Prague Christmas Markets 2026: Where to Go, What to Eat & Drink and What to Skip

Does Prague have the best Christmas markets in Europe? Probably, yes. Definitely maybe!

Again this year, Prague Christmas markets turn the city into a festive postcard. Catch them from late November into early January, when decorated wooden stalls fill our squares. The main attention-getter is on Old Town Square, and you’ll find more stalls on Wenceslas Square. But there's way more than just these crowded spots.

This guide covers it all, from the highlights to the smaller markets in less touristy neighborhoods. I’ve got the 2026 dates, opening times and so much more. I’m so excited that my typing even sounds like a Christmas carol.

So, discover with me which markets are worth your time, what to eat and drink, and what’s worth buying.

What Social Media Doesn't Tell You

Let's set expectations right away. Social media often shows Prague's Christmas markets as a picture-perfect scene, and they certainly can be magical.

But the reality is that the markets on Old Town Square, especially, get very busy. If you're expecting a quiet, charming stroll - you'll be disappointed.

Please expect crowds around across the square, even on weeknights. My advice... take it slow and focus on soaking up the experience.

Also... remember, this is a prime tourist destination. So, prices in and around the markets are higher than elsewhere in Prague.

Considering all this, it makes even more sense to head to the smaller neighborhood markets. They tend to be a little calmer and easier on the wallet.

Finally, cards are accepted at most stalls, but I definitely suggest carrying a few Czech koruna (crowns). Some vendors are cash-only and small change can be useful for public restrooms.

people visiting Prague Christmas markets during the day

Less lights, but fewer crowds during the day

When & Where the Markets Run

The table below lists each market and it confirmed dates. We'll update the dates and opening hours as they are confirmed.

Market	2026 dates	Nearest metro
Old Town Square	Nov 28, 2026 – Jan 6, 2027, daily 10 a.m.–10 p.m.	Staroměstská (A), Můstek (A/B)
Wenceslas Square	Nov 28, 2026 – Jan 6, 2027, daily 10 a.m.–10 p.m.	Můstek (A/B)
Náměstí Míru	Nov 20 – Dec 24, 2026, daily 10 a.m.–9 p.m.	Náměstí Míru (A)
Náměstí Republiky	To be announced; usually late Nov to Dec 24	Náměstí Republiky (B)
Tylovo náměstí	To be announced; usually late Nov to Dec 24	I. P. Pavlova (C)
Jiřího z Poděbrad	To be announced; usually late Nov to Dec 23	Jiřího z Poděbrad (A)
Kampa Island	To be announced; usually late Nov or early Dec to early Jan	Malostranská (A)
Anděl	To be announced; usually late Nov to Dec 31	Anděl (B)

What about Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?

Markets are open every day, but will have shortened hours for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

We celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve, December 24. And this is a national holiday. You'll typically find the markets and businesses open until early afternoon (about 2 p.m.).

Markets are also open on Christmas Day and St. Stephen's Day (26 Dec) - both national holidays as well. Opening hours will be slightly later, about 12 p.m.

Old Town Square Christmas Market

The Old Town Square market is the granddaddy of them all. If you've seen photos of Prague at Christmas, chances are you've seen this market.

It's the largest market in the city and the setting is absolutely stunning. The lights and decorations, framed by the twin spires of Týn Church and the Old Town Hall tower, are hard to beat.

So what will you find here?

Every year it has a giant Christmas tree and lots of wooden stalls. And, usually there is a stage with live performances in the late afternoon and evening.

The stalls have a mix of offerings. You'll find Czech Christmas ornaments made from glass and straw, both traditional choices. There are plenty of other things to browse, too. Anything from wooden toys and ceramics, to candles and handmade decorations.

As for food and drink, you'll always find trdelník (a spiral-shaped pastry roasted over an open fire). It's a popular treat to eat while you walk - although it's not a traditional Czech specialty. (You'll see it all over the city.)

For something more substantial, you've got options. Look for klobása or pražská šunka (Prague ham) roasted on a spit and carved to order. You may also find bramborák, a crispy potato pancake, or langoš, fried flatbread usually topped with garlic, cheese or ketchup. These are traditional Czech options that you'll find across the country at fairs.

Of course, you can wash it all down with a Czech beer. Or warm up with a hot mulled wine (svařák), or try a traditional hot honey wine called medovina. If you'd rather skip the alcohol, look for hot chocolate or fruit punch.

You'll find standing tables around the market as well. Just be prepared to share the space, especially in the evening when the crowds gather.

One practical tip: If you're tempted by the Prague ham, check the price carefully. Some stalls display prices per 100 grams rather than per serving, so ask what your portion will cost before they cut it.

View of Prague Christmas markets from Old Town Hall Tower

Try the view from the Old Town Hall Tower

Catch the Tree Lighting

The lighting of the Christmas tree is a sort of opening ceremony of the market on Old Town Square. Each year, a different spruce is brought to Prague from somewhere in the Czech Republic, often donated by a town or private owner.

This year the ceremony takes place at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 28.

It's one of the busiest evenings of the season, so if you want to see the ceremony, arrive early to find a spot. Keep an eye on your belongings, too.

Can't make it on the opening-night? Don't worry, you can enjoy the tree bathed in light every evening.

Wenceslas Square Christmas Market

Break away from the dense crowds at the Old Town Square market and head to Wenceslas Square. Actually, the latter isn't really a square at all. It's more of a long boulevard. Regardless, you'll find market stalls at its lower end, near the Můstek metro station.

It's an easy 5–10 minute walk from one market to the other.

The setting isn't quite as photogenic as Old Town, although the boulevard is lined with lights and the National Museum at the far end makes an impressive sight. Here you'll find a mix of stalls similar to those in Old Town. But you also have the option to do some broader shopping. Many shops and department stores along Wenceslas Square stay open into the evening.

These markets don't usually offer much that you won't find in Old Town. But it's worth a stop to see another part of Prague dressed up for the festive season.

Market on Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky)

Another option is the market at Náměstí Republiky, which is an easy walk from Wenceslas Square. Simply walk a few minutes down Na Příkopě and you'll find it across from the beautiful Municipal House, one of Prague's best-known Art Nouveau buildings.

The stalls offer many of the same things you'll find at the other markets, but on a smaller scale and generally without the dense crowds of Old Town Square.

One advantage here is the location. The large Palladium shopping mall sits right next to the market, with shops generally open until 9 p.m. So why not browse the market, then head inside to warm up and do a little shopping?

Quieter Christmas Markets Where Locals Go

The markets above are the most central, but why not explore a little farther afield?

The markets below have more of an everyday neighborhood feel, where you can browse without the dense crowds of Old Town Square. You may also find that some of the food and drink are a little cheaper and the atmosphere less touristy.

I'd start with the three markets in Vinohrady, a residential neighborhood just a short metro ride from Wenceslas Square. Each has its own setting, so they're easy to combine if you want to explore a different part of Prague.

The Vinohrady markets generally open earlier than the main city-center markets, around November 20, but usually close by December 23 or 24. Check the table above for the dates of each market.

Náměstí Míru (Peace Square) in Vinohrady

Vinohrady is known for its handsome apartment buildings, and makes for one of the most in-demand neighborhoods to live in. It's also got some wonderful restaurants, leafy streets and parks.

The market sits in front of the Church of St. Ludmila, which is a trademark of Vinohrady. Its tall spires make a lovely backdrop, especially after dark.

This is usually one of the first markets to open each season. You'll find a similar mix of seasonal goodies to those at the city-center markets, though there may be more locally made gifts and crafts to browse. If you're arriving hungry, don't expect a huge selection of food and drink. It's better to browse and then head to one of the many restaurants nearby.

To get there, take the green metro line A to Náměstí Míru. You'll ride one of the longest escalators in Europe to the top. Turn left, then take the stairs on your right. At the top, walk straight ahead and you'll see the church on your right, with the market in front of you.