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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, small and local Christmas markets are held at several other locations in Prague:
Small Christmas markets in the city centre:
-Top of Wenceslas Square.
25th November 2024 to 6th January 2025. Opening hours are daily 10:00-20:00.
-Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky).
30th November 2024 to 30th December 2024. Opening hours are daily 10:00-20:00.
-Na Kampě Square (Na Kampě) by Charles Bridge in the Lesser Town.
30th November 2024 to 1st January 2025. Opening hours are daily 10:00-20:00.
-Havel's Market (Havelské tržiště) at Havelska street in the Old Town (between Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square). The only permanent market in the city centre, it adopts a festive feel from late November. Opening hours are daily 06:00-18:30.
Local Christmas markets just outside the city centre (the following markets are aimed at Czech people, although everyone is welcome):
-Peace Square (Náměstí Míru) - 15 minutes walk from Wenceslas Square.
23rd November 2024 to 24th December 2024. Opening hours are daily 10:00-20:00.
-Tyl Square (Tylovo náměstí) - 15 minutes walk from Wenceslas Square.
25th November 2024 to 24th December 2024. Opening hours are daily 10:00-20:00.
*The dates of the main Christmas Markets are fixed, but the small and local markets may start several days earlier. The exact dates will be announced and posted here in October. | | | | What are the Prague Christmas Markets in 2024?
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 tourists 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 THE old town square stage
From mid-afternoon into the evening each day, musicians, dance troupes and folk groups dressed in traditional costumes perform short routines on a stage at the Old Town Square. | | 
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 do hail from elsewhere in Europe, and from even further afield.
But what is Christmas without carols? School choirs make several appearances, with the 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. |
| | 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 Prague in December 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 between -10°C (25°F) and -15°C (5°F).
Clothes to Wear
For sightseeing, entertainment and dining, most tourist establishments in Prague welcome visitors dressed in casual attire. However, you should dress reasonably smartly when attending the opera houses and grand concert halls, and at high-end restaurants. | | 
Wenceslas Square Xmas market | |
To protect yourself against the elements, bring a warm winter jacket, hat and gloves. Many visitors pack their 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.
As Prague is a wonderful city to explore on foot, wear comfortable walking shoes or boots during the day. |
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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 in Prague
Sightseeing is a wondrous experience in Prague, with magnificent squares and majestic monuments to visit, and a dramatic history waiting to be uncovered.
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 the city by yourself.
Having said this, we do advise booking at least one Prague tour. There are fascinating historical tales wrapped up in the monuments, many of which require an expert to reveal them. A professional local guide truly can bring Prague to life for you.
The sights and attractions are open every day throughout the Christmas season, except on Christmas Eve. |
| | River Cruises At Christmas
The Vltava River flows through the heart of the city, and many famous sights line its banks. This can make 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 in hand, and take it all in!
River cruises range from sightseeing trips and lunch cruises to an evening dinner cruise with live music aboard a luxurious, ultra-modern boat.
Boats are heated and festively decorated in the build up to Christmas, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience no matter the weather.
There is an additional sightseeing cruise too, running every Saturday and Sunday in the build up to Christmas. The Advent River Cruise sets sail in the afternoon. Onboard Christmas carols are played, and guests are served hot mulled wine and a freshly baked cake. |
| | | From walking tours to bus tours to river cruises, there are many ways to uncover the wonder of Prague this Christmas. | |
Entertainment in Prague
During the festive season, there is entertainment galore in Prague, including traditional Czech and Medieval nights, and a number of highly atmospheric Christmas concerts.
Classical Concerts
We particularly recommend attending a classical concert in Prague. Performances are staged in grand concert halls, Baroque palaces, ancient churches and other beautiful historic buildings, and are simply magical at this time of the year.
While it is difficult to recommend individual concerts, such is the choice, Christmas concerts at the Klementinum are particularly special. The historic nature of the building combined with the talented musicians who perform always makes for a highly atmospheric event.
In terms of large spectacular concerts, Municipal House and Rudolfinum are the grandest concert halls in the city and never fail to impress.
Meanwhile, Prague's ancient churches host the most wondrous Christmas concerts, for example St. Nicholas and Tyn Church at the Old Town Square; St. Clements and St. Salvator at Charles Bridge; the quaint St. Martin in the Wall Church; and, the stunning Spanish Synagogue.
The best classical concerts always sell out, so we strongly advise booking tickets in advance:
• November Concerts
• December Concerts
• January Concerts
Opera & Ballet | |
 Magic Flute at Estates Theatre | |
The opera and ballet season is also in full swing, with spectacular performances staged at all three opera houses: Prague State Opera, National Theatre and Estates Theatre.
Audiences can enjoy operas such as Hansel and Gretel (Humperdinck), Cosi Fan Tutte (Mozart), La Traviata (Verdi), The Devil and Kate (Dvořák), The Bartered Bride (Smetana) and La Boheme (Rossini).
Mozart's fairy tale opera, The Magic Flute, is ideal family fare for Christmas, and is staged at the Estates Theatre.
Ball im Savoy, another popular opera, full of dance, love and comedic twists, is often performed at the Prague State Opera. |
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| (Note: Tickets for the opera houses go on sale in July 2024. If you wish to attend a performance, let us know and we will email you when they are listed - contact us) | |
 Nutcracker at National Theatre | |
Festive productions are a prominent feature of the repertoire at many theatres in Prague.
Tchaikovsky's ever-popular ballet The Nutcracker, for example, is staged at two theatres in December: National Theatre and Broadway Theatre.
Tickets for The Nutcracker at the National Theatre are the most sought-after of all theatrical productions during the Christmas season. If visitors wish to attend a performance, we advise booking tickets as soon as they come out. |
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| (Note: The Nutcracker tickets go on sale in September 2024. Prague Experience holds exclusive tickets for all performances, so if you wish to attend one, let us know and we will email you when they are listed - contact us) | |
• November Opera & Ballet
• December Opera & Ballet
• January Opera & Ballet | | 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 nights & Medieval shows
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 events at Christmas
December 2024 Christmas events + January 2025 Christmas events | |
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
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)
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) | | | |
WHAT'S On at Christmas (24-26 December) and New Year's Eve in Prague
For information on spending Christmas in Prague:
-24th December: Christmas Eve in Prague
-24th-26th December: Christmas Planner
For information on the New Year's Eve celebrations:
-31st December: New Year's Eve
-31st December: New Year's Eve Planner
Find out what's open throughout December: Christmas opening hours and Christmas events. | | | |
More Information
For an introduction to the city: Prague tourism information.
For practical information, including advice on currency exchange: Prague tourist information.
For travel advice: Travel to Prague and Travel around Prague by public transport.
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
Top of Wenceslas Square
25 Nov-06 Jan
Daily 10:00-20:00
Republic Square
30 Nov-30 Dec
Daily 10:00-20:00
Na Kampě Square
30 Nov-01 Jan
Daily 10:00-20:00
Peace Square
23 Nov-24 Dec
Daily 10:00-20:00
Tyl Square
25 Nov-24 Dec
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:
�i�kov, 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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