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Prague’s Christmas Market scene is known for its stunning festive backdrops, its impressive variety of markets, and naturally – its tasty assortment of Czech food and drink.
Little wonder why it’s widely considered to be one of the best Christmas markets in the Czech Republic.
We first visited these Christmas markets in December 2019 and loved the unmatched beauty of Prague’s Christmas market locations, as well as the variety of markets offered; from modern food-court-style markets to more traditional ones…
Plus, wintertime is just such a magical time to see Prague.
Looking to learn more about Prague’s Christmas markets, or perhaps need some guidance on planning your own trip there?
In this post, we’ll be covering…
- Practical Info for Prague Christmas Markets
- A Brief History of Prague Christmas Markets
- Why Visit Prague Christmas Markets?
- Christmas Markets in Prague to Visit
- More Photos of Prague Christmas Markets
We hope you find it helpful and interesting!
Practical Info for Prague Christmas Market 2024
Here are some quick must-knows for Prague Christmas Market this year.
Dates (according to the official Czechia tourism website here):
- Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí): Nov 30, 2024 – Jan 6, 2025
- Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí): Nov 30, 2024 – Jan 6, 2025
- Republic Square (náměstí Republiky): Nov 25 – Dec 24, 2024
- Tyl’s Square (Tylovo náměstí): Nov 26 – Dec 24, 2024
- Peace Square (náměstí Míru): Nov 20 – Dec 24, 2024
- Jiřího z Poděbrad Square: Dec 1 – Dec 12, 2024
Official website: Visit Czech Republic
In need of a place to stay? Here are some quick hotel recommendations:
- Budget: Check prices and availability
- Mid-Range: Check prices and availability
- Luxury: Check prices and availability
Prague Christmas Markets Video
Want to see the magic of Prague’s Christmas markets in video form? Check out this video on YouTube:
A Brief History of Prague Christmas Market
Christmas markets in Central Europe date back to the Middle Ages when markets began to pop up in the weeks leading up to Christmas selling all sorts of provisions, meat, and supplies.
But early Christmas markets were far from a drab and utilitarian affair! Some sources report that even back then, the markets would feature entertainers and music—much like Christmas markets do today.
In Prague, it should come as no surprise that one of the oldest Christmas market venues is Old Town Square, where residents could partake in a vibrant entertainment program, along with stalls selling all sorts of familiar goodies, from Nativity Scene figures and bread to handmade toys and puppets from around Europe.
Since its humble Christmas market beginnings, a lot has changed, and today, Prague is home to over a dozen different Christmas markets throughout the festive season, with new, unique offerings seemingly popping up every year.
Combined with the city’s historic and cultural charms, it’s little wonder why Prague is now considered one of the top winter destinations in Europe!
Why Visit Prague Christmas Market?
Wondering whether Prague Christmas Market is worth a trip? Here are some reasons to visit:
Prague’s Christmas market locations are magical
While Prague’s actual market stalls may not be as lavishly decorated as the ones you might see in Cologne or Dresden, they make up for it with prime, jaw-dropping locations.
From Old Town Square to Prague Castle (the world’s largest castle complex), the Christmas markets in Prague are set along some of the most scenic and famous backdrops in the entire world.
Prague during the winter is incredible
Prague is hands down one of the busiest tourist cities in Europe, with suffocating crowds during the peak summer months. And while there’s no such thing really as “off-season” in Prague – winter comes pretty close! If you want to experience this incredible city with relatively thinner crowds, winter would be the time to do it.
Of course, the city’s enchanting architecture makes every scene here look like a snowglobe come to life.
There’s a nice selection of different markets
Whether you’re looking for an alternative food market with plentiful food options or a more traditional market frequented by locals, there are several Christmas markets in Prague to choose from, guaranteeing that you never get bored (although in Prague, that’s really near-impossible).
Christmas Markets in Prague to Visit
Wondering where to find Christmas market stalls in Prague? Here are the main locations of Prague Christmas Market:
Old Town Square Christmas Market
The Old Town Square Christmas market is where you will be able to admire that iconic picture-postcard view of the Prague Christmas market, with festive sparkling lights surrounded by the city’s most stunning architecture, like the Týn Cathedral standing in the back.
This Prague Christmas market location is an absolute must, but (in our opinion) only in terms of sightseeing.
That’s because based on our experience, we found the food here to be rather overpriced and repetitive, plus the market tends to get incredibly crowded.
So, come enjoy the views, take some pictures and keep moving towards our next market recommendations.
Náměstí Republiky Christmas Market
The Náměstí Republiky Christmas Market, located at Republic Square, offers a more local experience with better food options than at the Old Town Square, with higher quality souvenirs, more space to move, and all that while still being very centrally located.
Basically, it has everything you could want out of a Christmas market, so make sure you don’t miss it!
Tylovo Náměstí Christmas Market
The Tylovo Náměstí Prague Christmas Market is a micro Prague Christmas market location with a laid-back feel and great food options. Perfect for fueling up after all the exploring!
Here you will find a tasty assortment of international dishes: from Russian Pelmeny to crispy Chinese dumplings, and of course, the indispensable mulled wine.
Náměstí Míru Christmas Market
The Náměstí Míru Prague Christmas Market provides great shopping opportunities for gifts and souvenirs that are authentic to Czechia, from festive Czech cookies to handmade toys, spices, and more.
This Prague Christmas market location also offers a cozier ambiance and smaller crowds compared to the Old Town Square market.
NOTE: Despite being located in Prague 2 this Christmas Market is not far from the city center, however, we would recommend you to take the tram to save you from an uphill battle.
Manifesto Christmas Market
Manifesto Christmas Market is foodie heaven on Earth!
This Prague Christmas market location provides a modern twist on the traditional Christmas market without losing the festive spirit, with garlands and decorations hanging from the stalls, food options to keep you fed for days, from Vietnamese to Indian to Mexican, you will be spoilt for choice!
Stalls in fron of the Prague Central Station
This section is more of a note than a full-on recommendation, but if you are departing by train, and you just cannot fight that craving for that last mug of delicious mulled wine, there are some stalls by the Prague Central Train Station where you will be able to get one last taste of Prague’s festive flavors before departing.
More Photos of Prague Christmas Market
Looking for some more Prague Christmas Market eye candy? Here are some additional photos we captured during our visit:
We hope you enjoyed this Prague Christmas Market Guide!
Let us know in the comments if you have any more questions about your trip – we’re always happy to help.