Step into Prague’s storybook charm, where glowing castles and festive markets create the perfect holiday escape
Filled with old-world charm, Prague transports visitors to the pages of classic fairy tales, inspiring feelings of enchantment and nostalgia. It’s the perfect city to visit during the festive season. The glowing thousand-year castles at night evoke the magic of Cinderella. The grand Gothic and Baroque architecture, especially the Prague Castle, will remind you of Beauty and the Beast. This season, the fairy tale comes alive at The Prague Christmas markets, which are famous for their lively performances, food, drinks, and artisanal gifts, all set in an exciting holiday atmosphere. Visiting during Christmas allows travelers to experience the city’s enchanting ambiance and festive spirit firsthand.
The main Christmas markets are located at Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí) and Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí). They run from November 29th to January 6th and are within walking distance of each other. Additional markets open on different dates, so check the official Prague City Tourism website for details.
There are several places in the market to eat and drink, so bring your appetite. Indulge in classic Czech staples such as roasted giant hams (sunka), grilled sausage (klobasa), and Christmas fish soup made with carp, vegetables, cream, and brandy, cooked in huge cauldrons. You will also find an array of traditional cakes and sweets, including Trdelnik (chimney cake), a sweet pastry made from rolled dough. Mulled wine (called Svařák) is one of Prague’s favorite winter drinks. Made by warming red wine with spices like cinnamon and cloves, plus a bit of citrus. The market in Prague supports local artisans, making it the perfect place to shop for one-of-a-kind gifts, such as wooden ornaments and glass figurines.
Nearby attractions include the medieval stone arch, Charles Bridge, and the Old Town Bridge Tower, where you can climb the 138 steps to its observation deck to view the city below. Don’t forget to visit Orloj, the oldest working astronomical clock in the world, where crowds gather daily between 8 am and 11 pm to watch the clock strike the hour and see twelve figures emerge from its face. There is also ice skating in the center of Wenceslas Square that opens the same week as the Christmas Market.
Where to Stay
With all the festivities around the Christmas Markets, we recommend staying in the center of it all. The Augustine Hotel Prague is a five-star hotel rich in history and located within walking distance of the Charles Bridge and the markets. Attached to an active 13th-century Augustine Monastery with resident monks, the hotel encourages visitors to tour the Monastery and the 13th-century library on Thursdays. The hotel is currently offering special four-course menus, accompanied by live music, on Christmas Day, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. After a long day wandering the markets, give yourself a break at the Augustine Spa, one of Prague’s top spots to unwind. Whether you’re into massages or a good body scrub, it’s the perfect place to shake off the stress and reset.
The Fairmont Golden Prague is another excellent stay. The recently remodeled hotel is Green Key Certified and has zero single-use plastic. This hotel offers breathtaking views, restaurants, and bars, and has been awarded two MICHELIN stars. This holiday season, they are offering festive holiday-themed brunches and dinners. If you’re looking for some downtime, take a stroll through the hotel’s private garden or book an appointment at their Spa and Wellness center. By the end of your trip, you will discover why this city often feels like a fairytale made real.
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