Ashley Lauren
Prague truly embodies the magic of Christmas! With its stunning Gothic spires, charming cobblestone streets, and lit-up historic squares, the city comes alive with festive traditions. Embrace the joy of the Prague Christmas market, where sipping warm mulled wine beneath twinkling lights, enjoying carols in the refreshing air, and savoring the delightful aroma of trdelník [chimney cake] create an unforgettable experience. It’s a holiday wonderland that is extremely walkable, which makes Prague stand out among other European Christmas markets!
This guide gathers everything you need to know about Christmas in Prague 2025: every major market, their dates and times, what makes each one unique, and how to plan your visit, including what to wear, because the weather outside is frightful if you’re spending December in Prague. I was honestly shocked at how scattered and limited the official information is about Prague’s Christmas markets. Instead of spending hours digging around multiple sites, I conducted a thorough review myself, compiling every detail into one clear and comprehensive guide for you.
Free Google Map of Prague Christmas Markets
Planning your route through the Prague Christmas markets can be overwhelming—especially when every square looks like it belongs in a fairytale. To make your trip seamless, I’ve created a free Google Map that pinpoints every market mentioned in this guide.
Save it to your phone before you go, and you’ll have walking directions, opening times, and quick links all in one place. Whether you want to walk from the two biggest markets, Old Town Square to Wenceslas Square, in minutes or take the tram up to the Prague Castle market, this map keeps you from wasting precious time during your holiday.
Save the Free Google Map of Prague Christmas Markets Here
This map is interactive, allowing you to add cafes, restaurants, and attractions around Prague to create your own personalized Christmas in Prague itinerary.
1. Old Town Square Christmas Market [Staromestske Namesti]
- Location: Staromestske namesti, 110 00 Prague 1
- Dates: November 29, 2025 – January 6, 2026
- Hours: 10 am – 10 pm [food stalls often open until midnight]
- Exceptions: Christmas Eve 10 am – 4 pm
- Tree Lighting Ceremony: Daily 4:30, 5:30, 6:30, 7:30, 8:30, 9:30 pm
- Website: https://trhypraha.cz/
The Old Town Square is the centerpiece of every Prague Christmas market season. A towering Christmas tree, shipped in from the Czech mountains, anchors the square and is lit each evening with festive flair. Wooden chalets surround the monument of Jan Hus, offering ornaments, puppets, embroidered crafts, and a large nativity scene crafted from wood and straw. Not to mention, the famous Astronomical Clock overlooks the square, adding even more magic to your visit.
Food is at the heart of Christmas in Prague: klobasa sausages, langos [fried flatbread with garlic and cheese], and hot mulled wine fill the air with festive scents. Choirs and folk bands perform daily, making this one of the most atmospheric Christmas markets in Prague.
Mikulas [St. Nicholas Day] December 5, 2025
On December 5th, the Old Town Square comes alive with the traditional Czech celebration of Mikulas [St. Nicholas Day]. Beginning around 4 pm, St. Nicholas appears alongside an Angel and a Devil, weaving through the market crowds. Children recite poems or sing songs to earn sweets, while those deemed “naughty” might receive coal, a potato, or even a playful visit in the Devil’s sack.
The tradition dates back centuries to Nikolaos of Myra, a 4th-century Christian saint known for secretly giving gifts. For visitors, it’s a festive spectacle—sip hot mulled wine, nibble on trdelník, and capture photos of this unique Christmas moment in Prague.
We stayed just a few blocks away from Old Town Square, so getting here took only five minutes. Check out our artistic accommodations here!
2. Wenceslas Square Christmas Market [Vaclavske Namesti]
- Address: Vaclavske Namesti, 110 00 Prague 1
- Dates: November 29, 2025 – January 6, 2026
- Hours: 10 am – 10 pm
- Exceptions: Christmas Eve 10 am – 4 pm
- Website: https://trhypraha.cz/
The Wenceslas Square Market offers a modern, urban twist on the traditional Prague Christmas market experience. Bright neon signs mix with twinkling fairy lights, while a large nativity scene and an ice-skating rink add seasonal charm. Stalls brim with wooden toys, handmade candles, and cozy wool scarves—perfect for finding unique gifts.
Food stalls here are ideal for quick bites: roasted chestnuts, gingerbread, and svarak [Czech mulled wine] give you a taste of Christmas in Prague while wandering the square. Unlike Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square often feels less crowded, providing a bit more breathing room for families and first-time visitors.
Mikulas [St. Nicholas Day] | December 5, 2025
Wenceslas Square also hosts Mikulas celebrations on December 5th. From 4 pm to 6 pm, St. Nicholas, an Angel, and a Devil appear on the square’s stage, leading themed games, competitions, and interactions with children. Throughout the evening, these characters roam the square, giving visitors a chance to witness this centuries-old tradition, take photos, and enjoy the lively festive energy.
For a truly immersive experience of Christmas in Prague, grab a hot drink, indulge in a trdelník, and watch as Czech families celebrate this enchanting tradition.
3. Republic Square Christmas Market [Namesti Republiky]
- Address: Namesti Republiky, 110 00 Prague 1
- Dates: November 25 – December 24, 2025
- Hours: 10 am – 8 pm
- Website: https://www.vanocnitrhy.cz/
The Prague Christmas market at Republic Square [Namesti Republiky] stretches toward V Celnici Street, steps away from the Palladium shopping mall. While smaller than the big-name markets, it carries its own charm and feels more local, with commuters often stopping by on their way home.
Stalls brim with festive finds—Advent wreaths, handmade candles and holders, toys, nativity scenes, and seasonal crafts. You’ll also spot traditional sweets like gingerbread hearts, Advent calendars, and plenty of Czech-style refreshments to keep you warm.
If your trip allows only a quick taste of Christmas in Prague, this market is a smart stop. It’s perfect for picking up edible souvenirs such as mead, smoked cheese, or beautifully decorated gingerbread to carry home.
4. Havel’s Christmas Market [Havelske Trziste]
- Address: Havelska, 110 00 Prague 1
- Dates: Year-round market with Christmas focus, November 25 – December 24, 2025
- Hours: Monday – Saturday 7 am – 7 pm, Sunday 8 am – 6:30 pm
- Website: https://prague.eu
Dating back to 1232, Havel’s Market [Havelske trziste] is one of Prague’s oldest! While it’s open all year, the holiday season transforms it into a festive Prague Christmas market, complete with ornaments, wooden toys, and seasonal sweets.
Here, Christmas in Prague feels much more intimate: narrow aisles, close-knit stalls, and a sense of history under every garland. It’s an ideal place for souvenirs that feel handcrafted. They offer a unique selection of items here that aren’t available at other Prague Christmas markets, including glass ornaments, wooden toys, beeswax candles, hand-blown glass, puppets, magnets, postcards, chocolates, hot honey wine, and much more.
5. Peace Square Christmas Market [Namesti Miru]
- Address: Namesti Miru, 120 00 Prague 2
- Dates: November 20 – December 24, 2025
- Hours: 10 am – 8 pm
- Website: https://www.vanocnitrhy.cz/
The first Prague Christmas market to open each year is held at Peace Square, AKA Namesti Miru Square, in front of the neo-Gothic Church of St. Ludmila. Smaller and more local, it’s a favorite for residents of Prague.
Christmas in Prague at this market feels authentic, intimate, and local with families shopping for Advent wreaths, friends gathering over mulled cider, and fewer tourist trinkets.
6. Marian Square Christmas Market [Marianske Namesti]
- Address: Marianske Namesti, 110 00 Praha-Praha 1, Czechia
- Dates: November 28, 2025 – January 4, 2026
- Hours: 10 am – 8 pm
- Website: https://praha.eu/
Christmas in Prague also features smaller neighborhood markets worth exploring, such as the Marian Square market, which is particularly popular among locals. This Prague Christmas market may not feature towering trees, but it offers a sense of community warmth and affordable gifts.
It’s also conveniently located near the library that features the giant book sculpture that’s very popular on Instagram and the New Town Hall that has been installed with a unique elevator called the paternoster lift. They closed it to the public because it became a popular tourist attraction, but the great news is that they are now offering a guided tour so you can ride the paternoster again! The first tour is scheduled to begin on October 2, 2025.
7. Na Kampe Square Market
- Address: Na Kampe, 118 00 Praha 1-Mala Strana, Czechia
- Dates: November 29, 2025 – January 1, 2026
- Hours: 10 am – 8 pm
If you’re crossing Charles Bridge [highly recommend], don’t miss the chance to wander down into Na Kampe Square, home to one of Prague’s most charming and smallest Christmas markets. Surrounded by colorful townhouses and tucked against the west bank of the Vltava River, this little square feels like a hidden pocket of holiday cheer.
Unlike the bustling crowds at Old Town or Wenceslas Square, Na Kampe offers a quieter, more intimate atmosphere. Stalls here typically focus on hearty snacks, such as sausages with mustard, mulled wine, and hot drinks to warm your hands, along with a few stalls selling handmade ornaments and festive trinkets.
Photo Tip: The market is particularly photogenic from above. Walk back onto Charles Bridge and look down for a postcard-worthy view of the stalls glowing against the pastel buildings of Na Kampě.
In recent years, offerings have been limited mainly to food and drink, but that’s part of its charm. Think of Na Kampe as a cosy detour rather than a full shopping stop—a place to pause for svarak (Czech mulled wine) and soak up a slower rhythm of Christmas in Prague.
8. Tyl Square Market [Tylovo Namesti]
- Address: Praha 2, Tylovo Nam., 120 00 Praha 2-Nové Město, Czechia
- Dates: November 26 – December 24, 2025
- Hours: 10 am – 7 pm
- Website: https://www.vanocnitrhy.cz/
If you’re looking to escape the busiest crowds while still soaking up the magic of a Prague Christmas market, Tylovo Namesti [Tyl Square] is a hidden gem. Just a 15 minute walk from Wenceslas Square, this cozy neighborhood market feels more local than touristy, with an emphasis on fresh food, mulled wine, and handmade crafts.
The market grew out of the year-round farmers’ market held here, so you’ll find hearty seasonal eats, stalls selling Christmas decorations, and plenty of warm drinks to keep you going. The square itself has been redesigned into a welcoming space with shops and a modern marketplace vibe, making it an easy, relaxed stop during your Christmas in Prague.
Thanks to its location near the I.P. Pavlova metro and tram hub, Tylovo Namesti is one of the easiest Christmas markets in Prague to reach. It’s especially good if you want to experience a festive market without battling shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, or if you’re staying outside the historic center.
Must-Try Food & Drinks at Prague Christmas Markets
Eating & drinking your way through a Prague Christmas market is all a part of the experience. These flavors define Christmas in Prague, fueling frigid walks between squares.
- Ovocne Knedlíky: Fruit Dumplings – Warning: You Will Be Obsessed. Go to Havelska Koruna for this!
- Trdelnik: Chimney Cake – Sugared pastry grilled over coals, sometimes filled with Nutella or cream.
- Langos: Fried flatbread with garlic & cheese
- Svarak: Czech mulled wine, spiced and steaming.
- Medovina: Honey mead, sweet and warming.
- Klobasa: Grilled sausage, perfect with mustard and bread.
- Pernik: Decorated gingerbread cookies.
Planning Your Prague Christmas Market Vacation
- Best Time to Visit: November 29 to December 23. Early evenings for the lights. Weekdays are less crowded.
- Opening ceremony: The Old Town tree lighting is the biggest draw, expect big crowds.
- Currency: Czech koruna; only a few stalls take credit cards.
- Language: Most vendors speak basic English or Czech.
- Weather: Freaking cold, often below freezing. Dress warmly with layers, especially when visiting castles.
- Getting Around: Prague is very walkable, and our family didn’t need public transportation.
Whether you plan a weekend trip or a weeklong stay, immersing yourself in a Prague Christmas market ensures memories of glowing squares, festive aromas, and the enduring charm of Christmas in Prague.
Things to Do on Christmas Eve in Prague | Beyond the Markets
While the Prague Christmas markets are in full swing during the holiday season, Christmas Eve [December 24th] is a special day in Czechia, and the markets operate on limited hours. This makes it the perfect opportunity to explore things to do on Christmas Eve in Prague beyond the usual market stalls.
Prague becomes wonderfully peaceful on Christmas Eve. Snow-dusted squares and frosty bridges lend the city an old-world charm, making it perfect for sightseeing, photography, or a stroll. Keep in mind that not all attractions and restaurants are open in the afternoon, so a little planning goes a long way.
Sightseeing & Cruises
Most sightseeing tours run only in the morning, and day trips outside the city do not operate. The only river cruises available on Christmas Eve in Prague are the Exclusive Christmas Eve Cruise, Lunch Cruise, and Sightseeing Cruise, making them an excellent option for seeing the city from a different perspective.
Christmas Performances
For music lovers, Christmas concerts provide a magical way to experience Christmas in Prague. Some of the city’s finest venues host seasonal performances:
- Swan Lake at the Broadway Theatre
- Mirror Chapel at the Klementinum
For a lively evening, the Medieval Tavern offers two shows at 4:00 pm and 7:45 pm, complete with food, drinks, live music, and entertainment. You must book this way in advance! It’s easy to think that Christmas Eve won’t be busy, but make no mistake, tours will be packed on Christmas Eve due to the limited hours that day.
Dining & Czech Traditions
Restaurants and pubs are open on Christmas Eve, but hours are limited and tables book quickly. Reservations are strongly recommended for both lunch and dinner. We actually ended up grabbing a bunch of snacks at the Quick-E-Mart near our hotel, which sustained our family for the holidays because we hadn’t booked restaurants in advance. The atmosphere is quiet and festive, perfect for enjoying traditional Czech fare. Do yourself a favor and dine at Havelská Koruna, then save room for the fruit dumplings. I would fly back there just for that dessert alone!
A typical Czech Christmas Eve meal reflects family traditions:
- Families abstain from meat during the day, enjoying sauerkraut soup or other light dishes.
- The main dinner, usually around 6 pm, features carp and potato salad. In Prague, live carp are sold on the streets in the days leading up to Christmas, and sometimes they are kept at home until dinner.
- Fish soup [rybí polévka] is often served as a starter, followed by desserts like apple strudel or Christmas sweetbread [vánočka].
- Presents are delivered by Ježíšek [Little Jesus], who magically leaves gifts under the tree while the family enjoys dinner.
Throughout the evening, families play games, chat, and watch traditional fairy tales on television. Homemade biscuits [Vánoční cukroví] and open sandwiches [chlebíčky] are shared, while adults may enjoy Czech beer, wine, or local spirits like Slivovica, Becherovka, or Fernet Stock.
Midnight Mass
For those seeking a spiritual experience, Midnight Mass is offered at many churches. Some options include:
- Týn Church at Old Town Square [family mass at 4:30 pm, open-air mass on the square at 9 pm]
- Strahov Monastery and other local churches [midnight mass]
Entry is free, and times are often announced closer to the date—hotel reception desks can provide guidance.
Even with limited market hours, Christmas Eve in Prague offers a rich mix of sightseeing, music, dining, and family traditions, providing visitors with a deeper sense of the Christmas spirit in Prague.
Other European Christmas Markets to Explore
If Prague whets your appetite for festive travel, you don’t need to stop there. Europe is laced with winter wonderlands, and some of the best are just a short flight or train ride away.
One of my personal favorites? Vienna. The Austrian capital hosts 12 different Christmas markets, each with its own unique flavor. From the elegant stalls at Schönbrunn Palace to the cozy neighborhood market at Spittelberg, Christmas in Vienna feels like walking through a living Advent calendar. Here’s a tour from Prague to Vienna.
I’ve rounded up all twelve Vienna Christmas markets in detail, complete with photos and insider tips, so you can plan a Vienna holiday to pair with your Prague Christmas market adventure.
👉 Read my full guide: Christmas in Vienna: 12 Magical Markets You Can’t Miss
Pairing Prague, Vienna & Budapest makes for one of Europe’s most enchanting winter trips full of historic capitals, different cultures, and endless cups of mulled wine and dumplings.
