Prague Christmas Market Guide & Czech Food Tour

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Last updated: 7th December 2025

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Prague’s Christmas Markets are one our of favourite European markets because of the lovely festive atmosphere. The air is filled with the scent of mulled wine, gingerbread and chestnuts roasting. It makes you feel super Christmassy as soon as you arrive. We went in December, it was damp and cold however we were quite happy wrapped up warm trying out the delicious food on offer and shopping at the craft stalls.  We also booked a Czech food tour so we had that to look forward to aswell.

 

Prague’s 2 Main Christmas Markets

The Old Town

Prague has Christmas markets dotted all over the city, and the great thing is you can easily walk between most of them. But the two biggest – and the ones everyone talks about are at Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square.

Our favourite by far was the Old Town Square market. Surrounded by colourful Gothic and Baroque buildings, it feels like stepping straight into a Christmas storybook. The whole square dates back to the 12th century, and with the giant tree, wooden huts and twinkling lights, it’s pure festive magic.

The atmosphere here is unbeatable – carols drifting through the air, the Astronomical Clock ticking away nearby, and the whole place glowing golden as night falls. It’s one of those markets where you just stand still for a moment, look around, and think: wow, this is Christmas.

 

 

Wenceslas Square

The other major Christmas market is just a short stroll from Old Town Square and stretches the entire length of Wenceslas Square – which, despite its name, is really more of a long, grand boulevard than a traditional square. It was originally created in 1348 by Charles IV as a place for markets, parades and celebrations.

Wenceslas Square is also one of the most important historic sites in modern Czech history. This is where the huge demonstrations of 1989 took place – the movement that ultimately led to the end of communism in the country. Standing here today, surrounded by Christmas lights and festive stalls, it’s quite something to think about how much has happened on this very street.

The market itself is lively and bright, with plenty of food stalls and decorations – a great contrast to the more fairy-tale feel of Old Town Square.

There are some really impressive buildings here like the art nouveau style Grand Hotel Europa, Garth loved the decadent facade.

 

 

Prague Christmas Market Food

On our first day in Prague we didn’t even bother sitting down in a restaurant – why would we when the markets are basically one giant outdoor buffet? Phil grabbed yet another mulled wine to keep his hands warm, while Garth went straight for a famous Czech Pilsner (when in Prague!). Then we did what any sensible travellers would do… ate our way around every wooden hut in sight.

The food stalls are irresistible – clouds of steam drifting into the cold air, the smell of grilled meats, cinnamon sugar and hot pastries pulling you in like a magnet. Everywhere you turn there’s another tray of something sizzling, roasting or caramelising. It didn’t take long before we were fully committed to a progressive dinner: one snack at a time, moving stall to stall.

Expect hearty Czech favourites like klobása sausages, potato pancakes, huge ham hocks slowly roasting on spits, and of course the sweet stuff – piles of trdelník, gingerbread and warm pastries that pair perfectly with a cup of svařák (mulled wine). It’s festive street food heaven, and the best way to soak up the atmosphere.

Our favourite Christmas food was the Prague Ham, it’s cooked over open fires and served with bread and relishes, delicious!  However be prepared for gigantic proportions! one portion will easily serve two people. We also loved the deep fried crispy potato crisps that are spiralled onto wooden sticks.  The open fires at cooking stalls are also handy to stand next to if you’re feeling cold!

 

Eat Trdelnik

For a sweet treat it has to be trdelník, which you’ll see everywhere in Prague. It’s a spiralled pastry made from dough wrapped around a spit, roasted over charcoal, then rolled in cinnamon sugar. Crispy on the outside, soft in the middle – and you can even get it stuffed with Nutella or ice cream. Yum!  Although it’s often sold as a ‘traditional Czech’ cake, trdelník actually comes from the Slovak–Hungarian region of Transylvania and only became popular in Prague in recent years.

Phil didn’t like the crispy texture on the outside and thought it was too doughy on the inside. But Garth loved it as he’s got a ridiculously sweet tooth!

 

 

Christmas Market Gift Ideas

We absolutely loved browsing the Christmas markets for gifts – it’s one of the best parts of visiting Prague in December. Every stall feels like a little treasure trove, overflowing with traditional Czech crafts and handmade goodies you just won’t find back home. Expect everything from charming wooden toys and marionette puppets to cosy winter woollies, beautifully crafted scented candles, handmade wreaths, and those famously delicate glass Christmas tree ornaments that sparkle under the fairy lights.

It’s the perfect place to pick up unique festive presents for friends and family or, let’s be honest, a few treats for yourself. There’s something special about buying gifts directly from the makers, especially when everything feels so nostalgic and Christmassy.

Just a tip: bring some cash, as not all stalls take cards (even though more do nowadays). And if you’re buying fragile items learn from our mistake! We bought a set of gorgeous glass ornaments … only to open our hand luggage at home and find them all smashed. 😭 Doh! Next time we’re wrapping them like museum pieces! Despite the mishap, shopping at the Prague Christmas markets felt magical – the perfect mix of tradition, craftsmanship and festive charm.

 

 

Prague’s Sightseeing Attractions

Old Town Hall Tower

Just steps away from the Christmas market in Prague’s Old Town Square stands one of the city’s most iconic landmarks – the Old Town Hall Tower. Built in 1364, this Gothic beauty has watched over Prague for centuries, and climbing it is one of the absolute must-dos when you’re in the city during Christmas.

Even though the queue can feel like it takes forever (everyone wants that view!)  trust us, it’s totally worth the wait. Once you reach the top, you’re rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views over Prague’s red rooftops, spires and cobbled streets. In winter, with the Christmas market twinkling below, it feels like you’ve stepped into a fairytale snow globe.

From the viewing gallery, you can gaze right down onto Old Town Square, the Christmas tree, and the wooden market huts – the perfect spot for taking gorgeous aerial photos of the festive chaos below. It’s also fascinating to remember that the tower was originally built as a watchtower, used to warn the townspeople of fires or approaching danger.

It’s an atmospheric and magical vantage point, especially at sunset when the whole square glows gold, and one of our favourite Prague experiences beyond the markets.

 

 

Astronomical Clock

When you exit the tower, you’ll come face to face with the Prague Astronomical Clock – Prague’s most iconic landmark. Installed in 1410, it’s the world’s oldest astronomical clock still in operation. This medieval masterpiece shows the calendar, sun and moon positions, zodiac signs, and even sunset time – all beautifully crafted in Gothic detail.

On the hour, an hourly show shows 12 Apostles appearing in the upper windows. Phil was fascinated by the engineering (“how do they turn like that?!”), while Garth was slightly underwhelmed by the short performance but loved the craftsmanship.

It gets very crowded, especially on the hour – so grab your spot early if you want a clear view.

 

 

Charles Bridge

After leaving the Astronomical Clock, we headed towards Prague Castle via the Charles Bridge – one of Europe’s most beautiful medieval bridges, built in 1402. Spanning the Vltava River with 16 stone arches and lined with dramatic baroque statues, it always feels a bit like walking through history.

It was absolutely pouring with rain when we crossed, which somehow made it even more atmospheric. The statues and gargoyles looked incredibly dominant against the dark, moody skies – gothic, brooding, and weirdly romantic at the same time. We loved it!

If you want that perfect, empty Instagram shot, come early morning. Otherwise, embrace the crowds (and maybe the weather!) and enjoy a slow, scenic stroll as it’s one of the most iconic walks in Prague.

 

 

John Lennon Wall

Tucked away near Charles Bridge on a little square opposite the French Embassy, the John Lennon Wall is one of Prague’s most colourful hidden corners. It actually took us a while to find – you kind of zigzag through a few quiet streets before it suddenly appears, bursting with colour.

The wall is an ever changing canvas of street art, lyrics, peace messages and layers upon layers of textured graffiti. It’s chaotic, vibrant and full of energy – the kind of place where every photo looks good because there’s just so much happening in the background.

Of course, we added our own little tribute to the great man from Liverpool. It felt like a rite of passage. Before you leave, wander over to the small bridge next to the wall, covered in love locks. It’s a sweet little spot and a nice contrast to the wild creativity of the wall itself. A fun, quirky stop and one of the most photogenic places we visited in Prague.

 

 

Malá Strana

As you make your way up to Prague Castle, you’ll wander into Malá Strana, one of the city’s most picturesque neighbourhoods. Think cobbled streets, pastel townhouses, hidden alleyways and little squares that feel like they’ve barely changed in centuries.

We loved getting a bit lost here as every turn reveals another tucked-away café, a quiet courtyard or a charming street that looks straight off a postcard. It’s the perfect scenic route to the castle and one of the most atmospheric parts of Prague.

 

 

Prague Castle

Dominating the skyline, Prague Castle is officially the largest ancient castle complex in the world – a sprawling collection of palaces, courtyards, towers and museums that feels more like a small city than a single landmark. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing centuries of architectural styles from Gothic to Romanesque.

The castle dates back to the 9th century and was once home to the Kings of Bohemia. Today it houses the President of the Czech Republic and various government offices. Somewhere within its walls are the Bohemian Crown Jewels, kept under lock and key in a hidden chamber that requires multiple keys to open – very medieval, very dramatic. Highlights within the complex include:

• The Old Royal Palace
• St. George’s Basilica
• The towering St. Vitus Cathedral, which completely steals the show

We were especially mesmerised by St. Vitus Cathedral – its forest of spires, dramatic Gothic detailing and those wonderfully creepy gargoyles jutting out against the sky. On our visit the weather was moody, making the gargoyles look even more fierce as they perched high above Prague. Proper fairytale vibes … with a dash of horror movie.

There’s a smaller Christmas market at Prague Castle. Here you’ll find a more intimate setting with stalls selling similar goods, food and drink, with a fabulous backdrop – the magnificent Gothic cathedral St. Vitus.

 

 

Letná Park

For something a little more off the beaten track, take the steep walk up to Letná Park – a peaceful escape from the busy Christmas markets. At the top you’ll find the giant Prague Metronome, which sits on the site once known as Stalin Square.

From here the views are spectacular. You can look right down over the Vltava River and capture that classic Prague shot where all the bridges line up perfectly in a row. Even on grey winter days it’s gorgeous – moody skies, misty rooftops and the soft outline of the city beneath you. We really enjoyed our walk through the park. It’s quiet in winter, with just a few joggers and locals walking their dogs, making it a lovely, peaceful break from the crowds below.

 

 

Black Light Theatre

Prague is also famous for its Black Light theatre, and Phil was ridiculously excited to see a show – he remembers the Black Light Theatre of Prague touring the UK in the 1980s and being completely mesmerised by it as a kid.

Black Light Theatre is a clever mix of illusion, movement and ultraviolet light. Performers wear bright costumes that glow under UV while everything else is hidden in darkness, so props and people appear to float, fly, shrink or disappear. Although often associated with Prague, the technique actually originated in China before being brought to Czechia in the 1960s, where it became a signature art form.

We booked tickets for the Ta Fantastika Theatre, home to one of the city’s most famous Black Light shows. You’re not allowed to take photos during the performance (it would ruin the magic), so we can only show the leaflet – but trust us, the real thing is wild. At times we were convinced objects were flying on their own, or people were vanishing into thin air. Half the fun is trying, and failing! to work out how on earth they do it.

The story was loosely based on Alice in Wonderland, but honestly … we had absolutely no idea what was going on. And that’s part of the charm – it’s surreal, whimsical, a bit bonkers, and totally unique. If you’ve never seen Black Light Theatre before, it’s absolutely worth experiencing while you’re in Prague. It’s theatrical magic you won’t forget.

 

 

Prague Czech Food Tour

As part of our weekend in Prague, we booked a Czech food tour in advance – something we always love doing to get a proper taste of local dishes. There are quite a few options online, but we chose The Prague Food Tour and their Delicious Food Tour after reading rave reviews on Tripadvisor.

It turned out to be the best five hours we spent in Prague. Honestly, we learnt so much more about Czech cuisine in one afternoon than we ever could have by wandering around on our own. At the meeting point, we knew immediately we were in the right place – a friendly chap strolled towards us with a bread roll perched on top of his guide stick. Absolutely brilliant. Only in Prague would your tour guide announce himself with carbs.

From that moment on, we were taken to cosy local spots we’d never have found by ourselves, tried proper Czech dishes, heard great stories, and spent the afternoon eating… a lot. Zero regrets!

From the beginning to the end our guide, George made the afternoon entertaining and informative and he made sure we knew how to get back to our hotel at the end of the day too. The 5 hours were packed full of great company, great locations and of course great food and drink.

Having never done a food tour before, we weren’t really sure what to expect but it was relaxing and a fascinating tour of great food and insights of Prague. The locations were varied from old time restaurants like Cafe Imperial to modern beer houses and even a cocktail bar with a 50’s feel called Bonvivant where we tried Absinthe – don’t believe everything you may have heard about it!

George was knowledgeable about the foods and drinks we were trying and even gave us a bit of a tour guide treatment on the journey from one location to the next. He also mentioned other places on the route that were good to try as well – and he was correct as we tried two of them – great advice.

We thoroughly recommend it, in fact next time we go abroad, we’ll be looking to try another food tour. Thanks George!

• Big Tip – Don’t have breakfast in your hotel before you start the tour. By the end of the day we we’re absolutely stuffed! and don’t even think about booking a restaurant for later on that evening – you won’t need it.

 

 

Eat Meatloaf at Naše Maso

Our own food recommendation would be to try the meatloaf sandwich at an amazing butchers shop called Naše Maso. They have a couple of tables and even have their own beer tap on the wall which you serve yourself.

 

 

Czech Beer Halls & Microbreweries

Prague is world-famous for its beer – especially Pilsner, the pale golden lager that pretty much changed the beer world forever. The original came from Plzeň, and it set the standard for the crisp, refreshing style we all know today.

Beer here is so much a part of daily life that it’s often cheaper than water, which probably explains why people in Czechia drink more beer per person than anywhere else on the planet. Respect. Prague’s traditional beer halls and modern microbreweries are brilliant places to experience this brewing heritage. Expect lively, wood panelled rooms, clinking glasses, huge pours of freshly tapped lager and plates of hearty Czech food to match. It’s all wonderfully social – the kind of places where you sit down as strangers and leave as friends.

Our favourite place for Pilsner was at Lokal – a contemporary beer house in a modern setting. They sell a few different Pilsners from its own micro brewery.  Order some of the simple food to go with your pint like garlic rub fried bread with raw meat – Steak Tartare or ham and horseradish mousse.

Our other recommendation in the Old Town was U Tří Růží. An authentic bar and restaurant where you can sample countless Pilsners from the beer menu and some from their own micro brewery downstairs. When we visited there were no tourists, mostly locals.

 

 

Prague By Night

Prague is even more beautiful after dark. As soon as the sun sets, the city transforms into a winter wonderland, with its gothic spires glowing gold against the night sky and the Christmas markets twinkling below. It quickly became our favourite time of day – wandering the cobbled streets with the soft hum of festive music, lights reflecting on the river, and the whole city feeling just a little bit magical.

Prague really knows how to do atmosphere, and at night it’s pure fairytale.

 

 

Prague Christmas Market Tree Sound and Light Show

Back in Old Town Square, make sure you hang around the huge Christmas tree long enough to catch its sound and light show. Every so often the tree bursts into life – thousands of lights twinkling and dancing perfectly in time to Czech Christmas carols. It’s surprisingly impressive and one of the most magical moments in the square.

Each year, the tree is brought in from the Krkonoše mountains in the north of Czechia. It’s always massive — usually around 60 years old – and towers over the market, glowing beautifully above the crowds. It’s well worth pausing your market wandering for. Stand back, look up, and enjoy the show – it’s Prague at its festive best.

The Prague Christmas market really is a winter wonderland and we loved it. If you are really lucky then you may even get snow!

 

 

Prague Christmas Markets Practical & Useful Information

Phil and Garth’s Top 5 Prague Christmas Market Tips

• Tip #1: Currency in the Czech Republic is the Czech Koruna, however Euros are accepted everywhere.
• Tip #2: The smaller Prague Christmas market at Republic Square is cosy and intimate.
• Tip #3: The underground Metro stops running at midnight. However you can easily walk around the city.
• Tip #4: Café Savoy is a great place for hearty breakfasts in Malá Strana.
• Tip #5: For a lot less crowds – visit during the week, which is what we did in December.

How we did it:

• We bought flights from the UK to to Prague with Jet2.com.
• We paid for a stay at Radisson Blu Hotel – perfect central position, you can walk to all the attractions from the hotel.
• We booked our Czech food tour called ‘Delicious Food Tour’ with Prague Food Tour on their website it cost us 100 Euros (£89) each.
• The black light theatre performance was at the Ta Fantastika Theatre. It cost us 720 Kč (£24) each.

 

Pin our Prague Christmas Markets travel guide for reference