Prague has always been one of Europe’s most beautiful and intriguing cities. The Prague Christmas Market is a winter highlight with its festive atmosphere and decorated squares.
Read on for the confirmed 2024 dates, details of all seven locations, and what to expect during your visit.
Prague Christmas Market 2024
Dates – Confirmed
Prague Christmas Market dates: 30th November 2024 to 6th January 2025 (confirmed).
Update: Dates were announced in August. Sign up for our newsletter for future updates.
Source: Dates are obtained directly from the tourist office, available here.
Note: The following details are for the main square event. Scroll down for details on the other markets.
Plan Your Visit
Location and Times
Location: Old Town Square.
Opening times: 10am to 10pm.
Christmas Day: Partially open.
Travel and Accommodation
Recommended tour: Book your Prague Castle ticket in advance to avoid the queues. This is the most popular attraction in Prague.
Public transport: Metro: Staroměstská or take the bus.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion. Parking garage Rudolfinum is nearby.
Food tour: This Prague food tour is one of the best I’ve ever taken.
Where to stay: The Julius Prague is a highly-rated hotel near both the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square.
Amenities and Attractions
Admission: Free.
Christmas lights: No specific switch on date.
Santa: Yes.
Ice skating: Not here, but at several other locations.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of option.
Gluten-free: Yes, but very limited. However, there are some dedicated GF cafes and bakeries in Prague.
Food specialities: Although originating from Transylvania, trdelník (chimney cake) is hugely popular.
Accessibility
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on a lead.
Where to Stay
Prague is a safe, walkable city with a great public transport system that makes getting around easy.
The city is divided into numbered districts. Prague 1 includes much of the historic old town, such as Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, Charles Bridge, Mala Strana and Prague Castle. These are all excellent areas to stay in.
For those looking to explore outside the old town, consider neighbourhoods like Karlin, Žižkov, Vinohrady, or Holešovice for a different experience.
However, if it’s your first time in Prague, staying in Prague 1 is a good choice. I recommend Julius Prague in this area and you’ll see it gets excellent reviews.
Alternatively, you could stay at the Golden Star if you want to be near Prague Castle. I stayed here on my last visit, and the view across the city was incredible (see the photo above). This hotel is just down from the castle and a 25-minute walk to the Old Town Square.
For more options, check out my guide to hotels in Prague, which has recommendations for all budgets.
Location
Recommended Tours
I recommend this city tour of Prague to see highlights like the Astronomical Clock, Old Town Square, Charles Bridge and Prague Castle.
For a different experience, try a food tour to explore Czech culture through its cuisine. I took this Prague food tour a few years ago, and it remains one of the best I’ve ever taken.
List of All Locations
1. Old Town Square
The Old Town Square is Prague’s oldest and most historic. It’s known for its Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo architecture, the Astronomical Clock, and views of the Church of Our Lady before Týn.
Old Town Square dates: 30th November 2024 to 6th January 2025 (confirmed).
Location: Old Town Square.
Opening times: 10am to 10pm.
Christmas Day: Partially open.
2. Wenceslas Square
Another popular location is the 14th-century Wenceslas Square, famous for the statue of St Wenceslas and views of the National Museum. The street has chalets offering hot drinks, roasted chestnuts, and Czech sweets.
Wenceslas Square dates: 30th November 2024 to 6th January 2025 (confirmed).
Location: Wenceslas Square.
Opening times: 10am to 10pm. Some food and drink stalls close at midnight.
3. Republic Square
Not far from Old Town Square, Republic Square is a quieter part of the city centre. It’s known for the Palladium Shopping Mall and is close to the Museum of Communism. Venture over to Onesip Coffee for great coffee.
Republic Square dates: 25th November to 24th December 2024 (confirmed).
Location: Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky).
Opening times: 10am to 10pm.
4. Tyl’s Square
A small market popular with locals, located in Prague 2’s Vinohrady district, just behind the National Museum.
Tyl’s Square dates: 26th November to 24th December 2024 (confirmed).
Location: Tyl’s Square (Tylovo náměstí), Vinohrady, Prague 2.
Opening times: 10am to 6pm.
5. Peace Square
While in Vinohrady, head to Peace Square for more stalls.
Peace Square dates: 20th November to 24th December 2024 (confirmed).
Location: Peace Square (Náměstí Míru), Vinohrady, Prague 2.
Opening times: 10am to 6pm.
6. Smíchov
The Smíchov district is slightly off the typical tourist path but easily accessible by tram. This area combines offices, shops and a few residences. I stayed in this area once; it’s worth visiting if you want to see a different side of Prague.
Smíchov dates: 24th November to 24th December 2024 (confirmed).
Location: Anděl, Prague 5.
Opening times: 10am to 6pm.
7. Prague Castle
The largest castle complex in the world holds a compact market in front of St George’s Basilica. Plan to spend a couple of hours here and take some time to enjoy the views before you leave.
Note: This event may be cancelled in 2024.
Prague Castle dates: 30th November to 24th December 2024 (unconfirmed).
Location: Prague Castle, in front of St George’s Basilica.
Opening times: 9am to 6pm.
Cost: Free entry.
Christmas in Prague
The first Christmas market I ever visited was in Prague, and it left a lasting impression. I’ve returned several times since, but that first experience stands out.
Winter is a wonderful time to visit Prague. The city is far less crowded than in summer but still lively.
There are at least seven market locations to explore this year.
If you only have time for one, go to Old Town Square (the most beautiful). Next, try Prague Castle (best views) and then Wenceslas Square (convenient location). The rest are great if you have extra time.
If you have an extra day, consider a trip to Cesky Krumlov, a picturesque town not far from Prague. Check out my Cesky Krumlov Christmas Market Guide for planning tips.
From twinkling lights to festive foods, we love seeing your holiday adventures. Use #UltimateChristmasMarkets to share your moments with us!
Czech Specialties
- Trdelník (Chimney Cake): The scent of trdelník being cooked over an open flame is unmistakable. These sweet pastries are made from rolled dough wrapped around a stick, grilled and rolled in sugar and with different toppings.
- Svařák (Mulled Wine): Svařák warms you from the inside out on chilly days. This traditional drink is a blend of red wine, spices, and sometimes citrus peel, served hot.
- Klobása (Czech Sausage): These sausages are a staple street food snack, usually served with bread and mustard.
- Vánoční Perníčky (Gingerbread): Intricately decorated and spiced, these gingerbread cookies are as much a visual treat as a tasty one. They come in various shapes, from hearts to stars, and are often used as edible decorations. They also make for a nice gift or stocking filler.
- Medovina (Honey Wine): Medovina, or mead, is an ancient drink made from fermented honey.
- Bramborové Spirály (Potato Spirals): These are thinly sliced potatoes skewered and fried until crispy, then sprinkled with various flavourings. You’ve probably seen them at other markets and street food events.
- České Palačinky (Czech Pancakes): Similar to French crêpes, these thin pancakes are usually filled with jam, fruit, chocolate, or Nutella.
Sustainability Tips
- Green Hotels: Look for hotels in Prague that are committed to sustainability. These might use renewable energy, have efficient waste management systems in place, and offer local and organic food options.
- Food Waste: The markets will tempt you with a huge variety of traditional foods. Buy in moderation, and if you want to sample widely, share portions with friends. This way, you can taste everything without leaving leftovers.
- Mindful Shopping: When visiting the stalls, purchase gifts that have a real use or emotional value. Prague is renowned for its artisanal products, so consider handmade items that support local makers without contributing to mass consumerism.
- Eating Out: Eat at stalls and restaurants that use local and seasonal produce. Traditional Czech cuisine has many plant-based options that are delicious and have a lower environmental footprint.
- Public Transport: Prague has a comprehensive network of trams, buses, and a metro system that makes getting around easy and efficient. Using these instead of taxis or rental cars helps reduce your carbon emissions.
Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
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