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Prague Christmas Markets » 30th November 2024 - 6th January 2025
The Prague Christmas Markets are open daily at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. A 'winter wonderland' awaits, for visitors to soak up the festive atmosphere, browse the stalls for hand-crafted goods, and enjoy Christmas carols, hearty food and local drinks - photos |
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| | In addition, there are small and local Christmas markets in several other areas of Prague.
Small Christmas markets in the city centre:
-Na Kampě Square (Na Kampě) by Charles Bridge in Lesser Town.
30th November 2024 to 6th January 2025. Opening hours are daily 10:00-20:00.
-Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky).
25th November 2024 to 24th December 2024. Opening hours are daily 10:00-20:00.
-Havel's Market (Havelské tržiště) in between Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. The only permanent market in the city centre adopts a festive feel.
Opening hours are daily 06:00-18:30.
Local Christmas markets near the city centre (aimed at Czech people, but everyone is welcome):
-Peace Square (Náměstí Míru) - 15 minutes walk from Wenceslas Square.
20th November 2024 to 24th December 2024. Opening hours are daily 10:00-20:00.
-Tyl Square (Tylovo náměstí) - 15 minutes walk from Wenceslas Square.
26th November 2024 to 24th December 2024. Opening hours are daily 10:00-20:00. | | | | What are the Prague Christmas Markets?
Christmas markets (Vánoční trhy) are a key ingredient of the festive magic in Czechia, and the Prague markets are the most impressive in the country. They light up the city, bringing locals and visitors together in a true 'winter wonderland' setting. | | 
Christmas Market stall | |
The Prague Christmas Markets consist of brightly decorated wooden huts, stocked with local handicrafts and traditional Christmas treats.
Among the wares on display are ceramics, jewellery, glassware, embroidered lace, wooden toys, candles, Christmas tree ornaments, winter hats and gloves, and puppets and dolls dressed in traditional costumes.
While you can find lovely souvenirs on the stalls, to take home to decorate your house with or to use as Christmas gifts, the markets are about more than simply shopping. All manner of hearty local cuisine and refreshing drinks are available to sample. And much of the food is prepared in front of you. |
| | | Popular Czech foods on offer include: large hams roasted on spits (šunka); terribly unhealthy but wonderfully tasty barbecued sausages (klobása); flatbread topped with garlic, cheese and ketchup (langoš); chips (hranolky); smoked meat dumplings (knedlíky plněné uzeným masem); sweet dumplings (sladké knedlíky); and pancakes or crêpes (palačinky). | | 
Food at the Christmas Markets | |
Traditional Christmas fish soup (rybí polévka) is also cooked in huge cauldrons. Made from carp, vegetables, cream and brandy, over 1,500 kilograms of ingredients are used to make the soup each year.
There are plenty of cakes and sweets too, such as spicy gingerbread (perníčky) and a hot sweet pastry called chimney cake (trdelník).
Trdelník is made from rolled dough that is wrapped around a stick, baked on an open fire, then topped with a sugar and walnut mix. It is delicious on its own, but it can have chocolate sauce spread inside it, and/or be filled with ice-cream.
A word of warning to parents: once a child has tasted trdelník, there is no going back - its comforting, sweet addictive nature means you will be pestered endlessly for another hit! |
| | For drinks, visitors can sample famous Czech beers like Pilsner Urquell, Budvar and Staropramen (brewed in Prague).
Alternatively, opt for a hot drink: mulled wine (svařák or svařené víno); hot chocolate (horká čokoláda); honey wine (medovina); hot apple (jablíčko); punch (punč); or grog - hot water, rum, lemon and sugar.
Outdoor Christmas shopping is so much nicer with a hot mulled wine or cold beer in hand! | | 
Trdelník baking | |
Eco Markets
Food and drink at the markets is served with 100% biodegradable plates, cutlery, cups and straws.
And where possible, ingredients are sourced locally:
Christmas fish soup is made with carp from Czech rivers and lakes, and with vegetables from local farms; Czech meat is used in the sausages and hamburgers; the hams are from Czech pigs; the beer is exclusively Czech (of course!); and the wine hails from Moravia, including the wine in the svařák. |
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Christmas Trees
The most impressive sight of all is the mighty 24m Christmas tree at the Old Town Square. It is felled in the Liberec region of Czechia before being transported to Prague by lorry. | | 
Old Town Square Christmas tree | |
The tree is dressed with giant Christmas stars, and red and gold baubles, and is draped in a blaze of 100,000 LED lights. It is a spectacular sight set against the dark Gothic skyline.
A tree lighting ceremony accompanied by rousing music is performed daily at: 16:30, 17:30, 18:30, 19:30, 20:30, 21:30.
Wenceslas Square, meanwhile, has two Christmas trees: one at the top, the other at the bottom.
The tree at the bottom of Wenceslas Square measures 15m and comes from the Hradec Králové region of Czechia. |
| | Theme of the Prague Christmas Markets in 2024
The design of the Prague Christmas Markets is inspired by snowy, traditional Czech village scenes combined with the traditional colours of Christmas: there are wooden huts adorned with red or white roofs; the decorations are coloured vibrant red, green, gold and white; there is plenty of green foliage; and bright warm white lights illuminate everything from the Christmas trees and Observation Bridge, to giant wired angels and forest animals. | | 
Old Town Square Xmas market | |
There is also an annual theme for the Christmas markets:
It is traditional to watch the Czech film version of the fairytale Cinderella (Popelka) at Christmas in Czechia. In recognition of the 50th anniversary of its making, last year's theme was "Cinderella".
The theme for 2024 will be announced shortly before the markets open. And we will update this page with the latest information at that time. |
| | FESTIVE MUSIC & CHRISTMAS CAROLS
On a stage at the Old Town Square, musicians, dance troupes and folk groups dressed in traditional costumes perform short routines every day from 4pm to 7pm. | | 
Music at the Old Town Square | |
The programme features a variety of performances, with an emphasis on Christmas music and festive dance routines.
Most performers are from Czechia, although some hail from elsewhere in Central Europe, and even further afield.
But what is Christmas without carols? School choirs make several appearances, with children dressed in traditional costumes travelling from all over the country to perform.
Music from the stage is relayed via speakers throughout the square, to enhance the festive feel for everyone. |
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| Wenceslas Square also has a stage, and puts on a similar programme of Christmas themed performances, but on a smaller scale. Here, musicians and performers appear from Thursday to Sunday, from 4pm to 6pm. |
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Other Attractions
Both the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square markets have large nativity scenes built from wood and straw, depicting Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, and the Three Kings. | | 
Ice rink at Wenceslas Square | |
Another feature is Christmas themed activities for children.
Every Saturday and Sunday from 11am onwards, workshops are held inside a hut at the Old Town Square, and sometimes on the stage.
Helpers teach young children how to prepare and paint traditional Czech Christmas decorations.
At Wenceslas Square, an open-air ice rink enhances the festive winter atmosphere. Skaters of all levels are welcome, and skates are available for hire at the rink.
Several other ice rinks are also set up around the city - December events in Prague. |
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Photo Opportunities
The Observation Bridge (free to enter) at the Old Town Square is a terrific place from which to take photos of the Christmas Markets. Climb the steps to the platform and take in the view. | | 
Observation Bridge, Old Town | |
For a higher vantage point, climb the Old Town Hall Tower (entrance fee applies). From the top, enjoy magnificent views over the Old Town Square and as far away as Prague Castle.
Street level photography is of course another option. Amongst the market stalls, you can take vivid, close up shots of the colourful wares on offer, and of food and drink being prepared. |
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Weather in December in Prague
The weather in December in Prague is highly changeable.
The average temperature is -1°C (30°F), but it can deviate dramatically in either direction.
There are bright and sunny, relatively warm periods when temperatures rise to 10°C (50°F). Equally, there can be heavy bouts of snow that last several days or weeks, when temperatures drop to -10°C (25°F) or even -15°C (5°F).
Clothes to Wear
For sightseeing, entertainment and dining, most tourist establishments in Prague welcome visitors dressed in casual attire. This includes for classical concerts in churches.
However, you should dress reasonably smartly when attending the opera houses, at the grand concert halls, and in the high-end restaurants. | | 
Wenceslas Square Xmas market | |
To protect yourself against the elements, bring a warm winter jacket, hat and gloves. Many visitors pack thermals or base layers too!
If you get caught out by the weather, there are shops that can help. These include department stores like Marks & Spencer, shoe shops such as Bata, and specialist outdoor clothing and footwear stores like Rock Point.
Hats and gloves can also be purchased from market stalls and souvenir shops.
Prague is a wonderful city to explore on foot, so wear comfortable walking shoes or boots during the day. |
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MONEY at the markets
Cash: All market stalls accept payment in Czech Crowns in cash. Despite the rise in cashless payments elsewhere in Prague, cash is still the preferred option at the Christmas markets.
Cashless Payments: Pay by Mobile (via Google Pay and Apple Pay) and credit/debit cards (including contactless cards) are accepted at a growing number of market stalls, but not all.
A few stalls also accept payment in Euros in cash.
Read more about
currency and money exchange in Prague. |
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Where to Stay in Prague
The district of Prague 1 is the best place to stay in Prague. This is the city centre and it is where most of the sightseeing, entertainment and nightlife is located.
Prague 1 is also where the Christmas Markets are held. | | 
Hotels in Prague 1 | |
Prague 1 is compact and highly pedestrianised, and is itself split into several areas.
The two most popular areas to stay within Prague 1 are the Old Town, which has the Old Town Square at its heart, and the New Town, which has
Wenceslas Square at its heart.
The third most popular area is the Lesser Town. This lies across the river from the Old Town, and can be easily reached from it by strolling across Charles Bridge.
All areas of Prague 1 are within easy walking distance of each other. |
| | By staying in Prague 1, whenever you fancy dropping in to the Christmas Markets, you can leave your hotel and be in the midst of the action in minutes.
Browse the stalls, soak up the atmosphere, grab a drink and a hot snack, then when you're ready to freshen up it's just a short walk back to base.
And in Prague 1, the sights, tourist attractions, museums, theatres, concert halls, restaurants and shops will all be nearby. | | 
See the sights in Prague | |
Sightseeing AT CHRISTMAS
Sightseeing in Prague is a wondrous experience all year round, with magnificent squares and cobbled back streets to explore, and awe-inspiring monuments to visit. Behind it all is a dramatic history waiting to be discovered.
The festive atmosphere lends the city an even greater charm than usual, so be sure to allow enough time in your itinerary simply to wander and explore, and to stop off along the way to sample the local hospitality - there are many warm and welcoming pubs, bars and cafés in Prague.
Having said this, we do advise booking at least one Prague tour. There are fascinating historical tales wrapped up in the monuments, which only an expert guide can reveal. A professional local guide truly can bring the city to life for you. |
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| The sights and attractions are open every day of the Christmas season in Prague, except on Christmas Eve. |
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River Cruises At Christmas
The Vltava River flows through the heart of the city and many famous sights line its banks. This makes river cruises an ideal way to experience the unique ambience of Prague.
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Christmas River Cruises | |
A boat trip is also the easiest way to see the sights: just sit back and relax with a drink, and take it all in!
All
river cruises at Christmas are heated and festively decorated, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience no matter the weather.
An additional sightseeing cruise, the Advent River Cruise, runs every Saturday and Sunday in the build up to Christmas. Guests are served hot mulled wine and a freshly baked cake, and Christmas carols are played onboard. |
| | | From walking tours to bus tours to river cruises, there are many ways to uncover the wonder of Prague this Christmas. | |
Entertainment in Prague
There is entertainment galore on offer throughout the time of the Christmas markets, including traditional Czech nights and Medieval feasts, some beautiful Christmas concerts, and festive ballet and opera performances.
Classical Concerts
We particularly recommend attending a classical concert. Performances are staged in staged in grand concert halls, ornate opera houses and theatres, Baroque palaces, and ancient churches. All are magical at this time of year.
Churches host the most wondrous Christmas concerts, such as St. Nicholas, Tyn, St. Martin in the Wall and St. Giles in the Old Town; St. Clements and St. Salvator at Charles Bridge; and St. George's Basilica at Prague Castle. | |
 Municipal House: Smetana Hall | |
Concerts in the Mirror Chapel at the Klementinum are also very special; the historic building and talented musicians who perform combine to ensure a highly atmospheric event.
In terms of large spectacular concerts, Municipal House and the Rudolfinum are the grandest concert halls in Prague, and their festive performances never fail to impress.
One of the stand-out concerts at Municipal House is 'Christmas Oratorio for UNICEF' (11-12 December), which features an incredible 190 musicians and singers. |
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Another notable production is 'Christmas Music & The Nativity', which is part concert and part theatrical performance. This highly visual event performed by the Prague Symphony Orchestra, Kuhn Choir and a cast of actors is staged at both Municipal House (19,20,21 December) and St. Simon & St. Jude Church (25 December).
Insider Tip: Most visitors associate the National Theatre in Prague with ballet, but you can also experience the grandeur of this stunning neo-Renaissance building by attending an 'Advent Concert' (01,08,15,22 December at 11am). This unique series of concerts is performed by the National Theatre Orchestra and the Czech Philharmonic Children’s Choir. | |
The best concerts always sell out, so we advise booking tickets early:
• November Concerts
• December Concerts
• January Concerts | |
 Nutcracker at National Theatre | |
Ballet
Festive productions are a prominent feature of the repertoire at all Prague theatres.
Tchaikovsky's ever-popular ballet The Nutcracker is staged at both the National Theatre and Broadway Theatre.
Prague Experience holds exclusive tickets for The Nutcracker. They are highly sought after, so we advise booking now if you wish to attend a performance. |
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The Nutcracker at National Theatre:
Tickets are still available for the following dates (most dates are already sold out):
17,22,29 December 2024
Listings & Tickets
The Nutcracker at Broadway Theatre:
Tickets are still available for the following dates:
25 November 2024;
05,09,19,21,22,24,25,27,30 December 2024;
01 January 2025
Listings & Tickets | |
View all ballet performances in the festive season:
• November Ballet
• December Ballet
• January Ballet |
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Opera
The opera and ballet season is in full swing at Christmas, with spectacular productions staged at all three Prague opera houses: Prague State Opera, National Theatre and Estates Theatre. | |
 Magic Flute at Estates Theatre | |
Audiences can look forward to seeing Mozart's fairy tale opera, The Magic Flute (30 November; 13 December), which is ideal family fare for Christmas.
Another stand-out performance is Don Giovanni (22,26 November; 10,15 December) which is performed at the Estates Theatre, where Mozart personally conducted its world premiere in 1787.
Furthermore, it is the holiday season, so the opera Hansel and Gretel (05,10,12,15,21 December), inspired by the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, is always a delight. |
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Other operas appearing throughout November and December include La Boheme (Rossini), Madama Butterfly (Rossini), Tosca (Puccini), Turandot (Puccini), Hansel and Gretel (Humperdinck), Il Barbiere Di Siviglia (Rossini), The Devil and Kate (Dvořák), The Bartered Bride (Smetana), Carmen (Bizet), The Cunning Little Vixen (Janáček) and La Traviata (Verdi):
• November Opera
• December Opera
• January Opera |
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Black Light Theatre
If you are seeking a typically Czech experience, black light theatres in Prague put on shows that are highly visual, so can be enjoyed by all ages and nationalities:
• November Theatre
• December Theatre
• January Theatre
| | TRADITIONAL Czech night & Medieval TAVERN
For the best in local hospitality, consider the Traditional Czech Night and the Medieval Tavern. Both are 'all-inclusive' events, well suited to a cold winter's night. | |
other Christmas events
November Christmas events + December Christmas events + January Christmas events | |
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Public transport runs a good service every day throughout the time of the Christmas markets, with only minor alterations to the schedule on 24th December, 31st December and 1st January. Our Christmas Planner and New Year's Eve Planner are updated in December with all the latest travel information.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT FOR Old Town Square Christmas markets:
Metro station: Staroměstská (line A), Můstek (lines A & B), Namesti Republiky (line B)
Tram stop: Staroměstská (trams 2,17,18)
PUBLIC TRANSPORT FOR Wenceslas Square Christmas markets:
Metro station: Muzeum (lines A & C), Můstek (lines A & B)
Tram stop: Václavské namesti (trams 3,5,6,9,14,24)
For travel information: Travel around Prague by public transport and Travel to Prague. | | | |
WHAT'S On at Christmas (24-26 December) in Prague
For information on spending Christmas in Prague:
-24th December: Christmas Eve in Prague
-24th-26th December: Christmas Planner
WHAT'S On over New Year's Eve (31 December) in Prague
For information on the New Year's Eve celebrations:
-31st December: New Year's Eve
-31st December: New Year's Eve Planner.
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More Information
Find out what's open throughout December: Christmas opening hours.
For an introduction to the city: Prague tourism information.
For practical information, including advice on currency exchange: Prague tourist information.
For an easy way to visit Prague, the Prague Package includes a hotel, Prague airport transfers, sightseeing and entertainment. |
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 CHRISTMAS 2024
KEY DATES | |
XMAS MARKETS
Old Town Square & Wenceslas Square
30 Nov-06 Jan
Daily 10:00-22:00 | |
SMALL & LOCAL MARKETS
Peace Square
20 Nov-24 Dec
Daily 10:00-20:00
Republic Square
25 Nov-24 Dec
Daily 10:00-20:00
Tyl Square
26 Nov-24 Dec
Daily 10:00-20:00
Na Kampě Square
30 Nov-06 Jan
Daily 10:00-20:00 | |
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TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
30 Nov-06 Jan
Old Town Square
Daily 16:30, 17:30, 18:30, 19:30, 20:30, 21:30 | |
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LAMP LIGHTING CEREMONY
Charles Bridge
01-23 Dec
Daily 16:10-16:30 | |
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ICE SKATING
Wenceslas Square
05 Dec-31 Jan
Daily 09:00/21:00
Ovocny trh, Old Town
05 Dec-31 Jan
Daily 10:00-21:00
Na Frantisku, Old Town
05 Dec-31 Jan
Daily 08:00-19:00/21:00/22:00
Tower Park:
Žižkov, Prague 3
05 Dec-31 Jan
Mon-Fri: 15:00-20:00; Sat-Sun: 09:00-20:00 | |
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MIKULAS DAY
Old Town Square & Wenceslas Square
05 Dec 2024
16:00-19:00 | |
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XMAS EVE
24 Dec 2024
-16:00 Christmas Mass for children at various churches
-16:30 Christmas Mass at Tyn Church
-21:00 Open-air Christmas Mass at Old Town Square
-24:00 Midnight Mass at Strahov & other churches | |
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XMAS PLANNER
24-26 Dec 2024
What's open at Christmas: restaurants, entertainment & sightseeing | |
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NEW YEAR'S EVE
31 Dec 2024
Festivities & Fireworks | |
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THREE KINGS PROCESSION
Charles Bridge
03 Jan 2025
15:30-16:45 | |
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