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Prague in December 2025

Prague in December feels like a scene from a snow globe. Cobblestone streets twinkle under lights, and the scent of mulled wine drifts from wooden stalls. While crowds spike around Christmas and New Year’s, weekdays still offer quiet corners. Markets open daily, and most attractions stay open even on holidays.

Prague in December 2025 at a glance

🌧️Weather

Highs around 3°C / 37°F, lows −1°C / 30°F, with occasional snow.

☀️Daylight

~8 h; sunrise ~7:45am, sunset ~4pm.

🎉Key events

St. Nicholas Eve (Dec 5), Christmas Eve & Day (Dec 24–25), St. Stephen’s Day (Dec 26).

👥Crowds

High, especially mid-Dec to New Year’s.

🛍️What to pack

Heavy coat, gloves, scarf, waterproof boots.

🍽️Seasonal treats

Trdelník pastries, roast sausages, warm honey wine.

Top things to do in Prague in December

Stroll the Christmas markets

  • When: Daily through December
  • Tags: Seasonal, Cultural experience

Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square glow with festive stalls. Sip hot honey wine, try handmade sausages, and browse ornaments. The Peace Square market is more local and less packed.

Warm up in a beer bath

  • When: Year-round
  • Tags: Wellness, Explorer

Soak in hops and malt at a beer spa while sipping cold Krušovice straight from the tap. December's chill makes this quirky experience extra cozy. Book ahead on weekends.

Visit Prague Castle by twilight

  • When: Daily, last entry ~4pm
  • Tags: Cultural experience, Outdoors

Bundle up for a quieter castle visit as the crowds thin and lights glow on St. Vitus. Arrive by 3pm to explore before dark and see the Changing of the Guard.

Climb Petřín Hill for views

  • When: Clear December days
  • Tags: Outdoors, Explorer

Ride the funicular up Petřín and climb the lookout tower for sweeping views of snow-dusted rooftops. Dress warmly—windchill bites. The park is quieter than central squares.

Catch a classical concert

  • When: Evenings throughout December
  • Tags: Cultural experience, Family-friendly

Venues like Municipal House and Rudolfinum host seasonal concerts and holiday performances. Book seats for early evenings to pair with dinner afterward.

Take a Vltava river cruise

  • When: Day and evening departures
  • Tags: Tour, Family-friendly

Glide past Prague's skyline on a heated cruise boat. Some include mulled wine or dinner. Dusk departures (4:30pm) offer city lights and early twilight views.

Explore the Jewish Quarter

  • When: Daily, closed Dec 25
  • Tags: Cultural experience, Tour

Take a guided tour through Josefov’s synagogues and the Old Jewish Cemetery. December’s early dusk adds atmosphere to this solemn, moving district.

Visit the Museum of Senses

  • When: Daily
  • Tags: Family-friendly, Indoors

Warm up inside with 50+ optical illusions and interactive rooms. It’s a hit with kids and open late on weekends (until 9pm).

Offbeat experiences in December

Book tower infinity mirror

Peek into infinity inside a mirrored tower of books. It's small, surreal, and ideal for a wintry photo stop.
📍Where: Prague Municipal Library

U Krále Brabantského Tavern

Medieval drinking den with candlelit tables and old-world vibes. Great for escaping the cold with hearty drinks and Czech pub food.
📍Where: Thunovská 198/15, Mala Strana

Ride Prague's historic tram 41

This vintage tram loops through scenic routes on weekends. December rides feel like a nostalgic city tour. Hop on for photos and warm wooden seats.
📍Where: Connects major stops like Výstaviště Holešovice

Axe-throwing challenge

Get out of the cold and blow off steam. Indoor axe ranges like The House of Axes welcome winter warriors.
📍Where: Husitská 63, Žižkov

Bike the Vltava trail

Wrap up and cycle the riverside trail on a clear day. Fewer tourists mean peaceful views, but bring gloves and layers. Rent from Rekola for short rides.
📍Where: Eastern bank of the Vltava River

Festivals and events in Prague this December 2025

St. Nicholas Eve

  • Dates: 5 December 2025
  • Event type: Cultural Festival
  • Location: Old Town Square

Costumed devils, angels, and saints parade the streets gifting candy and spooking kids. Join locals for a peek into Czech folklore.

Prague Christmas Markets

  • Dates: Throughout December 2025
  • Event type: Cultural Festival
  • Location: Old Town, Wenceslas, Peace, Republic Squares

Festive stalls sell gifts, treats, and warm drinks. Markets stay open through Christmas Eve and reopen on New Year's Day.

Christmas Eve & Day

  • Dates: 24–25 December 2025
  • Event type: Holiday
  • Location: Citywide

Expect closures at some attractions on Dec 25. Book restaurants in advance. Join locals for Christmas carp and a peaceful stroll.

St. Stephen's Day

  • Dates: 26 December 2025
  • Event type: Holiday
  • Location: Citywide

Shops reopen and streets fill with walkers and sales-seekers. It's a popular day for casual sightseeing and leftover holiday magic.

Highlights for different traveler types

Families with kids

The Museum of Senses is a great warm-up stop with interactive fun. Take a Christmas tram ride for festive sightseeing. Wrap up the day with gingerbread and lights at Old Town Square.

Couples

A river cruise with mulled wine or an evening at the opera adds romance. Explore Lesser Town for quiet cobblestones and candlelit pubs.

Culture vultures

Dive into classical music concerts, visit the Jewish Quarter, and climb Petřín Hill for views over centuries of history.

Solo wanderers

Join guided walking tours or explore festive markets at your own pace. Try axe-throwing or a beer spa to meet fellow travelers.

Value hunters

Use the Prague Visitor Pass for unlimited transit and discounted entries. Seek out Peace Square market for cheaper eats and fewer crowds.

Your perfect 3-day Prague in December itinerary

  • Morning: Start at Old Town Square with the Astronomical Clock and early market browsing.
  • Breakfast: Hot pastries and coffee at Café Louvre.
  • Midday: Cross Charles Bridge and climb up to Prague Castle.
  • Lunch: Hearty goulash at a pub in Lesser Town.
  • Afternoon: Explore St. Vitus Cathedral and Golden Lane.
  • Evening: Vltava river cruise with mulled wine.
  • Morning: Tour the Jewish Quarter and synagogues.
  • Breakfast: Try Medovnik (honey cake) at a nearby café.
  • Midday: Visit the National Museum or Museum of Senses.
  • Lunch: Warm bowl of svíčková at a bistro on Wenceslas Square.
  • Afternoon: Shop at Peace Square market.
  • Evening: Attend a classical concert at Rudolfinum.
  • Morning: Ride the funicular to Petřín Hill and climb the tower.
  • Breakfast: Brunch near Malostranské náměstí.
  • Midday: Book a beer spa or go axe-throwing.
  • Lunch: Grab a grilled sausage at Republic Square market.
  • Afternoon: Snap surreal photos at the infinity book tower.
  • Evening: Tavern dinner at U Krále Brabantského.

Best day trips from Prague in December

Karlštejn Castle

🚆Travel time: ~45 min by train

The castle looks magical dusted in snow. Check winter opening hours and bundle up—it's perched on a hill with icy paths.

Kutná Hora

🚆Travel time: ~1 h by train

Tour the bone-decorated chapel and St. Barbara’s Cathedral. Fewer crowds mean longer, peaceful visits. Wear boots—it can be slushy.

Plzeň (Pilsen)

🚆Travel time: ~1.5 h by train

Warm up with a brewery tour of Pilsner Urquell. It’s a festive winter escape with hearty food and fewer day-trippers.

Go shopping in Prague in December

  • When: Through December 24
  • Where: Old Town Square

Ornaments, mulled wine, gingerbread, and nativity scenes. Lit up nightly with live music and tree ceremonies.

  • When: Year-round
  • Where: Near Jewish Quarter

Designer boutiques and luxury brands wrapped in twinkle lights. Ideal for a high-end holiday splurge.

  • When: Daily, year-round
  • Where: Havelská street

Find wooden toys, Czech crafts, and winter gear. Great for authentic gifts.

  • When: Until Dec 24
  • Where: Vinohrady

Less touristy than the big squares, with local foods and handmade goods.

Pro tips for visiting Prague in December

  1. Book hotels and tours by mid-November for the best rates and options.

  2. Christmas markets are open Dec 24 and Jan 1 but close early on Dec 25.

  3. Many museums and restaurants close Dec 25–26. Plan indoor sightseeing for other days.

  4. Use the 72-hour transit pass (310 CZK) to hop trams and metro lines in the cold.

  5. Warm wine comes in ceramic mugs at markets—reuse or return for a deposit.

  6. Wear shoes with good grip; cobblestones get slick.

  7. Try morning castle visits before 10am for fewer crowds.

  8. Cafés fill fast around 4pm. Make a late lunch your warm-up break.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Prague in December

Is Prague snowy in December?

Occasional snow falls in December, especially later in the month. Expect frosty mornings and chilly evenings.

Are Christmas markets open on Christmas Day?

Most are closed on Dec 25 but reopen on Jan 1. Dec 24 hours are shorter.

What should I wear in Prague in December?

Layer up: heavy coat, scarf, hat, gloves, and waterproof boots for slushy streets.

Do restaurants stay open over Christmas?

Many close on Dec 24–25. Reserve early for festive meals, especially in tourist areas.

Is public transport running during the holidays?

Yes, but with reduced service on Dec 24–25 and New Year’s Day. Night trams run more frequently.

Do I need to book tickets in advance?

Yes. Concerts, river cruises, and popular restaurants fill quickly in December.

Can I use Euros in Prague?

Some places accept Euros, but Czech Koruna (CZK) is best for better rates.

Is Prague good for solo travelers in December?

Absolutely. It’s safe, festive, and full of cozy solo-friendly spots and tours.