I’ve lived in Prague for many years and still return every Christmas — it’s such a fun time of year to spend in this magical city! Actually, Prague always ranks in the top 5 every year for being the merriest and most joyful destination to go to in December.
The Christmas markets (vánoční trhy in Czech) turn Prague into a real-life fairytale, with charming wooden stalls selling handcrafted ornaments, toys, candles, wool products, and delicious festive treats. The scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts fills the air as carolers sing, creating the perfect holiday atmosphere. In this article, you will find some of my personal tips to enjoy your time there including a full list of the 2025 Christmas markets. Let’s get festive!
Travel Tip: As a former Prague local, I highly recommend the Prague Official City Pass — it’s the best way to explore the city hassle-free! You can enjoy unlimited public transport and access to top attractions while saving time and money.
The Full Prague Christmas Markets List for 2025
Most markets are open daily from November 29, 2025, to January 6, 2026, including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Here are the opening dates of the Prague Christmas markets for 2025:
Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí)
Old Town Square hosts Prague’s largest and oldest Christmas market, featuring a dazzling tree, daily carolers, and a must-visit viewing deck. Don’t miss the grand tree-lighting ceremony on opening night!
📍 Location: Staroměstské náměstí, 110 00 Praha 1
🎄 Dates: Open from November 29th, 2025 to January 6th, 2026
⏰ Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Prague’s Old Town Square boasts a 22-meter Christmas tree brought from the Liberec region. Adorned with stars, red and gold ornaments, and over 100,000 LED lights, it shines brilliantly against the Gothic skyline. Each evening, the tree is lit to the music of Smetana’s “Vltava” creating a magical holiday moment!
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Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí)
The Wenceslas Square Christmas Market is a favorite for its central location on a bustling shopping street, featuring an ice rink and offering the perfect spot for holiday gift shopping.
📍 Location: Václavské náměstí, 110 00 Nové Město, Prague 1
🎄 Dates: Open from November 29th, 2025 to January 6th, 2026
⏰ Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky)
The Christmas market located at Náměstí Republiky consists of two parts. One part is located in front of the shopping center Palladium and the other near the Old Customs House (Stará Celnice).
📍 Location: Náměstí Republiky, 110 00 Nové Město, Prague 1
🎄 Dates: Open from November 25th, 2025 to December 24th, 2025
⏰ Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Old Town Square is just a short walk from both Wenceslas and Republic Squares, making it easy to explore all three markets in one afternoon or evening. I recommend starting at Náměstí Republiky, then heading to Old Town Square, and finishing at Wenceslas Square.
Peace Square (Náměstí Míru)
Set in the elegant Vinohrady district, Náměstí Míru’s Christmas market is the first to open and a favorite among locals — and mine too! Its charm is enhanced by its stunning location in front of the grand neo-Gothic Church of St. Ludmila. Unlike the bigger markets, it focuses on quality handicrafts and local products, avoiding the mix of authentic and touristy goods found elsewhere.
📍 Location: Náměstí Míru, 120 00 Vinohrady, Prague 2
🎄 Dates: Open from November 20th, 2025 to December 24th, 2025
⏰ Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 08:00 PM
Virgin Mary Square (Mariánské Náměstí)
Mariánské náměstí offers a charming, intimate Christmas market — perfect for those seeking a quieter alternative to Prague’s larger markets. With cozy stalls and cultural performances, it’s a hidden gem right in Old Town!
📍 Location: Mariánské náměstí, 110 00 Staré Město, Prague 1
🎄 Dates: Open from November 29th, 2025 to January 6th, 2026
⏰ Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 08:00 PM
From December 1 to 23, visitors can watch a lamplighter in traditional costume illuminate the historic gas lamps along Charles Bridge each evening from 16:10 to 16:30. Beginning at the Old Town Bridge Tower, this charming tradition brings a touch of old-world Christmas magic to Prague.
Na Kampě Square
Kampa Island, just across the Charles Bridge, hosts a charming Christmas market with traditional wooden huts offering food and local crafts. The picturesque setting along the Vltava River provides a delightful winter backdrop.
📍 Location: Kampa, 118 00 Malá Strana, Prague 1
🎄 Dates: Open from November 29th, 2025 to January 1st, 2026
⏰ Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 08:00 PM
Tyl’s Square (Tylovo náměstí)
Tyl’s Square hosts a cozy Christmas market with sweet treats like gingerbread, and Moravian cakes, along with decorations and gifts. Located in Vinohrady, it’s another charming holiday spot.
📍 Location: Tylovo náměstí, 120 00 Vinohrady, Prague 2
🎄 Dates: Open from November 26th, 2025 to December 24th, 2025
⏰ Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 08:00 PM
JZP Square (Náměstí Jiřího z Poděbrad)
Náměstí Jiřího z Poděbrad, or Jiřák, is known for its popular farmers’ market and festive Christmas market. In addition to the classic wooden huts with food and local goods, it features a live nativity scene, concerts, dance performances, and kids’ workshops. The square is dominated by the striking Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Our Lord, a must-see even if you’re not visiting the market.
📍 Location: Náměstí Jiřího z Poděbrad, 130 00 Vinohrady, Prague 3
🎄 Dates: Open from December 1st, 2025 to December 22nd, 2025
⏰ Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 08:00 PM
Anděl
The Andělské Vánoční Trhy, located in Prague’s vibrant Anděl district, offer a lively holiday market experience. Nestled in the heart of the city’s shopping area, it features a great selection of local crafts, festive treats like mulled wine and more. Perfect for those wanting to experience a more modern, bustling Christmas market with plenty of local flavor!
📍 Location: Anděl, 150 00 Prague 5
🎄 Dates: Open from November 26th, 2025 to December 24nd, 2025
⏰ Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 08:00 PM
Food Tip: The food stalls at the Prague Christmas Markets typically open later than the other vendors, operating from 10 AM until midnight.
Best gifts to buy at Prague Christmas Markets
While Prague’s Christmas markets offer a wide array of festive merchandise, it’s important to note that some items, especially in the more tourist-centric areas, may not be handmade or of high quality. To ensure you’re purchasing authentic, well-crafted products, consider seeking out traditional Czech items such as:
Hand-blown glass Christmas ornaments — the Czech Republic is renowned for its glassmaking heritage. These delicate, handcrafted ornaments come in various shapes and colors, making them a perfect keepsake or gift.
Wooden toys and marionettes — reflecting the country’s rich puppetry tradition, these charming, handmade wooden toys and marionettes are both unique and culturally significant.
Traditional Czech crafts — beyond ornaments and toys, explore stalls offering a variety of local handicrafts, including ceramics, embroidered textiles, and jewelry, each showcasing the artistry and heritage of the region.
Hand-forged items — traditional Czech blacksmiths create beautifully crafted iron goods like candle holders, bottle openers, and ornamental wrought iron pieces, often showcased at markets with live demonstrations.
Travel Tip: If you are short on time, I recommend doing this amazing tour, showing you the best Prague has to offer (including hidden gems!)
Top Foods & Drinks to Try at Prague Christmas Markets
Prague’s Christmas markets are a foodie’s delight, offering everything from sweet gingerbread to savory klobása and Prague ham. With chilly winter temperatures, warm drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic)are a must. Be sure to try these festive treats below!
What to eat at the Prague Christmas markets
Prague Ham (Pražská Šunka) — every Prague Christmas market features at least one pork spit-roast stand, filling the air with an irresistible smoky aroma. Vendors carve juicy portions of traditional Prague ham straight from the roast, serving it fresh and hot on your plate.
Sausages (Klobásy) — Prague’s Christmas markets offer a variety of Czech sausages, each with its own unique flavor. One popular option is Párek (Vienna or Frankfurt sausage), similar to an American hot dog and typically served in pairs, cooked in hot water. A heartier choice is klobása, available in many variations, with the most famous being the Pražská klobása (Prague sausage), a smoky, spiced, and grilled dark-red sausage. Food stalls serve it on a plate with bread and mustard, while some markets also offer a baguette-style Czech hot dog instead of the usual bun.
Potato Pancakes (Bramboráky) — these crispy, pan-fried or deep-fried potato pancakes are made with grated potatoes, eggs, flour (or breadcrumbs), and seasoning, sometimes even sauerkraut for extra flavor.
Travel Tip: Take this lovely guided walking tour in Prague to explore iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and enjoy local food and beer along the way.
Gingerbread (Perník) — a Christmas staple in Czech households, perník dates back centuries. At markets, you’ll find beautifully decorated, sugar-coated gingerbread in festive shapes like hearts and angels.
Christmas Bread (Vánočka) — this traditional Czech braided bread, dating back to the 16th century, is similar to brioche, often made with raisins and almonds. According to superstition, metal and silver shouldn’t touch the dough!
Christmas Cookies (Vánoční Cukroví) — specially baked for Christmas, these festive cookies come in various styles, from jam-filled to sugar-dusted treats. A favorite is vanilkové rohlíčky, crescent-shaped cookies rolled in powdered sugar.
Palačinky — often mistaken for pancakes, these Czech crêpe-like treats have a unique batter and cooking method. Fillings range from sweet options like jam and fruit to savory combinations with spinach, ham, and cheese.
Trdelník — though widely sold in Prague, this chimney-shaped pastry isn’t actually Czech! Found across Central Europe, trdelník is cooked over an open flame and coated with sugar, cinnamon, and nuts. Modern versions include ice cream and chocolate fillings.
What to drink at the Prague Christmas Markets
Best Alcoholic Drinks to Enjoy at Prague Christmas Markets
After indulging in all the delicious food, warm up with these festive drinks:
Mulled Wine (Svařené Víno) — known as svařák in Czech, this spiced hot wine is a holiday staple. You can’t go wrong with a cup of this winter classic!
Mead (Medovina) — my personal favorite! This sweet honey wine is the ultimate cozy winter drink. Often less popular than mulled wine, medovina stalls usually have shorter lines; so don’t miss out!
Punch (Vánoční Punč) — a stronger twist on mulled wine, Czech punč is infused with rum or brandy and mixed with fruit juice. Some versions even include chunks of fresh fruit for extra flavor.
Eggnog (Vaječný Koňak) — a holiday favorite across many countries, Czech eggnog is made with milk, cream, sugar, egg yolks, and rum, flavored with nutmeg, vanilla, or cinnamon for that perfect Christmas taste.
Grog — a simple yet powerful mix of boiling water and rum, often served with lemon and sometimes black tea — perfect for keeping warm on chilly evenings.
Becherovka — this traditional Czech herbal liqueur tastes just like Christmas! While it’s not always sold on its own at market stalls, you might find it mixed with hot fruit juice. If you get the chance, definitely give it a try!
Best Non-Alcoholic Drinks to Enjoy at Prague Christmas Markets
At Prague’s Christmas markets, you’ll find plenty of non-alcoholic options to enjoy the festive atmosphere. Warm hot chocolate is a favorite, while hot apple cider offers a sweet and spiced treat. For something different, try a hot pear drink, a unique twist on the classic cider. You can also find tea and coffee at most stalls, providing a cozy alternative for those looking to stay warm without the alcohol.
Drinking Tip: A fun way to warm up in Prague is to go to a beer spa! I recommend this one, I personally tried it and loved it.
Czech Christmas Traditions: Unique Festive Customs, Beliefs and Superstitions
The Czech Republic boasts a rich array of unique Christmas traditions, some still celebrated today, while others have faded over time. Here are some of the most fascinating customs:
St. Nicholas (Mikuláš) — on December 5th, children encounter St. Nicholas, accompanied by an angel and a devil. Good children are rewarded with sweets, while naughty ones receive lumps of coal or potatoes, though they still get treats!
Santa Who? — Forget Santa Claus! In the Czech Republic, Baby Jesus (Ježíšek) delivers Christmas gifts, though no one knows exactly what he looks like, a fun mystery for kids!
The Golden Pig — on Christmas Eve, Czechs fast until dinner to avoid seeing a flying golden pig, which is believed to appear only to those who haven’t eaten meat.
Apple Fortune Telling — During Christmas dinner, apple slicing predicts the year ahead: a star-shaped core symbolizes happiness and health, while a cross shape foretells the opposite.
Nut Boats — Czechs make tiny boats from walnut shells and light candles inside. How the boats float (or sink) predicts your future; sinking means death!
Fishy Prosperity — fried carp is a traditional Czech Christmas dish. Keeping a fish scale in your wallet after the meal is believed to bring prosperity in the new year.
Finding Love — to attract love, Czechs place honey on their cheeks on December 24th; an enchanting way to welcome romance in the coming year!
Travel Tip: if you’re traveling with little ones, encourage them to interact with St. Nicholas, the angel, and the devil. The experience is fun and interactive, with plenty of photo opportunities!
Practical Tips to enjoy Prague Christmas Markets
From what to wear to currency, these practical tips will help you enjoy all the festive Christmas fun Prague has to offer!
Currency and payments — while some markets accept credit cards, many traditional stalls prefer cash payments. It’s advisable to carry Czech koruna (CZK) for smaller purchases.
Paying by weight — When ordering food like Prague Ham, you’ll often pay by weight, meaning the price is determined by how many grams you buy. To avoid overpaying, it’s best to ask for a specific weight, such as 100, 200, or 300 grams, rather than simply requesting a “portion.” If you ask for a portion, you might end up paying much more than expected—trust me, I learned this the hard way during my first Christmas in Prague! By specifying the weight, you’ll not only get exactly what you want but also ensure you’re not overcharged.
What to wear in Prague in December — Prague in December can be chilly, with temperatures typically ranging from 1°C to 5°C, and occasionally dipping below freezing. While snow during Christmas is rare, you can never predict the weather! Since the markets are outdoors, it’s important to dress warmly, layering up with cozy clothing, warm socks, and sturdy boots.
How to warm up at the Prague Christmas markets — if you feel really cold while exploring, head to the Prague Ham, Trdelník, or blacksmith stalls, as these tend to be the warmest spots. A great tip is to grab a hot drink before getting food—this way, you’ll have something to sip on while waiting in line to stay warm.
Safety and security — keep an eye on your belongings, as crowded markets can be hotspots for pickpocketing. If needed; the emergency number in the Czech Republic is 112.
Travel Tip: Do you want to learn more about Prague’s history? Go on this historical river cruise that will take you by Prague Castle and Charles Bridge!
There is nothing like walking around the Christmas stalls, a hot medovina in your hand, and soaking up the magical atmosphere that winter in Prague as to offer. I hope this article will help you make the best out of your Prague visit during this wonderful time of year!
