Prague Christmas Market: The Complete Guide
Prague, the biggest city and capital of the Czech Republic, is the ultimate destination for a vacation at any time of year. It has been known as one of the world's most beautiful cities since the Middle Ages and feels completely magical if you visit during the wintertime.
Baby Jesus is the main figure for holidays in Czech and you will see lots of him as opposed to Santa Claus. Several other Czech traditions (including unique ornaments to watch out for) are evident in the city during the holiday season, making it a wonderful destination.
Thanks to its temperate latitude, Prague does not receive a lot of snow but that doesn't stop it from harnessing the Christmas spirit every holiday season. One of the things that locals look forward to each winter are the Czech Christmas markets that pop up around the city which are usually open from early December until the beginning of January.
Arriving via Prague Central Station (also called Prague Main Railway Station)? You'll find markets and stall nearby! Keep your suitcases safe and out of the way with Prague luggage storage while you stop by all of the amazing Christmas markets in the area.
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Wenceslas Square Christmas Market
As one of the most popular tourist areas in the city, there is no surprise that Wenceslas Square would be doing something for the holidays. Twinkling lights and ornaments decorate the area and create a magical atmosphere at this festive market you will definitely enjoy. It can get busy with both locals and tourists so keep that in mind!
This is a fantastic spot to go to try new foods as well as traditional Czech food. Treats like honey wine and Czech beer can be found in the many stalls set up in the area and can be a nice addition to Christmas dinner.
You can also find all kinds of unique trinkets like wooden toys and steel objects that make great gifts. Visiting Prague's Christmas markets on a chilly night? Grab a cup of hot chocolate or warm mulled wine to keep you cozy while you shop!
What to do near Wenceslas Square Christmas Market
Located right next to Wenceslas Square is the National Museum. It can be a fun activity to do before or after going to the market so consider stopping by while you are there! The market is also set on Václavské Náměstí boulevard which is lined with shops and cafes.
Old Town Square Market
Every Christmas season the Old Town Square of Prague takes on a whole new personality. It is definitely the most impressive and largest Christmas market in the city as well as the most popular, meaning that it can get crowded. However, the live entertainment, Christmas carols and fantastic shopping opportunities make it worth visiting, even with big crowds!
The centerpiece of the Old Town Christmas market is a massive Christmas tree lighting up the area (try to make it for the spectacular tree lighting ceremony in November) and surrounding it is lots of wooden stalls selling Christmas goodies for you to enjoy.
Many of the vendors offer Czech specialties that foodies will love as well as local handicrafts. This is the longest running Christmas market in the city and remains open all the way from late November until Three Kings Day on January 6th.
What to do near Old Town Square Market
The Old Town Square Christmas market is situated right in the heart of the city meaning that you will be close to most of Prague's main attractions. Some of the nearby highlights include the Tyn Cathedral and the Astronomical Clock; you should check them out since you will already be nearby!
Náměstí Míru Christmas Market
Ready for another one of the best Christmas markets in Prague? Head straight to Peace Square for the Náměstí Míru market which is usually the first one in the city to open in mid-November. You will have plenty of time to get your shopping done before Christmas Day! This is where you can go to get a real dose of local festive spirit without the busy atmosphere.
This market is a bit smaller than some of the other Christmas markets and only has about 60 stalls, but the things that they sell are all handmade and unique. Some of the items that you can find include soaps, candles, Advent calendars, hand-painted Christmas ornaments and fresh wreaths.
Feeling hungry? Gingerbread cookies and roasted almonds are sold in the food stalls so buy some as a treat! These tasty morsels pair well with mulled wine.
What to do near Náměstí Míru Christmas Market
This Prague Christmas market runs a little further away from the tourist attractions of central Prague so you can enjoy a more authentic experience. There are still things to see in the area, like the Church of St Ludmila which can be found behind the market. Want to explore some nearby shops? Check out Believe in Unicorns, a cute flower shop that is just a short walk away from the market area.
Náměstí Republiky Christmas Market
Our next stop in Prague's Christmas market scene is the one held at Republic Square. It is not as touristy as some of the other Prague markets but is still close to the city center giving you the best of both worlds. Come enjoy the holiday cheer while being able to relax and browse at your own pace!
Treat yourself to a tasty warm drink while you look around the Christmas market stalls. There are also plenty of places to buy gifts like Advent calendars, Christmas decorations, and even mistletoe, which can be surprisingly hard to find in the other markets.
What to do near Náměstí Republiky Christmas Market
If you are looking for more to do around the area you can keep shopping at the Palladium shopping centre or do some historic sightseeing at the Powder Tower (which was the original gate to the city) and the Old Customs House near the other part of the market.
Tylovo Náměstí Christmas Market
If all of that shopping has given you an appetite, we suggest checking out this Christmas market in Prague. It is the best place to go to find delicacies from both the Czech Republic as well as international locations during the festive season.
Some of the foods that you might find here include Chinese dumplings, Russian Pelmeni and Trdelnik, a popular pastry drenched in sugar and cinnamon that locals adore at this time of year.
If you still haven't finished your Christmas shopping there are a few stalls selling gifts here as well, like wooden toys and ornaments to go on Christmas trees. Another similar spot for food lovers to add to their Prague Christmas market guide is the Manifesto Christmas market, which also offers delicious dishes.
What to do near Tylovo Náměstí Christmas Market
Although most of the shops at this market sell food there is no need to worry. This Prague Christmas market location is great for shoppers as well since there are loads of cute stores and boutiques in the surrounding streets!
Visiting Prague Christmas Markets
These are only some of the main Christmas markets in Prague every year around Christmas time and you can find even more places to shop at the Prague Castle Christmas market or the stalls in front of the Prague Central Train Station.
These markets are one of the Czech Christmas traditions to take part in if you visit the city in the wintertime and they are great places to embrace the holiday spirit, so make sure that you check them out before Christmas Eve! Whether you want to buy some gifts or just come to enjoy the festive atmosphere, these European Christmas markets will definitely be a good place to start.
Now you are ready to enjoy the Christmas Markets in Prague. For more things to do in Prague, check out these other guides.
Wine Tasting in Prague: 11 Places You Have to Try
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