Prague Christmas markets 2026: 9 best markets in Czechia, dates
The 2026 Christmas market season starts as early as November. We have rounded up nine venues: five in Prague, and the rest in Brno, Olomouc and Český Krumlov. The list includes the main tourist markets, cosy neighbourhood fairs and towns worth leaving the capital for. Dates and opening hours come from public sources as of 1 November 2026. Check the organisers’ websites before you go, as the programme is still being finalised.
Staroměstské náměstí, Prague 1
Prague’s main markets, on Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, run from 28 November 2026 to 6 January 2027, daily from 10:00 to 22:00. The famous Christmas tree stands here and is lit on opening day, 28 November, at 16:30. The nearest metro stations are Staroměstská and Můstek. Entry is free; you only pay for food, drinks and shopping. It gets very crowded in the evenings and at weekends. If you want fewer people, come in the morning or on a weekday.
Václavské náměstí, Prague 1
The second big market is in the lower part of Wenceslas Square, near Na Příkopě street. The dates and hours are the same: 28 November to 6 January, 10:00–22:00. Stalls sell punch, mulled wine, pancakes and grilled meat. The nearest metro stations are Můstek and Muzeum. It is a handy quick stop during a walk around the centre.
Náměstí Míru, Prague 2 (Vinohrady)
This neighbourhood market opens earlier than any other in the capital. It runs from 20 November to 24 December in front of the Church of St Ludmila. Opening hours are daily from 10:00 to 20:00. It is quieter than the centre, and food and drink prices are usually lower. The nearest metro station is Náměstí Míru (line A).
Náměstí Republiky, Prague 1
A convenient stop in the centre, next to the Palladium shopping centre. The market runs from 25 November to 24 December, with stalls facing V Celnici street. Sources differ slightly on the hours: from 10:00 until 19:00 or 20:00. You will find Czech snacks and handmade crafts here. The nearest metro station is Náměstí Republiky (line B).
Tylovo náměstí, Prague 2
A small local market not far from Václavské náměstí, on Tylovo náměstí in Prague 2, from 26 November to 24 December. There are far fewer tourists here. Sources give different opening hours (closing anywhere from 18:00 to 20:00), so it is best to check before you visit.
Mariánské náměstí, Prague 1 (Josefov)
A charity market close to Old Town Square. Purchases here support sellers from non-profit organisations and sheltered workshops. Address: Mariánské náměstí, Josefov, Prague 1. One source lists the period as 28 November to 6 January with daily opening. Other sources give different hours, so confirm them in advance. It is worth a visit for original gifts.
Brněnské Vánoce, Náměstí Svobody, Brno
Brno’s main Christmas fair. The market on Náměstí Svobody runs from 27 November to 23 December 2026, with the same dates on Dominikánské náměstí. Zelný trh and other venues of the “Vánoce Brno” project open on 13 November and run until 31 December. This year the market promises new food stalls. Brno is an easy train ride from Prague, taking a couple of hours.
Olomoucké Vánoce, Horní náměstí and Dolní náměstí, Olomouc
Olomouc is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Czechia. The official tourist portal gives the dates as 22 November to 23 December 2026. Some sources say sales start on 20 November, so it is worth confirming the dates. Vendors trade daily from 10:00 to 20:00, while food stands may stay open until 22:00. The market is spread across two squares next to the town hall and the astronomical clock.
Náměstí Svornosti, Český Krumlov
A fairy-tale town in South Bohemia. The market runs from 21 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. It is held on the main square, and the tree is lit on 29 November. Opening hours are Monday to Thursday from 11:00 to 18:00 and Friday to Sunday from 10:00 to 19:00. Concerts and a family programme take place at weekends. It is best to plan an overnight stay in Krumlov: the town is especially beautiful in the evening.
In short, Prague’s Christmas markets run longer than in most European cities. The main venues open on 28 November and close on 6 January. Neighbourhood markets suit quiet strolls, while Brno, Olomouc and Český Krumlov make good weekend trips. Check exact dates and programmes on the organisers’ websites, as some details may still change.
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