Prague Christmas Market Dates, Location and Tips
Enjoy a magical Christmas experience in Prague, where the traditional Christmas markets, enchanting holiday décor and historical settings combine for an unforgettable holiday.
Is Prague worth visiting at Christmas?
Absolutely! Prague at Christmas is like stepping into a fairy tale, with festive markets in Old Town Square filled with unique gifts and delicious treats. The city's mediaeval buildings are wrapped in fairy lights, creating a cosy, romantic atmosphere. You can warm up with a mug of mulled wine in a candlelit wine bar or try traditional Czech goodies like roasted ham and pastries. And for a bit of fun, don't miss a whirl around the ice-skating rinks scattered across the city!
Where are the Christmas Markets in Prague?
Prague's Christmas markets are scattered across the city, each offering a unique holiday experience. The most popular ones are in the city centre, attracting both locals and visitors for their festive charm.
- The Christmas market at the Old Town Square: Located in the heart of Prague, the Old Town Square market is the most iconic, with beautifully illuminated stands surrounded by some of the city's best-known landmarks. It's an ideal starting point for a festive day in Prague, with plenty of traditional goods, food, and drink to enjoy.
- The Christmas market at Wenceslas Square: A short walk from Old Town, the Wenceslas Square market is equally vibrant, set against the backdrop of this magnificent square. Here, you'll find local crafts, seasonal treats, and the bustling energy of the holiday season, though the path between these markets can get crowded at peak times.
- Vltava River Dinner Cruise: Admire Prague's iconic Christmas-lit landmarks while enjoying a delicious dinner, accompanied by live music and panoramic views of the city.
- Black Light Theater: Experience a captivating 4D performance blending visual effects and theatre, showcasing unique black light illusions in an unforgettable artistic experience.
- Swan Lake Ballet: Watch the world-renowned Swan Lake ballet at the historic Hybernia Theater, a magnificent setting for this classical masterpiece.
- Mozart Ballroom: Attend an elegant musical extravaganza at the Mozart Ballroom, featuring stunning performances of Mozart's works in a historic venue.
- Prague Castle: Visit one of the largest ancient castles in the world, offering breathtaking views and a rich history, including St. Vitus Cathedral and the Old Royal Palace.
- Brno: The second-largest city in the Czech Republic, Brno's Christmas market is set in the picturesque Freedom Square, featuring local crafts, delicious food, and a stunning Christmas tree.
- Český Krumlov: This fairytale town boasts a magical Christmas market in its historic centre, where visitors can enjoy traditional Czech treats against a backdrop of mediaeval architecture.
- Plzeň: Known for its famous beer, Plzeň also hosts a vibrant Christmas market in Republic Square, offering unique local gifts and delicious seasonal dishes.
- Olomouc: The Christmas market in Olomouc's Upper Square is renowned for its charming atmosphere, featuring beautifully decorated stalls and traditional performances that entertain visitors throughout the festive season.
Beyond these main markets, Prague Castle also hosts a large Christmas market near St. George's Basilica, while smaller markets can be found at Republic Square, Na Kampě Square, Havel's Market, Peace Square, and Tyl Square, each adding its own festive touch to the city.
Why are the Christmas markets in Prague worth visiting?
Prague's Christmas markets are a festive delight, transforming the city with vibrant decorations, towering Christmas trees, and enchanting wooden stalls. Inspired by the charm of snowy Czech villages, the markets feature red and white-roofed huts, bright greenery, and warm lights that create a cosy holiday atmosphere.
Food and Drink
The Prague Christmas markets offer an array of local food and drinks. Traditional Czech dishes include roasted hams, barbecued sausages, langoš (garlic, cheese, and ketchup-topped flatbread), smoked meat dumplings, sweet dumplings, and palačinky (pancakes or crěpes).
Traditional Christmas fish soup, gingerbread, and the mouthwatering trdelník (Chimney Cake) are among the sweet treats to enjoy. To quench your thirst, try famous Czech beers like Pilsner Urquell, Budvar, and Staropramen, or opt for hot drinks like mulled wine, punch, hot chocolate, honey wine, and grog.
Decorations
The Christmas markets in Prague are a visual feast, adorned in vibrant red, green, gold, and white, evoking a classic holiday warmth. Wooden huts with red or white roofs line the squares, each decorated with evergreen foliage and illuminated by warm, white lights that bring a cosy glow to the festive setting.
The most impressive Christmas tree in Prague stands 24 metres tall in Old Town Square, adorned with 100,000 LED lights, red and gold baubles, and giant Christmas stars, creating a stunning sight against the Gothic skyline. Meanwhile, Wenceslas Square boasts two trees, including a 15-metre one from the Hradec Králové region, with a daily lighting ceremony to complete the festive scene.
FAQs
What date are the Christmas markets in Prague?
The Christmas Markets in Prague will run from November 30, 2024 to January 6, 2025. The Christmas markets at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square will typically run daily from 10 am to 10 pm.
Do you need cash for the Prague Christmas Markets?
Yes, it's wise to bring cash for your visit, as all market stalls accept payment in Czech Crowns. While cashless payments, such as mobile payments (via Google Pay and Apple Pay) and credit/debit cards, are increasingly accepted at some stalls, cash remains the preferred option at the markets. A few stalls may also accept Euros in cash, but it's best to have Czech Crowns to fully enjoy the festive experience.
Where to stay in Prague?
For an unforgettable experience, it's best to stay in the heart of Prague's city centre, where the Christmas Markets are conveniently located and easily accessible on foot. This central area encompasses several districts, including the captivating Old Town with its stunning Old Town Square, the vibrant New Town centred around Wenceslas Square, and the charming Lesser Town, which you can reach with a leisurely stroll across the iconic Charles Bridge.
For a truly unforgettable experience, check out our exclusive getaway deals for the Prague Christmas markets on this page, featuring enticing discounts on hotel stays that make your holiday even more magical.
What else to do in Prague in December?
There are many things to do in Prague beyond the Christmas markets, and the city offers a delightful array of fabulous experiences.
Where else to go in the Czech Republic for Christmas Markets?
Beyond Prague, the Czech Republic offers a variety of enchanting Christmas markets that capture the festive spirit. Explore these charming destinations for delightful seasonal experiences:
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