Prague Christmas Markets Guide

Prague's Christmas markets are widely considered the most beautiful in central Europe — partly because the Baroque-and-medieval backdrop does most of the work. Here's what's where, what's worth eating, and how to enjoy them without the worst of the crowds.

Dates

Every year the markets open on the Saturday before First Advent (the last weekend of November) and close on 6 January (Three Kings' Day, the end of the Christmas season in the Czech calendar). Stalls open daily from around 10:00 to 22:00.

The six markets

1. Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí) — the famous one

Around 80 stalls arranged around a giant decorated tree and a nativity scene with live sheep. Free choral performances from a stage every evening. Most atmospheric, most crowded, most photographed. Go early evening on a weekday for the best balance.

2. Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí) — second-biggest

A long stretch of stalls running down the upper half of Wenceslas Square. Fewer artisan stalls, more food and drink. A good place to start if you arrive at the main railway station.

3. Náměstí Republiky — local-feeling

In front of the Powder Tower and the Municipal House, this medium-sized market has a slightly more Czech-feeling crowd and good craft stalls.

4. Náměstí Míru (Vinohrady) — the locals' choice

Smaller, set in front of St. Ludmila's twin-spired neo-Gothic church. Quieter, less commercial, and you'll hear more Czech than English. The mulled wine is just as good.

5. Náměstí Jiřího z Poděbrad — neighbourhood market

Further out in Vinohrady, this market only operates on weekends and has a particularly strong food line-up — it sits on the site of one of Prague's best farmers' markets.

6. Prague Castle — the dramatic setting

A smaller market inside the castle's third courtyard, with views down over the snow-dusted city. Worth combining with a daytime castle visit.

What to eat and drink

Svařák — mulled wine

The pillar of every Czech Christmas market. Red or white, served in a souvenir ceramic mug (which you can either keep or return for a refund of the 50–80 CZK deposit). Each market commissions its own mug design — collectible by year.

Medovina — hot honey wine

Czech mead, warmed. Sweeter than svařák and harder-hitting. One small cup goes a long way.

Klobása — grilled sausage

The smell that hits you on arrival. Order a Pražská (the spiced Prague sausage), served in a bread roll with mustard. Klobása stalls are where you'll see locals queuing.

Trdelník

Yes, we know — it's not actually Czech (see our food guide). But the markets do them well, often with a Nutella or ice-cream filling. A guilty-pleasure must.

Bramboráky & langoše

Potato pancakes (bramboráky) with garlic, and fried-flatbread langoše topped with sour cream and cheese — both excellent vegetarian options.

Sweet snacks

Roasted chestnuts, gingerbread (perník), candied almonds, hot beeswax-honey biscuits. Most stalls accept card these days but always have cash for the smaller ones.

Practical tips

• Dress warmly. December averages 0–3°C; markets get colder once the sun goes down.
• Bring 500 CZK cash. Card readers can be slow when the queue is long.
• Best photography time: "Blue hour" between 16:00 and 16:45 — sunset light plus market lights on.
• Pickpockets target market crowds. Front pockets, no wallets in back pockets, and don't put your phone on the table.

Frequently Asked Questions