Wednesday, Nov. 20, sees the opening of Prague’s first advent market of the season, at Náměstí Míru in Prague’s Vinohrady district. Soon, the season of chestnuts, mulled wine, and carillons will be in full swing throughout the Czech capital, with the largest market at Prague's Old Town Square opening on Nov. 30. Tree lighting takes place at 4 p.m.
In addition to essential information like market times, dates, and performance programs, we’ve also compiled some tips for choosing the market that best suits you, whether you’re looking for family-oriented festivities or fantastic food stalls.
Most Instagrammable
Many of Prague’s Christmas markets feature stunning displays, among them a tree adorned with a hand-painted nativity scene at Náměstí Míru, glowing with hundreds of twinkling lights. Wenceslas Square offers a backdrop of the National Museum, while the Old Town Square tree, takes center stage with its dazzling decorations and 22-meter centerpiece fir tree. But only Old Town and Wenceslas Square are regularly voted the world's most Instagrammable with close to 11,000 hashtags.
Best for live performances
Wenceslas Square hosts live performances every Thursday to Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m., Old Town Square is set to feature multiple stages with performances (details to be announced), while Náměstí Míru offers theater shows and concerts throughout the season. Jiřího z Poděbrad (Jiřák) will see a carillon performance on Dec. 1. Kampa market invites the public to a carol sing under the Charles Bridge on Dec. 24 at 2 p.m.
🎁Castle Christmas creations
Prague Castle opens its doors on Nov. 30 for free tours of its Christmas-decorated, normally inaccessible spaces. Visitors can explore key rooms, exhibitions, and enjoy Christmas concerts and themed events. An exhibition of traditional blown glass ornaments in the Rožmberk Palace will also offer the opportunity to buy ornaments.
Best for artisans
For a local-first shopping experience, head to Jiřák every Advent Sunday for the Show What You Can Do market, where local Czech creators and designers showcase their handmade products. The Kampa markets specialize in pottery, while the Mariánské Náměstí market features sales from non-profits and sheltered workshops, offering everything from ornaments and candles to jewelry and wooden puppets.
Family-friendly fun
Families will find plenty to enjoy at Jiřák, where a straw play area, a wish-writing station at Ježíšek’s office, and festive performances by local schoolchildren await. The nearby Žižkov nativity scene also sets the scene for holiday cheer. On the final Sunday of Advent, scouts will distribute the Bethlehem Light here, a symbol of peace.
At the Wenceslas Square market a blacksmith will be demonstrating traditional crafts, while Old Town Square adds a petting zoo with sheep, goats, and ponies to the merry mix. Mariánské Náměstí offers a small stage with performances by children’s music groups, and Náměstí Míru plans a series of Christmas workshops for kids. Theater performances and concerts round out the family-friendly offerings.
✨ LIGHTS ON
This year, the lighting of Prague's biggest Christmas tree on Old Town Square will take place on Saturday, Nov. 30, at 4 p.m.
Best for food & mulled wine
For food lovers, the Advent markets at Kulaťák (Nov. 30 to Dec. 21) are a must-visit every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., for mulled wine, pastries, hot cider, roasted chestnuts, fresh fish, sausages, cheeses, and traditional Czech holiday foods like fried carp with potato salad. Náměstí Míru offers a more unconventional food selection, including crepes and French cheeses while the JZP market serves up everything from Christmas punch to farm-fresh fare.
For more details on performance and market opening dates and times, link to official programs via our 2024 Christmas market guide.
Prague Christmas market overview
Old Town Square (Prague 1)
Wenceslas Square (lower half, Prague 1)
Náměstí Republiky (Prague 1)
Mariánské náměstí (Prague 1)
Kampa (Prague 1)
Náměstí Míru (Prague 2)
Tylovo náměstí (Prague 2)
Jiřího z Poděbrad (Prague 3)
Anděl (Prague 5)
Additional markets worth visiting
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