As residents of the city for years, we LOVE exploring Prague’s Christmas markets in the winter.
What is the best thing about December in Prague? Cozy pubs? Mulled wine? Seeing the beautiful buildings covered in a light dusting of snow? While all of these things are great, nothing screams Christmas joy and festive spirit like a Prague Christmas market.
While the Czech Republic isn’t necessarily a religious country, they are indeed a traditional people and they sure know how to get into the Christmas spirit when the season rolls around.
Prague’s Christmas markets are unlike anything you’ve seen before. Yup, even if you’ve explored other Christmas markets around Europe you’ll find something new here. Prague’s markets offer traditional Czech food and drink, handmade souvenirs and gifts, and seasonal drinks galore. Prague’s Christmas markets will show you a whole new side of the city!
No better place to start than the largest Christmas market in Prague! This Prague Christmas market is located right smack in the center of Old Town Square, sprawled around the Jan Hus Memorial in front of the Astronomical Clock. Because of the location, this also tends to be the most crowded market, so be sure to utilize those tricks and tips we gave you for this one, and keep your bags close!
This market is the biggest and the most popular for a reason. It’s got a lot of extras that the smaller markets simply don’t have.
First off, this market hosts the Prague Christmas Tree and nativity scene. The huge, real tree is the centerpiece of the market and stands in front of the Church of Tyn so you can get some great photos. The tree is beautifully decorated with lights and ornaments and really comes to life after sunset, when you can see it in all its lit-up glory.
We recommend checking out the first tree lighting, which takes place the first day the markets are open and starts at 16:30 with the lights animated to music, and is repeated on a loop after that until 21:30.
The Prague Xmas market in Old Town Square also has a stage to host caroling, concerts, dance performances, and other live Christmas shows for visitors of all ages to enjoy. There are also some special events for kids as well as St. Mikuláš (or St. Nicholas to Westerners) and New Year’s celebrations.
This year, the market at Old Town Square will be open from December 1, 2021 until January 6, 2022. You can buy gifts and other trinkets from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm and you can enjoy the food and drink from 10:00 am until midnight.
I wish I could visit your beautiful country. Very lovely pictures. I have always been fascinated by old European buildings. They are so breathtaking IMO. Thanks for sharing.
