Prague is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the most popular European destinations to visit. It is full of awe-inspiring architecture including Romanesque chapels, Gothic cathedrals, Baroque palaces and Art Nouveau buildings. It has a thriving performing arts community and it is known for having some of the best beer in the world.
The city is especially exciting to visit during the Christmas season. This is largely due to the many Christmas markets located throughout the region. They make for terrific shopping, and they fill the air with a sense of nostalgia, joyful music and wonderful aromas.
If you are planning to take a trip to Prague during the holidays, here are some markets you won’t want to miss.
Old Town Square Christmas Market (Staromestske Namesti)
This is one of the most popular markets in Prague. It is located in the middle of Old Town Square, a historic city center that features the Jun Hus statue and the astronomical clock. It attracts millions of visitors each year.
The market includes hundreds of craft booths, food stalls and shops. It also hosts a tree lighting ceremony that is replicated every day when the sun goes down and the lights come up. There is a stage where performances like cultural dancing, singing and other theatrics take place.
It opens in late November and runs until early January.
Wenceslas Square Christmas Market (Vaclavske Namesti)
This Christmas Market is another that’s centrally located in the city. Although it is not as picturesque as the Old Town Square Market, it still makes an excellent destination for soaking up the holiday atmosphere.
The market is a great place to find authentic food items, toys, Czech glassware and beautiful ornaments. It hosts a tree lighting ceremony every night at 5PM which includes a majestic light show with animation inspired by the poems Moldau by Bedrich Smetana and Giant Mountain Fairy Tales by Vadim Petrov.
There are also plenty of things for children to do. There are terrific toys to buy and there is a petting zoo located near the Christmas tree.
The market runs from late November to early January.
Republic Square Christmas Market (Namesi Republiky)
Republic Square is located just steps from the historic city center in front of the Palladium shopping center near the Old Custom’s House. It may be Prague’s smallest market, but it is among the most charming. It’s 30 or so small wooden stalls exude and air of coziness.
The market is known for offering prices that are lower than some of the other markets in town. It’s a great place to find toys, candies and souvenirs. There is also plenty of mulled wine being served.
The market kicks off in late November and ends just before Christmas.
Prague Castle Christmas Market (Prazsky Hrad)
This Christmas Market is set against the romantic backdrop of the 9th century Prague Castle. In fact, you can even climb to the top of the Prague Castle to get a view of the market from above. The Castle is located across the Vlatava River and has great unobstructed views of the city.
It hosts about 70 stalls that are set up in St. George’s Square. Visitors will find a wide variety of items being sold including handcrafted product, souvenirs, unique gifts and delicious foods including traditional trdelnik pastries.
The market starts up in late November and stays open until early January.
Peace Square Market (Namesti Miru)
The Peace Square Market is located in front of the Church of St. Ludmila in the Vinohrady district. It is known for providing an authentic Czech experience. And because it’s off the beaten path, it tends to be less populated than the other city markets.
Visitors will find several traditional handicrafts in the stalls including ceramic and wooden goods, Christmas decorations, Advent calendars, wax candles and fresh wreaths. The items are affordably priced as compared to other markets in the city.
The market opens around November 20th making it the first to open in the city. It closes down just before Christmas.
Tyl’s Square (Tylovo Namesti)
This market is also located in Prague’s Vinohrady district. It is a small market, but it makes up for it by bringing exceptional Christmas spirit. Its stalls offer a wide selection of traditional Czech goods.
When the market takes place, the entire square lights up with life sized angel statues and glowing neon candles. It attracts mostly locals making for smaller crowds. Because it caters to a more residential clientele, its selection includes high quality independent, boutique items.
The food sold is superior in comparison with other markets in the area. Visitors are sure to fall in love with the Moravian cakes and honey gingerbread cookies. The Tuscany wine and hot chocolate will be flowing.
The market opens just after Thanksgiving and shuts down just before Christmas.
Kamp Island Christmas Market
The Kamp Island Christmas market is located across the Charles Bridge in one of the most picturesque areas of the city. Browse the stalls selling souvenirs while sipping on hot chocolate or mulled wine and taking in magnificent views of the nearby Vltava River.
The market is relatively small and therefore, a terrific place to find creative items like clothing, wooden toys, straw ornaments and glass figurines. It is open throughout the month of December.
Prague’s Christmas markets light the city up for the Christmas season. Which will you be visiting when you’re in town?
Read more of A Christmas Blog or Shop Now at Schmidt Christmas Market
