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Your ultimate Christmas travel guide to Prague

Prague during Christmas is truly enchanting. The city is adorned with vibrant decorations including a towering Christmas tree at Old Town Square, with markets selling mulled wine, traditional pastries like trdelník, roasted chestnuts, and handcrafted gifts, all set against the backdrop of Prague's historic Gothic and Baroque architecture.

Why spend Christmas in Prague?

Christmas in Prague - Why Spend Christmas in Prague?
  • Even though Prague is beautiful all year round, the holiday season here is special. Cobblestone streets glimmer beneath fairy lights, and the city’s Gothic and baroque facades look straight out of a Christmas postcard.
  • The Christmas markets here are not just for tourists, instead they’re part of local life. Many stalls are run by families who’ve been selling handmade ornaments and wooden toys for generations.
  • The Old Town Square Market often steals the spotlight with its giant tree glowing against the backdrop of the Astronomical Clock and Týn Church. It’s often hailed as one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe.
  • As the lights come on and the carols begin, the vibe at the Old Town Square is worth visiting. The crowd cheers, the smell of roasted chestnuts fills the air, and you can hear laughter echoing through the narrow lanes.
  • Prague’s skyline, often called the ‘City of a Hundred Spires’, becomes even more enchanting at night. Church towers and bridges shimmer with golden lights, reflected perfectly on the calm Vltava River.
  • And when it comes to food, Christmas in Prague is a delight. Try the traditional Czech dinner of fried carp and potato salad, or warm up with a cup of svařák (mulled wine) from a market stall nearby.

Top 11 things to do during Christmas in Prague

1. Visit the Christmas markets

Europe in December is synonymous with Christmas markets. So put on some comfy shoes and hit the ground running in Prague, with several Christmas booths and markets spread across the city. Visiting Christmas markets puts you in a festive mood like nothing else.

The best Christmas markets of the season are in:

2. See the Christmas lights

Prague is known for its towers and spires. All of these towers, historical buildings, and stores across the city are decked up in pretty lights during Christmas, making it a spectacle like no other. Just head out into the streets and you’ll find the Christmas spirit all around you.

The best Christmas light displays can be seen at:

3. Go Ice Skating in the City

Ice skating is one of those must-do winter traditions in Prague. During Christmas, the city sets up beautiful outdoor rinks like the one at Ovocný trh near Old Town Square and the large Letná Park rink overlooking the Vltava River. You can also head to Na Františku or Čapadlo for a more local vibe.

Check out the best places to go ice skating here:

4. Try Trdelník

Hollowed-out pastry dough topped with cinnamon sugar and soft-serve ice cream makes up this well-known Czech treat. According to Czech locals, this is one of the most favored festive treats and if you find yourself in Prague in December, this is a must-try.

Best Trdelník in Prague can be found in:

5. Watch Christmas Shows

Experience the mesmerizing choirs, orchestras, and dance performances presented by talented artists as Prague, steeped in musical history, hosts these events across its theaters during the festive Christmas season.

The best shows in Prague can be seen at:

6. Enjoy a Christmas Dinner at Mlynek

The Mlynec restaurant is a well-known dining spot in Prague. It is a modern restaurant with a chic atmosphere inspired by Czech culture and allows you to see the impressive twilight vistas of the Charles Bridge through its big glass windows.

Other great places to dine in Prague are:

7. Take a scenic Vltava River cruise

Stroll along the Vltava River or enjoy a scenic cruise to experience the city’s landmarks from the water. There are special Advent cruises in Prague during the Christmas season. You can enjoy a 50-minute to 2-hour serene cruise on heated boats that glide past iconic sights like Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, the National Theatre, and the Dancing House illuminated by festive lights.

Prague River Cruise

8. Climb to the top of Old Town Tower

Old Town Tower is one of the best vantage points to see the city views from, especially at Christmas when you can observe the Christmas markets and their activities from a bird's eye perspective. The cost of the ticket is approximately €9, and if you don't feel like climbing the stairs, you may also take the elevator to the top. The view at sunset is highly sought after by tourists and locals alike.

9. Enjoy a Choir Performance at St. Nicholas Church

With its stunning interiors, remarkable acoustics, and enchanting Christmas atmosphere, St. Nicholas Church in Prague’s Old Town Square offers a truly magical setting for the holiday season! Attend a delightful choral group performance here during Prague’s annual Advent Choral Meetings. These are held over three weekends from late November, and have over 70 choirs from 22 countries participating!

10. Enjoy some svařák: A Taste of a Czech Christmas

This delightful mulled wine is typically enhanced with slivovice, a plum brandy, or rum, and offers a slightly citrusy flavor that’s less sweet than what you might expect. As the afternoon fades into evening, its aroma fills the Christmas markets, transforming the atmosphere from a festive bazaar into a lively outdoor gathering. Forget about beer—during the holiday season, svařák is Prague’s drink of choice.

11. Christmas operas

This Christmas, the National Theatre presents Tchaikovsky’s beloved tale, The Nutcracker, reimagined with elements from A Christmas Carol. This enchanting production is a must-see, so be sure to purchase your tickets online early, as they sell out quickly. Additionally, opera enthusiasts can enjoy Smetana’s The Bartered Bride, a witty portrayal of Czech rural life, complemented by an exhibition showcasing Smetana’s costumes. For families, Hänsel und Gretel at the State Opera offers a whimsical experience with clowns, acrobats, and puppets to delight young audiences.

Watch the lamplighter illuminate Charles Bridge

For a glimpse into old-world Prague, don’t miss the lighting of the city’s historic gas lamps along Charles Bridge. From December 1–23, usually around 4–4:15 pm, a lamplighter dressed in period costume walks the bridge, igniting each lamp by hand. Locals gather to watch as the bridge glows in a warm, flickering light.

Your perfect Christmas itinerary

Day 1: Christmas Eve charm and festive markets

Morning: Start your day with breakfast at Café Savoy, a Prague favorite known for its rich hot chocolate and buttery pastries. Then wander through the Old Town and soak in the festive atmosphere. Visit the Old Town Square Christmas Market, often hailed as one of Europe’s most beautiful, and browse stalls selling handmade ornaments and trdelník (sweet chimney cakes).

Afternoon: Head to Prague Castle for panoramic winter views and explore St. Vitus Cathedral dressed in festive décor. Stop for lunch at Kuchyň, overlooking the castle grounds, then cross the Charles Bridge, where you might catch the lamplighter illuminating the gas lamps by hand.

Evening: As night falls, enjoy a candlelit Christmas concert at St. Nicholas Church or Municipal House, then dine on a traditional Czech Christmas Eve meal at Mlejnice or U Modré Kachničky. End your night with a walk through the softly lit streets of Lesser Town.

Day 2: Christmas Day strolls and storybook scenes

Morning: Begin with a peaceful breakfast at Café Louvre, then visit the Bethlehem Chapel for a glimpse of local nativity displays. Wander through Wenceslas Square, where festive lights still glow and the smaller markets hum with activity.

Afternoon: Go ice skating at the Ovocný trh rink near Old Town Square or at Letná Park for scenic river views. Warm up afterward with a cup of svařák (mulled wine) and roasted almonds.

Evening: Take a Vltava River dinner cruise, where you can see Prague’s skyline, especially its spires, domes, and bridges shimmering under Christmas lights. If you prefer something cozier, end your trip with dinner at Mlýnec, watching the illuminated Charles Bridge from your table as the city settles into a quiet festive glow.

Know before you go

  • Weather: December in Prague is cold and often snowy, with temperatures ranging between -2°C and 4°C. Expect frosty mornings and occasional light snow.
  • What to wear: Pack warm layers, a waterproof coat, gloves, a hat, and sturdy shoes with good grip.
  • Crowds: Christmas is one of Prague’s busiest seasons, especially around the Old Town Square and Charles Bridge. Visit markets early in the morning or later in the evening for a quieter experience.
  • Budget: Prague is relatively affordable compared to other European capitals. Expect higher prices around Christmas, especially for hotels and special dinners, but food and attractions remain reasonably priced.
  • Currency: The Czech koruna (CZK) is the local currency. Many stalls accept cards, but it’s useful to carry some cash for small purchases.
  • Getting around: The metro and trams run regularly even during holidays, making it easy to reach major attractions and markets.
  • Language tip: English is widely understood in tourist areas, but learning a few Czech greetings like “Dobrý den” (hello) or “Děkuji” (thank you) always earns a smile.

Extend your visit till New Year’s Eve

Stay in Prague as the city prepares for a full-blown celebration. On New Year’s Eve, the Vltava River sparkles with fireworks, while Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square turn into open-air parties filled with music, dancing, and champagne toasts. End the year watching Prague’s skyline glitter at midnight.

Frequently asked questions about celebrating Christmas in Prague

Yes, Christmas is a good time to visit Prague. Prague’s unparalleled beauty is only enhanced by the Christmas festivities, lights, and snowfall.