Christmas Markets in Prague: A Complete Guide
Nestled in the very center of Europe, Prague is an incredibly welcoming city brimming with unique culture, gorgeous architecture, and delicious cuisine. If you’re traveling to the Czech capital during the winter holidays, you cannot miss a trip to Prague Christmas Markets 2024. From iconic spots like Old Town and Wenceslas Squares to contemporary hipster locations like Manifesto markets, the city is full of beautiful spots. In this article, I will share my personal favorite Christmas markets in town, offer insights into local cuisine, and discuss unique gift ideas. Also, I will decipher when does the Prague Christmas market start.
Prague during Christmas is the most magical time you can discover the Czech capital. In this section, I will take a closer look at the most popular and iconic markets in the city, from large Old Town market to more niche Manifesto market.
In the city center of the Czech capital, you will find the magnificent Old Town Square Christmas market in Prague the most iconic and popular winter spot in the city. Considered one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, the Old Town market is set near famous landmarks like the astronomical clock, the Jan Hus statue, and of course the giant Christmas tree.
Filled with adorned stalls, dynamic live performances, and endless handicrafts, the Old Town Christmas market is worth your visit. I was lucky to be in town on the 5th of December, and got a chance to witness the Saint Nicholas Day celebrations where people dress up as angels and devils and give out candy to children in exchange for a song or a poem.
Another prominent location is the Wenceslas Square located a short stroll away from the Old Town Square. The Czech Christmas market here might not be as spectacular but has a different, more cozy, and warm feel. The square is dotted with wooden huts full of traditional crafts and delicious snacks. The best part is that this market isn’t as crowded as its more central counterpart allowing you a city break from the overwhelming tourist traffic.
Tyl’s Square hosts a smaller Prague Christmas market that primarily focuses on local crowds offering a glimpse into the authentic Czech lifestyle. The market offers an abundant list of activities for children as well as an array of treats for visitors of all ages, and at a much lower price compared to the aforementioned spots. Here, my little ones had an opportunity to learn about the local traditions and even try their hand at making candles and gingerbread.
Another rather small Christmas market is located on the Republic Square, or Namesti Republiky, and provides a long range of holiday treats, Advent wreaths, and local arts and crafts. The spot also features an iconic Christmas tram that runs through the square and offers a different angle to explore the market and its surroundings. Republic Square market is also relatively small and has fewer crowds allowing tourists to slow down and take in the magical atmosphere of the holiday.
A few minutes away from the majestic Charles Bridge, is Kampa Island which hosts a quaint Christmas market inviting locals and visitors. Situated on Na Kampe Square, the market is surrounded by colorful buildings creating a charming and warm ambiance in the middle of the cold winter. The offerings mostly consist of food and refreshments making it the perfect spot for a cozy picnic against a beautiful backdrop of the mighty Vltava River.
Vinohrady District hosts its own Christmas market located on the Namesti Miru Square or Peace Square. Catering to local audiences, the market offers reasonable prices and ample entertainment. Spread across roughly 60 stalls, you will find traditional foods, local crafts, Advent decorations, and enticing mulled wine. Especially for travelers with children like myself, the market provides exciting activities for them, including puppet shows and carousels.
A more modern take on Christmas celebrations, the Manifesto market is full of vintage items, exceptional designs, and endless entertainment. Located on a former wasteland, the area has been transformed into a glorious winter fairytale. This cashless market is definitely my top pick offering a large variety of culinary delights, cultural events with local DJs, live music, and even cooking lessons.
The Manifesto market invites the best local chefs and restaurant owners to deliver their top dishes that they wouldn’t offer anywhere else creating intrigue and exclusivity. Here, you will not only feast on delectable local treats but also sample creations from different cultures and backgrounds.
When visiting Prague Christmas markets, you cannot skip the incredibly diverse and delicious culinary offerings. During the winter holidays, the best places for lunch are certainly Christmas markets themselves. In this part, I will highlight the most popular and delectable savory and sweet treats as well as hot drinks.
All the best Christmas markets offer a wide variety of savory treats to restore your energy after a long day of walking.
This iconic Slavic dish is incredibly popular across Eastern and Central Europe. Filled with minced meat and served with delicious sour cream, these tasty treats are perfect comfort food for cold weather. Some markets may offer vegetarian versions of pelmeni, commonly stuffed with mushrooms or other vegetables. Pelmeni, also known as dumplings, are boiled until tender and served hot and ready to eat.
Various types of sausages are incredibly popular in Prague, from paprika-flavored ones to juicy spicy options. Traditionally, they are grilled on open fire and served on a plate with condiments of your choice like mayonnaise or mustard. You can also request a small portion of sauerkraut which in my opinion perfectly complements the spiciness of the meal.
In Prague, they slow-roast ham on large spits over open flames and serve them with fresh bread and horseradish sauce. The actual process of preparing Czech ham takes hours involving basting with beer and honey creating a unique flavor profile. These tender treats can be quite costly and are sold per 100 grams so make sure to mention how much you are actually purchasing.
A Hungarian treat, langos have become a staple of Prague cuisine and especially Christmas market food list. Deep-fried flatbread with garlic oil, sour cream, and cheese langos are incredibly delicious albeit not very healthy. I treated myself to these tasty delights and was taken aback by the perfect blend of crispy bread with cool toppings.
After a hearty savory snack, treat yourself to a delicious dessert.
One of the most well-known dishes in the Czech Republic, trdelniks, or chimney cakes, are hollow pastry treats cooked over open flames and filled with Nutella, fruit jams, or ice cream. The pastries are then also covered in sugar and walnuts adding to the gastronomical pleasure. These were certainly the highlight for my children, small sweet treats with delicious fillings.
Other sweet delights are fried donuts (koblihy) and pancakes (palacinky) which you can find at any Christmas market in Prague. Fried donuts are fluffy pastries filled with jam or vanilla custard. Fried pancakes are crepe-like treats supplemented by Nutella, cream cheese, or jam. Both are powdered with fine sugar or cinnamon and served on a plastic plate.
In the cold Czech weather, you will want to pair your meal with a hot beverage. Aside from ubiquitous hot chocolate, Christmas markets in Prague offer more unique takes on holiday drinks.
Mulled wine, or Svarak in Czech, is the staple of any European Christmas market. Delicious wine heated with a mixture of spices and fruits, mulled wine is absolutely perfect for the harsh Czech winter weather. Each market is filled with the tempting smells of mulled wine enticing visitors to indulge. I was surprised to see that at some markets, vendors began to adopt the deposit approach so you might have to pay an additional couple of euros for the cup that you will get back after returning.
Another type of holiday wine drink is medovina, a traditional honey wine that has been an integral part of Czech culture for centuries. Similarly to svarak, medovina is made with spices and served in large cups. The drink is made through the honey fermentation process which creates a subtly sweet and delicious beverage.
If you’re looking for something stronger than wine, becherovka is a traditional Czech herbal drink made with over 20 herbs and spices. You can try it pure or mixed with hot tea or coffee to lower the alcohol intake. Considered a digestive remedy, becherovka is a perfect addition to your meat-heavy meal.
Christmas markets in Prague are filled with numerous stalls full of crafts, decorations, and unique finds. For example, on Wenceslas Square, you may discover a large collection of wooden, steel, and glass Christmas gifts perfect for your friends and family at home. Tyl’s Square is known for hosting about 30 stalls featuring local homemade preserves, Czech honey, and other regional specialties. Here, you can also find a wide selection of iconic Czech beers and Moravian wines. I got a few bottles of local wine to bring as a Christmas present for my friends as home and got only positive reviews.
For crystal and garnet jewellery, head to the Republic Square where you will discover a large collection of exceptional trinkets, from rare vintage finds to contemporary artisanal creations. For ceramics, move to Namesti Miru market to find a wide range of Advent wreaths, Czech candles, and numerous Christmas decorations. For example, the market is the hotspot for hand-painted baubles and straw ornaments.
I have already discussed the main Christmas markets in the city, now let’s focus on my top picks.
If you only have time to visit one Prague winter market, you cannot miss the Old Town Square experience. Although not my top choice, I cannot ignore how iconic and gorgeous the square becomes each year. Located against the most scenic background and filled with exciting activities, traditional music, and dances, as well as a wide range of delectable Czech snacks, you will not regret visiting this incredible spot.
If large crowds are a huge deterrent to you, head to Namesti Miru Christmas market where you will be mostly surrounded by locals. Located near the breathtaking Church of St. Ludmila, the market is a quaint retreat from the hustle and bustle of the Old Town creating a lovely and charming experience. The market is filled with delicious treats, unique handmade products, ornate cookies, and whimsical stuffed and wooden toys.
A more unique experience, the Manifesto market offers a modernized alternative to traditional Christmas ambiance. My personal winner among the Prague markets in winter, Manifesto is an unusual take on the Christmas culture. Dotted with international and local food vendors, it delivers a broad selection of exceptional treats, innovative combinations, and a contemporary atmosphere. Here, you can experience a unique blend of an industrial setting with a festive feel.
The Czech capital has a lot to offer, even amidst the Christmas season. When you get tired of markets and large crowds, consider heading to other locations to experience the local way of living. When in doubt, hop on one of the museum tours in Prague to learn about the local culture and history.
I have talked a lot about mulled wine and medovina but you are in the capital of beer. Numerous bars and pubs offer special mixtures to complement the holiday like Christmas beer paired with cinnamon and vanilla. Hop on a beer tour to sample various types of drinks and learn more about the local beer culture and tradition.
An exclusively Czech spa treatment, beer baths are quite popular during the harsh colds of European winter. These therapeutic baths consist of beer, malt, hops, and yeast suspended in warm water creating a healing experience. Yeast is intended to smooth wrinkles and hops are added for a calming effect. While I was soaking in oak tubs filled with beer, I was also pleased to enjoy a pint of my favorite Pilsner Urquell, prepared especially for the occasion.
The Baroqur St. Nicholas Church hosts annual Christmas concerts, including choir performances of traditional Christmas carols. The church becomes illuminated with countless candles creating a unique atmosphere. The acoustics of the building highlight the signing and make it more full and captivating. The choir usually wears traditional attire while the singing is accompanied by breathtaking tunes of the historic organ.
Finally, you can take advantage of the cold weather and go ice-skating near Estates Theater. The ice rink offers rentals for visitors without skates so even tourists can enjoy this fun winter activity which I certainly did. The surrounding buildings are illuminated with Christmas lights creating a magical fairytale setting. If you’re new to skating, come in the morning to get a lesson and learn the basics of how to feel confident on ice.
As per Prague Christmas market dates, they mostly operate from late November to early January and are open pretty much the whole day. While some markets accept cards, and the Manifesto market is even completely cash-free, most traditional spots only take cash. Make sure you have enough Czech Crowns on you before heading out.
As already mentioned, Czech winters can be quite cold with temperatures ranging from -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F). Don’t underestimate the cold, especially for longer free tours in Prague, and pack warm boots, winter coats, sweaters, scarves, and gloves. I definitely underestimated the coldness of Prague winters so be prepared for rain, snow, and wind.
Additionally, learn a few phrases in the Czech language to ease the Christmas shopping experience. Words like thank you, děkuju (pronounced like dyeh-kooyoo) and please, prosim (pronounced like pro-seem) came in handy when browsing the markets. Learn a few basic words is not going to take long yet will showcase respect towards the other culture.
Article author: ALEXANDRA DUBAKOVA
Head of Marketing
Christmas Markets Locations
Prague during Christmas is the most magical time you can discover the Czech capital. In this section, I will take a closer look at the most popular and iconic markets in the city, from large Old Town market to more niche Manifesto market.
Old Town Square
In the city center of the Czech capital, you will find the magnificent Old Town Square Christmas market in Prague the most iconic and popular winter spot in the city. Considered one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, the Old Town market is set near famous landmarks like the astronomical clock, the Jan Hus statue, and of course the giant Christmas tree.
Filled with adorned stalls, dynamic live performances, and endless handicrafts, the Old Town Christmas market is worth your visit. I was lucky to be in town on the 5th of December, and got a chance to witness the Saint Nicholas Day celebrations where people dress up as angels and devils and give out candy to children in exchange for a song or a poem.
Wenceslas Square
Another prominent location is the Wenceslas Square located a short stroll away from the Old Town Square. The Czech Christmas market here might not be as spectacular but has a different, more cozy, and warm feel. The square is dotted with wooden huts full of traditional crafts and delicious snacks. The best part is that this market isn’t as crowded as its more central counterpart allowing you a city break from the overwhelming tourist traffic.
Tyl’s Square
Tyl’s Square hosts a smaller Prague Christmas market that primarily focuses on local crowds offering a glimpse into the authentic Czech lifestyle. The market offers an abundant list of activities for children as well as an array of treats for visitors of all ages, and at a much lower price compared to the aforementioned spots. Here, my little ones had an opportunity to learn about the local traditions and even try their hand at making candles and gingerbread.
Republic Square
Another rather small Christmas market is located on the Republic Square, or Namesti Republiky, and provides a long range of holiday treats, Advent wreaths, and local arts and crafts. The spot also features an iconic Christmas tram that runs through the square and offers a different angle to explore the market and its surroundings. Republic Square market is also relatively small and has fewer crowds allowing tourists to slow down and take in the magical atmosphere of the holiday.
Kampa Island
A few minutes away from the majestic Charles Bridge, is Kampa Island which hosts a quaint Christmas market inviting locals and visitors. Situated on Na Kampe Square, the market is surrounded by colorful buildings creating a charming and warm ambiance in the middle of the cold winter. The offerings mostly consist of food and refreshments making it the perfect spot for a cozy picnic against a beautiful backdrop of the mighty Vltava River.
Namesti Miru
Vinohrady District hosts its own Christmas market located on the Namesti Miru Square or Peace Square. Catering to local audiences, the market offers reasonable prices and ample entertainment. Spread across roughly 60 stalls, you will find traditional foods, local crafts, Advent decorations, and enticing mulled wine. Especially for travelers with children like myself, the market provides exciting activities for them, including puppet shows and carousels.
Manifesto Market
A more modern take on Christmas celebrations, the Manifesto market is full of vintage items, exceptional designs, and endless entertainment. Located on a former wasteland, the area has been transformed into a glorious winter fairytale. This cashless market is definitely my top pick offering a large variety of culinary delights, cultural events with local DJs, live music, and even cooking lessons.
The Manifesto market invites the best local chefs and restaurant owners to deliver their top dishes that they wouldn’t offer anywhere else creating intrigue and exclusivity. Here, you will not only feast on delectable local treats but also sample creations from different cultures and backgrounds.
What to Eat and Drink
When visiting Prague Christmas markets, you cannot skip the incredibly diverse and delicious culinary offerings. During the winter holidays, the best places for lunch are certainly Christmas markets themselves. In this part, I will highlight the most popular and delectable savory and sweet treats as well as hot drinks.
Savory Dishes
All the best Christmas markets offer a wide variety of savory treats to restore your energy after a long day of walking.
Pelmeni
This iconic Slavic dish is incredibly popular across Eastern and Central Europe. Filled with minced meat and served with delicious sour cream, these tasty treats are perfect comfort food for cold weather. Some markets may offer vegetarian versions of pelmeni, commonly stuffed with mushrooms or other vegetables. Pelmeni, also known as dumplings, are boiled until tender and served hot and ready to eat.
Grilled Sausages
Various types of sausages are incredibly popular in Prague, from paprika-flavored ones to juicy spicy options. Traditionally, they are grilled on open fire and served on a plate with condiments of your choice like mayonnaise or mustard. You can also request a small portion of sauerkraut which in my opinion perfectly complements the spiciness of the meal.
Ham
In Prague, they slow-roast ham on large spits over open flames and serve them with fresh bread and horseradish sauce. The actual process of preparing Czech ham takes hours involving basting with beer and honey creating a unique flavor profile. These tender treats can be quite costly and are sold per 100 grams so make sure to mention how much you are actually purchasing.
Langos
A Hungarian treat, langos have become a staple of Prague cuisine and especially Christmas market food list. Deep-fried flatbread with garlic oil, sour cream, and cheese langos are incredibly delicious albeit not very healthy. I treated myself to these tasty delights and was taken aback by the perfect blend of crispy bread with cool toppings.
Desserts
After a hearty savory snack, treat yourself to a delicious dessert.
Trdelnik
One of the most well-known dishes in the Czech Republic, trdelniks, or chimney cakes, are hollow pastry treats cooked over open flames and filled with Nutella, fruit jams, or ice cream. The pastries are then also covered in sugar and walnuts adding to the gastronomical pleasure. These were certainly the highlight for my children, small sweet treats with delicious fillings.
Fried Donuts and Pancakes
Other sweet delights are fried donuts (koblihy) and pancakes (palacinky) which you can find at any Christmas market in Prague. Fried donuts are fluffy pastries filled with jam or vanilla custard. Fried pancakes are crepe-like treats supplemented by Nutella, cream cheese, or jam. Both are powdered with fine sugar or cinnamon and served on a plastic plate.
Beverages
In the cold Czech weather, you will want to pair your meal with a hot beverage. Aside from ubiquitous hot chocolate, Christmas markets in Prague offer more unique takes on holiday drinks.
Mulled Wine
Mulled wine, or Svarak in Czech, is the staple of any European Christmas market. Delicious wine heated with a mixture of spices and fruits, mulled wine is absolutely perfect for the harsh Czech winter weather. Each market is filled with the tempting smells of mulled wine enticing visitors to indulge. I was surprised to see that at some markets, vendors began to adopt the deposit approach so you might have to pay an additional couple of euros for the cup that you will get back after returning.
Medovina
Another type of holiday wine drink is medovina, a traditional honey wine that has been an integral part of Czech culture for centuries. Similarly to svarak, medovina is made with spices and served in large cups. The drink is made through the honey fermentation process which creates a subtly sweet and delicious beverage.
Becherovka
If you’re looking for something stronger than wine, becherovka is a traditional Czech herbal drink made with over 20 herbs and spices. You can try it pure or mixed with hot tea or coffee to lower the alcohol intake. Considered a digestive remedy, becherovka is a perfect addition to your meat-heavy meal.
Unique Christmas Gifts and Crafts
Christmas markets in Prague are filled with numerous stalls full of crafts, decorations, and unique finds. For example, on Wenceslas Square, you may discover a large collection of wooden, steel, and glass Christmas gifts perfect for your friends and family at home. Tyl’s Square is known for hosting about 30 stalls featuring local homemade preserves, Czech honey, and other regional specialties. Here, you can also find a wide selection of iconic Czech beers and Moravian wines. I got a few bottles of local wine to bring as a Christmas present for my friends as home and got only positive reviews.
For crystal and garnet jewellery, head to the Republic Square where you will discover a large collection of exceptional trinkets, from rare vintage finds to contemporary artisanal creations. For ceramics, move to Namesti Miru market to find a wide range of Advent wreaths, Czech candles, and numerous Christmas decorations. For example, the market is the hotspot for hand-painted baubles and straw ornaments.
Our Favorite Prague Christmas Markets
I have already discussed the main Christmas markets in the city, now let’s focus on my top picks.
Old Town Square
If you only have time to visit one Prague winter market, you cannot miss the Old Town Square experience. Although not my top choice, I cannot ignore how iconic and gorgeous the square becomes each year. Located against the most scenic background and filled with exciting activities, traditional music, and dances, as well as a wide range of delectable Czech snacks, you will not regret visiting this incredible spot.
Namesti Miru Square
If large crowds are a huge deterrent to you, head to Namesti Miru Christmas market where you will be mostly surrounded by locals. Located near the breathtaking Church of St. Ludmila, the market is a quaint retreat from the hustle and bustle of the Old Town creating a lovely and charming experience. The market is filled with delicious treats, unique handmade products, ornate cookies, and whimsical stuffed and wooden toys.
Manifesto Market
A more unique experience, the Manifesto market offers a modernized alternative to traditional Christmas ambiance. My personal winner among the Prague markets in winter, Manifesto is an unusual take on the Christmas culture. Dotted with international and local food vendors, it delivers a broad selection of exceptional treats, innovative combinations, and a contemporary atmosphere. Here, you can experience a unique blend of an industrial setting with a festive feel.
Christmas in Prague: More Things to Do
The Czech capital has a lot to offer, even amidst the Christmas season. When you get tired of markets and large crowds, consider heading to other locations to experience the local way of living. When in doubt, hop on one of the museum tours in Prague to learn about the local culture and history.
Czech Beer
I have talked a lot about mulled wine and medovina but you are in the capital of beer. Numerous bars and pubs offer special mixtures to complement the holiday like Christmas beer paired with cinnamon and vanilla. Hop on a beer tour to sample various types of drinks and learn more about the local beer culture and tradition.
Beer Bath
An exclusively Czech spa treatment, beer baths are quite popular during the harsh colds of European winter. These therapeutic baths consist of beer, malt, hops, and yeast suspended in warm water creating a healing experience. Yeast is intended to smooth wrinkles and hops are added for a calming effect. While I was soaking in oak tubs filled with beer, I was also pleased to enjoy a pint of my favorite Pilsner Urquell, prepared especially for the occasion.
St. Nicholas Church Choir
The Baroqur St. Nicholas Church hosts annual Christmas concerts, including choir performances of traditional Christmas carols. The church becomes illuminated with countless candles creating a unique atmosphere. The acoustics of the building highlight the signing and make it more full and captivating. The choir usually wears traditional attire while the singing is accompanied by breathtaking tunes of the historic organ.
Ice-Skating
Finally, you can take advantage of the cold weather and go ice-skating near Estates Theater. The ice rink offers rentals for visitors without skates so even tourists can enjoy this fun winter activity which I certainly did. The surrounding buildings are illuminated with Christmas lights creating a magical fairytale setting. If you’re new to skating, come in the morning to get a lesson and learn the basics of how to feel confident on ice.
Practical Tips for Visiting Prague’s Christmas Markets
As per Prague Christmas market dates, they mostly operate from late November to early January and are open pretty much the whole day. While some markets accept cards, and the Manifesto market is even completely cash-free, most traditional spots only take cash. Make sure you have enough Czech Crowns on you before heading out.
As already mentioned, Czech winters can be quite cold with temperatures ranging from -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F). Don’t underestimate the cold, especially for longer free tours in Prague, and pack warm boots, winter coats, sweaters, scarves, and gloves. I definitely underestimated the coldness of Prague winters so be prepared for rain, snow, and wind.
Additionally, learn a few phrases in the Czech language to ease the Christmas shopping experience. Words like thank you, děkuju (pronounced like dyeh-kooyoo) and please, prosim (pronounced like pro-seem) came in handy when browsing the markets. Learn a few basic words is not going to take long yet will showcase respect towards the other culture.
Article author: ALEXANDRA DUBAKOVA
Head of Marketing
