Ultimate Guide to Prague Christmas Markets + Map (2024)

Welcome to Prague during the Advent season when the city transforms into a picturesque winter wonderland. With the Advent season, traditional Christmas markets begin. In this guide, we invite you to explore the enchanting Christmas markets of Prague, a mosaic of cultural traditions, artisanal treasures, and culinary delights.

Let’s begin with the most marvelous Christmas Markets at the Old Town Square, the famous ones that people come to see from all around the world!

1) Old Town Square Christmas Markets

• Dates: December 2nd to January 6th, 2024
• Opening hours: 10:00–22:00

The Old Town Square hosts traditionally the largest Christmas Markets in Prague. The stalls offer a wide range of goods from Christmas decorations to candles, wreaths, and products made of wood or textiles.

Refreshments include mulled wine, punch, mead, or tea, and for food, you can have sausage, potato pancakes, and Trdelník. There is also the stage, where you can enjoy some concerts and other Christmas programs.

Our TIP: Come here at 16.30 because there is a little show every day with lighting the Christmas tree. The song comes from our beloved fairytale about Cinderella (Popelka).

If you wish you can also climb up the stairs to the little abbreviation deck in the middle of the square.

Bonus view: We also highly recommend climbing up to the Old Town Hall for an “aerial” view of the whole square with markets.

2) Wenceslas Square Christmas Markets

• Dates: December 2nd to January 6th, 2024
• Opening hours: 10:00–22:00

Probably the second most popular markets are in the lower part of Wenceslas Square. The area is filled with stalls offering Christmas goods, handicrafts, and various delicacies. This year, there is also a tree, coming from the Hradec Králové Region.

3) Christmas Markets at Náměstí Míru

• Dates: November 20th to December 24th
• Opening hours: 10:00–20:00

Here we go to the Peace Square. These are my favorite markets! And many Czechs too, there is a majority of Czech visitors, unlike the Old Town Square. In front of the Church of Saint Ludmila, the Christmas atmosphere comes alive earlier than elsewhere, starting on Monday, November 20th.

You can find there cute stalls with Advent goods, complemented by traditional dishes or specialties on the grill, which you can enjoy with mulled wine and punch. And you can also buy your Christmas tree there!

4) Christmas Markets at Náměstí Republiky

• Dates: November 25th to December 24th
• Opening hours: 10:00–20:00

In the area around V Celnici Street, you’ll find more Christmas markets. Shop for mistletoe, wreaths, decorations, products made of wood, wicker, leather, textiles, knitted goods, ceramics, and much more. There are also stands with Christmas sweets and treats, including roasted chestnuts, sausage, and of course, something to drink.

5) Christmas Markets at Mariánské Náměstí

• Dates: December 1st to January 6th, 2024
• Opening hours: 11:00–19:00

Once again, the markets at Mariánské Náměstí will open this year, where your purchases can support sellers from nonprofit organizations and protected workshops, offering original items with a story.

The assortment will be typically Christmas, with a musical program on weekends, featuring children’s choirs, dance groups, or children’s theater. The square will be adorned with spruce decorated in the colors of the capital city, and in Santa’s heavenly office, children can write their Christmas wishes.

6) Christmas Markets at Jiřího z Poděbrad

• Dates: November 29th to December 23rd
• Opening hours: 10:00–20:00

There are several stalls and a Christmas tree at Jiřího z Poděbrad. You can find there refreshments as well as handicrafts.

7) Christmas Markets at Kampa

• Dates: 3rd December 2023 to 1st January 2024
• Opening hours: 10:00–20:00

Several stalls can be found also by the Charles Bridge at Kampa Island. There are mostly foods and drinks.

8) Christmas Markets at Tylovo Náměstí

From Sunday, November 26th, the markets at Náměstí Míru are joined by nearby markets at Tylovo Square, where you can also find many Christmas products.

Don’t miss this: Lamplighter at the Charles Bridge

Have you ever wondered what Prague was like before the age of electric streetlights? Get a glimpse of this every evening at the Charles Bridge, starting from Křížovnické náměstí between 4:05 and 4:15 PM. In a delightful throwback to days gone by, Prague’s lamplighter takes to the bridge, lighting up the gas lamps in a tradition that adds a unique charm to the already picturesque cityscape.

Dressed in period costume, the lamplighter, carrying a long pole, methodically ignites the gas lamps lining the iconic bridge, casting a warm, golden glow over the Vltava River. You can see him every day during Advent (he starts with lights on the right-hand side first).

What food/drinks should you try at Czech Christmas Markets?

• Svařák (Mulled Wine): A staple at Czech Christmas markets, this warm, spiced wine is perfect for chilly evenings. It’s typically made with red wine, cinnamon, sugar, and other spices.
• Trdelník (Chimney Cake): This is a sweet pastry that’s rolled in sugar and cinnamon. It’s cooked over an open flame and often filled with ice cream or other sweet fillings, making it a perfect treat as you wander the markets.
  
  Well, I know that you can find it nearly everywhere around Prague year-round, but we typically eat it at Christmas markets.
• Bramboráky (Potato Pancakes): These are savory pancakes made from grated potatoes, garlic, and spices, fried to a crispy perfection. They are often served as a side dish or a snack.
• Klobása (Czech Sausage): Various grilled sausages are available at the Christmas markets, typically served with bread and mustard. They’re a great choice for a hearty, savory snack.
• Medovina (Honey Wine): This is a sweet, alcoholic beverage made from honey. It’s another warm drink option that’s particularly popular in the colder months.
• Roasted Chestnuts: A classic winter treat, these are warm, filling, and have a unique, comforting taste.
• Hot Chocolate: Rich and thick, often made with real chocolate and topped with whipped cream, it’s a favorite among those with a sweet tooth.
• Perníčky (Gingerbread): These intricately decorated gingerbread cookies are not only delicious but also a work of art. They come in various shapes and sizes, often beautifully decorated. It might be harder to find them.

More Advent Markets:

• Pedestrian zone at Anděl – Friday, November 24th to Sunday, December 24th
• Markets at Dejvická (Kulaťák) – every Saturday from December 2nd to December 23rd, 8:00–14:00
• Markets at Budějovická – Sunday, November 26th to Saturday, December 23rd, 11:00–19:00
• Markets at the Exhibition Grounds – Saturday, December 2nd and Sunday, December 3rd, 10:00–18:00
• New Town Hall – Saturday, December 9th, 10:00–19:00
• Karlín Square – Sunday, December 17th, 12:00–20:00

Map of Prague Christmas Markets

For your convenience and to help you navigate with ease, we have prepared a comprehensive map of all the Christmas markets in the city.

Practical Information for visiting Prague Christmas Markets:

• Transportation: Most Christmas markets in Prague are easily accessible by public transport, including trams and metro. The Old Town Square, for instance, is a short walk from the Staroměstská metro station. Remember to buy a ticket before boarding and validate it inside the tram or at the metro entrance.
• Weather: Prague can be quite cold in December, often with snow. Dress warmly, with a heavy coat, scarf, gloves, and comfortable walking shoes.
• Money: While many stalls accept credit cards, it’s a good idea to have some Czech crowns (CZK) for smaller purchases because not all stalls have terminals.

Read also: Czech Christmas from A to Z – Dates, Traditions, Superstitions

Where next? Ice skating rings!

After immersing yourself in the festive charm of Prague’s Christmas markets, why not glide into another quintessential winter activity – ice skating?

Prague offers several picturesque ice-skating rinks:

1. Ice Rink in the Old Town

• Location: Na Františku Sports Centre, Kozí St, Old Town, Prague 1
• Dates: December 2, 2023 – March 31, 2024
• Times: Mon-Fri: 08:00-17:00, Sat-Sun: 10:00-18:00
• Prices: Adults – 70 CZK, Children – 40 CZK, Skate Rental – 50 CZK (+ 500 CZK deposit)
• Features: Open-air rink welcoming skaters of all levels. A great way to enjoy outdoor skating in the heart of the Old Town.

2. Ice Rink by the Vltava River

• Location: Čapadlo, Smetanovo nábřeží, Prague 1
• Dates: December 2, 2023 – January 31, 2024
• Times: Mon-Fri: 13:00-21:00, Sat-Sun: 10:00-21:00
• Prices: Free entry, Skate Rental – 150 CZK, Helmet Rental – 50 CZK, Deposit – 500 CZK
• Features: An open-air ice rink located at the scenic Čapadlo embankment along the Vltava River.

3. Ice Rink at Tower Park

• Location: Tower Park, Žižkov Tower, Mahlerovy sady 1, Prague 3
• Dates: December 2, 2023 – February 29, 2024
• Times: Mon-Fri: 15:00-17:00, 18:00-20:00; Sat-Sun: 09:00-11:00, 12:00-14:00, 15:00-17:00, 18:00-20:00
• Prices: Child/Adult – 50-150 CZK, Family – 380 CZK, Skate Rental – 50 CZK
• Features: A 400m2 open-air ice rink in front of Žižkov Tower, offering skate rental, changing rooms, and hot refreshments.

4. Ice Rink at Letná Park

• Location: Letná Park (Letenské sady), Holešovice, Prague 7
• Dates: December 2, 2023 – February 18, 2024
• Times: Daily 09:00-21:00
• Prices: Adults – 100 CZK, Children – Free, Skate Rental – 60-130 CZK
• Features: The largest open-air ice rink in Prague, located opposite the Letná Football Stadium, welcoming skaters of all levels.

Whether sipping mulled wine among the market stalls or skating under the starry skies, the magic of Prague during the festive season is undeniable. So, pack your warmest clothes, bring your sense of adventure, and prepare to be captivated by the winter wonderland that is Prague.

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