Christmas markets

Soak up the festive atmosphere and enjoy Christmas carols, hearty food and hot wine at the traditional Prague Christmas markets. The Prague Christmas markets are held every year and are open daily (including Christmas Day, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day) at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square.

There are smaller ones at Náměstí Republiky, Havelský market and Náměstí Míru in the Vinohrady district. Traditional Christmas markets are an essential part of Prague around Christmas, and as a matter of fact of the whole Czech Republic. No wonder, as they magically light up the city, bringing locals and tourist together to share the holiday spirit in a fairy-tale like setting. Usually there are rows of brightly decorated wooden huts selling traditional handcrafted products such as glassware, ceramic mugs, embroideries, wooden toys, scented candles, puppets and dolls, Christmas tree ornaments, and various hats, gloves and scarves.

These items are ideal to take home, to decorate your house or to use as Christmas gifts for your friends and family. Moreover, the markets also offer a wide range of traditional foods that are being made right on the spot. You can and should sample some of the local food and drink, such as large roasted hams on spits or traditional Czech pastry ‘Trdelník’ – a hot, sugar coated pastry, or sausages. As for the drinks, during Christmas shopping nothing will warm you up better than a cup of hot wine – svařené víno or svařák. At the Old Town Square there is an animal stable, where you and your kids can stroke sheep, goats and a donkey.

Last but not least, there is a large Bethlehem scene. The large Christmas tree, shipped in from the Krkonoše mountains, dominates the market at the Old Town Square as it creates a truly stunning sight, set against the gothic architecture. As to the carols, local bands and choirs often perform on a stage at the Old Town Square.

If you happen to visit Prague at the time of Christmas, you should not miss this wonderful festive atmosphere!