Prague Christmas Markets 2019 - All you need
Our town is colourful and beautiful during spring, very inviting and active in summer, stunning and charming in Autumn, but when winter and Christmas comes, it becomes just MAGICAL.
December is full of things to do in Prague, however the Christmas markets are plenty, offering superb local delicacies and all those cute little gifts to take back to family and friends.
So, when and where are the Christmas markets in Prague?
Prague has not one, but 11 Christmas markets, they vary their opening dates and times, but from the 20th of November you can already sip your svařák (mulled wine) or horká čokoláda (hot chocolate) while biting a palačinky (Czech pancakes), a trdelník (spicy gingerbread and a hot sugar coated pastry), or try one of the Vanoci Cukrovi (Christmas cookies). Yammy!
Let’s get to the point – where and when are the Christmas markets open, starting from the most famous and touristic places.
Wish to avoid the crowds? Jump directly to where the Locals go clicking in here.
OLD TOWN SQUARE CHRISTMAS MARKETS
When: 1st of December 2019 – 6th of January 2020
Location: Old Town Square
Opening hours: 10:00 am – midnight
The largest and busiest of all Prague Christmas markets, the Old Town Markets is a postcard on its own. Sitting right in the middle of the famous square, surrounded by the Astronomical Clock and The Old Town City Hall, the Gothic Church of Our Lady, and the Baroque church St. Nicolas, a visit to this market will tick many of your tourist sightseeing boxes already.
From the first day, at 16:30, the Christmas tree lights turn on with a lighting and music show that last a couple of minutes. The lights will then be kept on, and the show repeats every 30 minutes until 21:30.
From here, you can already walk to the Pařiyska street, the fashion strip in Prague and check the the beautiful decoration of the most expensive shops in town and, if you are fortunate enough, buy some gifts.
Where to stay?
Getting to the Old Town is super easy, but for a truly Prague experience, we suggest staying at the Appia Hotel Residences, in Mala Strana.
The walk from the hotel (just under the Prague castle) to the Old Town used to be the one used for kings during their coronation in the medieval times, crossing the spectacular Charles Bridge and adventuring through the maze-like tiny roads of the Old Town.
WENCESLAS SQUARE CHRISTMAS MARKETS
When: 1st of December 2019 – 6th of January 2020
Location: Wenceslas Square, Prague 1
Opening hours: 10:00 am – midnight
The Wenceslas Square is an iconic place in Prague. Famous for hosting public and political events and for the remarkable National Museum sitting at the top of the square, it is Prague’s business centre and hosts many international restaurants, nightclubs and hotels.
The Christmas markets here is also very popular with plenty of stands to see and try. The markets sit at the lower end of the square, near the Mustek Metro Station and right in front of the traditional Casino Ambassador, but lately, a few stands have moved upwards towards the Museum, creating two options to be explored.
Where to stay?
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Hotel Elysee is surely our best option to visit the Christmas markets at the Wenceslas Square. The hotel is situated right in the middle of it, being then a short walk to either side of the markets, and an easy but memorable stroll to the most popular Christmas market for locals in Prague, the Náměsti Míru Markets.
PRAGUE CASTLE CHRISTMAS MARKETS
When: 23rd of November 2019 – 6th of January 2020
Location: St. George Square behind St Vitus, Prague Castle
Opening hours: Monday – Thursday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Friday & Saturday 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Sitting right in the middle of the Prague Castle’s complex, with a great tree and the St. Vitus church at its background, the atmosphere here is hard to beat. A little less crowded due to the security check lines at the entrance of the complex, there are about 70 traditional stands but be prepared to be among many large groups of tourists and paying a higher price for goods.
Where to stay?
This is an easy choice, Appia hotel Residences is just under the castle. A short 5-minute walk up the steep hill and there you are. Appia is a TOP 10 Best hotels in Prague, according to the site TripAdvisor and the Christmas atmosphere there is unbeaten.
KAMPA ISLAND CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Kampa island is probably the most picturesque area in Prague. Just under the Charles Bridge with a park by the river housing the gallery of modern art, Kampa is a romantic and historical place.
Here, the Christmas markets are small and touristic but well worth a visit.
The markets dates and opening hours are still to be confirmed.
Where to stay?
Our awarded hotel Appia is nearby, you can easily reach on foot via a stunning walk. Another great option is hotel Julian, just a short tram ride from the hotel or a 20-minute walk by the river is surely to way to go.
Want to know where to locals enjoy the Christmas markets? Click here and keep on reading.
Watch this video with great tips and what to AVOID in the Christmas markets in Prague.