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Frequently voted as some of the best in the world, Prague’s advent markets are beloved by tourists and locals alike for their gingerbread-spiced holiday vibe, though the crushing hordes and steep beer prices we could do without.
As autumn winds down and temperatures drop, Praguers can start looking to the snowy season ahead, and with it the opening of the first Prague Christmas market in just a little over two weeks.
The first market to open will be Náměstí Míru, in the heart of Prague 2’s Vinohrady quarter, on November 20. With smaller crowds than the tourist-trafficked markets in the city center, it is often named as a favorite by Prague locals. It runs through Christmas Eve.
Three days later, on November 23rd, sees the opening of the Christmas market at Prague Castle which takes place behind St. Vitus cathedral at St. George’s Square and the stable yard. This markets puts a heavy focus on baked goods and is among the newest to open in the Czech capital in recent years. It runs through January 6th, 2020.
The largest and most popular markets, primarily among tourists, are held in Old Town and Wenceslas Squares. This year they open on November 30th and run until January 6th, 2020. While the official entertainment program has yet to be announced, those who want to count down to the day, hour, and minute can follow the official Taiko website for updates about these locations.
The company also organizes a smaller market on Náměstí Republiky from November 30th-December 30th.
This year, Prague’s Christmas tree will once again come from the Liberec region. The 24-meter-high Norway spruce, chosen from among 42 contenders, is due to be felled on November 24, and will light up Old Town Square, for the first time ever on Saturday, November 30th, the opening day of the market.
