Christmas Markets in Prague and Unforgettable Fairytale Attractions to See This Winter
Prague at Christmas feels like something out of a fairytale. I fell in love with European Christmas markets after my first visit to Strasbourg in 2023, and once I saw a photo of Prague’s market, I knew I had to go.
After spending 4 wonderful days exploring Christmas markets in Vienna, we hopped on a train to Prague.
The city’s Gothic spires, cobblestone streets, and the scent of cinnamon in the frosty air create an atmosphere that is pure holiday magic. While Prague may not have as many Christmas markets as cities like Strasbourg or Vienna, its overall charm during the holiday season is unmatched. The festive atmosphere alone makes Prague a truly magical place to visit in winter.
In this guide, you will find everything you need to plan your visit to the Christmas markets in Prague for the 2025/2026 season, including exact dates, the best markets to visit, must-try foods, tips, as well as other magical things to do in Prague during the holiday season.
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Prague Travel Tips:
When Should I Visit to See Christmas Markets in Prague?
For 2025, the main Christmas markets in Prague will run from Saturday, November 29, 2025, to Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
The two largest markets (Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square) are open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM, even on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
If you want fewer crowds but still plenty of festive atmosphere, early December is ideal. The week before Christmas is the busiest.
How to Get to Prague
By Air: Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) is the city’s main airport, with direct flights from many European cities and some intercontinental routes. It is about 30 minutes by taxi or airport shuttle to the city center.
By Train: Prague’s main railway station (Praha hlavní nádraží) has excellent connections to Vienna, Berlin, Budapest, and other European cities.
How to Get Around in Prague
Prague is extremely walkable, especially in the Old Town where most Christmas markets are located.
On Foot: Many attractions are within a short walk of each other.
Tram and Metro: Efficient, affordable, and perfect for reaching areas outside the center. Tickets can be purchased at machines, kiosks, or through a mobile app.
Taxis and Rideshare: Bolt or Uber and taxis are available.
Google Maps worked well for us to help us find modes of transportation. We mostly walked everywhere, except for taking the tram to Prague Castle.
If you plan on sightseeing beyond Christmas markets in Prague, consider getting the Prague Visitor Pass for unlimited public transportation and access to 70+ attractions and tours in Prague. It even includes round trip airport transfers. You can choose between 48, 72, or 120 hour options depending on your stay.
We got the pass and it turned out to be great value since the total cost of all the attractions we visited would have been higher if we had paid individually.
Where to Stay in Prague
Most Christmas markets are clustered in and around Old Town or near Wenceslas Square, so staying nearby makes it easy to explore on foot. You’ll also be within walking distance of the Astronomical Clock, Charles Bridge, and many of Prague’s most iconic sights. Here are my top hotel picks:
Where we stayed: Almanac x Alcron Prague
Almanac X Alcron Prague is a 5 star hotel located centrally in Prague. It used to be Hotel Alcron which opened its doors in 1932, but has been renovated and reborn as Almanac X Alcron Prague in 2023.
Its central location serves as a great base for exploring the beautiful city of Prague. The hotel is about 10-15 minutes away from the main Christmas market at the Old Town Square, and just a five minute walk from the Wenceslas square which holds the smaller market.
Read my detailed review of the hotel here.
Christmas Markets in Prague
Tips for Visiting Christmas Markets in Prague
- Prague has two main Christmas markets, with Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. There are also a few smaller neighborhood markets like Náměstí Míru and Náměstí Republiky. You can easily see the main ones in a day or two, but I recommend visiting at least one local neighborhood market for a more authentic feel.
- Most stalls at the two major markets accept credit cards, but smaller vendors and the local markets may only take cash. It’s a good idea to carry some Czech koruna if you plan on visiting the more local markets.
- The markets are busiest in the evenings and on weekends, especially Old Town Square. Weekday mornings or early afternoons are the quietest times to visit, which is perfect if you want to browse without heavy crowds.
- Unlike some other European Christmas markets, the markets in Prague used paper and plastic cups instead of mugs.
- Dress warm! It gets pretty cold in December. Layers, gloves and scarves are highly recommended, and perhaps ear muffs too!
Old Town Square Christmas Market
2025 Dates: November 29 to Jan 06, 2026
The Old Town Square Christmas Market is the heart of the holiday season in Prague and the largest market in the city. If you have seen any photos of Christmas markets in Prague, chances are it was taken here with the giant Christmas tree lit up in front of the iconic Church of Our Lady before Týn or the famous Astronomical Clock in the background.
Vendors sell locally made crafts, Christmas ornaments, candles, and other gift items. When it comes to food, you will find roasted chestnuts, sausages, grilled meats like Prague ham, Trdelník (chimney cake), and chocolate-covered strawberries, just to name a few. You can warm up with a cup of mulled wine or medovina, a sweet honey wine that is popular in the region. That said, many stalls sell similar items, so it can feel a bit repetitive.
For obvious reasons, this market is the most crowded, and I often had to wait in line for food. Thankfully, the lines move quickly, so the wait was never too long.
There’s a small bridge (or ramp) in the center of the market that offers a slightly elevated view, but I honestly wouldn’t recommend it during the peak hours. I made the mistake of climbing it and got stuck in a crowd of people trying to get on and off from both directions. The view wasn’t THAT special, and the hassle wasn’t worth it in my opinion.
Wenceslas Square Christmas Market
2025 Dates: November 29 – January 06, 2026
Located just a short walk from Old Town Square, the Wenceslas Square Christmas Market stretches along one of Prague’s most iconic boulevards, with the grand National Museum standing proudly at one end.
This market is smaller than the one in Old Town and the food variety here was somewhat similar to the main market. To be honest, the setting did not feel as charming. We ended up not returning for a second visit. There was also some construction happening nearby during our trip, which made the area feel even less festive.
Námestí Míru Christmas Market
2025 Dates: TBD
If you are looking to escape the tourist crowds and experience a more local side of Prague’s holiday season, the Náměstí Míru Christmas Market is a wonderful choice. Set in front of the beautiful neo-Gothic Church of St. Ludmila, this market feels more intimate and community-focused while still offering plenty of festive charm.
I actually met up with my childhood friend here, who now lives in Prague. She suggested we visit this market together, and I am so glad she did. It is a bit farther from the Old Town, so we took the subway to get there.
The setting is truly picturesque. The twin spires of the church paired with the decorated Christmas tree made for a beautiful and peaceful backdrop.
The atmosphere here feels relaxed and authentic. You will see locals stopping by after work, families enjoying sweet treats, and friends catching up over warm drinks.
The market is located in the Vinohrady neighborhood, which is easy to reach by metro (Náměstí Míru station on the green line) or by tram. The area is also known for its cozy cafes and wine bars, so it is a great spot to enjoy dinner or a drink after browsing the stalls.
Food at the Christmas Markets in Prague
Here are some of the food offerings we tried at the Christmas markets in Prague:
- Svařák – Hot mulled wine infused with spices. It wouldn’t be a Christmas market without this.
- Medovina – A warm, sweet alcoholic drink made from fermented honey. A traditional winter treat in Czechia.
- Klobása – Grilled Sausages. These were good, with a nice crisp on the outside and juicy inside.
- Prague Ham – Juicy, fire-roasted ham sliced fresh off the bone. This was always a showstopper, with smoke curling in the air and the aroma of roasted ham filling the entire square. My nose led me back to it more than once during our trip. Be warned, make sure to specify how much ham you want because it’s charged per 100g, and while a giant plate of ham is delicious, it can get pretty costly.
- Bramborák – Crispy, garlicky fried potato pancake.
- Trdelník – Known as chimney cake, its a dough rolled and baked into a hollow cylinder shape, and dusted with cinnamon sugar. I loved watching pastries being made.
- Langoš – A golden, deep-fried flatbread topped with garlic, cheese, sour cream, or ketchup. Originally Hungarian.
- Chocolate covered strawberries – Simple but this is one of my favorite desserts! I was so disappointed when one of the stalls at Wenceslas Square Market were sold out for the night, so I made sure to grab some early on next evening.
What are some Things to do other Than Christmas Markets in Prague?
After visiting the markets in Strasbourg and Vienna, I cannot say that Prague’s markets stand out in terms of variety or scale. However, Prague itself is a stunning destination, and during the holiday season, the city feels especially magical. With festive lights, historic architecture, and a cozy winter atmosphere, it is still very much worth visiting.
Also, there is so much more to Prague than just the Christmas stalls. Keep reading to discover some of my favorite things to do in this beautiful city during the winter.
Old Town Hall Tower with Astronomical Clock
For the best view over the Old Town Square and its Christmas market, head up the Old Town Hall Tower. The tower is open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM in the winter months. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online, and there is an elevator partway up if you prefer not to climb the full staircase.
On the outside, you’ll find the oldest astronomical clock in the world known as the Orloj. Every hour, there is a show where the 12 apostles, each carrying his attribute, appear in the two windows below the small roof. There was a huge crowd gathered to see the show and it was really hard to see, so perhaps try going earlier in the day when the square isn’t as crowded at peak market hours.
Walk Across Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in Prague and is free to visit anytime. It connects Old Town with the castle district and is lined with 30 statues of saints.
It does get pretty crowded on the bridge. We went just before noon and the bridge was already quite packed. For a peaceful experience, go at sunrise when the bridge is still quiet.
Old Town Bridge Tower & Lesser Town Bridge Tower
The Old Town Bridge Tower is a Gothic tower is located at the entrance to Charles Bridge on the Old Town side. It offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views over the Vltava River, Charles Bridge, and Prague Castle. It is open daily, typically from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM in November and December, and 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM in January.
Lesser Town Bridge Tower is on the opposite side of the Charles Bridge, and it’s a smaller tower.
Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online.
We only climbed the Old Town Bridge Tower. The climb wasn’t difficult, but it does involve a narrow staircase. To my surprise there weren’t many people on the tower, although the bridge itself was very crowded. The views from the Old Town Bridge Tower is quite breathtaking.
Consider these popular activities for Prague!
Prague Castle
Prague Castle is one of the largest and oldest castle complexes in the world. It is not just a single building but a sprawling area filled with historic landmarks, courtyards, gardens, and incredible architecture. The grounds are open daily, but certain buildings like the cathedral and palace have specific opening hours.
Tickets can be purchased on-site at the information centers or online through the official Prague Castle website. I recommend purchasing ahead of time as the lines for tickets can get quite long. We had the Prague Visitor Pass which already came with entrance tickets so we didn’t need to line up.
Don’t miss:
- St. Vitus Cathedral: largest and the most important temple in Prague where coronations of Czech kings and queens took place.
- Old Royal Palace: original residence building.
- Basilica of St. George: second church in the castle complex, Romanesque appearance.
- Golden Lane: narrow alley of tiny, colorful houses that once housed castle guards, goldsmiths, and later, writers like Franz Kafka.
Klementinum & Baroque Library
The Klementinum complex includes the stunning Baroque Library Hall and the Astronomical Tower. You can only see the interiors through an official guided tour. The tours include access to the Baroque library, Meridian Hall that houses astronomical instruments, and the Astronomical Tower, which offers panoramic city views.
Note: While the Baroque Library is one of the most beautiful in Europe, visitors are not allowed to enter the room itself. Instead, you can view it from the entrance. This is to preserve the fragile documents, furniture, and original floors inside.
Tickets can be purchased here and the tours frequently sell out so I recommend booking it early. If you have a Prague Visitor Pass, you have to email the address on this page to secure a spot (admission is included in the pass).
Strahov Monastery
On the subject of libraries, the Strahov Monastery is home to not one, but two of the most beautiful historic libraries in Europe: the Philosophical Hall and the Theological Hall. These stunning baroque rooms are filled with ancient books, ornate woodwork, ceiling frescoes, and antique globes. Each hall has its own unique design and atmosphere.
You can only view the libraries from the doorway unless you book a special private tour, which must be arranged in advance. This is to protect the delicate flooring and the historic collections stored inside.
Entry tickets for the standard viewing area can be purchased on-site or on their official website here.
Map
I’ve pinned all the sightseeing spots and Christmas markets mentioned in this blog post.
Final Thoughts
The Christmas markets in Prague are nothing short of magical. With the scent of mulled wine and roasting ham in the air, the glow of fairy lights reflected on cobblestone streets, and centuries-old buildings as your backdrop, it truly feels like stepping into a storybook.
Whether you’re sipping svařák under the towering tree at Old Town Square, wandering the quieter stalls at Náměstí Míru, or simply soaking in the festive energy of the city, Prague during the holiday season is an experience you won’t forget.
If you’re planning a winter getaway and wondering where to go, I hope this guide has inspired you to add Prague to your list. It’s cozy, romantic, and endlessly photogenic — the perfect destination to get into the holiday spirit.
Also check out my Vienna Christmas Markets guide! It’s easy to combine the two cities as they’re a short train ride away from each other.
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