Places To Visit

The Ultimate Guide to the Prague Christmas Market


Christmas is coming rapidly and there is no much better location to delight in the joyful spirit than in European Christmas markets.

When preparing your next winter season trip, why not go to among the most gorgeous markets on the planet?

ThePrague Christmas market in the CzechRepublic with their wonderful environment, regional Christmas customs, fantastic shopping and scrumptious food are among the very best Christmas markets in Europe.

AsCzechs, who have actually been residing in Prague for a couple of years, we checked out the Christmas markets in the Czech capital often times. And we are preparing to go there once again this year due to the fact that it’s a huge part of Czech Christmas custom.

Also, it never ever gets uninteresting!

It’s an excellent location to relax from the pre-Christmas shopping insanity, enter into the joyful state of mind and have a cup (or 2) of mulled red wine.

WhyChoose Prague for Christmas Markets

Christmas markets in Prague Czech Republic

But why should you take a trip to Prague when there are a lot of Christmas markets in Europe?

The primary reason that we enjoy the Christmas markets in Prague is that they aren’t as huge as those in Germany or Austria, so you can get a more genuine joyful environment here.

The most popular markets lie near each other and you can quickly stroll from one to another, there is no requirement to utilize mass transit.

You can likewise discover an excellent choice of Christmas items, presents, food and beverages accompanied by festive-themed home entertainment here.

Gingerbread stall in Christmas markets in Prague
Gingerbread stall in Christmas markets in Prague

In basic, costs in the Czech Republic are lower than in Western Europe so you will get better worth for your cash in Prague at the Christmas market.

And we aren’t talking just about costs of Christmas product or food. The end of the year (other than for Christmas time and New Year’s Eve) is thought about as the low season so you can get a deal on your flights or lodging to Prague.

Not to point out the sensational historical center, among the most gorgeous cities on the planet, that you can check out when you get tired of Christmas carols.

You can get influenced by our one-day travel plan

When to Go to the Prague Christmas Markets

Christmas trees in Old Town Square, Prague
Christmas trees in Old Town Square, Prague

TheChristmas markets in Prague (‘ vanocni trhy’ in the Czech language) begin well prior to the vacations so you have a lot of time to enter into the merry state of mind.

There are lots of markets spread out throughout the city, they are open daily, the entry is complimentary, and they are among the very best things to do in Prague.

Typically, the most significant and the most popular Prague Christmas markets at (OldTown Square, Wenceslas Square, Republic Square) start at the start of December and last till the start of January.

The smaller sized markets (PeaceSquare, Tyl’s Square and others) currently begin at the end of November however surface at Christmas Eve.

Before you book your flights inspect the opening times of the Prague markets here

Where are the Best Christmas Markets in Prague?

Christmas markets in Prague Czech Republic

Christmas markets are a vital part of Christmas custom in the Czech Republic and a should carry out in Prague, which’s why you can discover them in the majority of cities and towns throughout the nation.

Those in Prague are the most significant and they use the very best choice of Christmas product.

You can discover them in lots of locations (particularly squares) all over the city, the most popular markets lie in the districts of Prague 1 and 2.

You should not miss out on the list below markets– these are the very best Prague Christmas markets, the most significant and most popular, however likewise the busiest as the majority of travelers head here:

OldTown Square (Staromestske namesti)

The biggest and most crowded Christmas market in Prague is spread out around the Jan Hus Memorial near the Old Town Hall and Astronomical clock.

Closest city stations: Staromestska, Mustek

WenceslasSquare (Vaclavske namesti)

Held at the lower part of Wenceslas Square, simply a brief walk from Old Town Square.

Closest city stations: Mustek, Muzeum

RepublicSquare (NamestiRepubliky)

One part of the marketplace can be discovered in front of the shopping center Palladium, the other near the Old Customs House (StaraCelnice). Within strolling range from both Old Town and Wenceslas Squares.

Closest city station: Namesti Republiky

PragueCastle (Prazsky hrad)

Located atSt George’s Square (Namesti sv. Jiri) behind theSt Vitus Cathedral (Katedrala sv. Vita).

Closest city stations: Hradcanska, Malostranska

Christmas decorations, Christmas markets in Prague
Christmas decors

If you wish to see where regional individuals go, take a look at a few of the smaller sized Christmas markets for more genuine experience, for instance:

PeaceSquare (NamestiMiru)

Held in front of the Church ofSt Ludmila (Kostel sv. Ludmily) in the Vinohrady district. This is generally the very first Christmas market of the season.

Closest city station: Namesti Miru

Tyl’s Square (Tylovo namesti)

Another little market in Vinohrady.

Closest city station: I. P. Pavlova

These are simply a few of the most popular Christmas markets in Prague however there are much more of them as every city district generally holds their own.

What do Czech Christmas Markets appear like?

Wenceslas Square Prague Czech Republic
Christmas tree in Old Town Square

CzechChristmas markets are generally nestled around an embellished and lit Christmas tree, and among the best things to see in Prague.

The most significant and the most popular is the one in Old Town Square.

There is even a competitors held every year when individuals can send their tips for the right Christmas tree and the individual who discovered the selected tree wins some cash.

The lighting of the Christmas tree throughout the very first night of the marketplace is a huge occasion that begins the specific Christmas market. If you can, do not miss out on the very first ritualistic tree lighting in Old Town Square.

You can generally discover some kind of a Nativity scene, either fixed or live, and it’s generally found near the Christmas tree.

Christmas markets include wood stalls or huts embellished with Christmas accessories, where numerous Christmas items (generally handcrafted) or beverage are on deal.

The most normal products are Christmas tree decors, handicrafts, glass wares, wood toys, winter season devices, gingerbread, sugary foods, and so on

Roasted ham, Christmas markets in Prague
Roasted ham

We like to drop into a few of the beverage stalls to get a roasted ham or sausage. Petr cleans it down with Czech beer (shot Pilsner Urquell), while Kat is a fan of mulled red wine.

There are lots of home entertainment alternatives including Prague Christmas markets– from performances carried out primarily by kids or numerous choirs who sing Czech Christmas carols, family-oriented efficiencies to regional artisans showcasing their tasks (blacksmiths are the most typical and their stalls are likewise the hottest– simply stating!).

MostChristmas markets are family-friendly and there are a lot of activities for your youngsters.

They can family pet sheep, goats or donkeys in animal stables, get hectic in kid workshops, go into numerous competitors, taste Christmas sugary foods and so on.

You do not require to invest all your time in Christmas markets, there is constantly a lot going on in the joyful season– do not miss out on a few of the Advent performances carried out in historic structures or churches, theatre, opera, ballet or exhibits.

You can even discover a couple of outside ice-skating rinks throughout the city– go to the one in the Fruit Market (Ovocny trh) in the Old Town.

What to Buy at the Czech Christmas Markets

Christmas products, Christmas markets in Prague
Christmas items

You may be overwhelmed by the fantastic choice of Christmas product in the markets due to the fact that everything looks so quite and it’s difficult to choose what to get.

The following are a few of the normal products that you must take a look at (not just) due to the fact that they make ideal Christmas presents:

  • Christmas tree accessories
  • Christmas decors
  • Advent wreaths
  • Handicrafts
  • Wooden toys
  • Scented candle lights
  • Glassware
  • Ceramics
  • Jewellery
  • Winter devices (headscarfs, hats, gloves)
  • Gingerbread items

What to Eat & & Drink at the Prague Christmas Market

Trdelnik, Christmas markets in Prague
Trdelnik

Don’ t lose out and attempt this normal Czech food, which is provided in the majority of Christmas markets:

  • Spit- roasted ham ( sunka)
  • Barbecued sausages ( klobasy)
  • Salty potato pancakes ( bramboraky)
  • TraditionalCzech Christmas braided cake ‘ vanocka’
  • Christmas cookies ( vanocni cukrovi)
  • Gingerbread( pernik)

While going to Prague, you will see ‘ trdelnik‘ around every corner. It’s a sweet pastry made from dough that is twisted around a metal stick ( trdlo) and grilled over an open flame.

It’s provided as normally Czech however it’s not totally real, it prevails in the majority of Central Europe.

Trdelnik‘ got greatly promoted in Prague throughout the last couple of years and you can discover it in the majority of touristy locations.

However, you must still offer it a shot– you can have it empty, sprayed with sugar, or with a filling (ice cream is the most popular).

You can see ‘ trdelnik‘ being made in the majority of markets and standing by the fire will likewise warm you up.

The following Christmas beverages will assist you to keep warm too:

  • Mulled red wine ( svarene vino or svarak)
  • Mead( medovina)
  • Grog
  • Punch
  • Eggnog( vajecny konak)

CzechChristmas Traditions

CzechChristmas customs are various from those in Western Europe.

For us, the most crucial day of Christmas is Christmas Eve (24 thDecember), particularly the night, when we have household supper, kids get their presents and some households go to a midnight mass in the regional church.

ForChristmas supper we delight in fish soup and fried carp with potato salad– that’s why you can see huge tanks with fish for sale in lots of locations a couple of days prior to Christmas.

HomemadeChristmas cookies are a huge part of the vacation in every family and each household has their own ‘secret’ dishes for the very best cookies.

There is a Christmas tree colorfully embellished and lit in every home.

The primary figure of Czech Christmas is Baby Jesus (Jezisek), not Santa Claus (despite the fact that you might see Santa in the majority of stores).

DuringChristmas Day (25 thDecember) andSt Stephen’s Day (26 thDecember) Czech individuals like to go to friends and family.

Christmas is the time when households come together and delight in a great deal of excellent food and likewise fairy tales (there are lots of Czech fairy tales on TELEVISION throughout Christmas and we enjoy seeing them every year).

Shops are generally closed from the afternoon on 24 thDecember till 25 thDecember, a few of them open on 26 thDecember (sales time!).

HotTip:St Nicholas Day in Czech Republic

Christmas tree in Republic Square, Prague
Christmas tree in Republic Square, Prague

If you remain in the Czech Republic at night of 5 thDecember (a day prior toSt Nicholas Day), you will most likely fulfillSt Nicholas (Mikulas) accompanied by an angel and a devil in the streets.

They ask kids if they acted throughout the year– if so, they provide a little present (generally a bag of sugary foods).

If the kids were naughty, they get a swelling of coal or potatoes rather (they still get some reward so that they aren’t too unfortunate).

How to Make the Most of Prague Christmas Market

 Sun going down in Old Town Square, Prague
Sun decreasing in Old Town Square, Prague

We hope we persuaded you that the Christmas markets in Prague must be on your container list. It’s an excellent method to begin the joyful season and get some initial Christmas presents or decors.

It’s cold in the Czech Republic in December (anticipate temperature levels listed below no degree Celsius/ 32 degrees Fahrenheit), so gown warmly.

ThePrague Christmas markets are popular around the world which’s why they can get crowded, particularly in Old Town and Wenceslas Squares.

If you can, attempt to go to the marketplaces throughout weekdays to prevent the crowds (that’s what we do).

As residents, we choose the smaller sized markets for more genuine experience and lower costs. But if it’s your very first time in Prague you should not miss out on the huge markets too– it’s simply approximately you just how much time (and cash) you will invest there.

Most stalls do not accept charge card as they are simply little suppliers, so bring money with you (the regional currency is Czech koruna, not Euro).

We like to go to the Prague Christmas markets after it gets dark and the stalls illuminate, it’s a genuinely wonderful experience (particularly if it snows).

There is absolutely nothing like taking in the distinct environment of middle ages Prague, searching the wood stalls, listening to Christmas carols, taking pleasure in Czech conventional food and drinking mulled red wine.

If you are trying to find unforgettable experiences, Prague constantly provides.

Planning a Trip to Prague

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Tours of Prague

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Have you checked out the Christmas markets in Prague yet? Do you have any other ideas on what to do in Prague?