Prague Christmas Markets 2024

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The city of Prague had long been on my bucket list of places to visit in Europe. It just took me a little bit longer to get around to actually visiting. And when I did make the plunge, I timed it perfectly to include the Prague Christmas Markets as part of my experience.

Let me tell you, Prague does not disappoint. The Czechia capital, Praha, lives up to its reputation and more. Walking around Prague and the Prague Christmas Markets is like stepping into the pages of a fairytale. The Prague Castle looms across the river Vltava and if you’re lucky to visit the city when it snows, the atmosphere is even more romantic.

Aside from the Prague Christmas Markets, the city will keep you busy for a couple of days with walking tours, museums and concerts, so it’s worth scheduling a couple of days visit.

I’ve been to my fair share of Christmas Markets over the years and I’d rate the Prague Christmas Markets as having one of the best backdrops and scenic settings. It’s not the largest by any means, but it does pack a punch. Especially if you make it to the top of the Astronomical Tower for a birds-eye view over the Prague Christmas Market and city skyline.

Prague Christmas market tips

Some things to take note of when visiting the Christmas Markets in Prague is that not a lot of the market stalls were set up for card payment. So make sure you have a mixture of cash and cards for your purchases.

The currency in Czechia is the Czech Koruna. Whilst a member of the European Union, the Czechs have not adopted the Euro and so you’ll need to take out the local currency from an ATM or bank.

Bring wet wipes! With lots of sticky food and drinks, you’ll be thankful for these little gems.

Prague is a really easy city to walk around on by foot and the distances are short. With most sights a few minutes from one another, you can easily cover the distance by foot. Do wear comfortable shoes as there are a lot of cobblestones.

Prague Christmas market dates

The Prague Christmas Markets are held in Old Town Square & Wenceslas Square from 30th November 2024 until January 6th 2025.

The Christmas Markets in Prague are operational from around 10 am until 10 pm.

You’ll also find smaller Christmas Markets around the city and on the map below. There’s a small Christmas Market in Prague as you cross Charles Bridge towards Prague Castle which is accessible by the stone staircase. It’s small and not really worth the detour unless you are heading to the castle.

The largest market and in my opinion, the best, is found in Old Town Square. It’s also one of the busiest. Here you’ll find numerous stalls selling delicious food, beverages and trinkets all under the enormous Christmas Tree which has a lovely light show every 30 minutes.

Wenceslas Square is a couple of minutes walk from Old Town Square and you’ll find another similar market. So if one is too busy, then walk to the next!

Time your visit to the Astronomical Clock so that you can view the Prague Christmas Market from high above. It’s best seen at night when the city is lit up and looking resplendent.

Prague Christmas Concerts

One of my favourite and surprising activities we did when visiting Prague was attend one of the gorgeous Christmas Concerts in one of the many stunning churches in the city.

We booked the Classical Christmas Concert in St Nicholas’ Church and it was so magical. Over the course of an hour, you’ll listen to classically trained musicians from the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra and singers who perform famous pieces of classical music as well as Christmas songs. It’s a gorgeous and beautiful experience and really shouldn’t be skipped.

We didn’t get the opportunity to see the Nutcracker performed, but what better way to experience the magic of Christmas than a performance of one of the most famous Christmas ballets?

what to eat at the Prague Christmas markets

One of my favourite things about any Christmas Market is the opportunity to try new dishes. Wander around the many stalls and you’ll find your stomach rumbling at all the delicious options. There are

• Langos – deep fried flatbreads topped with sour cream and cheese.

• Chimney cakes – funnel cakes that are spiralized onto a long stick before being cooked at high temperatures and then dipped in flavoured sugars. Delicious. My was filled with Nutella and it was spectacular.

• Spiral potatoes – thin potato slices spiralized onto a stick, deep fried and then coated with delicious seasonings.

• Sausages – varieties of flavours,

• Old Prague Ham – Enormous slabs of spit-roasted pork that smells out of this world.

• Chicken skewers in baguette

• Mead – Mead is having a comeback and I am here for it. I found a number of stalls selling mead, and if you get the chance to try this honey wine that can be spiced, or mixed with fruits, it’s really delicious.

• Hot Apple Cider

• Hot Honey Wine – don’t skip on this little gem of a sweet drink. It’s gorgeous and I find less offensive than mulled wine which can be sickly after the first couple of swallows.

hotels near Prague Christmas Market

Prague is a small city so deciding where to base yourself is not too difficult as you’ll be a short walk from most places.

One of the best areas to stay in in the old historic quarter of Prague. The district is also known as Prague 1. From here you can easily stroll to the markets, cross Charles Bridge or hop on a tram. It’s perfect.

We stayed in Gorgeous Prague Rooms which really did live up to its name. Enormous bedrooms, large bathroom and a 4-minute walk to Old Town Square. The location was perfect and very affordable.

The Julius Prague offers a 5-star hotel experience and sleek modern amenities and rooms.

If you’re looking for gorgeous views across the Vltava river and Prague Castle as well as a 5 minute walk to Old Town Square then look no further than the Mozart Prague.

Meet Missy…

Missy spent the first 2 decades of her life living in her native Dublin, Ireland. Before a life living overseas called to her, and she spent the next decade living in China, Laos & Belgium. She now splits her time in Antwerp, Belgium, and wherever the sun is currently shining. You can follow Missy’s real-time travels on her Instagram.