Events and seasons
Prague Christmas markets 2026: dates, locations and tips
Updated 3 min read
In December the centre of Prague turns into one long Christmas market. A tall tree lights up the Old Town Square, wooden stalls sell mulled wine and crafts, choirs sing on the stage and the Gothic towers of the Týn Church rise above it all. Here are the dates for 2026, what each market is like and how to enjoy them without the crush.
Dates and opening hours in 2026
| Market | Dates |
|---|---|
| Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí) | 28 November 2026 to 6 January 2027, daily 10:00 to 22:00 |
| Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí) | 28 November 2026 to 6 January 2027, daily 10:00 to 22:00 |
| Náměstí Míru | 20 November to 24 December 2026 |
| Náměstí Republiky | 25 November to 24 December 2026 |
| Tylovo náměstí | 26 November to 24 December 2026 |
Other squares, such as Jiřího z Poděbrad in Vinohrady, also hold seasonal markets; in 2025 that one ran from 29 November to 23 December. Dates are set by the organisers and can change, so we check them for your travel dates.
The markets one by one
- Old Town Square is the biggest and most famous, with the Christmas tree, a stage with concerts and the Astronomical Clock around the corner. It is also the busiest and the most expensive.
- Wenceslas Square has a long row of stalls and is easy to combine with shopping in the New Town.
- Náměstí Míru in Vinohrady, in front of the Church of St Ludmila, is where many Prague families go. It opens first and feels more local.
- Náměstí Republiky, next to the Municipal House and the Powder Tower, is convenient between the Old Town and the New Town.
- Tylovo náměstí is a small neighbourhood market on the edge of Vinohrady.
- Prague Castle did not hold a traditional market in 2025 and offered a Christmas walk through the courtyards instead. The 2026 programme will be announced by the castle.
What to eat and drink
- Svařák, Czech mulled wine, and medovina, a warm honey wine.
- Grilled sausages (klobása) with mustard and bread.
- Prague ham roasted on the bone. It is sold by weight, and so are some other foods, so always check the price per 100 grams and the weight before you pay.
- Gingerbread (perník), often beautifully decorated, and other Christmas biscuits.
- Trdelník, the rolled pastry turned over coals, is everywhere. It is fun, but it is not a Czech tradition. Our guide to Czech food lists the real classics.
Tips for a good visit
- Go on a weekday, in the morning or early afternoon, for space to browse. Come back after dark for the lights.
- Dress warmly. December evenings in Prague are often around freezing, and you will be standing outside.
- Carry a little cash. Most stalls take cards, but not all.
- Watch your belongings in the crowd, as in any busy place.
- Combine the markets with a concert. Advent and Christmas concerts in the churches of the Old Town are a lovely way to warm up, and we can book the tickets.
Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year
Czechs celebrate Christmas on the evening of 24 December with a family dinner, traditionally fried carp and potato salad. By law, large shops close at noon on 24 December and stay closed on 25 and 26 December, and many restaurants close early on Christmas Eve or serve special menus, so book your Christmas dinner early.
New Year's Eve fills the squares and the embankments with people. The City of Prague has not organised official fireworks since 2019, and private fireworks are banned in the historic centre, so the night is about restaurants, concerts, parties and boats rather than a big display.
Christmas in Prague with us
December is the busiest month for hotels in the centre and for restaurant tables on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. We book hotels, dinners, concerts and transfers for the holidays, and we plan company Christmas parties and year-end events. See Christmas and New Year in Prague and our page on company events.
Frequently asked questions
When do the Prague Christmas markets open in 2026?
The markets on the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square open on 28 November 2026 and run until 6 January 2027, daily from 10:00 to 22:00. Náměstí Míru opens on 20 November, Náměstí Republiky on 25 November and Tylovo náměstí on 26 November; these three close on 24 December.
Are the markets open on Christmas Day?
The two main markets on the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square stay open over Christmas and until 6 January. Most neighbourhood markets close on 24 December.
Is there a Christmas market at Prague Castle?
In 2025 the castle did not hold a traditional market and offered a Christmas walk through its courtyards instead. The castle's programme for 2026 had not been announced when this guide was updated.
What should I eat and drink at the markets?
Try svařák (mulled wine), medovina (honey wine), grilled sausages, Prague ham roasted on the bone, and gingerbread. Ham and some other foods are sold by weight, so check the price per 100 grams before you order.
When are the markets least crowded?
On weekday mornings and early afternoons. Weekend evenings in December are the busiest. For the lights, visit after dark on a weekday.
Want us to arrange it?
We can book these for you as part of one itemised quote.