Prague Christmas Markets
Mulled wine, trdelník and a fairy-tale tree under the Týn Church spires
Quick answer: when and where are the Prague Christmas markets?
Prague's main Christmas markets run from late November until early January — typically opening around the last weekend of November and continuing past New Year (exact dates are confirmed by the city each autumn). The two biggest are on Old Town Square, with the giant illuminated tree, and on Wenceslas Square; smaller markets pop up at Náměstí Republiky, Havelské tržiště, Prague Castle and Náměstí Míru. Entry is free.
The markets, one by one
Each market has its own character — most are within a 15-minute walk of each other:
- Old Town Square — the flagship: the great Christmas tree, nativity scene, craft stalls and the classic postcard view with the Týn Church backdrop
- Wenceslas Square — the busiest and most food-focused, open latest into the evening
- Náměstí Republiky (by Palladium) — compact market handy for shopping trips
- Prague Castle — smaller, atmospheric market inside the castle complex with rampart views
- Náměstí Míru — the "local's market" by St. Ludmila church, first to open most years
- Havelské tržiště — a year-round market that turns festive in December
What to eat and drink
Come hungry — market food is half the experience:
- Svařák — Czech mulled wine, the default hand-warmer (usually 60–100 CZK)
- Trdelník — the chimney-cake spiral roasted over coals (a tourist favourite, not a Czech tradition — but delicious)
- Klobása — grilled sausages with mustard and bread
- Medovina — warm honey mead, and hot chocolate for the kids
- Roasted chestnuts, gingerbread (perníčky) and Christmas carp specialities in the run-up to Christmas Eve
Insider tips
- Visit Old Town Square before 11:00 or after 21:00 for photos without the densest crowds
- The tree-lighting moment (usually early evening, repeated hourly light shows) is worth timing your visit around
- Markets are open on 24–26 December and over New Year — Prague at Christmas Eve is uniquely calm
- Watch your pockets in the crowds, and use official taxi apps or a pre-booked driver rather than street taxis
- December in Prague averages around 0 °C — dress in layers; cobblestones get icy
Combine the markets with a winter day trip
December is also a beautiful time for the classic day trips: Český Krumlov under snow is pure fairy tale, and Dresden's Striezelmarkt — Germany's oldest Christmas market — is only 1.5 hours away by private car. Many guests do Prague's markets one evening and Dresden's the next day.
Getting to the markets (and home again, warm)
The central markets are walkable from most hotels — the question is airport arrival and evening comfort:
| Option | Price | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private airport transfer | Fixed 750 CZK (≈ 31 €) sedan | ≈ 30 min from the airport | Arriving in December? A pre-booked transfer with Meet & Greet beats dragging luggage through slush — fixed price, flight tracking, child seats on request. |
| Metro & tram | 30–40 CZK per ticket | varies | Staroměstská and Můstek stations serve the main squares. Efficient, but expect packed carriages on December evenings. |
| Walking | free | 10–15 min between main markets | The central markets form a natural walking circuit — the best way to market-hop. |
| Evening private car | Fixed price, quoted online | on demand | For dinner trips, Prague Castle market visits or a warm ride home with kids — book a car with driver by the hour. |
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the Prague Christmas markets start?
Typically the last weekend of November, running until early January (Old Town Square usually past Three Kings Day). Exact dates are confirmed by the city each autumn — check before booking flights.
Are the Prague Christmas markets free to enter?
Yes — all Prague Christmas markets are free to enter; you pay only for food, drinks and gifts.
Are the markets open on Christmas Day and New Year's Eve?
Yes, the main markets stay open through 24–26 December and over New Year, usually with shorter hours on Christmas Eve.
Which Prague Christmas market is the best?
Old Town Square is the iconic one — the tree, the nativity scene and the Týn Church backdrop. Locals often prefer the calmer Náměstí Míru and Prague Castle markets.
How cold is Prague in December?
Average temperatures hover around 0 °C (32 °F), with occasional snow. Dress warmly — you'll be standing outdoors with a mug of svařák.
Land, get warm, go straight to the markets
Fixed-price airport transfer with Meet & Greet — or an hourly car for winter evenings.
Book your winter transfer