If you’re looking for a festive and atmospheric Christmas market to explore during your trip to Prague, look no further. Prague’s Christmas markets are some of the best in Europe and offer a wide range of festive goods, traditional Czech snacks and drinks, and unique souvenirs.
You’ll find markets all over the city, from Old Town Square to Wenceslas Square, and each has its character. To help you plan your visit, here are 11 of the best Christmas markets in Prague you won’t want to miss.
Best Christmas Markets In Prague
1. Old Town Square Christmas Market
If you only had to pick one Prague Christmas market to visit, make it Old Town Square. This is the city’s most famous and popular market, with beautiful surroundings and a festive atmosphere that’s hard to beat.
The Old Town Square market is open from the 1st of December until the 6th of January. And here, you can find all sorts of traditional Christmas goods, from hand-blown glass ornaments to wooden toys and scented candles.
This market is also a great place to try some traditional Czech foods. Grab some pernicky (gingerbread cookies) or trdelnik (a cone-shaped pastry rolled in sugar and cinnamon) as you wander through the stalls. And for the love of the environment, you’ll be served in biodegradable cups and plates.
The fun doesn’t stop at the market stalls. In the center of Old Town Square, you’ll find a beautiful Christmas tree and a stage where you can enjoy live music and performances. These activities take place throughout the season and are free to enjoy. And being steps away from Prague landmarks like the Astronomical Clock and Tyn Church, Old Town Square is definitely one of the most picturesque places to enjoy a Christmas market in Prague.
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2. Wenceslas Square Christmas Market
Wenceslas Square is the main shopping area in Prague, and it is transformed into a beautiful Christmas market during the holiday season. This is one of the most famous Christmas markets in Prague, drawing in locals and visitors alike with its festive atmosphere and central location.
This market is open from late November until January, and you can find all sorts of traditional Czech Christmas goods like hand-painted eggs, crystal glassware, wooden toys, and scented candles.
This market is also a great place to sample some traditional Czech foods. Try the grilled sausage with mustard or contemplated fried cheese. For dessert, don’t miss out on the trdelnik, a cone-shaped pastry that is rolled in sugar and cinnamon.
With over 100 stalls, the Wenceslas Square market is one of the largest in Prague. It’s worth noting that this market can get quite crowded, especially on weekends. If you’re looking to avoid crowds, come during the week or during the day when it’s less busy.
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3. Namesti Republiky Christmas Market
The Namesti Republiky Christmas Market attracts its share of crowds due to its convenient location outside one of Prague’s biggest shopping malls; Palladium. However, this market is still definitely worth a visit for its beautiful setting and a large selection of goods.
During this festive time, this Square is taken over by a fairytale-like market, complete with a towering Christmas tree in the center. The market is always full of people shopping, drinking, and listening to live music. I also noticed that many stalls here sold unique handmade goods you wouldn’t find at other markets. Plus, if you need to buy mistletoe or a Christmas tree, this is the best place to do it.
The Namesti Republiky market is open from the 29th of November to the 29th of December. It’s one of the best Christmas markets in Prague for gifts and its holiday atmosphere. Even if you’re not doing your Christmas shopping here, it’s worth checking out this market for the festive atmosphere alone.
4. Prague Castle Christmas Market
If you’re looking for a more traditional and intimate Christmas market experience, the Prague Castle Christmas Market is the perfect place. With only around 60 stands, this market is much smaller than the Old Town Square market. However, it makes up for its size with its breathtaking setting.
The Prague Castle Christmas Market is located in front of St. Vitus Cathedral and has stunning views of the castle complex. This market sells traditional Czech handicrafts, such as hand-painted Easter eggs, glass Christmas ornaments, and wooden toys. In addition to holiday gifts and souvenirs, you can find a wide variety of traditional Czech foods and drinks at the Prague Castle Christmas Market. Try some Svickova (beef sirloin in cream sauce), ryzlink vlassky (a white wine from Moravia), or medovina (honey wine).
However, the biggest draw of the Prague Castle Christmas Market is the stunning views of Prague. From the market, you can see all the way to the Charles Bridge and beyond. This makes it the perfect place to take in the beauty of the city and appreciate all that Prague has to offer.
This market is open from the 26th of November until the 6th of January. And being one of the most famous Prague Christmas markets, expect large crowds.
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5. Namesti Miru Christmas Market
If you’re looking for a more traditional Christmas market with no tourist crowds and fewer tourist traps, head to Namesti Miru. This market is a local favorite, and Prague residents come here to do their Christmas shopping away from the hustle and bustle of the city center.
Located in front of the gorgeous Church of St. Ludmila, the Namesti Miru market has a lovely festive atmosphere. With over 60 stalls, you can find all sorts of handmade gifts, from handmade cosmetics and soaps to Advent calendars, hand-painted decorations, and fresh wreaths. There are also plenty of food options to keep you fueled as you shop.
Since this isn’t a high-traffic market, it’s the perfect place to find unique gifts that you won’t find at any other Christmas markets in Prague. Plus, most of the things sold here are very reasonably priced.
The Namesti Miru market is open from the 20th of November until the 24th of December and is the first to open in Prague.
6. Havelska Christmas Market
This is another one of the best Christmas markets in Prague for finding unique, handmade gifts. This small but mighty market is located in Havelska Square, just a few minutes walk from Old Town Square.
The market has a lovely festive atmosphere with a beautiful big Christmas tree in the center of the Square. This is the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind gifts, as most stalls are run by local artisans and designers selling their own jewelry, clothes, paintings, and more. You can also find traditional Czech Christmas decorations, such as hand-painted eggs and carved wooden nativity scenes.
There is also a good selection of food available at this market, including traditional Czech dishes like svickova (beef in cream sauce) and goulash. Wash it all down with a cup of hot mulled wine, or try one of the many different types of beer on offer.
The Havelska Christmas market is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a more intimate and relaxed setting. It’s open from late November until early January.
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7. Andel Christmas Market
Unlike other Prague Christmas markets that are well dressed with traditional Czech ornaments and trinkets, the Andel Christmas market leans more towards a modern style that is authentic and not exaggerated.
This market is located outside the Andel metro station in the Smichov district. It’s open from the 1st to the 23rd of December and is perfect for those who want to avoid large crowds.
Although it’s a smaller market, you can still find all holiday essentials like Christmas trees, lights, ornaments, and handmade goods. There are also a few food stalls with traditional Czech dishes that will keep you warm while you browse the market.
If you’re looking for a unique and stylish gift, be sure to check out the market’s selection of jewelry, clothes, and art. You can also find great gifts for kids, like toys and stuffed animals.
8. Kampa Island Christmas Market
If you’re looking for the most famous Christmas markets in Prague to escape the hustle and bustle of the city center, head over to Kampa Island. This charming market located on a small island in the Vltava River is much more relaxed than the one in Old Town Square.
With a beautiful view of Prague Castle and Charles Bridge in the background, the Kampa Island Christmas market is the perfect place to enjoy a cup of hot mulled wine and soak up the festive atmosphere.
The market is set on a cobblestone street and has a lovely selection of Christmas trees, lights, and decorations. You’ll find a wide range of local handicrafts, jewelry, and Christmas gifts here. In addition, you’ll also find some tasty food options that include grilled sausage, fried cheese, and chimney cakes.
Kampa Island is also a great market for kids as there are several fun rides and a large playground area. The market is open from the end of November until the 6th of January.
9. Karlstejn Castle Christmas Market
A favorite among locals, the Karlstejn Castle is only a 40-minute train ride from Prague. Technically, the market is not actually on the castle grounds. Instead, it is set up along the winding streets of the village below.
This market area is known for its unique atmosphere and handmade goods. You can find an array of traditional Czech arts and crafts and Christmas decorations, as well as locally made jewelry, wooden toys, and pottery. Many local artists and musicians also perform throughout the market, providing the perfect festive soundtrack to your shopping experience. And don’t forget to sample some of the local specialties while you’re there.
The Karlstejn Castle Christmas market is usually open from late November to early January, so you have plenty of time to plan a visit. And even though it’s a bit further out of the city, the charming atmosphere and stunning setting make it worth the trip.
10. Jiriho z Podebrad Christmas Market
You’ll love this market if you’re looking for a slightly more low-key local Christmas market experience. This market is located in the hip area of Vinohrady, not too far from the city center.
The Jiriho z Podebrad market is best known for its selection of handmade goods, such as jewelry, clothes, and wooden toys. The focus here is on quality over quantity, which makes for a more relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere.
This market is always lively and cheerful, with a range of carol singers, family craft workshops, and other live performers to keep you entertained. This makes it one of the best Christmas markets in Prague for people traveling with kids as well.
In terms of food, you can find all the traditional Czech Christmas dishes here, like svickova (beef sirloin in cream sauce) and roasted carp. There are also vegan and vegetarian options available.
11. Tyl’s Square Christmas Market
If you want to experience a more traditional Prague Christmas market, Tyl’s Square is the place to go. This small market is located in a quaint area of the Vinohrady district of Prague and is the perfect place to find unique gifts made by local artisans.
The Square is always decorated with a giant Christmas tree and lights, making it a lovely place to stroll through even if you don’t plan on shopping. You’ll find stands selling hand-painted Christmas ornaments, jewelry, and other trinkets. There is also a selection of traditional Czech foods like barbecue, grilled sausage, and potato pancakes. And if you want to take a break from shopping, there are plenty of benches and chairs set up around the perimeter of the market where you can relax, and people watch.
Tyl’s Square is the ideal spot for those who want to avoid crowds and enjoy a more traditional Prague Christmas market experience. This market is open from the 27th of November to the 6th of January, so you have plenty of time to enjoy the festive atmosphere.
In summary
No matter what your budget is, Prague has a Christmas market that’s perfect for you. From the large and lively Old Town Square market to the smaller and more modern Andel market, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful city. I hope that with this list of the best Christmas markets in Prague, you’ll be able to find the perfect one for your holiday shopping and celebration. Happy holidays.
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