. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Included in ticket. Tip: Visit at dusk to see the lights at their brightest.
5. Name: Hand-Blown Glass Gallery Type: sight Why go: See masterfully crafted Czech glass ornaments that are famous worldwide. Best for: Appreciating local craftsmanship. Where: Main exhibition hall. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Included in ticket. Tip: This is a great place for buying Christmas decorations in Karlovy Vary.
6. Name: The Giant Nativity Scene Type: sight Why go: A massive, detailed wood-carved scene depicting the birth of Jesus. Best for: Learning about local traditions. Where: Ground floor exhibition space. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Included in ticket. Tip: Take time to notice the small animal figures carved into the wood.
7. Name: The Magic Wishing Bell Type: experience Why go: Legend says if you ring the bell and make a wish, it will come true. Best for: Everyone with a holiday wish. Where: Near the museum entrance. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Let the children ring the bell last for a bit of extra magic.
8. Name: Christmas Village Miniature Type: sight Why go: A moving model village with trains, lights, and tiny winter scenes. Best for: Toddlers and train enthusiasts. Where: Main hall. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Included in ticket. Tip: Wait for the train to complete its full loop around the village.
9. Name: Doubí Castle Grounds Type: day trip Why go: The castle itself is a historic site dating back centuries. Best for: History buffs and fresh air. Where: Surrounding the museum. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to walk the exterior. Tip: The castle is easily reached using the Dopravní podnik Karlovy Vary bus lines.
10. Name: The Sleigh Photo Op Type: activity Why go: Sit in a life-sized wooden sleigh for the perfect family holiday photo. Best for: Creating memories. Where: Near the Angelic Cafe. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Wear your festive sweaters for the best photos!

How to Reach the Christmas House Museum

The museum is located in the Doubí district. This is about five kilometers from the main colonnades. You can take a local bus or a short taxi ride. Public transport is very reliable in this part of the Czech Republic. Look for bus number 6 to reach the Doubí stop.

If you are arriving by car, there is a small parking lot nearby. Parking is usually easy during the weekdays. However, weekends can be very busy. It is best to arrive before 11:00 AM. This gives you plenty of time to explore before the afternoon crowds arrive.

You can also combine your visit with other sights. Many families visit the Karlovy Vary Official Tourism office first. They can provide maps and current event schedules. This ensures you do not miss any seasonal festivals in the city center.