Glass Festival 2026 - 250th anniversary of Kristiánov

Once a year—on the first Saturday in September—the glassmaking craft returns to the vanished glassmaking settlement of Kristiánov in the Jizera Mountains. This year, the traditional Glass Festival takes place on Saturday, September 5, 2026, marking the 250th anniversary of the start of glass smelting at the local glassworks.

"Mr. Georg J. Riedel, representing the tenth generation of this famous glassmaking family, has already confirmed his personal attendance. It was here that the history of this glassmaking dynasty began, and the company proudly acknowledges its roots today. His personal presence is a great honor for us," said Director Milada Valečková.

Throughout the day, a mobile glass furnace from the Florian Glassworks in Častolovice will be in operation, while skilled glassmakers use torch flames to transform glass rods into unique beads and figurines. There will also be demonstrations of other traditional crafts, stalls selling traditional glass and costume jewelry, and—of course—refreshments, including regional specialties.

Visitors can also look forward to a varied cultural program featuring performances by the folklore ensemble "Šafrán" and the children's group "Šafránek". The lineup includes fairground songs by the band "Katastrofální předpověď počasí" and songs about the Jizera Mountains performed by the group "Zlatý holky", the festival will conclude with a performance by the bluegrass and country band "Blue Apples". Children can look forward to fairy tales, horseback riding, and a zip-line ride across the Kamenice River, organized by the "Horská služba" (Mountain Rescue Service).

The program will feature two guided tours of the settlement led by museum curator Tereza Bednářová. The anniversary will be marked by the minting of commemorative coins featuring a design celebrating 250 years of Kristiánov, and a children's comic book about the settlement's history will be launched.

The Glassmaking Festival at Kristiánov takes place on Saturday, September 5, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.

Supported by:

Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic, Liberec Region, Municipality of Bedřichov, Municipality of Janov nad Nisou, Preciosa Foundation

Media partners: The media partner for Kristiánov is the PROPAMÁTKY portal, the media partner for the museum is Český rozhlas Liberec.

A look back at the 2025 Glass Festival here: Sklářská slavnost 2025