Ultimate Guide to Prague’s Christmas Markets
Prague is one of my favorite cities in Europe, it feels like a fairytale at any time of year, but Christmas in Prague is particularly special! If you’re trying to decide which Christmas Markets to visit, I highly recommend adding Prague to your list! Keep reading below for my full guide to visiting the Prague Christmas Markets!
Disclaimer: This article contains some links where I earn commission through booking. There is no extra cost to you, and I only recommend things I’ve used and love or places I’ve stayed and enjoyed!
Jump To:
- Prague Christmas Market Locations & Map
- What to Eat at Prague Christmas Markets
- Tips for Visiting Prague Christmas Markets
- Prague Christmas Markets Dates & Hours 2024
- Where to Stay in Prague
- Getting to Prague
- Prague Christmas Market Overall Rating
Prague Christmas Market Locations
Prague has 2 main Christmas Markets, one in the Old Town Square and one in the New Town Square. They also have a few smaller markets worth visiting around the city if you have time, details on each of then provided below!
- Old Town Christmas Market
- Wenceslas Square Christmas Market
- Na Kampě Christmas Market
- Náměstí Republiky Christmas Market
Old Town Square Christmas Market
Prague’s Old Town Squre turns into the cities best Christmas Market. The Old Town Square’s epic gothic buildings and architecture make the perfect backdrop for one of the most picturesque Christmas Markets in Europe. The classic red & gold decor is perfect for the charming market.
The epic 78 foot tall Christmas tree dominates the center of the market, and is decorated so beautifully it doesn’t seem real. One of my favorite things to do was just grab a mug of glühwein or an infamous Czech beer and admire the tree at night.
The market sells a variety of goods & souvenirs + tons of food and drinks, offers live entertainment. I’d recommend spending most of your day here (and definitely make sure to come back at night to see everything lit up) and taking only a bit of your time to explore the other markets!
Wenceslas Square Christmas Market (New Town)
The second largest Christmas Market in Prague is at Wenceslas Square in the New Town. Personally, I found this market overall a lot less impressive than the one in the more picturesque Old Town, but the two are only about a 15 minute walk from each other, so it’s possible to easily see both in a short time.
One of the highlights of Wenceslas Square is the open air ice rink, otherwise I think the Old Square Market edges this one out in almost every way!
Na Kampě Christmas Market
This charming, smaller market is across the river from Old Town right at the end of the infamous Charles Bridge. The Na Kampě is in what is known as “Lesser Town” the neighborhood acros the river. This is a great place to come to try the food, they prepare everything fresh daily and the food is unreal! It’s also less crowded than the main market and easier to eat some of the hearter soups & stews.
Náměstí Republiky Christmas Market
Another smaller market you can stop by while you’re exploring the city. Náměstí Republiky is not far from the Old Town Market and is worth stopping by as you’re exploring the city!
What to Eat at Prague Christmas Markets
Prague Christmas Markets had some of the best food I tried during my Christmas Market trip last year. Some of the best traditional delicacies to try while you’re there are:
- Trdelník – you can’t visit Prague without trying this traditional dessert. The Trdelník is a chimney cake, hand rolled and cooked right in front of you. You can opt to fill them with ice cream, chocolate, fruit & more
- šunka – large hams that are roasted over open fires on spits
- langoš – flatbread dough topped with cheese, garlic & ketchup
- rybí polévka – traditional Czech fish soup cooked at Christmas time
- perníčky – spicy gingerbread
- pulled chicken baguettes – these were my favorites, pulled rotisserie chicken tossed in your choice of sauce and served on a warm, fresh baguette. So delicious!
- Czech Beer – don’t miss the opportunity to try some of the best beers in the world!
Tips for Visiting Prague Christmas Markets
- If you can, try to avoid visiting on the weekends. The markets get crazy crowded and are easier to explore during the week
- Don’t miss the Old Town Market, it’s the most impressive by a long shot!
- There is a performance at the Old Square Market daily from late afternoon through early evening of musicians playing Christmas Music in traditional outfits
- For views over the Old Town Square market try the rooftop bar at Hotel U Prince right off the square
- I recommend visiting the small market at Na Kampě (across the river from Old Town) during the day. This market is a great place to try some of the heartier, harder to eat foods. It’s less crowded and has some of the best food! Plus, there are more places to sit/rest your food
Prague Christmas Markets Dates & Hours 2024
Old Town Christmas Market
Dates 11/30/24 – 1/6/25
Times 10AM – 10PM Daily
Wenceslas Square Christmas Market (New Town)
Dates 11/30/24 – 1/6/25
Times 10AM – 10PM Daily
Na Kampě Christmas Market
Dates 11/30/24 – 1/1/25
Times 10AM – 8PM Daily
Náměstí Republiky Christmas Market
Dates 11/30/24 – 12/30/24
Times 10AM – 8PM Daily
Where to Stay in Prague
Old Town
Prague is a very walkable city and relatively small, making it easy to navigate. I do recommend staying in the city center, close to the Old Town Square if you can. This is the liveliest and most picturesque part of the city and is near many of the main tourist highlights. My favorite spots in Old Town:
I stayed at Hotel Paris on my trip to Prague last spring. This stunning 5 star hotel feels like something out of a movie, plus, it’s a short walk to the Old Town square. The breakfast is served in a stunning cafe, there’s a sauna & jacuzzi, & on-site restaurant.
Josephine Old Town Square Hotel
When I visited Prague’s Christmas Market last December I stayed at Josephine Old Town Square Hotel. This hotel was in the perfect location, just steps from the Old Town Square. It was a fairly simple hotel, but it was perfect for how little time I was planning to be in the room & the location can’t be beat!
New Town
If you’re looking to be closer to the clubs and nightlife, try staying in New Town near Wenceslas Square
Malá Strana (Lesser Town)
This quiet, picturesque neighborhood sits on the opposite side of the Vltava river. If you’re looking for a quieter stay that is still easily accessible to Prague’s Old Town, consider staying in this neighborhood or near the Prague Castle (also on this side of the river.)
Getting to Prague
By Train:
Prague is connected to other major European cities by train & the main train station is about a 15 minute taxi to Old Town Prague, making it super convenient to get to Prague via train.
By Plane:
Prague also has an international airport if you’re looking to fly there. The airport is about a 30 minute drive from the city center without traffic, or it is possible to get there via public transport in about 40 minutes.
Prague Christmas Market Overall Rating
3 of 11
Of the 11 markets I visited Prague was my third favorite! It was by far one of the most picturesque, the food was great, the food is affordable, as is the city in general. I highly recommend adding Prague to your Christmas Market bucket list!
