From Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky), Tylovo náměstí, Jiřího z Poděbrad, Old Town Square, and many more – explore the festive atmosphere of Prague Christmas Markets 2023, one of the most popular holiday attractions in the Czech Republic.
The smell of cinnamon, mulled wine, potpourri, roasted chestnuts, mead, and grilled pork with potatoes permeates Prague’s cobblestone streets as the temperature dips below freezing. So, this means the Prague Christmas season is almost here, and a trip there wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Christmas Markets!
Prague offers one of Europe’s best Christmas markets, as it does each year, making it an ideal destination for holiday travel. These markets, steeped in tradition and festive cheer, transform the historic streets into a holiday wonderland.
What should visitors expect from the Christmas markets in Prague? Christmas carols, live music, festive cuisine, handmade gifts, the atmosphere of Advent, Christmas lights, and much more. This is a magical experience that you shouldn’t miss.
To ensure you make the most of this amazing opportunity, here’s your comprehensive guide to the Prague Christmas Markets 2023.
Prague’s magical Christmas markets highlights
- The picturesque setting, with the Gothic architecture of the Old Town Hall and the Church of Our Lady before Týn as a backdrop, creates a magical atmosphere in the Old Town Square Christmas Market. Location: Old Town Square
- Situated in the heart of Prague, Wenceslas Square’s Christmas market offers a lively ambiance, numerous stalls with seasonal goods, Czech and international culinary delights, and a festive atmosphere surrounded by shops and hotels. Location: Wenceslas Square Christmas Market
- The Náměstí Republiky Christmas Market typically features a range of stalls offering seasonal goods, decorations, and culinary delights. Location: Náměstí Republiky Christmas Market
- Prague Castle Christmas Market may feature some seasonal decorations and festivities, contributing to the overall holiday ambiance in the city. Location: Prague Castle Christmas Market
- If you want to get some Christmas gifts without having to push through a crowd to see the stalls, Tylovo Náměstí Christmas Market is the ideal place to go. Location: Tylovo Náměstí Christmas Market
- Jiřího z Poděbrad Christmas Market has stalls selling traditional handicrafts, seasonal decorations, and a variety of culinary delights. Location: Jiřího z Poděbrad Christmas Market
Recommended read: The 25 Best Christmas Markets In Europe
2023 Prague Christmas Market Guide
Old Town Square Christmas Market
A few meters separate the famous Astronomical Clock and Gothic Tyn Church from Prague’s largest Christmas market. Prague’s Christmas market food can be found in the Old Town Square, a shopping paradise. This area has charming restaurants, food vendors, and a number of gift shops.
The Prague Christmas Tree and nativity scene are located in this market. The market’s main attraction is the huge, authentic tree, which stands before the Church of Tyn and makes for some amazing pictures. After sunset, when it is fully lit up, the beautifully decorated tree with lights and ornaments truly comes to life.
The Old Town Square Christmas tree lighting ceremony is a must-see if you consider yourself a holiday enthusiast and you’re in Prague around Christmas Time and New Year. It is lovely and traditional, and the Christmas season simply wouldn’t be the same without it.
Angela, an enthusiastic traveler, advises – “Prague in December is a great place to visit if you like a festive atmosphere. Take time to slow down, enjoy the traditional foods and drinks of the Czech Republic, browse the quaint Christmas markets, and explore the breathtaking historic city center – it’s Christmas time! “
When: From November 30 to January 6.
Times: 10 AM to 10 PM (food stalls stay open until midnight)
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2. Wenceslas Square Christmas Market
The second-most famous Christmas market in Prague is only five minutes away from Old Town Square. Next to the recently renovated National Museum is Wenceslas Square. Additionally, despite the lack of live entertainment, this place stays busy with tourists and locals.
The market lies on the busy Václavské námst avenue, which is surrounded by galleries, cafes, and souvenir shops. Wenceslas Square is a fantastic location for foodies, with its kiosks offering both traditional and local dishes. However, the Christmas tree in the Wenceslas Square markets is smaller than the one in Old Town Square. The tree has light animations, which run every night from 17:00 to 21:00. Further, there is a nativity scene in front of the tree. It is definitely worth visiting.
“Try the typical Czech Christmas braided cake (vanocka) – it’s yummy” , says Angela, a regular visitor. “You can’t miss the trdelnik shops during your exploration of the city center – they sell sweet pastries made of rolled dough. It’s so delicious, check it out.”
When: From November 30 to January 6
Times: 10 AM to 10 PM (food stalls stay open until midnight)
3. Náměstí Republiky Christmas Market
Situated right in front of the Palladium shopping center, this market definitely deserves a visit even though it’s smaller than the others we’ve covered so far. Compared to the other Christmas markets in the center of Prague, this one is usually a little cheaper and less crowded.
Expect to see a lot of vendors selling toys, crafts, decorations, mistletoe, punch wine, toys, and traditional Christmas nativity scenes.
When: From November 20 to December 24
Times: 10 AM to 7 PM
4. Prague Castle Christmas Market
Nowadays, you can go to the Christmas Markets right inside the grounds of Prague Castle. They are relatively small and can be found on Saint George Square, behind St. Vitus Cathedral.
Usually around 70 carefully selected stalls serving the best Czech food and drinks you could ask for, this Prague Christmas market boasts an amazing view of St. Vitus Cathedral in the background. With views of the city and another tree lit up in the center, this particular Prague Christmas market has a fantastic atmosphere.
When: From November 23 to January 6
Times: 9 AM to 6 PM (9 AM to 7 PM on weekends)
5. Tylovo Náměstí Christmas Market
Tylovo Náměstí is the smallest Christmas market in Prague, so there are less people here. It’s conveniently located near the I.P. Pavlova metro station, a short walk from Náměstí Míru. However, this is a great place to shop for Christmas gifts without having to fight your way through a throng of people to see the stalls.
Moreover, the basics, such as glass figurines, jewelry, wooden toys, and Christmas decorations, are still present. A range of festive foods and hot beverages are also available for tasting here.
When: From November 23 to January 6
Times: 9 AM to 6 PM (9 AM to 7 PM on weekends)
6. Jiřího z Poděbrad Christmas Market
Photo credit: Planetware/Jiřího z Poděbrad Christmas Market
Jiřího z Poděbrad Christmas Market, which is a little bit further out from the city center, offers many of the same products at a lower cost. The majority of the year, Jiřího z Poděbrad is home to a popular farmer’s market, which is transformed into a festive Christmas market in Prague during December. Additionally, you can find mead, hot wine, and homemade products from local vendors at this market.
Despite the fact that it’s close to the center, not many tourists visit this area, so take a chance and discover more about the way of life for the locals.
When: From December 1 to December 24
Times: 10 AM to 9 PM
To maximize your time in Prague this December, don’t forget to visit each of these Prague Christmas markets 2023! Prague is stunning in the winter, even though it may be cold, you won’t want to miss it.
FAQ
What to expect at a Prague Christmas market?
As a visitor to a Christmas market in Prague, you can expect a sensory feast of sights, sounds, and flavors that embody the spirit of the holiday season.
What’s the best thing to buy at Christmas markets in Prague?
The Christmas markets in Prague offer a wide range of wonderful items to buy for gifts, but some of the most popular ones are the following: hand-blown glass ornaments, traditional Czech crafts, puppets, gingerbread, etc.
What is the top Christmas market in Prague?
The Christmas market that is often considered the top choice and draws the most visitors is Old Town Square Christmas Market.
What to eat at Christmas markets in Prague?
While browsing the festive stalls, visitors can enjoy traditional Czech food like roast pork, gingerbread, and Trdelník (a popular pastry).
What stalls are at Prague Christmas market?
Prague Christmas markets feature a diverse array of stalls that cater to various tastes and preferences.
Does it snow in December in Prague?
In December, Prague has extremely cold weather, with nighttime temperatures often reaching -3°C. If you’ve always wanted to see an amazing white Christmas, you should be happy that there is a good chance of snow.
What to wear in Prague in December?
Prague gets cold temperatures around Christmas. It is advisable to wear warm clothing, including layers, warm socks, and boots, as the markets are outside.
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