Prague is one of my favorite cities in Europe, and when I visited there for the first time, it was for the holidays. I spent five days exploring the incredible Christmas markets in Prague.
If you can visit the city in late November or December, you are in for a treat. The main Christmas market in Prague is full of holiday spirit, excellent Czech food, and, of course, chimney cakes. But there are also smaller ones throughout Prague, including one in the castle.
Keep reading for everything you need to know about the Prague Christmas markets, including where to find them in the city, what you must eat at the market, and some tips for visiting them.
Last updated: September 10, 2024
Published: September 8, 2024
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Want to explore more Christmas markets in Europe? Here are more great cities to check out:
Best Christmas Markets in Prague
Prague has a variety of Christmas markets during winter, and I recommend visiting as many as you can. Each market is unique and sells traditional crafts and seasonal food. Below are Prague’s top Christmas markets, highlighting where to experience the holiday atmosphere.
Old Town Square
The Old Town Square hosts Prague’s biggest and most popular Christmas market. It is centrally located and famous for its scenic setting amid historic buildings, including the famous Astronomical Clock. A giant Christmas tree is brought in from the Czech mountains, which becomes a focal point, especially when lit at night. This market stands out for its blend of tradition and shopping, allowing you to explore goods from local artisans and craftsmen. The Old Town Square market offers a deep dive into Czech Christmas customs.
Wenceslas Square
Wenceslas Square is close to Old Town Square and is known for its food and drink offerings. Stalls sell mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, among other things. The market is characterized by its location in front of the National Museum, which adds a unique backdrop to the shopping experience. It’s a good choice if you want to try traditional festive snacks and beverages.
Prague Castle
The Prague Castle Christmas market is located at the world’s largest ancient castle, providing a beautiful city view. This market has fewer tourists than others and is my personal favorite. It features specially selected stalls where you can find unique food surrounded by an old castle and cathedral.
Kampa Island
The Kampa Island market is less crowded and offers a peaceful environment. This unique market provides handmade and artisan products, including jewelry and food. It’s located by the Vltava River, providing excellent views while you shop in a community-like atmosphere.
The Christmas markets in Prague each offer a different experience, focused on tradition and local culture. Exploring these markets shows why Prague is a great place to experience the holiday season.
What to Eat and Drink
The Prague Christmas markets are great for enjoying Czech winter foods and drinks. With plenty of tasty dishes and warm beverages, they’re the perfect spot to explore festive flavors. Here are ten must-try foods to enjoy during your visit.
- Trdelník – This sweet pastry is grilled and topped with sugar and walnuts, making it a perfect treat as you wander.
- Svařák (Mulled Wine) – A classic winter beverage, mulled wine is a must to keep warm while enjoying the festive atmosphere.
- Grilované Klobásy (Grilled Sausages) – Juicy, flavorful, and often served with bread, these sausages are a popular savory choice at the markets.
- Bramboráky (Potato Pancakes) – Deliciously crispy on the outside, these garlic-flavored pancakes are a hit among locals and visitors alike.
- Perníčky (Gingerbread) – Often intricately decorated, these gingerbread treats are both delicious and beautiful.
- Roasted Chestnuts – Walking through the markets with a bag of warm, roasted chestnuts is a delightful holiday tradition.
- Hot Chocolate – Thick, rich, and often decadently topped with whipped cream, it’s a favorite among those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth.
- Vánočka (Christmas Bread)—A braided bread filled with raisins and almonds, Vánoka is a staple Christmas treat in Czech homes and markets.
- Medovina (Honey Wine) – This sweet, fermented beverage made from honey is a delightful alternative to mulled wine.
- Smazeny Syr (Fried Cheese) – A guilty pleasure for many, this deep-fried cheese served with tartar sauce is utterly irresistible.
The Prague Christmas markets are not only fun but also a great place to try Czech foods. Each of these ten items provides a unique taste of the Czech holiday spirit, promising to make your visit memorable and flavorsome.
Tips for Visiting Christmas Markets in Prague
Exploring the festive aisles of Prague’s Christmas markets offers a unique glimpse into holiday traditions and cheer. To have the best possible experience, follow these essential tips:
- Plan Your Visit During Weekdays: The markets tend to be less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed atmosphere to enjoy the festive offerings.
- Dress in Layers: Prague’s winter can be chilly, especially in the evenings. Wearing layers will keep you comfortable as you stroll through the markets.
- Experience Different Markets: While the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square markets are the most famous, smaller markets like Kampa Island have a different vibe and often fewer crowds.
- Try Local Delicacies: Don’t miss out on traditional Czech treats like trdelník (spiral-shaped pastry), sausages, and mulled wine to keep you warm as you explore.
- Cash is King: While many vendors now accept cards, some still only take cash. Having some Czech money on hand will make purchasing food and gifts easier.
A visit to Prague’s Christmas markets is an enchanting experience, and you should follow these tips to make the most of your visit.
Prague Hotels Near The Christmas Markets
I highly recommend staying near one of the Christmas markets during your trip to Prague. It will make the experience better as you can eat more meals at the markets and you can spend more time enjoying them instead of getting to them!
Below is a map of the Prague Christmas markets, each labeled, and the top hotels and home rentals near them.
Here are the best Prague hotels near the Christmas markets:
Prague Christmas Market Tours
The Prague Christmas markets are a ton of fun, and it’s one of my favorite cities for visiting the markets. But, if you want to skip the planning part, and just have some fun, you can book a tour of the markets.
Here are some of the top Prague Christmas market tours:
There are also some multi-day European Christmas market tours you can take to dive even deeper into them and even visit different countries.
Here are some Europe Christmas market tours you can book for this year!
First is EF Ultimate Break, which is for travelers ages 18 to 35. They are my favorite group travel company and have quite a few Christmas market tours:
- Christmas Markets: Budapest, Vienna & Prague
- Christmas Markets: Germany, Italy & Switzerland
- Christmas Markets: Venice, Florence & Rome
Learn more about EF Ultimate Break and get discounts on trips in my guide!
Another option is EF Go Ahead Tours, which is for travelers of all ages. They offer some longer Christmas market tours through Europe.
- Christmas Markets of Budapest, Vienna & Prague
- Christmas Markets of Eastern Europe
- Christmas Markets of Germany, Switzerland & Austria
- Christmas Markets of Historic Germany
These tours are a great way to see the European Christmas markets in more than just one city!
Conclusion
The Prague Christmas markets bring the holiday season to life with traditional Czech culture, festive treats, and beautiful settings. As you explore the markets filled with lights and stalls, you’ll experience the warmth and joy of Christmas in Prague. It’s a special way to enjoy the season’s beauty and traditions.
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