There’s no place quite like Prague during the Christmas season. The city transforms into a winter wonderland, with its cobblestone streets sparkling under festive lights, the aroma of mulled wine wafting through the air, and enchanting Christmas markets filling the squares. Whether you’re drawn to the iconic tree at Old Town Square, the unique crafts at the smaller markets, or the timeless charm of Prague’s snow-covered Gothic and Baroque architecture, the holiday spirit is everywhere.
While the Christmas markets are a must, there’s so much more to experience in Prague this time of year. Dive deeper into the city’s rich history and myths with McGee’s Trips & Tickets and join our expert guides for sightseeing tours, that will take you beyond the surface of Prague’s famous landmarks, revealing lesser-known stories and intriguing details about the city’s past—all while soaking in the festive glow that illuminates the streets during this special time of year.
This Christmas, let Prague captivate your heart and imagination. From the bustling squares to the quiet, magical corners, we’ll guide you through a holiday experience you’ll never forget.
Advent Markets in Prague – Times and Dates
Prague’s Christmas markets are renowned throughout Europe, drawing visitors from far and wide to experience their magical charm. These markets are the heart of the city’s festive season, and it’s easy to see why. The wonderful aroma of roasting chestnuts and mulled wine fills the air, while the display of traditional crafts and the cheerful singing of Christmas carols create an atmosphere that instantly puts you in the Christmas spirit.
At the heart of it all is the iconic Old Town Square market, the largest and most famous in Prague. With its towering Christmas tree and picturesque setting surrounded by Gothic and Baroque architecture, it’s a must for anyone in the city during the festive season.
But the magic of Prague’s Christmas markets doesn’t stop there. Away from the bustling crowds on the main square, smaller markets scattered around the city offer a more intimate and authentic experience. These hidden gems often offer higher quality products, unique crafts and refreshments that showcase local traditions.
To help you make the most of your visit, here’s an overview of Prague’s major and lesser-known Christmas markets, along with their opening times. Whether you’re here to soak up the festive atmosphere or pick up some unique gifts, there’s something for everyone this festive season.
Old Town Square: 30 November 2024 – 6 January 2025 (10am – 10pm)
Wenceslas Square: 30 November 2024 – 6 January 2025 (10am – 7pm)
Republic Square (náměstí Republiky): 25 November – 24 December 2024 (10am – 7pm)
Peace Square (náměstí Míru): 20 November – 24 December 2024 (10am – 7pm)
Anděl: 24 November – 23 December 2024 (10am – 8pm)
Square under the Charles Bridge in Kampa: 5 December 2024 – 1 January 2025 (10am – 8pm)
Jiřího z Poděbrad Square: 1 – 22 December 2024 (8am – 6pm)
Victory Square: 30 November – 21 December 2024 always on Saturday (8am – 2pm)
6 Tips What to Do in Prague During Christmas
Make the most of your holiday visit to Prague with these six festive tips! From visiting holiday exhibitions to enjoying the magical atmosphere of illuminated streets and ice skating in charming locations, there’s something for everyone. Discover Czech traditions, savor delicious holiday treats, and even join an enchanting walking tour to uncover the city’s history and legends. These tips will ensure your Christmas in Prague is nothing short of unforgettable!
1. Meet the Lamplighter on Charles Bridge
Experience the charm of old Prague during Advent with the “lamp-lighter”, a figure who recreates the tradition of lighting gas lamps on Charles Bridge. From December 1 to 23, 2024, this historic reenactment brings to life the nearly forgotten beauty of gas lighting. Dressed in a 19th-century lamplighter’s uniform, he uses a pole with a steel hook to light the 46 gas lamps on the bridge and at Křížovnické Square each evening around 4:05–4:15 PM.
The tradition recalls Prague’s gas lighting history, which began in 1847. Today, Charles Bridge remains the only gas-lit bridge in the world, a nostalgic nod to a bygone era.
2. Visit Christmas Exhibitions in Prague Galleries and Museums
Prague museums have prepared several thematic exhibitions for the Christmas season.
The best way to explore Czech traditions and customs is to visit the thematic exhibition in the Museum of the Magic of Old Times (Muzeum Kouzlo starých časů). You can see exhibits from a private collection of historical clothing, accessories, and curiosities from 1850-1920. The exhibit can be seen as a guided tour on every full hour Thursday through Friday between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
To see the traditional Czech Nativity scene, visit the Church of Our Lady of the Snows (Kostel Panny Marie Sněžné), Bethlehem Chapel (Betlémská kaple) or Museum of Charles Bridge.
3. Enjoy Christmas Concerts and Culture Events in Prague
Soak up the Christmas spirit during one of the cultural events taking place in Prague during December.
The major highlights are the Nutcracker production at the National Theatre and the Czech Christmas Mass concert at the Klementinum.
Every Sunday of Advent, you can listen to the Castle Guard Music and the choir of Prague’s elementary art schools in St. Vitus Cathedral.
Many other concerts can be found at various venues in Prague, where the atmosphere of the place adds its own charm. More information about each event can be found here: https://prague.eu/en/christmas-and-new-year-concerts/.
4. Take a Ride on the Prague Christmas Tram
In December, Prague’s streets take on an extra festive glow as special Christmas trams glide through the city. Adorned with twinkling lights and colorful festive decorations, these trams are a delightful addition to the city’s Advent atmosphere.
The Christmas fleet consists of seven unique tram cars that operate on different routes, offering passengers a joyous ride through Prague’s historic and modern districts. In addition to the standard decorated trams, the fleet includes a historic tram, a special lubricated tram car and even two festive buses, each adding a touch of seasonal cheer to the city’s public transport network.
Riding these trams is not only a convenient way to get around, it’s also a charming experience, perfect for soaking up Prague’s holiday spirit. To plan your journey and find out which routes these special trams and buses run on, visit the official website of the Prague Public Transport Company (DPP): https://www.dpp.cz/vanoce. The Christmas trams are a wonderful way to enjoy the festive season in Prague!
5. Taste the Flavors of Christmas in Prague
A Christmas trip to Prague is not complete without savoring the delicious flavors of Czech holiday cuisine. This is the perfect time to experience authentic Czech traditions or treat yourself to a festive meal at some of the city’s renowned restaurants.
For a truly traditional Czech Christmas dinner, head to one of the city’s local restaurants. The centerpiece of the meal is usually fried carp with potato salad, accompanied by a hearty soup, often fish soup or creamy mushroom soup, and traditional Christmas pastries such as vanilkové rohlíčky or vánočka for dessert. Many Czech restaurants keep this tradition alive, offering a cozy atmosphere and recipes passed down through generations.
If you’re looking for something a little more special, many of Prague’s finer restaurants create exclusive Christmas menus for the occasion. Café Imperial, known for its stunning Art Deco interior, offers a luxurious take on Czech cuisine. Restaurace Obecní dům, located in the iconic Municipal House, combines festive dining with an elegant atmosphere. For a lively yet traditional setting, try Restaurace La Republica, which combines hearty Czech dishes with seasonal specialties.
Be sure to book your Christmas dinner well in advance, as these places are very popular during the festive season. Whether you opt for a classic Czech meal or a gourmet Christmas menu, Prague’s culinary traditions are sure to add a flavorful highlight to your festive celebrations!
6. Try Ice Skating and Glide into the Holiday Spirit
One of the most magical ways to celebrate the Christmas season in Prague is by embracing the winter charm at one of the city’s public ice rinks. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or stepping onto the ice for the first time, these rinks offer fun for everyone, making them a perfect activity for families, friends, or couples looking for a romantic outing.
Prague’s ice rinks can be found in picturesque squares, peaceful parks, or even next to bustling shopping centers. Many are beautifully decorated with festive lights, creating a cheerful holiday atmosphere. Some locations even feature refreshments, so you can warm up with a cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine after your skating session.
And don’t worry if you don’t have your own skates—most rinks have rental services on-site, so all you need to bring is your enthusiasm. Whether you’re spinning gracefully or just learning to balance, the ice rinks of Prague promise a memorable winter experience.
Here’s a guide to some of Prague’s best ice rinks, along with their schedules, so you can plan your visit and make the most of this festive tradition:
Ice rink Letná: 16 November 2024 – 23 February 2025
Ice Rink Střížkov in Park Přátelství: 8 November 2024 – 28 February 2025
Shopping mall Černý Most: 9 November 2024 – 31 January 2025
River Rink Karlín: 19 November 2024 – 1 March 2025
Obora Hvězda, Vypich: 22 November 2024 – 28 February 2025
Grébovka in Havlíčkovy sady: 22 November 2024 – 16 February 2025
Ice Rink Vinohrady in Sady Svatopluka Čecha: 22 November 2024 – 28 February 2025
OC Arkády Pankrác: 22 November 2024 – 16 February 2025
Wenceslas Square: 1 December 2024 – 18 February 2025
Ice Rink under Žižkovská věž: 1 December 2024 – 28 February 2025
Extra Tip: Discover Czech Christmas Traditions on the Walking Tour in Prague
Christmas in Prague is a time of wonder, mystery, and enchantment—a perfect season to explore the city on foot. Our McGee’s Trips & Tickets walking tours offer a unique opportunity to not only immerse yourself in Prague’s festive atmosphere but also to uncover fascinating stories from Czech history and traditions during the holidays.
Our knowledgeable guides will be happy to provide you with knowledge about age-old Czech Christmas customs and their significance. Discover how Prague celebrates this special time of year, from the traditions during the Christmas Eve to the symbolism of the holiday meal. But that’s just the beginning—our tours delve deeper into the heart of the city’s history and legends.
For a journey into the unknown, join our Alchemy & Mystery of Prague Castle Tour and uncover the secrets of ancient alchemists, hidden symbols, and mystical tales surrounding this iconic landmark. Or take part in our Ghosts & Legends of Old Town Tour, where you’ll hear chilling stories of haunted houses, restless spirits, and age-old legends as you wander through Prague’s beautifully illuminated streets.
Whether you’re visiting on a private Prague tour or exploring with friends or family, these evening experiences are enhanced by the twinkling holiday lights and decorations adorning the city. Our tours also offer insights into Prague’s broader history, such as the story of Operation Anthropoid, medieval architecture, and even the opportunity to combine your walk with a Prague river boat tour for a new perspective on the city (with a hot drink on board included!).
Let the holiday spirit sweep you away as you explore Prague, Czech Republic, with us. Whether you’re interested in a classic Prague sightseeing tour, an in-depth look at history, or an adventurous Prague alchemy tour or ghost tour, we’ll make your Christmas visit an unforgettable experience.
