Prague
Prague Christmas markets 2026: Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square and mulled wine beneath the Týn Church
A Christmas tree before two Gothic spires, stalls serving hot mead and an astronomical clock that strikes every hour. These are Prague’s Christmas markets in 2026, with dates, the food to try, a cosy place to eat afterwards and the hotels within walking distance.
It is nearly six o’clock, and people gather beneath the astronomical clock on the town hall tower. As the figures begin to move, everyone turns towards it, a cup of hot wine in hand. Behind them the Christmas tree stands before the dark twin spires of the Týn Church, and the whole of Old Town Square smells of cinnamon and grilled sausage. Prague is one of Europe’s most beautiful Christmas cities, and it is hard to get lost here without ending up somewhere strung with lights.
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Short answer: Prague’s Christmas markets in 2026
Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí): 28 November 2026 to 6 January 2027, usually 10am to 10pm.
Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí): 28 November 2026 to 6 January 2027.
Náměstí Míru: opens earlier, usually from late November until Christmas Eve.
Dates are taken from the organiser’s announcement. Holiday opening hours are published later, so check before you travel.
Stay within walking distance of Old Town Square
Hotel Paris Prague: Art Nouveau by the Powder Tower
An elegant early 20th-century hotel with two restaurants, five minutes’ walk from Old Town Square.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Paris Prague
Four Seasons Hotel Prague: on the river
The luxury hotel sits on the Vltava by Charles Bridge, a short walk from the market.
Book your stay: See rooms at Four Seasons Hotel Prague
A Christmas market in the snow in Prague. Photo: Carnet de Voyage d’Alex / Unsplash
Old Town Square: the heart of Christmas
The market on Old Town Square is the city’s largest and most beautiful, framed by the Týn Church, the Old Town Hall and the Church of St Nicholas. The tree is usually lit on the first Saturday of Advent, and carols play from the stage all December. Arrive as the clock strikes, and stay until every stall is lit.
Wenceslas Square: the long boulevard
The long square in the New Town has stalls along its centre and is livelier and more commercial than Old Town Square. It is a good place to eat, and only a couple of minutes’ walk away.
The smaller markets: Náměstí Míru and Kampa
Beyond the centre are some of the friendliest markets. By the neo-Gothic church on Náměstí Míru the mood is more local, and the market often opens before the big ones. On Kampa Island by Charles Bridge, small craft stalls appear on Advent weekends.
What to try
Svařák: Czech mulled wine, hot and spiced.
Medovina: hot honey wine, sweeter and rounder than mulled wine.
Pražská šunka: Prague ham roasted on huge spits over an open fire, served in thick slices.
Trdelník: a sweet dough spiral cooked over coals and rolled in sugar. It is newer than many think, and more tourist treat than tradition, but good on a cold night.
Prague in December. Photo: Picolo
A cosy place to eat afterwards
Prague has some of Europe’s finest old cafés, with high ceilings, chandeliers and waiters in white. After an evening outdoors, a traditional pivnice, a Czech beer hall, is just as good: long tables, fresh tank Pilsner and hearty dishes such as roast pork with knedlíky, bread dumplings. You will find both a few minutes’ walk from Old Town Square.
More hotels near the markets
Augustine: in a former monastery
A luxury hotel with a spa in a former monastery in Malá Strana, across Charles Bridge from the Old Town.
Book your stay: See rooms at Augustine Prague
Getting to Prague
Prague is around two hours from London by air, and buses and taxis run from the airport to the centre.
Tips for a Christmas trip to Prague
Go midweek: Old Town Square is packed on Saturday evenings.
Mind your valuables: Pickpockets thrive in the crowds by the clock.
Cross Charles Bridge early: Before nine you have it almost to yourself.
Check the price first: Some stalls charge tourist prices, especially for ham sold by weight.
Frequently asked questions about Prague Christmas markets
When do Prague’s Christmas markets open in 2026?
The markets on Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square run from 28 November 2026 to 6 January 2027, according to the organiser.
Which Christmas market in Prague is best?
Old Town Square is the most beautiful. Náměstí Míru is more local and calmer, and Wenceslas Square is best for food.
Are Prague’s Christmas markets open after Christmas?
Yes, the big central markets stay open until 6 January. Many of the smaller ones close on Christmas Eve.
Where should you stay for the markets?
Hotel Paris Prague is five minutes from Old Town Square, and the Four Seasons is by Charles Bridge.