Would you completely rearrange your travel itinerary and take a grueling, multi-leg flight home just to experience a city’s Christmas markets?
Apparently for Michael and me, that answer was yes. Initially, it seemed logical to book our late November/early December trip to Prague and Vienna by flying to Prague first then moving on to Vienna. But in the middle of booking our miraculous $600 flights, something stopped me. I knew the Christmas markets in Vienna typically begin in mid-November—but what about the ones in Prague?
I quickly opened another tab to verify the dates for Prague’s Christmas markets, and what I discovered was that they weren’t scheduled to begin until December. Meaning, if we’d booked those budget-friendly tickets, we’d miss the markets entirely. With fingers crossed, I reversed my open-jaw search, landing us in Vienna first and departing from Prague.
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Phew, the prices were still around the $600 mark. But while the flight to Vienna was almost identical, the return flight from Prague was another story entirely. Facing a 24-hour travel day back with long stops in Zurich and Chicago before finally returning home to Charlotte, I admit I closed my eyes while booking our flights.
But this isn’t post isn’t about that long, long travel day. It’s about the magical Christmas markets that made it all worthwhile.
While it’s nearly impossible not to compare to the markets we’d visited just days before in Vienna, I’ll do my very best to keep this post centered on specific things visitors should know about Prague’s Christmas markets. With that in mind:
ABOUT PRAGUE’S CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Each December, Prague’s city squares—both large and small—transform into enchanting displays of holiday cheer, drawing the community together to celebrate the season of Advent. From the sprawling Old Town Square market to cozy farmers markets that get into the holiday spirit, there’s a market for every visitor.
No matter the size, Prague’s Christmas markets all share a few magical themes: twinkling lights illuminating the early winter evenings, the sounds of joyful holiday music, stalls brimming with handmade crafts and perfect gifts, irresistible sweet and savory treats, and families coming together to take it all in.
But with so much to see, where do you begin? And what should first-time visitors know to make the most of this magical experience? I’m thrilled to be your guide, ready to share everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to Prague’s Christmas markets.
TIPS FOR VISITING THE PRAGUE CHRISTMAS MARKETS
They’re on their own schedule
While Germany’s Christmas markets often begin in mid-to-late November and Austria’s markets sometimes carry into the new year, Prague’s Christmas markets typically run on a more compact schedule. Dates may vary, so it’s always wise to poke around local blogs and Facebook groups for current opening dates, but most markets in Prague are open from December 1 through December 23.
Bundle up, my friends
Mulled wine only stays warm for so long, so be sure to dress for Prague’s winter days and nights. Thin, wool layers work best, paired with hats, scarves, and gloves. Still feeling the chill? Luckily, you’ll likely find a stall offering cozy mittens or warm socks to keep you toasty.
Crowded is an understatement
I thought an early December visit would mean smaller crowds since Christmas was still weeks away, but I was mistaken. The Old Town Square Market saw steady throngs of people at all hours. Visiting earlier in the day gave us a bit more breathing room, though, so I recommend starting with the largest markets first thing in the morning for a more enjoyable experience.
Expect global specialties
Beyond the hearty dishes you’ve likely already encountered while exploring Prague, the city’s Christmas markets offer specialties from around the globe. It’s like taking a trip around the world without leaving the square—talk about bang for your travel buck!
Cash is king
Although many vendors accept credit cards and mobile payments, your Prague Christmas market shopping experience will go more smoothly with some cash in hand. Smaller denominations of Koruna are particularly handy for food and beverage purchases. Before heading to the markets, stop by an ATM at a major local bank to stock up on cash.
No mugs in sight
If you’ve admired collections of ceramic mugs from the Christmas markets of Austria or Germany, you might be disappointed to find they haven’t made their way to Prague. Instead, the city focuses on sustainability by serving beverages in reusable plastic cups, still helping to reduce waste, just with a different collectible vessel. Though, I should note that I did receive a single-use cup at one market.
Take note of the cup deposit system
When you order svařák (mulled wine) or another beverage at the market, you’ll see the price includes a small refundable deposit for the reusable cup. How you receive your deposit back depends on the market: at some, you return the cup to the vendor where you made your purchase; at others, you’ll need to visit a designated return stand.
To avoid confusion, ask the vendor how their system works when you buy your drink or mill about watching others return their cups. If you find the process tricky—or if you’re charmed by the cup—you can always keep it as a budget-friendly souvenir!
There’s something for all ages
While many visitors focus on eating, drinking, or shopping their way through the Christmas markets, the Prague markets make sure that even the youngest among us are entertained. The highlight for kids under ten? An enclosed play area filled with hay, perfect for letting them burn off some energy. Pop an allergy pill if needed and let the fun begin!
Not everything is locally-made
Discerning shoppers may notice a mix of mass-produced items alongside handcrafted, locally-made treasures. If, like me, you prefer your travel purchases to have local origins, ask yourself if the price seems too good to be true—machine-made goods often come with a lower price tag—before purchasing.
Expect to stumble on markets
Prague’s Christmas markets don’t have as robust of an online presence as those in some other European cities, making it harder to meticulously plan your itinerary. But that’s part of the charm! Wandering through the city, you’re likely to stumble upon delightful smaller markets, creating unforgettable travel memories.
MY FAVORITE MARKET IN PRAGUE
While the market at Old Town Square will leave you in awe and the market at Náměstí Republiky looks like it belongs on a postcard, my favorite Christmas market in all of Prague is the one at Jiřího z Poděbrad Square in Prague 3. In the warmer months, this square hosts stalls filled with local produce, but in December, it transforms into a hub for local handicrafts and holiday cheer.
Why is it my favorite? Its small, manageable size and location away from the buzzing tourist center give it a truly local feel. This farmers market-turned-Christmas market brings holiday magic through the season’s simple joys. No, there may not be ice skating rinks or towering, impressively decorated trees like at the city’s larger markets. Instead, you’ll find families gathered over steaming cups of mulled wine, local groups playing instrumental holiday music, and children squealing in delight at the play area.
While the market typically runs from Wednesday through Sunday and the food stalls are open daily, visiting on the weekend offers the largest selection and liveliest atmosphere.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON VISITING PRAGUE’S CHRISTMAS MARKETS
So—are Prague’s Christmas markets worth planning your whole itinerary around? Well, I certainly don’t regret it one bit (even after that long, long travel day). In December, night falls as early as 4 p.m. in Prague, and the way these markets light up the darkness is nothing short of magical.
While I believe Prague would be a perfect travel destination in any season, visiting in December offers something truly special. If you have the chance to experience this city during the holiday season, I can’t recommend it enough.
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Questions for you
Have you ever adjusted your travel schedule for an event?
What part of the Christmas market experience are you most excited for?
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