Prague is a pretty busy city when it comes to tourists. The busiest season is perhaps during Christmas time when you can see Prague covered in snow and the atmosphere is just magical. A lot of tourists are coming to Prague to visit local Christmas markets. So here is my guide on how to not get lost in this chaos, where you can find the nicest Christmas markets and what you can buy there.
Christmas markets in Prague
Table of Contents
Old town square
Traditional Christmas markets on Old town square
The old town square is perhaps the most known place to visit Christmas markets. The square is pretty big, so there is a lot of different stands, usually, there is also a podium, where kids are singing Christmas songs. You can also visit here all different sights, that definitely should be on your itinerary. The old town square just has a great atmosphere. Even though it is full of tourists, it is still something special to see. You can find here the biggest Christmas tree in Prague. The first lighting is usually on the first advent Sunday and from then it is lighted up every day from 16.30.
Wenceslas square
Wenceslas square is perhaps one of the biggest squares in Prague but doesn’t have the biggest Christmas markets in Prague. However, you won’t find as many sights here. But that also means that there are fewer tourists here. Not by far, but there are. And it is close to most of the public traffic and a lot of hotels. These markets also have their own Christmas tree, but it is not as big. But it is the same amount of beautiful. Besides that, you will find here the same kind of things to buy as anywhere else.
Prague castle
Yes, there are Christmas markets in Prague castle as well! The best thing about them is that they are inside the castle, so there is something extra to do once you are there. You can also visit the local cathedral, just as something extra. In the cathedral, they have also special Christmas merchandise.
Republic square
If you will be looking for these Christmas markets in Prague, you would find them on “náměstí Republiky”. The main reason why they are special is perhaps the fact that there is a lot of blacksmith traditions. Even outside of the Christmas period, there are some markets and there are a lot of blacksmiths going around. Another great thing about these markets is the fact that there is a big mall close by, so if you cannot choose what to buy in the markets, you can always buy something in the mall.
Christmas markets on Piece square
These are my favorites! On the “náměstí Míru” or Piece square, you can find another Christmas markets. They are perhaps smaller, but they are just as nice. In fact, they have a rather ambient atmosphere. There is a big church in the middle of the square, which somehow makes it extraordinary. Even though they are smaller, you can still find here all kinds of traditional Chrismas things. Perhaps the main reason why I like these the best is because they are usually not crowded at all.
Christmas markets in Prague – what to buy?
Mulled wine
That is mainly so you wouldn’t feel so bad about spending a lot of money, but it is a tradition and a lot of people here are offering very nice cups of mulled wine.
Hot mead
Here we are getting to something that could be considered as the Czech tradition. Czech has a big tradition in beekeeping and this is one of the specialties. A lot of times you can buy there a bottle as a present to take home.
Puppets
Czech people have some traditions in making puppets and on Chrismas markets, you can usually see a lot of them. They also work as a great gift for kids.
Candles
All kinds of candles! Small ones, big ones, special colors, special pictures and so on. Some of them smell really nice. And as I said before, Czech has a tradition in beekeeping and some of these are looking very much like a honeycomb.
Crafty gifts
There are so many of them! From blacksmithing, where you can get a special bracelet from here, to glaziers market with cool glass trinkets. You can also buy here a lot of things from crafted wood, that looks really awesome and it is in special shapes too.
General information about Christmas markets in Prague
Most of them begin at the end of November. More specifically, it is usually the 30th of November or the first advent Sunday. Those Christmas markets usually last till the 6th of January. Most Christmas markets are open from 10 AM till 7 PM.
If you want to see a Christmas tree, there are usually two big ones – one in Oldtown, that would be the main one. And the other big one is on Wenceslas square. They are usually lighting from 16.30 till 21.30 in the evening.
Lastly, the temperature in Prague in December is usually between -5 to 5 celsius, so there is a chance of seeing white Christmas. But more importantly, take a warm coat and gloves.
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I love Prague. It looks even more magical with the snow. That’s cool that they have the markets inside of the castle.
I’ve really been wanting to go to Prague, and it looks like Christmas is an amazing time to visit! I love that there’s a Christmas market in the castle, I definitely need to see that!
I don’t normally travel over Christmas, but if I did I think I would add Prague as my first destination!
Prague looks like the perfect city to spend Christmas in. Thank you for you tips. I will save this post for when I get to chance to celebrate Christmas in Prague.
I’ve been to Prague but in spring, it would be definitely amazing if I can go to see the Xmas market in Prague, it must be amazing! Thanks for the sharing, I think at least I’ve idea which square to check out now 😀
(unluckily, I’ve booked a Xmas market trip to Germany this year….)
Prague is so magical in the wintertime. I can only imagine how wonderful it is at Christmas and your pictures don’t do it justice. That would be so cool to visit a Christmas market in the Prague Castle.
Prague is definitely on my list and Christmas time sounds a great time to go. The old town square sounds like the place to be for the atmosphere. I would like to try the mulled wine. I think it’s great that the markets keeping running til 6th January.
Prague looks gorgeous! I’ve never been before but I definitely want to go to a Christmas market in another country so I’ll look into it!
Great post! Prague is definitely on my list. I’ve never done Christmas markets in Europe. Next year for sure. Saving for future reference!
These Christmas markets in Prague sound wonderfully, especially with some mulled wine!
I’ve heard there are some great Christmas markets in Prague. Will have to check it out!
I love a good Christmas market and Prague definitely has some good ones. I had a great time exploring when I was there. Europe really knows how to do Christmas markets
I love Prague but never been at Christmas time. It looks like a fabulous time to visit. Thank you for all the great info! ?
That is amazing there is actually a square called Wenceslas Square! So Christmassy! Also, Christmas markets inside a castle?? That is so awesome! Prague looks like such a cool place to spend Christmas 🙂