Christmas in Prague: Complete 3-Day Itinerary

Did you know that Prague’s Old Town Square Christmas Market was voted Europe’s Most Beautiful Christmas Market for 2023? This medieval wonderland transforms into a winter fairytale during the festive season, with gothic spires dusted in snow and the scent of mulled wine filling cobblestone streets. I’ve explored Prague during Christmas multiple times, and I’m excited to share the perfect 3-day itinerary that will help you experience all the magic this enchanting city has to offer during the most wonderful time of the year!

If you want to visit other Christmas markets read this post:

Amazing European Christmas Markets to Visit This Season

Day 1: Old Town Square and Christmas Markets

The heart of Prague’s Christmas celebrations beats strongest in the Old Town Square, making it the perfect starting point for your Prague Christmas itinerary. This historic square, with its Gothic architecture and famous Astronomical Clock, becomes a winter wonderland during the festive season. The centerpiece is an enormous Christmas tree, traditionally sourced from different regions of the Czech Republic each year, its twinkling lights reflecting off the surrounding baroque buildings.

• Start at the Old Town Square Christmas Market – timing and what to expect The market opens daily from 10 AM to 10 PM, but I recommend arriving right at opening to avoid the largest crowds. You’ll find over 100 traditional wooden stalls selling everything from handcrafted ornaments to local delicacies. The morning light creates perfect photo opportunities with fewer tourists in your shots.
• Tips for photographing the famous Astronomical Clock in winter lighting Position yourself near the clock between 4:30 PM and 5 PM when the early winter sunset creates a magical golden hour. The clock’s hourly show combined with the Christmas lights makes for spectacular photos. Pro tip: use a wide-angle lens to capture both the clock and the market atmosphere.
• Best spots for traditional Czech Christmas treats Head to stall numbers 15-20 for the best trdelník (chimney cake) in the square. Don’t miss the vánoční cukroví (Christmas cookies) at the family-run stalls near the church. Local favorite: try the honey wine (medovina) to warm up while exploring.
• Evening Christmas concert at St. Nicholas Church Book tickets in advance for the 6 PM concert, which features traditional Czech carols and classical pieces. The church’s baroque interior provides perfect acoustics and a magical setting for an unforgettable Christmas experience.
• Insider tips for the best market stalls and local crafts The most authentic Czech crafts are found in stalls 45-52, where local artisans demonstrate traditional glass-blowing and ornament-making. Look for the certified “Prague Christmas Market” stamp to ensure you’re buying genuine local products.
• Recommended restaurants for traditional Czech Christmas dinner Reserve a table at U Modré Kachničky for their special Christmas menu featuring traditional carp and potato salad. For a more casual option, Lokál U Bílé kuželky offers excellent Czech classics with festive specials.

Day 2: Castle District and Lesser Town (continued)

We continue the Prague Christmas itinerary from day 1 here:

• Morning visit to Prague Castle (avoiding peak crowds) Arrive at Prague Castle by 8:30 AM to beat both crowds and tour groups. The Prague Castle complex opens at 9 AM in winter, and early birds are rewarded with serene views of snow-covered courtyards. Purchase the Circuit B ticket, which covers the main Christmas attractions while being budget-friendly. Don’t miss the changing of the guard at noon, which features special ceremonial uniforms during the holiday season.
• St. Vitus Cathedral Christmas decorations and services The cathedral’s Gothic architecture provides a stunning backdrop for Christmas celebrations. Time your visit between 10 AM and 11 AM when sunlight streams through the stained glass windows, illuminating the seasonal decorations. Check the cathedral’s notice board for special Advent services and Christmas concerts – the midnight mass on Christmas Eve is particularly spectacular, but requires advance booking.
• Lesser Town Christmas Market at Malá Strana After exploring the castle, descend to the Lesser Town Square’s intimate Christmas market. Unlike its bigger cousin in Old Town, this market offers a more local experience. The stalls here specialize in traditional crafts and regional foods. Try the locals’ favorite svařák (mulled wine) at stall 7, known for their secret family recipe.
• Best viewpoints for snow-covered Prague panoramas Walk up to the Strahov Monastery for breathtaking views of Prague’s winter wonderland. The viewing platform near the monastery’s entrance offers perfect photo opportunities of the city’s hundred spires dusted with snow. For the best lighting, visit during the “blue hour” just before sunset (around 4 PM in winter).
• Traditional Czech Christmas customs at the Folk Museum The Folk Museum’s special Christmas exhibition showcases centuries-old Czech holiday traditions. Learn about Ježíšek (Baby Jesus, who brings presents in Czech tradition), traditional advent customs, and the symbolism behind Czech Christmas decorations. Interactive displays let you try traditional cookie baking techniques and ornament making.
• Evening river cruise with Christmas dinner Cap off your day with a heated river cruise featuring traditional Christmas dinner. Book the 7 PM departure from Čech Bridge for the best views of illuminated Prague Castle. Most cruises include a traditional Czech Christmas menu with options like carp, potato salad, and vánoční cukroví (Christmas cookies).

Day 3: Local Festivities and Hidden Gems

Your final day explores Prague’s less touristy Christmas celebrations, where local traditions shine brightest. These authentic experiences complete your Prague Christmas itinerary with memorable moments away from the main tourist spots.

• Morning at Náměstí Míru Christmas Market Start your day at this charming neighborhood market, beloved by locals. Arrive at 10 AM when vendors are setting up fresh displays of traditional Czech Christmas cookies and handicrafts. The neo-Gothic Church of St. Ludmila provides a stunning backdrop for your morning photos, especially when frosted with snow.
• Workshop for Czech Christmas ornament making Book a hands-on workshop at K. Glassgallery (advance reservation required) where you’ll learn traditional Bohemian glass ornament techniques. These two-hour sessions include materials and guidance from local artisans, plus you’ll take home your handmade ornament – a perfect Prague Christmas souvenir.
• Best spots for winter photography Explore the Vyšehrad fortress complex for unique winter photo opportunities away from crowds. The morning light creates stunning effects on the snow-covered ramparts. Don’t miss the secret garden behind St. Martin’s Rotunda, where frost-covered rose bushes create magical winter scenes.
• Traditional Christmas shopping at Palladium Warm up while exploring this modern shopping center housed in a former baroque monastery. The Christmas displays combine historical architecture with contemporary Czech design. Look for local brands like Manufaktura for traditional Czech Christmas decorations and Botanicus for natural cosmetics gift sets.
• Evening Christmas concert options Choose between the baroque majesty of St. Nicolas Church or the intimate atmosphere of the Lobkowicz Palace for evening concerts. Both venues offer special Christmas programs featuring Czech and international carols. Book the 7 PM performances for the best atmosphere when the venues are lit by candlelight.

Essential Christmas Season Tips

Navigating Prague during the festive season requires some insider knowledge. These practical tips will help you make the most of your Prague Christmas itinerary while avoiding common tourist pitfalls.

• Best times to visit markets to avoid crowds Early mornings (before 11 AM) and late evenings (after 8 PM) offer the most peaceful market experiences. Weekday mornings are particularly quiet, especially Tuesday and Wednesday. Avoid Saturday afternoons when local and tourist crowds peak.
• What to pack for Prague winters Layer your clothing – thermal base layers, wool sweaters, and a waterproof outer layer are essential. Don’t forget sturdy, waterproof boots for cobblestone streets, touchscreen gloves for photos, and hand warmers for long market visits. Pack dress clothes for concert evenings.
• Christmas opening hours and special events Most Christmas markets operate 10 AM-10 PM daily from late November through early January. Note that many attractions have reduced hours on December 24-26. Always check official websites as special events often change opening times during the advent season.
• Public transportation during holidays The metro runs until midnight with extended hours on Christmas Eve. Keep small change for tram tickets – they’re your best friend in cold weather. Download the PID Lítačka app for real-time updates and mobile tickets. Note that night trams run different routes during the holiday season.
• Currency and payment tips for markets While many vendors now accept cards, smaller stalls are often cash-only. Most ATMs near tourist areas charge high fees – use bank branch ATMs instead. Get small bills (100-500 CZK) for market purchases. Save larger bills for restaurants and shops.

Where to Stay During Christmas Season

Choosing the right accommodation enhances your Prague Christmas experience. Each neighborhood offers different advantages during the festive season.

• Best neighborhoods for Christmas atmosphere Old Town and Malá Strana offer prime locations for market access but command premium prices. Consider Vinohrady or Karlín for a more local experience with easy tram access to main attractions. These areas have their own charming Christmas markets and better restaurant prices.
• Top-rated hotels near markets The Grand Hotel Praha offers prime Old Town Square views of the Christmas tree. Hotel Paris Prague combines art nouveau luxury with proximity to Náměstí Republiky’s market. Book at least 3 months ahead for December stays.
• Budget-friendly options Look for privately owned pensions in Žižkov or Vršovice. These neighborhoods offer excellent value and authentic Prague Christmas experiences. Hostels like Post Hostel Prague offer private rooms with shared facilities at reasonable rates, even during peak season.
• Luxury Christmas packages Five-star properties like the Four Seasons and Mandarin Oriental offer special Christmas packages including concert tickets and market tours. These often include Christmas Eve dinner reservations at top restaurants – worth the splurge for a special celebration.
• Accommodation booking timeline tips Book at least 6 months ahead for Christmas week stays. Consider arriving early December for better rates and smaller crowds. Many hotels offer better rates for stays of 4 nights or more during the advent season.

Prague Christmas Itinerary: Conclusion

Prague during Christmas is truly a magical experience that combines centuries-old traditions with modern festive celebrations. Whether you’re sipping svařák (mulled wine) under the iconic Christmas tree in Old Town Square or crafting your own ornament in a local workshop, this 3-day itinerary ensures you’ll experience the very best of Prague’s Christmas spirit. Don’t forget to book your accommodation early – this enchanting city becomes incredibly popular during the festive season!