Prague is a beautiful city every day of the week that ends in ‘y’ — so just imagine how fanciful Czechia’s capital is during the holiday season.
Home to a handful of lovely Christmas markets, Prague has a pair of yuletide trhy that give its neighbors in Germany a run for their money. Here’s what you need to know about the two main Christmas markets in Prague’s historic center.
Christmas market on Old Town Square in Prague, Czechia. Image Credit: Getty Images, emicristea
When are the Prague Christmas markets?
Prague’s two main Christmas markets are held from November 30, 2024 until January 6, 2025. All of Prague’s Christmas markets begin on different dates, making the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square Christmas markets among the latest to open. Both are open from 10 AM until 10 PM daily.
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Where are the Prague Christmas Markets located?
Prague’s main Christmas markets are conveniently located in the center of Prague’s historic district. The Old Town Square, or Staroměstské náměstí, Christmas market is located at Staroměstské nám., 110 00 Josefov. Old Town Square is where the iconic Astronomical Clock is ticking time away. The Wenceslas Square, or Václavské náměstí, Christmas market is located at 110 00 Prague 1, which is at the Můstek subway station entrance. The two main Prague Christmas markets are within a five-minute walk of each other.
Wenceslas Square Christmas market in Prague, Czechia. Image Credit: Getty Images, Alan Copson/robertharding
How to get to the Prague Christmas Market by train
To get to Prague’s Christmas markets by train, book a ticket to Prague’s main train station, Praha Hlavní nádraží (or Praha hl.n.), on the outskirts of Old Town. You can walk from the train station to Wenceslas Square’s Christmas market in about 10 minutes, while walking to the Old Town Square Christmas market takes about 20 minutes.
Here are a few routes to take if arriving in Prague from Brno, Germany, or Austria:
- Dresden Hbf to Praha hl.n: about 2h 46m
- Brno Hl.n. to Praha hl.n.: about 2h 41m
- Berlin Südkreuz to Praha-Holešovice: about 5h 49m
- Wien Hbf to Praha hl.n: about 4h 25m
- Nürnberg Hbf to Praha-Smíchov: about 6h 55m
Why is the Prague Christmas market famous?
The Prague Christmas markets in Old Town are famous for their charm. If you’ve been to Prague in the summer, then you can only imagine how endearing the City of Spires must look with a tapestry of snow illuminated by twinkling white lights. These traditional markets have made the "world’s best" lists time and time again, and rightfully so, which is why you’ll find a festive crowd linking the two markets like human garland.
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Wenceslas Square Christmas market in Prague, Czechia. Image Credit: Getty Images, LaraIrimeeva
Is the Prague Christmas market worth visiting?
Yes, all of Prague’s Christmas markets are worth visiting, but the dual markets in Old Town should be the star topping your tree-shaped itinerary. Prague is already popular long before St. Nick slides into the sleigh — and few people will argue the fact that Christmas time is one of the best times to see the city. Pro tip: the five-minute jaunt between the two can take longer when the crowds are heavy, so snag a cup of mulled wine for your walk.
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Best hotels near Prague Christmas markets
Prague’s main Christmas markets are set in Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square which is good news for everyone. Instead of trying to stay as close as possible to one market, you can stay virtually anywhere in Old Town and walk to both in a matter of minutes. Here are a few of the best hotels near Old Town Prague’s Christmas markets:
- Pytloun Boutique Hotel Prague: Right on Wenceslas Square, you can look down at the bustling Christmas market from the hotel’s Sky Bar & Restaurant.
- Ventana Hotel Prague: With a five-storey atrium bar and cozy library, this luxury boutique hotel on Old Town Square will tempt you to save the markets for morning.
- Iron Gate Hotel & Suites: Original frescos from the 14th through 18th centuries adorn this UNESCO-protected hotel that dates back to 1400.
Trdelník desert at Old Town Square Christmas market in Prague, Czechia. Image Credit: Getty Images, Gianmarco Dettori
What foods are popular at the Prague Christmas markets?
You won’t go hungry at Prague’s Christmas markets and you won’t go wrong ordering a festive chimney cake, called a Trdelník (even if they’re technically a Hungarian homegrown treat). Roasted nuts and doughy confections are coated in sugar to satisfy any sweet tooth. You’ll also see (and smell) bratwurst, sausages, meat dumplings, and roasted ham. Mulled wine is the classic Christmas market beverage, though you’ll always find Czech beer and a Czech-style mulled wine called svařák nearby, too.
Fun facts about Prague Christmas markets
There are a few facts to know before your visit to Prague’s Christmas markets. First, the tree lighting ceremony in Old Town Square usually begins around 4:30 PM, but you needn’t catch the opening act on time. The organizers formally relight the tree multiple times each night. Second, go slow while sipping Becherovka. This spirit is popular but stronger than you’d expect. And, of course, if you’re arriving by train, keep an eye out for the super small market outside of the railway station.
Read also: See the angelic Christkind at the Nuremberg Christmas market
Charles Bridge in Prague, Czechia. Image Credit: Getty Images, Alexander Spatari
5 things to do in Prague besides the Christmas Market
You’re already caught up in a whirlwind of whimsy at Prague’s Christmas markets; go with the festive flow and check out these attractions that make the city magical (and mischievous) when the holidays cease:
- Soak in a beer bath at The Original Beer Spa.
- Bundle up and take a cruise along the Vltava River.
- You might be put on the naughty list for visiting the Sex Machines Museum.
- Gaze longingly at Prague from Charles Bridge.
- See the free exhibits at Rudolfinum Gallery.
Experience the season when Praha becomes Prahohoho! Download the Trainline app and make your way to Prague’s Christmas markets this year.
Christmas market in Old Town Prague, Czechia. Header Image Credit: Getty Images, jfoltyn
