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Spend Christmas in Prague 2024 | Christmas Lights, Shows, and Ice Skating

The capital city of the Czech Republic, Prague, is noted for its colorful buildings, historical monuments, and architecturally significant sites. It has many activities available during the Christmas season. If you happen to be in Prague during Christmas, you are bound to witness one of the most beautiful Christmas celebrations of your lifetime.

Why spend Christmas in Prague?

Even though Prague is quite beautiful all year round, it looks a bit more appealing covered in a blanket of snow during Christmas.
Christmas markets selling a variety of traditional delicacies and handcrafted goods are set up all across Prague.
The Christmas tree in Old Town Square is lit up. The Old Town Square and the city center come alive with people for this very popular event, which takes place in the evening.
Most of the towers in the City of Spires are decorated with lights. The city skyline is a sight to behold.
You can experience the traditional Czech Christmas dinner that features carp fish that are locally sourced.

Top 11 things to do during Christmas in Prague

1. Visit the Christmas markets

Europe in December is synonymous with Christmas markets. So put on some comfy shoes and hit the ground running in Prague, with several Christmas booths and markets spread across the city. Visiting Christmas markets puts you in a festive mood like nothing else.

The best Christmas markets of the season are in:

Old Town Square | Find on map
Wenceslas Square | Find on map
Náměstí Republiky | Find on map

2. See the Christmas lights

Prague is known for its towers and spires. All of these towers, historical buildings, and stores across the city are decked up in pretty lights during Christmas, making it a spectacle like no other. Just head out into the streets and you’ll find the Christmas spirit all around you.

The best Christmas light displays can be seen at:

Na Příkopě | Find on map
Pařížská | Find on map
Kaprova | Find on map

3. Go Ice Skating in the City

Ice skating is a must-do activity for everyone visiting Prague during the Christmas season. Although skating on actual ice during Christmas has its own appeal, this sport is also offered during other seasons in artificially made ice skating facilities.

Check out the best places to go ice skating here:

Žižkov Television Tower | Find on map
Centrum Černý Most | Find on map
Na Frantisku | Find on map

4. Try Trdelník

Hollowed-out pastry dough topped with cinnamon sugar and soft-serve ice cream makes up this well-known Czech treat. According to Czech locals, this is one of the most favored festive treats and if you find yourself in Prague in December, this is a must-try.

Best Trdelník in Prague can be found in:

Good Food Coffee & Bakery | Find on map
Artic Bakehouse | Find on map
Oh Deer Bakery | Find on map

5. Watch Christmas Shows

Experience the mesmerizing choirs, orchestras, and dance performances presented by talented artists as Prague, steeped in musical history, hosts these events across its theaters during the festive Christmas season.

The best shows in Prague can be seen at:

National Theatre of Prague | Find on map
Karlin Musical Theatre | Find on map
The Estates Theatre | Find on map

Christmas in Prague - Christmas dinner at Mlynek

6. Enjoy a Christmas Dinner at Mlynek

The Mlynec restaurant is a well-known dining spot in Prague. It is a modern restaurant with a chic atmosphere inspired by Czech culture and allows you to see the impressive twilight vistas of the Charles Bridge through its big glass windows.

Other great places to dine in Prague are:

Kampa Park Restaurant | Find on map
Charles Bridge Restaurant | Find on map
Kavárna Slavia | Find on map

Christmas in Prague - Walking around Vltava River

7. Take a scenic Vltava River cruise

Stroll along the Vltava River or enjoy a scenic cruise to experience the city’s landmarks from the water. A winter river cruise on the Vltava River is an unforgettable experience! Particularly during the festive days leading up to Christmas, a stylish boat trip offers a wonderful way to enjoy a few hours of your holiday in Prague.

Prague River Cruise

Christmas in Prague - Top of Old Town Tower

8. Climb to the top of Old Town Tower

Old Town Tower is one of the best vantage points to see the city views from, especially at Christmas when you can observe the Christmas markets and their activities from a bird's eye perspective. The cost of the ticket is approximately €9, and if you don't feel like climbing the stairs, you may also take the elevator to the top. The view at sunset is highly sought after by tourists and locals alike.

Christmas in Prague - Choir Performance at St. Nicholas Church

9. Enjoy a Choir Performance at St. Nicholas Church

With its stunning interiors, remarkable acoustics, and enchanting Christmas atmosphere, St. Nicholas Church in Prague’s Old Town Square offers a truly magical setting for the holiday season! Attend a delightful choral group performance here during Prague’s annual Advent Choral Meetings. These are held over three weekends from late November, and have over 70 choirs from 22 countries participating!

10. Enjoy some svařák: A Taste of a Czech Christmas

This delightful mulled wine is typically enhanced with slivovice, a plum brandy, or rum, and offers a slightly citrusy flavor that’s less sweet than what you might expect. As the afternoon fades into evening, its aroma fills the Christmas markets, transforming the atmosphere from a festive bazaar into a lively outdoor gathering. Forget about beer—during the holiday season, svařák is Prague’s drink of choice.

11. Christmas operas

This Christmas, the National Theatre presents Tchaikovsky’s beloved tale, The Nutcracker, reimagined with elements from A Christmas Carol. This enchanting production is a must-see, so be sure to purchase your tickets online early, as they sell out quickly. Additionally, opera enthusiasts can enjoy Smetana’s The Bartered Bride, a witty portrayal of Czech rural life, complemented by an exhibition showcasing Smetana’s costumes. For families, Hänsel und Gretel at the State Opera offers a whimsical experience with clowns, acrobats, and puppets to delight young audiences.

Visitor tips to spend Christmas in Prague

Chilly weather: In December, Prague's temperatures hover around a chilly 0°C to 2°C, so be sure to bundle up!
Reduced public transport: Remember that from December 24 to 26, public transport operates on a limited schedule, with services running approximately every 20 minutes.
Possibility of snow: A white Christmas in Prague is rare, but when it does snow, the city becomes a winter wonderland. Temperatures can drop to -3°C at night, so packing warm clothes and winter shoes is essential.
Must-try festive flavors: Warm up at Prague's Christmas market with a steaming cup of mulled wine or rich hot chocolate. Indulge in traditional Czech dishes like goulash served in a bread bowl. Don’t miss out on festive delights like roasted chestnuts, Trdelník, and Vánoční cukroví to truly savor the season!
Time your visit: To avoid crowds, consider visiting the markets in the morning or later in the evening.
Payment methods: While many stalls accept cards, cash is often quicker and more convenient for purchases.
Explore smaller markets: Check out smaller markets in lesser-known areas for a more authentic, local experience.

Top experiences in Prague

Frequently asked questions about celebrating Christmas in Prague

Is Christmas a good time to visit Prague?

Yes, Christmas is a good time to visit Prague. Prague’s unparalleled beauty is only enhanced by the Christmas festivities, lights, and snowfall.

Is there a dress code for Christmas opera performances in Prague?

While there’s no strict dress code, most opera-goers usually opt for smart-casual or semi-formal attire, especially during the festive season.

What is Christmas in Prague like?

Christmas in Prague is among one of the most beautiful in Europe. The city decks up in pretty lights, the various local traditions are carried out zealously by the residents, and tourists from all over the world join the celebrations to make it a truly mesmerizing affair.

What can I expect on a Christmas cruise along the Vltava River?

A Vltava River cruise is a stunning way to experience Prague’s beauty during Christmas. You’ll glide past iconic sights like Prague Castle and Charles Bridge, which sparkle with holiday lights. Evening cruises offer a romantic setting with gourmet meals and mulled wine, while daytime cruises capture the festive cityscape in full glory.

Is Prague crowded at Christmas?

Christmas in Prague is quite famous, making the city a bit more crowded. However, it doesn’t get in the way of enjoying Christmas festivities.

What’s open in Prague on Christmas?

Most of the businesses are open in Prague until noon on Christmas eve. After that, museums and other attractions close down.

Does it snow at Christmas in Prague?

Snow is quite likely during Christmas in Prague.

What are the best restaurants open for Christmas in Prague?

Yes, most restaurants in Prague are open on Christmas and offer special menus. Some top choices include Kampa Park Restaurant, Mlynec Restaurant, Café Imperial, La Bottega Linka, and Amano.

What are the best places to stay in Prague on Christmas?

One of the must-stay places in Prague during Christmas is Hotel Josef. It affords great views of the city during the festivities. You can also consider Botel Matylda and Hotel Golden Crown.

What are some Christmas traditions in Prague?

Foretelling the future using food items, putting honey on the face, watching fairy tales on television on Christmas eve, carrying a carp scale to ensure financial flourish, and opening presents at midnight are some of the Christmas traditions in Prague.