Prague in December — Christmas Markets and Winter Magic
December is Prague's most atmospheric month. Christmas markets fill Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square with wooden stalls, mulled wine, and gingerbread. St. Nicholas Day on the 5th brings costumed trios roaming the streets. Classical Christmas concerts echo through Baroque churches. And when snow falls on the castle and Charles Bridge, Prague becomes the kind of winter scene most cities can only put on postcards.
Weather and What to Pack
December temperatures in Prague range from -3°C at night to 3°C during the day, with cold snaps dropping to -8°C or lower. Snow is possible throughout the month — some Decembers are white, others grey and damp. Daylight is at its shortest: about 8 hours, with sunrise at 7:45 AM and sunset at 4:05 PM.
Pack: serious winter gear. A warm coat (down or insulated), thermal base layers, a hat that covers your ears, insulated gloves, a scarf, and waterproof boots with good grip. The cobblestones around Old Town Square and on the castle hill get icy. You'll spend hours outdoors at markets and walking between sights — cold feet ruin the experience. We recommend merino wool socks and insulated waterproof boots.
Events and Festivals
Christmas Markets — the main markets on Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square run from late November through early January. Wooden stalls sell hand-blown ornaments, Czech crystal, wooden toys, candles, and traditional crafts. Food stalls serve svařák (mulled wine), medovina (honey mead), trdelník, roasted chestnuts, grilled sausages, and pražská šunka (ham roasted on a spit).
The Old Town Square market has a large Christmas tree, nativity scene, and a stage with live performances — folk music, choirs, and children's shows. The atmosphere peaks in the week before Christmas and on Christmas Eve afternoon.
St. Nicholas Day (December 5) — on the evening of December 5th, trios of Mikuláš (St. Nicholas), an angel, and a devil roam Prague's streets questioning children about their behaviour. Good children receive sweets and fruit; naughty ones get coal or a scare from the devil. Watching these groups move through Old Town Square — children clutching their parents, nervously answering the devil's questions — is one of Prague's most charming traditions.
Christmas Concerts — dozens of classical concerts take place in Prague's churches and concert halls throughout December. The concerts in St. Nicholas Church (Malá Strana), the Klementinum Chapel, and the Estates Theatre are particularly atmospheric. Tickets range from €15 to €50.
New Year's Eve — the month closes with fireworks over the Vltava, celebrations in Old Town Square, and a festive energy that carries into the new year.
What's Open and What's Closed
December 24 (Christmas Eve): most shops close by early afternoon. Many restaurants close entirely or serve special menus by reservation only. Museums and attractions close early or entirely. The Christmas markets on Old Town Square stay open until early evening.
December 25–26: public holidays. Most shops closed. Major restaurants and hotels operate. Some museums open (check individually). Christmas markets are open.
December 31 (New Year's Eve): shops close early. Restaurants fill for NYE dinners (book far in advance). Markets stay open. Extended public transport runs into the early hours.
Outside holiday closures, everything operates normally through December.
Crowds and Prices
December is a two-speed month. Before December 20: moderate to busy, particularly on weekends and evenings at the markets. December 20–January 2: very busy, with Christmas and New Year visitors pushing accommodation prices to their winter peak.
Hotel prices: pre-Christmas December (1–19) offers moderate rates — €90–130 for mid-range Old Town. Christmas week and NYE spike to €150–250+. Book the holiday period well in advance.
Market crowds: weekday mornings and early afternoons are manageable. Friday and Saturday evenings, and the entire Christmas week, are packed. We suggest visiting the markets on a Tuesday or Wednesday evening for the best atmosphere-to-crowd ratio.
Best Things to Do in Prague in December
Browse the Christmas markets at dusk. The markets look best as darkness falls and the lights come on — about 4 PM in December. Buy a cup of svařák, walk through the stalls, and take in the tree and the Týn Church towers glowing above the square.
Attend a Christmas concert. A chamber music performance in a candlelit Baroque church is quintessential December Prague. St. Nicholas Church in Malá Strana and the Klementinum Mirror Chapel have the most atmospheric settings.
A private guide makes all the difference when exploring this part of Prague.
Watch St. Nicholas Day. If you're in Prague on December 5th, position yourself on Old Town Square between 5 and 7 PM. The Mikuláš, angel, and devil trios process through the square, stopping to quiz children. It's theatrical, funny, and touching.
Prague Castle in winter. The castle with snow or frost is extraordinary. Fewer tourists visit in December mornings, and St. Vitus Cathedral's stained glass catches the low winter sun at a dramatic angle.
Day trip to Karlštejn. The castle 30 km southwest of Prague looks medieval and austere in winter light — the way it was meant to look. The surrounding forests are bare, and on cold days the castle appears to float in mist above the valley.
Try Czech Christmas food. Traditional Czech Christmas Eve dinner is carp with potato salad — served at restaurants across the city. Christmas cookies (cukroví) — dozens of varieties, each family has their own recipes — appear at bakeries and market stalls.
See Prague With a Local Guide
December tours have a special quality — the cold air, the lit windows, the market smells, and the stories of Czech Christmas traditions create an atmosphere that's hard to replicate any other month. Our All Prague in One Day private tour weaves through the castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town, and the Jewish Quarter with Christmas market stops built in. Just your group, no strangers.
The Medieval Dinner Show at U Pavouka — a Gothic cellar feast with fire dancers — is the December evening your trip deserves.
Browse all our private tours of Prague and Czech Republic.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are Prague Christmas markets open?
Late November through early January. Hours are typically 10 AM to 10 PM, with food stalls staying open later. Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square are the main locations.
Is December a good time to visit Prague?
Magical. The Christmas markets, concerts, traditions, and winter atmosphere make December one of Prague's most special months. The cold is real but manageable with warm clothing.
Does it snow in Prague at Christmas?
Sometimes. A white Christmas isn't guaranteed — Prague gets snow on average 5–7 days in December. When it falls, the city is extraordinary.
What is Czech Christmas Eve dinner?
Traditionally, fried carp with potato salad. Many families also serve fish soup (rybí polévka) and Christmas cookies (cukroví). Restaurants across Prague offer this menu in late December.
Are Prague shops open on Christmas Day?
Most shops close December 25-26 (public holidays). Major restaurants, hotels, and some museums operate. Christmas markets stay open.
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