Prague Christmas Market – What You Need To Know

Prague Christmas market. Those words alone start getting me into the festive spirit! I love the European Christmas markets so was very excited to visit the Prague Christmas markets. I had visited Prague many years earlier but not in December so this first time Prague winter experience was very different and I loved it!

When I’m thinking about which Christmas market to visit, I want to choose somewhere that not only has a good selection of markets, but somewhere that has an interesting history and enough sights and activities to keep a visitor busy. Prague ticks all these boxes.

In this post you’ll learn all you need to know about visiting the Prague Christmas markets, including where to find the markets and what to buy and eat when you get there. I’ll offer some suggestions for other things you can do at the markets and in Prague generally and I’ll provide a general travel guide and share some tips to help you get the most out of your visit.

Is Prague Christmas Market Worth Visiting?

Prague is a must see destination at any time of the year, but at Christmas the whole city comes alive with markets, lights and trees. It snowed during my visit which only added to the already very festive atmosphere.

A word of caution though – Prague’s popularity means that I found the Christmas markets to be quite crowded, especially those in the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. In addition, I didn’t think the array of food on offer was as varied as that I experienced at the Krakow Christmas market and overall, I thought the Prague Christmas market prices were quite high.

All that said, the Prague Christmas markets, located as they are at the heart of this beautiful, historic city, are definitely worth visiting. I mean what could be better than drinking mulled wine or hot chocolate beneath a beautifully decorated tree in the City of a Hundred Spires? Surely, it’s one of the best things to do in Prague at Christmas!

Getting to Prague Christmas Market

Direct flights to Prague are available from most major UK and European airports. Flight times will vary of course depending on where you’re flying from, but from the UK you’re looking at around 2 hours. You can research flight options and book here:

Given its location, Prague is also accessible by train, bus and car. If you are planning a trip to the Central European cities of Vienna, Budapest or Bratislava, you could consider catching a train from any of them to Prague. Average travel times are:

• Vienna to Prague – around 4 hours
• Budapest to Prague – around 7 – 8 hours
• Bratislava to Prague – around 4 – 5 hours

It’s not uncommon for people to combine a visit to multiple cities during the Christmas market season – I may have to do the same!

Check the Prague Tourism Site for further information on getting to Prague, including details of the train and bus stations and here for train and bus options:

Currency

The Czech Republic joined the European Union in 2004 but it has not adopted the Euro. Instead, it retains its own currency, the Czech Koruna, referred to in this post as CZK.

Getting to/from the Airport

If you are arriving by air, you will arrive at the Václav Havel Airport (PRG). This is the Czech Republic’s largest airport and is located about 15km from the city centre.

From the airport, there are various ways to get into the city:

1. Private Transfer

As with any airport, you can pre-book your own private transfer from Prague airport. This will likely be the most expensive option, however it can often be the most convenient and will provide certainty if you like arriving knowing onward transport is already arranged.

2. Taxi

Uber is the official taxi of the airport and there are kiosks and service counters to assist with making bookings. You can also use the Uber app as I did. Expect to pay from £20-22 although of course prices can change depending on when you travel.

3. Airport Express Bus

This bus will take you to Prague’s main train station from where you can make your onward journey using the subway or tram or on foot.

The journey time is 40 minutes and buses leave every 30 minutes. Tickets are 200 CZK for adults, 100 CZK for children aged 6 – 15 and free for those under 6.

4. Public Bus

The cheapest option will always be public transport. The following bus lines run from the airport:

• Bus 59 – this will take you to Veleslavín train station where you will need to change to metro line A (green). The journey time on this bus is about 15 minutes.
• Bus 100 – this will take you to Zličín where you need to change to metro line B (yellow). The journey time is about 18 minutes.
• Bus 191 – this will take you to Petřiny (where you change to metro line A) and Anděl (where you change to metro line B). Journey time is about 50 minutes.

For those arriving on late evening flights, there are two night buses in operation – lines 907 and 910.

Tickets need to be purchased before boarding the bus and there are ticket machines in the airport terminals and at the bus stops.

Check the airport website for up to date transport options and information.

Where to Stay in Prague for the Christmas Markets

Prague has accommodation options to suit all budgets. The question is in what area of the city to stay! The main areas popular with visitors are:

• the oldest area in Prague, Hradčany, near Prague Castle
• Lesser Town (Malá Strana), located below the Castle and extending to the banks of the Vltava River
• New Town (Nové Mesto), centred around Wenceslas Square
• Old Town (Staré Mesto), located on the other side of the river to Prague Castle

If you plan on spending only a few days in the city, then anywhere in these areas would be a good choice. I stayed at the Cloister Inn Hotel in the Old Town and only a short walk from the Old Town Square and the Charles Bridge.

When choosing where to stay, do keep in mind that it will be cold and there may be snow so if you/your party have mobility issues, then either the Old Town or Wenceslas Square may be the best area to stay in Prague for the Christmas markets.

You can research all available accommodation options and book here:

Prague Weather in December

The weather in Prague in December is cold! The average high is 2º Celsius (36º Fahrenheit) and the average low is -2ºC (28ºF).

While snow can never be guaranteed, it did snow when I was there in early December. The snow certainly does make everything feel more magical, but it can also lead to some challenging underfoot conditions and I did see a few people take a tumble.

What to Wear in Prague in December

Given the cold temperatures in Prague in December, you will need to pack the following:

• a warm jacket
• layers of clothing (including thermals and warm socks – I wore a pair of fleece lined trousers)
• scarf
• gloves
• hat
• waterproof, comfortable shoes – make sure they have some traction!
• an umbrella

What are the Prague Christmas Market Dates?

The Prague Christmas market will be open from 28th November 2026 and end on 6th January 2027. This includes Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Years Day. The markets are free to enter.

Where are the Christmas Markets in Prague?

Prague has a good mix of small Christmas markets and larger ones spread throughout the city including:

1. Old Town Square Christmas market (Staromestske Námestí)

As the name suggests, this market is located in the Old Town Square. This market is surrounded by some of Prague’s most notable buildings, including the Astronomical Clock, Old Town Hall and the Church of Our Lady Before Tyn.

2. Wenceslas Square Christmas market (Václavske Námestí)

Located a short walk from the Old Town Square is the Wenceslas Square Christmas market. There are markets at the top and bottom of Wenceslas Square however they seemed to be selling mainly food and much of it the same as available in the Old Town Square market. It’s a very pretty market however with lights and trees, albeit in a more modern setting.

The Old Town Square Christmas markets and Wenceslas Square Christmas market are the main Christmas markets in Prague.

3. Republic Square Christmas market (Náměstí Republiky)

A short walk from the Old Town Square Christmas market, this market is less crowded and less touristy. It’s not without its attractions though, including Municipal House. A beautiful example of Art Nouveau architectural style, Municipal House is located next to the historic Powder Gate.

Republic Square Christmas market has a good number of stalls selling a range of items, including food. Dedicated shoppers will also be pleased to know that the Palladium shopping mall is close by!

4. Na Kampe Square Christmas market (Na Kampe)

Located by the Charles Bridge in the Lesser Town, the Na Kampe Christmas market is quite small. It’s likely you will pass through it however if you’re visiting the Lennon Wall so it may be a good place to stop and eat.

5. Peace Square Christmas market (Námestí Míru)

A local market, it is less busy than those in the city center but still within walking distance (although you may prefer to jump on a tram!). It is located in front of the imposing Church of St Ludmila and sells a mix of food and non-food items. They had a good range of woollen products when I visited.

6. Havel’s Market (Havelske Trziste)

This is the only permanent market in Prague city centre. At Christmas time it is decorated and sells all manner of goods including arts and crafts, wooden toys, puppets and souvenirs.

7. Tyl Square Christmas market (Tylovo Námestí)

Another local market, this one is known as a good place to eat! It is located a short distance from the Peace Square Christmas market.

What Can You Buy at the Prague Christmas Market?

Those of you that love shopping won’t be disappointed! Aside from the usual array of Christmas decorations, the following items will likely be in plentiful supply:

• Gingerbread
• Jewellery
• Children’s toys
• Candles and candle holders
• woollen items
• wooden toys
• glass items including decorations
• cookies
• candy/sweets/lollies (the latter being a New Zealand term!)
• lace items
• puppets
• roasted/candied almonds

Prague Christmas Market Food – What to Eat and Drink

One of the best things about Christmas is indulging in food and drink! European Christmas markets are only too willing to assist with this and Prague is no different. As I mentioned earlier in this post however, I don’t think the range of food available at the Prague Christmas markets was as good as that I had in Krakow. That said, I did not go hungry and in addition to market food, there are plenty of other options around the city!

1. Traditional Czech Food

When it comes to traditional Czech food available at the Christmas markets, look out for:

• Prague ham roasting on spits (šunka)
• barbecued sausages (klobása)
• flatbread topped with garlic, cheese and ketchup (langoš)
• Potato with cabbage and bacon (Halusky)
• chips (hranolky);
• smoked meat dumplings (knedlíky plněné uzeným masem)
• sweet dumplings (sladké knedlíky)
• pancakes or crêpes (palačinky)
• traditional Czech Christmas fish soup (rybí polévka) made from carp, vegetables, cream and brandy

BEWARE: When you are deciding what to eat at the markets, check the prices. Most of the headline prices are for 100 grams of the product on sale and NOT for one serving! By way of a guide:

• 100g is snack size
• 200g is starter size
• 300g or more is a main course

I made sure to ask for the amount I wanted at the outset – the traders may weigh out a little more so it’s over to you whether to accept or ask for less.

2. Something Sweet

For something a little sweet, you have to try:

• gingerbread (perníčky)
• chimney cake (trdelník). Trdelník is a hot sweet pastry made from rolled dough that is wrapped around a stick, baked on an open fire, then topped with a sugar and walnut mix. It is delicious on its own (trust me!), but you can also have it with chocolate sauce spread inside it.

3. Drinks

To wash down all this yumminess, you have a choice of Czech beers of course but also these winter warmers:

• mulled wine (svařák or svařené víno)
• hot chocolate (horká čokoláda)
• honey wine (medovina)
• hot apple (jablíčko)
• punch (punč)
• grog (made from hot water, rum, lemon and sugar)

Trust me, when you’re outside at the Prague Christmas markets you are going to want a hot drink in your hands as you shop!

I can also recommend stopping by Pauseteria, their gingerbread latte with cream was delicious and Choco Café, whose thick hot chocolate was just that, so thick! Both cafes are near the Old Town Christmas market.

What else is there to do at the Prague Christmas Market?

As with most European Christmas markets, there is more to do in Prague than just shop. To add to the festive atmosphere here are a few activities you may want to experience:

1. Watch the Tree lighting ceremony

Taking centre stage in the Old Town Square is a large Christmas tree. Each day at 4.30pm and hourly thereafter until 9.30pm there is a tree lighting ceremony so set your watch and be there!

2. Watch the Lamp lighting ceremony

In addition to the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, Prague also has a lamp lighting ceremony along the Charles Bridge. A lamplighter dressed in period costume will light historic gas lamps along the bridge daily from 1 December to 23 December 2024 between 4.10pm and 4.30pm.

Unfortunately, I did not make it to the bridge on time so missed this! Given the popularity of Charles Bridge at the best of times, I would suggest arriving early for the lamp lighting. It might be fun to view it from atop one of the Charles Bridge Towers! 

3. Experience Mikulas (St Nicholas Day)

This I did not miss! I was fortunate enough to be in Prague for Mikulas and was able to witness first hand this Czech tradition.

So what is Mikulas? Basically, it marks the start of the festive season for Czech people. Having been raised on the story of St Nicholas, an Angel and a Devil, children are keen to prove to St Nicholas that they have been good and deserve a present or some sweets. When asked if they’ve been good they confirm they have and then sing a song or recite a poem. If St Nicholas suspects they have in fact been naughty, then they may get coal or a hard potato or end up in a sack held by the Devil! Children will therefore sing with great gusto in order to avoid that eventuality!

4. Go Ice skating

There are ice skating opportunities in several locations in Prague, including the Old Town, Wenceslas Square and Tower Park.

5. Take a Christmas river cruise

Prague is divided by the Vltava River and as such, river cruises are popular year round. During December however, there is the opportunity to join a Christmas river cruise where you can sail along the river whilst listening to Christmas carols and enjoying mulled wine and cake. This cruise does not operate every day and is not usually available to book until later in the year. Once available, I suggest booking early as places will fill up.

If you prefer something else, there are a variety of river cruises available, including dinner cruises.

6. Enjoy Christmas music on the Old Town Square stage

At one end of the Old Town Square there is a stage and late afternoon performers will be up there singing, dancing and playing music. It really adds to the atmosphere and although much of it is in Czech, the tunes are universal!

7. Attend a Concert

Prague is blessed with numerous concert opportunities throughout the year but especially at Christmas. This classical concert at the Rudolfinum or this performance of the Nutcracker Ballet are just two possible options.

For more information about visiting the Klementinum, read my blog post 13 of the Best Things to Do in Prague.

8. Take a carriage ride

Horse drawn carriages available for hire are lined up in the Old Town Square near the Astronomical Clock. Huddle under a blanket and let the sound of the horses hooves click clacking over cobblestones make you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time.

9. Enjoy a Medieval Dinner experience

What could be better than getting out of the cold and into a medieval atmosphere full of food and drink?! A popular activity throughout the year, I’m sure this would come into its own during the festive season! Check available menu options and book here:

10. Check out the Nativity Scenes

As you wander around Prague, you will discover various nativity scenes that are worth visiting.

11. Climb the Old Town Hall Tower

For a birds eye view of the Christmas market in the Old Town Square, make sure you climb the Old Town Hall Tower – I think it best to do this once it’s dark. For more information about the Old Town Hall and climbing the Tower, read my blog post 13 of the Best Things to Do in Prague.

Tips for Visiting the Prague Christmas Market

In addition to the rest of the advice and information in this blog post, here are my tips for getting the most from your visit:

• take cash – card payments are welcome at some stalls but not all
• if you’re cold at the markets, stand by the roasting hams, chimney cake makers or blacksmiths for the warmth of their open fires!
• the markets are busy and crowded – keep an eye on your belongings
• pack for cold conditions – it may not snow but if it does, ensure your footwear has good traction
• keep a look out for the Christmas trams beautifully decorated for the festive season!

What else is there to do in Prague?

If you want to take a break from Christmas shopping (not to mention eating and drinking!), then beyond the Christmas markets you will find many things to do in Prague.

Read my blog post 13 of the Best Things to Do in Prague for a wonderful array of choices – from castles and bridges, to towers and books, there’s plenty to keep everyone happy in Prague!

You may also find the Go City Prague Pass useful in planning your itinerary.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about being in a medieval city during December, where the bleakness of winter is dispelled by the twinkling lights which decorate trees, buildings and vehicles, by candles burning in lanterns and by the smell of food being cooked over hot coals. Prague at Christmas is magical.

Prague’s mix of small and large Christmas markets are located in one of Eastern Europe’s most beautiful cities and although its popularity can make for large crowds, the Prague Christmas markets are still, in my view, worth visiting. A choice of traditional Czech Christmas food and drink, together with a variety of goods to buy let alone the incredible sights and attractions nearby to visit make Prague a great choice for a Christmas market city break. Get the holiday season off to a great start by visiting the Prague Christmas markets!

If you need general assistance with planning your visit to Prague, then check out my Resources page. If you are interested in visiting other European destinations, take a look at the posts on my Europe page.

Disclaimer – Information correct at the time of writing but do check before visiting.