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Prague was the last stop on our Christmas market trip by train, and its market in Old Town Square was our second favorite of the whole trip, right behind Vienna.
Where we stayed
We stayed in a hotel right behind the main market at the Old Town Hall. Being that close meant we could walk out the door into the market, come back to warm up, and head out again at night. If you’re visiting for the Christmas market, stay in the Old Town.
The Old Town Square Christmas market
The market fills Old Town Square, with a giant Christmas tree in front of the Gothic towers of the Týn Church, wooden stalls all around, and the Astronomical Clock on the Old Town Hall.
2026 dates: the main markets on Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square are listed as running daily from November 28, 2026 to January 6, 2027, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with light shows on the Old Town Square tree in the evenings. Confirm before you travel, since dates can change.
The view from the Old Town Hall tower (go at night)
We went up the Old Town Hall tower at night to see the whole market lit up from above, and it was definitely worth it. It’s also pretty packed, so it can take longer than you’d like to get to the railing for a good view or photo. Be patient, or go earlier in the evening.
You can book Old Town Hall tower tickets or a combined walking tour ahead of time.
Our favorite snack: trdelník
Trdelník was our favorite snack of the whole trip: a sweet, sugary rolled pastry baked on a spit. It’s so sweet and yummy alongside a flavored hot cocoa or an espresso. You’ll find stalls all over the Old Town.
Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral
We spent a day up at Prague Castle. The highlight was St. Vitus Cathedral, with its huge Gothic doors and stunning stained glass windows.
Prague Castle tickets and guided tours
Charles Bridge and the Astronomical Clock
From the castle, walk down and across Charles Bridge, lined with statues, with views up and down the river.
Back in Old Town Square, catch the Astronomical Clock on the hour.
Our honest take on Prague
Prague is beautiful, but the feel of the city was darker to us than Austria’s. You can still sense the effects of decades of communism, which only ended in 1989, and some buildings still show damage and marks from World War II. It gave the city a heavier, more serious feel than the fairytale towns we’d just come from. It’s a fascinating place, and we’re glad we went, but our hearts were in Vienna and Salzburg.
Tips for Prague at Christmas
- Stay in the Old Town so you can walk to the market at night.
- Go up the Old Town Hall tower after dark, and expect a wait for the best spot.
- Eat trdelník with a hot cocoa or espresso.
- Give the castle a full morning, then walk down across Charles Bridge.
- Bring coins. Public bathrooms usually aren’t free.
More from the trip: what to wear and pack for European Christmas markets.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Prague Christmas market open in 2026?
The main markets on Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square are listed as open daily from November 28, 2026 to January 6, 2027, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Confirm the dates before you travel.
Is Prague worth visiting at Christmas?
Yes. Old Town Square was our second favorite market of the trip, after Vienna. The city felt heavier and more serious than Austria to us, but the market, the castle and Charles Bridge were well worth it.
What should you eat at the Prague Christmas market?
Trdelník, a sweet rolled pastry baked on a spit, was our favorite snack of the whole trip. It's great with a flavored hot cocoa or an espresso.
Where should you stay in Prague for the Christmas market?
Stay in the Old Town. We stayed right behind the main market at the Old Town Hall, so we could walk back to warm up and head out again at night.
Is the Old Town Hall tower worth it at Christmas?
Yes, go after dark to see the whole market lit up from above. It gets packed, so expect to wait for a spot at the railing.
