Prague’s Christmas season centres on two headline markets — Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square — a short walk apart in the historic centre, with smaller markets in Vinohrady and at Náměstí Republiky. Prague City Tourism has published the 2026 dates, so here’s exactly when each market runs, which ones stay open after Christmas, and how to plan your visit.
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⚡ Quick Answer
Historic-centre setting: Old Town Square
Easy to combine: Old Town + Wenceslas Square
Earlier opening: Náměstí Míru — November 20
Another central option: Náměstí Republiky
Visiting after Christmas: Old Town and Wenceslas Square continue through January 6
📅 2026 Dates at a Glance
| Market | 2026 Dates | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Old Town Square | Nov 28, 2026 – Jan 6, 2027 | 10am–10pm |
| Wenceslas Square | Nov 28, 2026 – Jan 6, 2027 | 10am–10pm |
| Náměstí Míru | Nov 20 – Dec 24, 2026 | 10am–8pm |
| Náměstí Republiky | Nov 25 – Dec 24, 2026 | 10am–8pm |
Prague’s Christmas Markets, One by One
1. Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí)
Old Town Square is Prague’s main Christmas-market setting, combining traditional Czech craft stalls, seasonal food, a large illuminated Christmas tree and a daily programme of music and folklore in the heart of the Old Town, framed by Týn Church and the Old Town Hall.
What to look for: Czech glass and straw ornaments, ceramics, wooden decorations, nativity pieces, lace, crocheted toys and other handmade Christmas gifts.
2026 dates: November 28, 2026 – January 6, 2027, daily 10am–10pm
Getting there: Metro to Staroměstská (Line A) or Můstek (Lines A/B)
💡 Crowd tip: Old Town Square is particularly popular after dark when the Christmas tree and lights are at their most atmospheric. If browsing the stalls matters more to you, consider visiting once earlier in the day and returning after dark for the lights.
2. Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí)
Wenceslas Square gives you a second large central market within walking distance of Old Town Square. Wooden stalls line the lower part of the square with handmade gifts from Czech workshops, food and a daily cultural programme, and there’s an open-air ice rink with skate hire.
Why include it: It’s easy to combine with Old Town Square during the same evening.
2026 dates: November 28, 2026 – January 6, 2027, daily 10am–10pm
Getting there: Metro to Můstek or Muzeum (Lines A/B/C)
🚶 The Easiest Prague Christmas-Market Walk
Old Town Square → walk through the historic centre → Wenceslas Square
These are Prague’s two headline Christmas markets, and they’re close enough that you don’t need separate days for them.
3. Náměstí Míru (Vinohrady)
Neighbourhood setting: Náměstí Míru offers a smaller-scale market experience in Vinohrady, in front of the neo-Gothic Church of St. Ludmila, away from the Old Town Square/Wenceslas Square pairing.
Arriving before November 28? Náměstí Míru opens November 20, making it a useful option for travellers visiting Prague before the two major central markets begin.
2026 dates: November 20 – December 24, daily 10am–8pm
Getting there: Metro to Náměstí Míru (Line A)
4. Náměstí Republiky (Republic Square)
Dozens of stalls sell mistletoe, Advent wreaths, candles, ornaments, toys, sweets, nativity scenes and arts and crafts, along with Christmas food.
Easy central addition: Náměstí Republiky is convenient if you’re already visiting the Old Town or shopping around Palladium, and it opens three days before the two headline markets.
2026 dates: November 25 – December 24, daily 10am–8pm
Getting there: Metro to Náměstí Republiky (Line B)
More Christmas Markets & Holiday Events
- Havel’s Market (Havelské tržiště) — a year-round market between Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square that adds seasonal decorations and gifts over the holidays.
- Kampa Island — a smaller Christmas market near Charles Bridge, usually running from early December into early January.
- Weekend pop-ups — Prague City Tourism also lists short events such as the MINT Market Praha Christmas edition and Christmas Lemarket; check their calendar for dates.
Prague Castle: Some older roundups still mention a Prague Castle Christmas market, but it doesn’t appear in the current 2026 listings — check the castle’s official site before planning around it.
📆 Visiting Prague After Christmas?
You’re not too late. While Náměstí Míru and Náměstí Republiky finish on Christmas Eve, Prague’s two major markets at Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square remain open through January 6, 2027.
🥨 What to Eat & Drink
- Svařák — Czech mulled wine.
- Medovina — honey wine (mead), often served hot.
- Klobása — grilled sausage, usually with mustard and bread.
- Vánoční cukroví — traditional Czech Christmas cookies.
- Trdelník — the chimney-shaped pastry is everywhere in Prague’s tourist centre and Christmas markets, although its history is broader than Prague and it shouldn’t be treated as an ancient Prague Christmas tradition.
Cups: Drinks at the main markets come in returnable or recycled cups — hand them back at the market’s cup-return points.
💳 Paying at Prague Christmas Markets
The Czech Republic uses the Czech koruna (CZK), not the euro. Card acceptance is common in central Prague, but it’s useful to have some local currency available for smaller purchases.
🎟️ Want to Explore Prague’s Christmas Markets With a Guide?
You don’t need a tour to visit Prague’s markets, but a Christmas-focused walking tour can make sense if you’re interested in Czech holiday traditions, food or local history rather than simply browsing the stalls.
⭐ Featured Tour: 3 Magical Prague Markets with Locals
- Markets: The central markets around Old Town Square plus neighbourhood markets at Náměstí Míru and Tylovo náměstí (after December 24, two central markets instead)
- Includes: Local guide, Czech Christmas cookies, hot mulled wine and public-transport tickets
- Duration: About 2 hours 45 minutes; max 15 people
- Meeting point: Old Town (Náměstí Franze Kafky); ends at Wenceslas Square
🎟 See This Prague Christmas Tour
Prefer a private guide? → Christmas Magic of Prague — about 3 hours with hotel pickup, covering Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square and Kampa
🏨 Where to Stay for Prague’s Christmas Markets
If the markets are a major part of your trip, Staré Město (Old Town) puts you closest to Old Town Square, while the area between Old Town and Wenceslas Square makes it easy to reach both major markets on foot. Vinohrady can work well if you prefer staying outside the busiest historic-centre streets while remaining close to Náměstí Míru and Metro connections.
→ See My Full Prague Hotel Guide
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Close to the markets: BoHo Prague Hotel is near Old Town Square, and NH Collection Prague Carlo IV sits between the Old and New Towns.
Planning a Central Europe Christmas-market trip? Prague combines particularly well with other Central European Christmas destinations if you’re building a longer winter itinerary. → Vienna Christmas Markets 2026 | Budapest Christmas Markets 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the Prague Christmas markets in 2026?
The two main markets at Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square run November 28, 2026 through January 6, 2027. Náměstí Míru runs November 20–December 24, while Náměstí Republiky runs November 25–December 24.
Are Prague’s Christmas markets open after Christmas?
Yes. Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square remain open through January 6, 2027, although some smaller markets finish on December 24.
Which Prague Christmas markets should I visit?
Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square are easy to combine during the same outing. Náměstí Míru offers a smaller neighbourhood setting in Vinohrady, while Náměstí Republiky is another convenient central option.
Are Prague’s Christmas markets free?
The major outdoor Christmas markets are free to enter. You’ll pay for food, drinks and purchases from individual stalls.
How many days do you need for Prague’s Christmas markets?
You can visit the two main markets in one evening. With two or three days in Prague, you can combine them with the city’s regular sightseeing and add smaller markets such as Náměstí Míru without rushing.
Plan the Rest of Your Prague Trip
The Christmas markets are easy to fit around Prague’s main sights rather than treating them as an all-day activity.
This post contains affiliate links to Viator and our partner hotel booking sites. The Wandering Adventurer may earn a small commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.
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