Prague Christmas markets

What the Prague Christmas markets are

The Prague Christmas markets are seasonal fairs of wooden stalls set up in the city's central squares. The stalls sell Christmas decorations, handmade gifts, food and drinks. Mulled wine, known in Czech as svařák, is one of the most common drinks, and sweet pastries are sold throughout the markets.

The two main markets sit on Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. Each has its own character. Old Town Square is set against the Old Town Hall and its astronomical clock, so the stalls form a frame for historic buildings. Wenceslas Square is a long boulevard, and its stalls line the open space in front of the National Museum.

When the markets are held

The markets are held in January, November, and December, during the weeks of the Advent season leading up to Christmas. Dates are published on the page for the current edition, so check there before you plan a trip.

Weekday daytime is the quietest period. Evenings and weekends bring the largest crowds, especially on Old Town Square, where lines for the busiest stalls can form quickly.

Where to go and how to get around

Old Town Square is reached by metro line A to Staroměstská. Leave the station and follow the signs toward the Old Town. Wenceslas Square is reached by metro line A or line B to Můstek. From there, walk up the boulevard toward the National Museum.

Both squares are in the historic centre, and most visitors cover the distance on foot. The Charles Bridge is a short walk from Old Town Square, and the route can be combined with a visit to the Old Town Hall and the astronomical clock. Trams also run through the centre, but for a short trip the metro is quicker.

Tickets and costs

Entry to the market squares is free. There is no ticket to buy for the markets themselves.

Costs come from what you buy at the stalls. Food, drinks and gifts are paid for at each stall. Keep some cash on hand, since not every stall accepts cards.

Where to stay

Staying in the Old Town keeps you within walking distance of Old Town Square and the Charles Bridge. This area is the most convenient for visitors who want to return to the markets in the evening.

If you prefer a quieter base, the metro links the central stations to both squares within a few minutes. Hotels close to Můstek or Staroměstská put you on line A, which runs to both markets.

Tips for a first visit

Go on a weekday morning if you want to see the stalls without large crowds. Evenings and weekends are lively, but they are harder for walking and photography.

Dress for the cold. The markets are outdoors, and the squares are exposed to the wind. Warm gloves and a hat are useful.

Try the mulled wine and the traditional pastries at a few stalls, then compare them. Stalls near the centre of each square tend to be busier than those at the edges.

What else is nearby

Old Town Square is in the middle of the historic centre, close to the Old Town Hall, the Týn Church and the Charles Bridge. The Jewish Quarter is a short walk north of the square.

Wenceslas Square is a good place to see the National Museum and the Municipal House, a nearby Art Nouveau building. Visitors who go to both markets can cover the distance on foot in less than half an hour.