Moreover, CNN has recognized Prague’s festive markets as one of the most exceptional in the world. Enjoy the true Christmas atmosphere in the heart of Europe and read our tips on the best things to do in Prague at Christmas.
Weather in Prague around Christmas
As the festive season approaches, the air in Prague chills to a crisp breeze, with temperatures typically hovering between 2°C (36°F) and -2°C (28°F). Before you set off, consult the forecast and arm yourself with winter attire that embraces function and elegance. If you are interested in whether snow will await you in Prague, read the article: How cold does Prague get in winter and does it snow?
Christmas markets
What would the Christmas holidays in Prague be like if you didn’t visit the famous Christmas markets, which are also sometimes called the winter market or Christmas fair. The most famous Christmas market is located in the Old Town Square. Hard to miss from a further distance due to the giant Christmas tree that is dominant year by year.
The Christmas market in the Old Town Square will be open from the same day when the Prague Christmas lights are switched on together with the main Christmas tree. This year, this festive moment will take place on November 30, 2024, at 4 p.m.
To complete your Christmas market experience in Prague, try traditional delicacies such as sausage, Prague ham, trdelník, roasted chestnuts, mead, hot wine “svařák“ or punch. Picking just one can be a difficult task, so don’t hesitate to taste everything. You’ll burn calories later while exploring the top must-see places in Christmas Prague. You can find their list below.
If you’d like to enjoy the taste of Czech mulled wine in a more unique setting, join us on the Northern Hikes winter tours. Whether you choose The Laterns of Narnia or the Winter Hike Tour, each includes a special moment where our guide serves homemade mulled wine.
Picture this: surrounded by the magical sandstone labyrinth of Tisa Rocks, with snow crunching underfoot and a chill in the air, the aroma of warm spices fills the atmosphere. A small outdoor picnic unfolds, an unforgettable way to experience the flavors of Czech Christmas while immersed in nature.
Christmas trees
The lighting of Christmas trees in Prague is a dazzling display of festive joy. As we have already mentioned, the most renowned is in the Old Town Square and its lighting is a highly attended event every year, which marks the season’s official commencement. So if you are in Prague at the end of November, don’t miss the spectacular lighting of the Christmas trees throughout the city.
Other notable trees enhance the city’s yuletide charm, like the one near the Church of the Sacred Heart of the Lord in the Jiřího z Poděbrady Square, and the festive tree in Náměstí Míru, surrounded by a lovely Christmas market.
Take a walk across Prague and try to find the most magical Christmas tree. More are waiting for you at:
- Wenceslas Square,
- Karlín Square,
- Kampa,
- Malostranské Square,
- Vodičková Street
Christmas lights
You can’t leave Christmas Prague without an epic photo for your social media. But what to do when there is a 20-minute queue at the main tree? Venture to Prague’s Christmas park in Žluté lázně for a visual feast of light installations. Here, almost 200 original light displays in 2D and 3D designs bring the Christmas festival “Lights Tell” exhibition to life, running until the 31st of January 2025 and open daily from 4 pm to 9 pm.
You can visit another light park in Prague’s Letňany. Winter Wonderland is open daily including holidays and offers more than 200 light installations and attractions not only for children.
Our third tip is the Lumina Park light park, which is located near the Džbán swimming pool area. The Light of Time exhibition and Dino Live Prague promise a fascinating walk through history, in which you will be surrounded by a light and sound show.
If you want to stay in the city center and stop for a picture-perfect moment, wander through the garden of Slovanský dům in the city center, where festive lights create a magical backdrop.
Christmas events
If you are asking what to do in Prague in December, we don’t have just one answer. At Christmas time the city comes alive with events that celebrate the essence of this holiday. Attend a concert at one of the theaters, or wander through exhibits that showcase the best of Czech art and history.
Christmas concerts
Whether you are a lover of classical music, gospel, or modern melodies or want to listen to Czech artists, you can choose from a wide range of Christmas concerts in Prague’s cultural institutions.
The National Theater and the Rudolfinum, with their opulent interiors, host traditional Advent and Christmas concerts, where the strains of classical music encapsulate the spirit of the season. Not to be outdone, the Klementinum joins in with its roster of yuletide performances including the traditional Czech Christmas Mass.
You can visit other concerts, for example, in:
- Hybernia Theatre
- Prague Castle
- Liechtenstein Palace
- Municipal House
- Cinema Lucerna
- Žofín Palace
Cultural Shivers in Museums
Do you like to immerse yourself in the culture and history? Good news for you, Prague’s museums and galleries are also open during the Christmas holidays.
Admire musical heritage in the Czech Museum of Music, but if you are more into fine arts, visit Mucha Museum Prague – a museum dedicated to a world-known secession painter. London has Madam Tussauds, and Prague has the Grévin – wax figurines museum. While walking in the Wenceslas Square, you will for sure admire the historical building of the National Museum, so don’t forget to take a look inside.
As you can see, the list of activities over the Christmas holidays in Prague is endless. For small travelers, there is a huge Zoo, also an excellent choice for fauna lovers. But if you prefer more flora, visit the Botanical Garden, which is even open on Christmas Eve until 14:00.
Christmas run
Do we have any running fans here? Don’t miss the Christmas charity run in Prague. This 5 km route winds through Prague’s scenic vistas, emphasizing participation and the Christmas spirit over competition. With every step, participants of all ages, from children to seniors, celebrate the season. Completing the run earns each person a special Christmas medal, and entry fees contribute to a charitable foundation, making this event a true embodiment of holiday giving.
Ice skating
And speaking of sports, we must not forget the ultimate Christmas activity in Prague, which is ice skating. There are many public ice skating rinks in Prague, whether covered in stadiums or outside areas.
Worth mentioning are:
- Ice Arena Letňany
- PVA Letňany ice skating rink
- The metropolis of Zličín
- Karlín Ice Rink
- Hvězda Winter Stadium
In the pre-Christmas season, you can also skate in the city center, for example on Charles Bridge or Wenceslas Square.
Where to go for Christmas shopping in Prague
Have you been thinking about buying Christmas presents for your loved ones in Prague? Great idea! At the Christmas markets, you can find everything from handcrafted ornaments to aromatic gingerbread, traditional Czech food or drink, but also wonderful decorations.
The main shopping artery is on the street Na Příkopě, where the twinkling lights reflect off the windows of not just high-end boutiques. The Náměstí Republiky is another destination not to be missed, with its Palladium shopping center offering a variety of stores that cater to every wish list.
Traditional Czech souvenirs are the gems of Christmas gifting:
- Becherovka
- Czech beer or Czech wine
- Beer cosmetics
- Spa wafers
- Czech mead
- Czech crystal or porcelain
- The Little Mole
Things to see in Prague in December
Prague is super enjoyable, especially over the Christmas holidays. “City of Hundred Spires” is full of romantic narrow streets, breathtaking views, and historical places.
The Charles Bridge, the oldest Prague bridge, is definitely worth your visit. In the dimmed lights you’ll feel the statues waking up slowly and walking from one end to the other- The very similar atmosphere also rules a famous island in Prague – Kampa. Walking close to the Vltava River would never be more romantic than now when we celebrate the most beautiful holidays of the year.
No Christmas visit to Prague would be complete without exploring the grandeur of Prague Castle. This iconic site, beautifully illuminated for the holidays, offers breathtaking views over the city. Visitors often wonder, is Prague Castle open on Christmas day? The answer is yes! Prague Castle welcomes you to experience its unique charm, even during the holiday season.
Prague is also loved due to its magnificent views. So stop by Letná, if you want to enjoy how it feels like to be part of the picturesque postcard. You will see an unforgettable view over snowy roofs from Vyšehrad, Vítkov, or Havlíček Gardens.
If you are enchanted by the Baroque period, get yourself caught in the opulent atmosphere of the Vrbovská Garden and the palace of the same name.
Read our other articles that you might find useful when visiting Prague:
- Your guide to Prague hotels
- How to use public transportation in Prague
- What food to eat in Prague
- Is it safe to travel to Prague?
- Prague Off the Beaten Path: 13 Unforgettable Adventures Await
- Top 5 day trips from Prague
Prague between Christmas and New Year
Will you be staying in Prague until the end of December? Then we will delight you, because the post-Christmas period in Prague is alive with festive buzz, culminating in many celebratory events as New Year’s Eve draws near. The historic Old Town Square is the epicenter of traditional celebrations, where a spectacular midnight show ushers in the new year amid a dazzling fireworks display.
For those seeking an alternative experience, a New Year’s Eve river cruise on the Vltava offers cozy heated cabins, sumptuous dining, and splendid views of the illuminated Prague Castle and the Charles Bridge. It’s a more tranquil way to celebrate, away from the crowds of the squares.
Check our complete New Year’s Eve guide in Prague, including what to do and where to celebrate.
Winter Hiking Around Prague
After a couple of mulled wines or walking in Prague, we also sometimes long for a break from the hustle of the big city, nature would be our next choice. In less than 2 hours you could be in the most popular national park in Czechia – Bohemian Switzerland.
Imagine stunning views with pleasant weather and an almost kitschy sunset in the fairytale countryside. It was probably also the reason why the filmmakers chose this locality as a shooting place for winter scenes for The Chronicles of Narnia movie.
A trip to the Tisa Rocks Labyrinth and Bastei Bridge will take you to two countries on a full-day trip. Enjoy the walk around tall sandstone towers, through narrow passages and small caves. From Bastei Bridge expect to view the breathtaking landscape formed by the biggest sandstone canyon – The Elbe Canyon.
Another option is to explore two highlights of Bohemian Switzerland – Pravcicka Gate and Bastei Bridge. It’s a comfortable full-day trip which is also doable in winter. Rock formations and high stone walls create iconic scenery and offer a perfect spot for scenic views.
For a more adventurous experience, try our Lantern Night Tour at Tisa Rocks, where the magic of The Chronicles of Narnia comes alive after sunset. Guided by lantern light, you’ll explore sandstone labyrinths and enjoy mulled wine and Czech cookies in the peaceful, starry surroundings. The tour ends with a gourmet dinner at a former hunting chateau before returning to Prague. A truly unique way to escape the city crowds and create unforgettable memories!During the Christmas and New Year period, you can book our winter tour to Bohemian Switzerland every day except for Christmas Day, December 24, and the first Christmas holiday, December 25.
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