Christmas markets in Prague and Czechia typically run from late November through January 6: the main venues are Staroměstské náměstí (Old Town Square) and Václavské náměstí (Wenceslas Square) in Prague, along with fairs in Brno, Olomouc, České Budějovice, and Kutná Hora. Visitors sip hot svařák (mulled wine) and punč (punch), snack on trdelník and roasted chestnuts, and shop for Christmas ornaments, candles, and handmade crafts.
This is an evergreen guide: the markets themselves are seasonal, but the roundup stays relevant every winter. Below are the 12 best Christmas markets in Czechia, with addresses, approximate dates, opening hours, and tips on getting there from Prague. Exact dates and prices shift each season, so double-check the key details on the official city websites before you go.
Most markets open about a month before Christmas — in late November, on the first Saturday of Advent, when the main Christmas tree is ceremonially lit. In major cities, markets typically run daily from around 10:00 to 22:00. Czechs celebrate Christmas on December 24–26, so on December 24 (Štědrý den, Christmas Eve) many stalls close early or don't open at all. Some markets in Prague, České Budějovice, and Český Krumlov continue until January 6, the Feast of the Three Kings (Epiphany).
| City and Square | 2026 Season (verify) | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Prague — Staroměstské + Václavské | ~Nov 28 – Jan 6 | 10:00–22:00 |
| Brno — Zelný trh and city center | ~Nov 27 – Dec 23 | 10:00–22:00 |
| Olomouc — Horní náměstí | ~late Nov – Dec 23 | 10:00–20:00 |
| České Budějovice | ~mid-Nov – Jan 6 | 10:00–22:00 |
| Kutná Hora — Palackého nám. | select Advent dates | from 11:00 |
Food and drink are half the fun of Czech Christmas markets. Don't skip a hot svařák (mulled wine) or fragrant punč — on Prague's central squares a 0.2 l mug ran about 100 Kč, while at smaller markets like náměstí Míru (Peace Square) it's cheaper, around 75 Kč (2025 prices — check each season). Mugs usually come with a refundable deposit (záloha): return it for cash back, or keep the mug as a souvenir.
On the food side, try trdelník (a sweet rolled pastry cooked on a spit, around 100 Kč), klobása (grilled sausage), langoš (fried flatbread topped with garlic and cheese), roasted chestnuts, and medovina (honey wine). Popular things to buy include hand-blown glass baubles, wooden toys, candles, scented soaps, knitwear, and Christmas wreaths. For more on winter traditions, see our guide to Czech holidays — Vánoce, Velikonoce, and Mikuláš, and for homemade treats, check our collection of Czech recipes.
The Christmas market on Old Town Square is the most famous in Czechia and one of the most beautiful in Europe. A huge Christmas tree stands at its center, next to a live nativity scene (betlém), surrounded by around 82 wooden stalls. Every evening from roughly 16:30 to 21:30, the tree is lit up to music. The season usually runs from late November to January 6, with hours of 10:00–22:00.
The downside of the city-center location is higher prices: svařák around 100 Kč, langoš 200–240 Kč (2025 figures). No travel needed — the square sits right in the heart of Old Town, near metro stations Můstek (lines A/B) or Staroměstská (line A).
A ten-minute walk from Old Town Square is the market on Wenceslas Square. Here the focus is on Christmas goods: ornaments, candlesticks, wreaths, mistletoe, and candles. A blacksmith often demonstrates his old-world craft right on the square. Dates and hours match the central market (typically late November through January 6, 10:00–22:00). Metro: Můstek (lines A/B) or Muzeum (line C).
The market on náměstí Míru (Peace Square) in Vinohrady is widely considered by locals to be the most atmospheric: it's more intimate than the touristy center, and prices are noticeably lower (svařák around 75 Kč, punč about 80 Kč in 2025). The neo-Gothic Church of St. Ludmila makes a lovely backdrop. Metro line A stops right at Náměstí Míru. A great choice if you want a Czech Christmas without the crowds.
Another central Prague market sits on náměstí Republiky, beside the Palladium shopping center and the Municipal House (Obecní dům). Handy if you want to combine market-hopping with shopping — you can duck inside Palladium to warm up. The offerings are standard: mulled wine, sausages, souvenirs. Metro: Náměstí Republiky (line B).
Moravia's capital hosts some of the country's best markets. The main venue is Zelný trh (Vegetable Market), with its Baroque Parnassus Fountain; further fairs take place on Náměstí Svobody (Freedom Square) and Moravské náměstí. Brno is known for creative mulled wine variations and live music. The 2026 season is expected to run roughly from late November to December 23 (verify). From Prague, it's about a 2.5-hour train ride; check schedules in our guide to trains and buses in Czechia.
Olomouc's Christmas markets on Horní náměstí (Upper Square), by the Holy Trinity Column (a UNESCO World Heritage site), are famous for dozens of punch varieties served in themed Christmas mugs. Around 110 stalls fill the Upper Square, plus a free ice rink at Kateřinská. The market usually runs from late November to December 23, with hours of 10:00–20:00 (food and drink stalls stay open until 22:00). From Prague, the train takes about 2.5 hours.
The market spreads across the vast, square-shaped náměstí Přemysla Otakara II — one of the biggest squares in Central Europe — with the Samson Fountain at its center. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly, and the season typically runs from mid-November to January 6, 10:00–22:00. Nearby, it's worth stopping by the Budweiser Budvar brewery. From Prague, the train takes about 2–2.5 hours; you can easily combine the trip with a visit to Český Krumlov.
Kutná Hora (a UNESCO town about an hour from Prague) skips a permanent market in favor of packed Advent event days. Fairs take place on select dates on Palackého náměstí — usually several Advent Saturdays with musical programs — while the Sedlecký adventní jarmark unfolds by the famous Ossuary (Kostnice) in Sedlec. It's ideal for a day trip: St. Barbara's Cathedral, the Ossuary, and a Christmas market all in one day. Exact dates vary each year — check the town's website. From Prague, the train takes about an hour.
Medieval Český Krumlov in its Christmas dress looks like a movie set. The market takes place on náměstí Svornosti (Concord Square) beneath the castle, with an angel procession through town, a live nativity scene, and Advent concerts. The season usually runs from November 22 into early January. A direct bus from Prague takes about 3 hours — too far for a single day, so an overnight stay is best; for more ideas, see our guide to day trips from Prague.
Plzeň sets up its market on náměstí Republiky, beside the majestic St. Bartholomew's Cathedral, home to the tallest church tower in Czechia (over 102 meters). A highlight is the live nativity scene with a donkey and sheep, plus demonstrations of folk crafts and traditions. The market typically runs from November 22 to December 23. It pairs well with a Pilsner Urquell brewery tour. From Prague, the train takes about 1.5 hours — an easy day trip.
Ostrava spreads its markets across three squares at once — Masarykovo, Jiráskovo, and Prokešovo náměstí — with a large concert stage on Masaryk Square hosting well-known Czech performers. The season usually runs from November 22 into early January. From Prague, the train takes about 3 hours — a good option if you're heading east toward the country's borders or the Beskydy mountains.
In northern Czechia, Liberec holds its markets by its striking neo-Renaissance town hall on náměstí Dr. E. Beneše, as well as on nearby Soukenné náměstí. There's plenty for kids: workshops, a Christmas carousel, and shows for little ones. It typically runs from late November to December 23. A direct bus from Prague takes about an hour — you can combine the trip with a visit to Ještěd mountain and its famous tower-hotel.
Usually in late November, on the first Saturday of Advent, when the main Christmas tree is lit. For the 2026 season, Prague's markets on Staroměstské and Václavské náměstí are expected to open around November 28. Check the official website for the exact date.
It varies: in Brno, Olomouc, Plzeň, and Liberec, markets typically close by December 23, while in Prague, České Budějovice, and Český Krumlov they run longer — usually until January 6, the Feast of the Three Kings. In Ostrava, markets usually continue into early January. On December 24, many stalls close earlier than usual.
Roughly (2025 prices): in central Prague, svařák costs around 100 Kč, trdelník around 100 Kč, and langoš 200–240 Kč. At smaller markets like náměstí Míru, prices are lower — svařák around 75 Kč. A refundable deposit is often charged on mugs. Check current prices on-site.
The most famous is on Old Town Square in Prague. The coziest and most affordable market in Prague is generally considered to be the one on náměstí Míru. For a fairy-tale atmosphere, head to Český Krumlov, and for creative mulled wines and punches, visit Brno and Olomouc.
Yes. In a single day from Prague, you can realistically reach Kutná Hora (about an hour by train) or Plzeň (about 1.5 hours). Olomouc, Brno, and České Budějovice (2–2.5 hours) are better planned as full day trips — for route ideas, see our guide to day trips from Prague.
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