Christmas markets are a true tradition in the Czech Republic, and those in Prague make the capital even more magical. Starting in late November, the atmosphere in Prague changes completely, becoming magical and festive.

The streets, shops, and public transportation are all decked out for the holidays, and the sweet smells fill the squares.

But there isn’t just one Christmas market in Prague. Each of Prague’s Christmas markets is unique, with its own Christmas tree, decorations, and nativity scene. From the most famous to the most intimate, they all have their own charm and atmosphere.

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We’re Guillaume and Maeva, two French travelers. Here, we share our experiences and our travels.
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When do the Christmas markets in Prague start?

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In 2026, the Prague Christmas markets will take place from:
November 20, 2025, to January 6, 2027

Where are Prague’s various Christmas markets located: a map of the city

Prague’s Christmas Markets

Prague’s Largest Christmas Market: Old Town Square

Prague’s most famous and largest Christmas market is held in Old Town Square. It is the Prague Christmas market that offers one of the most beautiful settings.

In the middle of the square, you can see a large, brightly lit Christmas tree, with the astronomical clock tower on one side and the Church of Our Lady before Týn on the other.

Concerts are held throughout the month of December, and the various booths offer a wide selection of Czech dishes and (more or less) handmade products.

Among the most common food stalls are the famous trdelník. It’s a sweet pastry made from dough wrapped around a wooden skewer, then grilled over hot coals and topped with sugar and crushed hazelnuts. (It’s not a Czech specialty, even though you’ll find them all over the city. However, don’t come to enjoy the Christmas markets in Prague without trying one. If Christmas had a taste, it would be that of trdelník). You’ll also find sausages, waffles, and langos—small, flat fritters topped with garlic, crème fraîche, ham, and more—and, of course, traditional mulled wine.

Unfortunately, this is also the market that draws the biggest crowds. It’s best to come on a weekday. In fact, it’s already packed on weekdays, so it must be even worse on the weekend. To really enjoy it, I recommend coming at dusk, around 4:00 or 5:00 p.m.; there will be fewer people.

If you have the chance, be sure to climb to the top of the astronomical clock tower. If you visit in the late afternoon, you can enjoy the view of the illuminated square.

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November 28, 2026, through January 6, 2027
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Directions : Metro Line A / Staroměstská station

Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky)

The market at Place de la République is my favorite. It’s much smaller and much quieter. Every evening, you can hear a choir singing. And the Poudrière Tower, which is right next to it, offers a magnificent view at night.

This Christmas market is divided into two sections. In front of the entrance to the large Palladium shopping center are the food stalls, which this time also feature seasoned hot potatoes. And on the other side of the tram tracks are the craft stalls, offering the widest selection of Christmas items.

There’s nothing quite like combining a visit to the Christmas market with some holiday shopping at the mall.

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November 25 through December 24, 2026
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Directions : Metro Line B / Náměstí Republiky station

La Place Venceslas (Wenceslas Square)

The Wenceslas Square Market is a 10-minute walk from the Christmas market at Republic Square. In fact, all the Christmas markets in Prague are more or less right next to each other, which means you can visit several of them in a single evening.

To get to the Christmas market on Wenceslas Square, I recommend walking through the Na Příkopě shopping street. It’s beautifully decorated, and the storefronts are very pretty.

In addition to the traditional stalls, the market on Wenceslas Square specializes in handmade and steel gifts. You’ll even see a blacksmith at work at his stall.

This square is also home to the Christmas ice rink, which runs from December 1 through February 15.

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November 28, 2026, through January 6, 2027
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Directions : Metro Line A / Můstek station

Kampa Island and its picturesque Christmas market

Head to Kampa Island across the Charles Bridge for Prague’s smallest Christmas market.

It wasn’t our favorite. The square isn’t necessarily the prettiest, and you can see it all pretty quickly. But at least here, you won’t have to wait in line to eat or drink.

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Open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day

Peace Square (Náměstí Míru)

The market at Peace Square is one of the Christmas markets in Prague where we saw the most locals. That’s where we found the greatest variety of stalls, including crafts, toys, food, and sweets.

But what we liked most about this market were the decorations. Aside from the big Christmas tree and the lights, there are lots of little Christmas trees decorated by the children, and it’s really cute. Plus, the Church of Saint Ludmila in the background gives the market a touch of authenticity.

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November 20 through December 24, 2026
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Directions : Metro Line A / Náměstí Míru station

The Market at Tylovo Square (Tylovo Náměstí)

The Tylovo Christmas Market in Prague is also a very small market. Located just a 5-minute walk from the Christmas market at Peace Square, the stalls mainly offer food and hot drinks.

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November 26 through December 24, 2026
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Directions : Metro Line C / I.P. Pavlova station

The Christmas market in the Anděl pedestrian zone: the least touristy one

We’ll finish up with Prague’s smallest and least touristy Christmas market, located in the Anděl pedestrian zone. Here, you’ll find stalls that are different from those at other markets. They offer farm-fresh produce and sausage, but also—surprisingly—desserts from various countries.

Since it’s the least touristy Christmas market in Prague, it’s also the one with the lowest prices. It’s also the most out-of-the-way Christmas market, and if you don’t have much time there, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend making a detour for this small market, which, in my opinion, isn’t as magical as the others.

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November ?? through December 24, 2026
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Directions : Metro Line B / Anděl station

Other Things to Do During the Christmas Markets in Prague

Ice Skating in the Heart of Prague

There are several ice rinks in Prague, but if you want to go ice skating at a Christmas market, you should go to the Christmas market on Wenceslas Square.

Located in the middle of the square, you can rent skates for 2 hours and enjoy skating around the rink. The rink is quite small compared to others, but the kids, at least, seem to love it.

December 1, 2026, through February 15, 2027
Daily from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
– 2026 PRICES: 200 CZK for 2 hours / skate rental 150 CZK
Directions: Metro Line A / Můstek station

Watch the lamplighter light up the Charles Bridge

Since 2010, the city of Prague has revived an old tradition: the lamplighter. Gas lighting was used in Prague until 1985, but to revive the tradition, in December, visitors can watch the lamplighter bring these lights to life one by one.

In fact, every evening, you can watch him turn on the 46 streetlights on Charles Bridge and Křižovnické Square. He starts on the Old Town side, then turns on the streetlights on the right side of the bridge before heading over to turn on the streetlights on the left bank and then returning to turn on the other side of the bridge.

Every evening starting at 4:00 p.m. from November 30 to December 23, 2026

Be aware that this event draws a large crowd. To get a good view, you’ll probably need to arrive a little before 4 p.m. or wait patiently for the lights to come on on the left side of the bridge, which happens a little later, and for which people don’t stay on the bridge.

If possible, avoid going there on the weekend. It’s almost impossible to cross the Charles Bridge and get to both banks then.

Find the most beautiful decorations in Prague

The city of Prague is decked out in its finest lights and decorations for the holiday season. Every storefront, the parks, and even public transportation are all adorned with beautiful Christmas colors. There’s nothing quite like strolling through the streets to take it all in or to admire the garland-adorned trams, Christmas trees, and lights found all over the city.

The Promenade des Anges

On Sundays during Advent, you might see angels on stilts strolling through the streets of Prague, most often around Old Town Square.

Unfortunately, we weren’t able to see them since we weren’t in Prague at that time, but I’m sharing this information with you just in case you happen to be in the Czech capital then.

Date not yet announced by the city

Prague and Its Christmas Markets in a Nutshell : Practical Information

The Christmas markets at Old Town Square, Republic Square, and Wenceslas Square are all just 10 minutes apart, so it’s very easy to visit them all in one evening.

Otherwise, each market is accessible by subway or tram.

Please note that even though you can pay by credit card almost everywhere in Prague, this is not the case at the Christmas markets. Some Christmas markets, such as those at Peace Square and Tylovo Square, accept almost exclusively cash. They will be happy to take your euros, but the exchange rate may not be in your favor, and you’ll need to have the exact amount. However, at the markets at Place de la Vieille Ville, Place de la République, and Wenceslas Square, there are no problems paying by card.

Where should you stay in Prague to enjoy the Christmas markets?

As for accommodations, we stayed at the Alton. It’s a hotel that’s a bit out of the way, but during the Christmas season, it offered the best value for the money. Plus, Prague’s public transportation is right next door and very easy to use. The rooms were spacious, and the staff was very friendly.

The only downside was the noise. The hotel is located next to a very busy street, and at night we could hear the cars. If you’re a light sleeper, I wouldn’t recommend it.

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Visiting the Christmas markets in Prague : Is it worth it?

The city of Prague is beautifully decorated for the holiday season, and the Christmas markets are magnificent; however, we found that the stalls were more or less identical and that the items for sale weren’t often handmade creations like those found at some Christmas markets. The prices are also quite high.

However, it’s still worth going just for the ambiance and atmosphere of Prague’s Christmas markets.

In any case, you can take this opportunity to visit Prague and explore the Czech capital and its holiday lights.

Et si vous souhaitez en savoir plus sur Prague je vous invite à lire notre article :
2 jours à Prague : Que faire ? Itinéraire, budget et conseils

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Pour découvrir d’autres marchés de Noël :

• Marchés de Noël à Budapest : notre guide (édition 2026)