Prague Christmas Market Dates, Location and Tips
Christmas in Prague is a magical experience that rivals the best festive destinations in Europe. With its gothic spires dusted in snow, twinkling lights across cobbled streets, and the scent of roasted chestnuts in the air, the Czech Republic’s capital transforms into a winter fairytale. Whether you're wandering through Old Town or gazing at the illuminated Prague Castle, the city offers a truly enchanting atmosphere that makes it one of Europe's most unforgettable Christmas cities.
The best Christmas markets in Prague
Prague's Christmas markets are among the most picturesque in Europe, each offering a unique blend of tradition, food, and festive cheer. The two most popular markets - Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square - are centrally located and easy to explore together, just a short walk apart.
Old Town Square Christmas Market
- Entry fee: Free
- Location: Old Town Square, 110 00 Staré Město, Prague 1, Czech Republic.
- How to reach the Christmas Market:
- By Bus: Take bus routes 194 or 207 to the ‘Staroměstské náměstí’ stop.
- By Train: The nearest train station is Praha hlavní nádraží (Prague Main Station), around 15 minutes’ walk away.
- By Tram: Tram lines 2, 17, or 18 stop at ‘Staroměstská’, just a 5-minute walk from the square.
- By Car: Located in the heart of Prague’s Old Town, this area is best reached via ‘Dlouhá Street’ or ‘Pařížská Street’. Limited public parking is available nearby, particularly at the Palladium Shopping Centre (Na Poříčí 1079/3, 110 00 Nové Město).
- Opening dates: 29th November 2025 - 6th January 2026 (open every day, including public holidays)
- Opening times: 10am to 10pm
- Decorations: The market is famous for its enormous Christmas tree, which is brought in from the Liberec region and beautifully decorated with lights, ornaments, and traditional Czech motifs. Surrounding stalls are adorned with fairy lights and garlands, creating a warm and inviting festive ambience. Expect themed decorations, life-size nativity scenes, and an iconic astronomical clock lit up after dark.
- Best Activities to do: Expect daily live performances on the central stage, including local choirs, folk musicians, and traditional dance troupes. While the 2025 schedule hasn’t been confirmed yet, previous years included nativity plays and carol singing. Stay tuned for the official events list closer to the opening date.
- Food to try: Don’t miss trdelník (chimney cake), klobása (grilled sausages), and roasted chestnuts. You’ll also find perník (Czech gingerbread) and warming mugs of svařák (mulled wine), served in charming festive mugs you can take home.
- Shopping: This market is a treasure trove of handmade crafts, including hand-blown glass ornaments, embroidered linens, wooden toys, and traditional Czech ceramics. You’ll also find artisan soaps, beeswax candles, and souvenirs crafted by local artists.
Wenceslas Square Christmas Market
- Entry fee: Free
- Location: Václavské náměstí, 110 00 Nové Město, Prague 1, Czech Republic.
- How to reach the Christmas Market:
- By Bus: Bus routes 135 and 176 stop at ‘Můstek’, which is right at the lower end of the square.
- By Train: Praha hlavní nádraží is approximately a 10-minute walk away.
- By Tram: Tram lines 3, 5, 6, 9, 14, and 24 stop at ‘Václavské náměstí’.
- By Car: The square runs from the National Museum down to Můstek Metro Station. Nearby parking can be found at Wilsonova Parking Garage or in underground lots near the Main Station.
- Opening dates: 29th November 2025 - 6th January 2026
- Opening times: 10am to 10pm
- Decorations: While slightly smaller than Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square still dazzles with twinkling stalls, decorative lights, and a smaller but equally charming Christmas tree. The wide boulevard sparkles with light installations draped across trees and lamp posts. The overall feel is festive yet slightly less crowded, ideal for a leisurely stroll.
- Best Activities to do: Expect festive music and occasional performances along the square, creating a lively yet laid-back vibe. As with Old Town Square, the full 2025 programme is yet to be released - watch this space for confirmed entertainment.
- Food to try: This market is known for hearty Czech snacks like bramborák (potato pancakes), vánočka (sweet braided Christmas bread), and Czech-style hot dogs. Mulled wine and honey mead are also popular choices here.
- Shopping: Stalls offer traditional holiday gifts such as wooden puppets, glass decorations, sheepskin slippers and embroidered goods. It’s a great place to pick up locally made crafts at a slightly quieter pace than the main square.
Tips & FAQs
When is the best time to visit the Prague Christmas Markets to avoid crowds?
Weekday mornings tend to be the quietest. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, avoid Friday and Saturday evenings when both tourists and locals flock to the markets. Early December also tends to be less busy compared to the days just before Christmas.
Should I carry cash or are cards accepted at the markets?
While many vendors now accept card payments, it’s a good idea to carry some cash in Czech koruna (CZK), especially for smaller stalls and street food. Always choose to pay in the local currency when using your card to avoid poor exchange rates.
What should I wear when visiting the markets in Prague?
December and early January in Prague are very cold, with temperatures often dipping below freezing. Dress warmly in layers, wear waterproof shoes for icy pavements and don’t forget a thermal hat, gloves, and scarf. A good quality winter coat is essential, especially if you’ll be outdoors in the evening when temperatures drop further.
Where to stay in Prague?
If you’re visiting Prague for the Christmas markets, staying near the city centre is your best bet for soaking up the festive spirit with ease. We’ve listed some of the most convenient and popular neighbourhoods below - each offering something a little different depending on your travel style. Don’t forget to check out exclusive discounts on hotel stays on this page before booking your festive getaway!
- Old Town (Staré Město): Located right at the heart of the markets - both Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square are within a 5-minute walk. Perfect for first-time visitors, couples, and anyone who wants to be in the middle of all the festive action.
- New Town (Nové Město): Just a 10-minute walk to Wenceslas Square and around 15 minutes to Old Town Square. Ideal for travellers who want to stay central but prefer slightly quieter hotels and more modern amenities.
- Malá Strana (Lesser Town): Roughly 15 - 20 minutes’ walk from the main Christmas markets, across the iconic Charles Bridge. Great for families or those who want a charming, historic atmosphere with easy access to both the markets and Prague Castle.
- Vinohrady: About 20-25 minutes on foot or 10 minutes by tram to Wenceslas Square. A stylish, residential area popular with expats-ideal for those seeking boutique hotels, relaxed cafés, and a more local vibe.
- Josefov (Jewish Quarter): Roughly 10 minutes’ walk to Old Town Square. Excellent for travellers interested in history and culture, while still staying within easy reach of the festive hotspots.
Other Things to Do While in Prague
This magical city offers a variety of activities beyond the enchanting Christmas markets, especially during the festive season.
- Visit Prague Castle in the Snow: Wander through the castle complex and enjoy spectacular views over the city rooftops dusted in snow - early mornings are especially peaceful in December.
- Take a Winter Cruise on the Vltava River: Hop aboard a heated boat and admire Prague’s illuminated skyline and historic bridges while sipping mulled wine on the water.
- See the Nutcracker or a Christmas Concert: Catch a festive performance at one of Prague’s grand venues like the Estates Theatre or Municipal House-perfect for getting into the seasonal spirit.
- Warm Up in a Traditional Czech Café: Escape the cold in one of Prague’s elegant coffee houses and enjoy a slice of Medovnik (honey cake) with a rich hot chocolate or coffee.
- Stroll Through Letná Park for City Views: Wrap up warm and take a winter walk through Letná Park, which offers stunning panoramic views over Prague’s old town and bridges-particularly beautiful at sunset.
Christmas Traditions in the Czech Republic
Christmas in the Czech Republic is steeped in rich folklore and heartfelt customs that make the festive season feel truly magical. One of the most cherished traditions is the celebration of Christmas Eve, when families gather for a special dinner, typically featuring fried carp and potato salad. Children eagerly await the arrival of Ježíšek (Baby Jesus), who is believed to bring gifts and place them under the tree while they’re distracted. Homes are beautifully decorated with nativity scenes and candles, and many people attend midnight mass to mark the spiritual heart of the holiday.
Where else to go in the Czech Republic for Christmas Markets?
While Prague’s markets steal the spotlight, the Czech Republic is home to several other towns that offer charming and less crowded festive experiences. These destinations are perfect for a day trip or a short detour if you’re exploring more of the country in December.
- Český Krumlov: This fairy-tale town transforms into a festive delight with a small but atmospheric market set against a backdrop of a UNESCO-listed old town and castle.
- Brno: Moravia’s capital boasts several markets across the city centre, known for its live music, artisan stalls, and a giant golden Christmas wheel offering panoramic views.
- Olomouc: Famous for its spiced punch and Baroque architecture, Olomouc hosts one of the oldest Christmas markets in the country with a truly local feel.
- Plzeň (Pilsen): This West Bohemian city, home of Pilsner beer, features a cosy market in Republic Square and a unique tradition of nativity scenes carved from butter or wood.
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