If you're looking for that perfect winter fairytale escape, look no further! Consistently rated as having one of the top Christmas Markets in Europe, Prague will enchant you with its unique Christmas traditions, tasty food, great shopping, and festive atmosphere. There are several markets scattered around the city, so we compiled a list of the central ones we think you will enjoy the best, as well as some tips and info on Czech Christmas traditions, drinks, and food.
It doesn't matter if you're after a local and traditional experience or you're ready to dive in and join the international crowd, you've come to the right city. Dress warmly, grab your favorite warm drink and enjoy the best the holiday season can offer!
Old Town Square
The biggest, most popular and the busiest of Prague’s Christmas markets are located in the center of Old Town on Old town Square. It is the location of the official Prague Christmas tree that lights up every 30 minutes past the hour in the evenings, so make sure you don’t miss it! The nearest Metro station is Staroměstská, but you can reach it by foot from anywhere in the center.
The market opens on November the 30th from 10 am until midnight, every day.
Prague Castle
High above the city, nestled on a romantic square behind the Saint Vitus Cathedral are the Prague castle Christmas markets. Make sure to have a look inside of the cathedral also, there’s a beautiful nativity scene, with Baby Jesus in the middle. Fun fact, did you know that the main present bringing figure in the Czech Republic is Baby Jesus (Ježíšek), and not Santa Claus?
The markets open on November the 23th from 9 am to 8 pm, every day. Closest Metro station is Malostranska, followed by a short walk up the hill.
Wenceslas Square
Another bigger and busier market is located on the lower part of Wenceslas Square, across the Museum building. Stop by for a cup of warm Medovina (Czech mead) after doing some essential shopping on the nearby Na Prikope shopping street. This market is easy to walk to from anywhere in the city and the nearest metro station is Mustek. The market opens on November the 30th from 10 am until midnight.
Náměstí Míru
This market is perfect for those who are looking for a more traditional experience away from the tourist crowds. Loved by locals, it’s located on Namesti Miru (Peace Square), in front of a breathtaking gothic church of Saint Ludmila. This is also the perfect place to do your shopping, the stalls are packed with high-quality local handicrafts, like Perničky – beautifully decorated Czech honey cookies.
The market opens early, on November the 20th from 10 am to 7 pm. It’s easy to get to, with the nearest metro station being Namesti Miru.
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Kampa Christmas markets
This small, but charming market is located on Kampa Island, just across the famous Charles Bridge. Kampa is one of the most picturesque places in Prague, close to the river and full of charming streets. If you’re looking to take that perfect picture this is the place to be.
The market opens on November the 30th from 10 am to 7 pm every day.
Náměstí Republiky
When you’re heading back to the hostel, make sure you make one last stop at this centrally located market. Located just in front of the Palladium shopping center, it’s easy to get to by walk and it is known to offer the best selection of food. From here, tram 6 will take you straight back to the hostel, where you can warm up and plan your next adventure!
The market opens on November 23th from 10 am to 7 pm every day.
So there you have it! The essential things you need to know when visiting Pragues famous Christmas markets. Prague is full of new things and places to explore, especially during holiday season. It never dissapoints and we are confident that the unique medieval feel of Prague will surely make an unforgettable holiday experience