Prague Christmas Markets 2026: Confirmed Dates & Guide

Prague Christmas Markets 2026 — confirmed dates

Old Town Square — the flagship market

Around 80 wooden stalls ring the square beneath the Church of Our Lady before Týn, selling trdelník (the spit-rolled, cinnamon-sugar-coated pastry that has become the market's signature souvenir food), svařák (mulled wine), grilled sausages and klobásy, and Czech Christmas ornaments and wooden toys. The Astronomical Clock on the Old Town Hall tower still runs its hourly show on the square's edge, drawing a second crowd independent of the market itself.

In 2024, Prague topped U.S. News's ranking of the world's most beautiful Christmas destinations — a claim Prague City Tourism cites on its own kudyznudy.cz portal — and the Old Town Square market is the single biggest reason why.

Wenceslas Square — the second market, same official season

A ten-minute walk away, Wenceslas Square runs its own, larger market along the full length of the boulevard, backed by the National Museum at the top of the square and the Wenceslas statue. It runs on the identical official dates and hours as Old Town Square — both are organised by the City of Prague as one season — so a single evening covers both without needing to check two separate calendars.

Planning your visit

Václav Havel Airport Prague connects to the centre via bus 119 to Nádraží Veleslavín, then Metro Line A — about 35–45 minutes door to door. Both markets sit within the compact historic centre, an easy walk from most central hotels.

Arrive on a weekday evening, ideally after the tree lighting show starts around 16:30, for the atmosphere without the heaviest weekend crowds. The market's long run into early January makes Prague a good option for a New Year city break, unlike shorter-season markets elsewhere in the region.

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When do the Prague Christmas markets open in 2026?

Both the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square markets are confirmed for 28 November 2026 to 6 January 2027, daily from 10:00 to 22:00 (shorter hours on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day) — confirmed directly by Prague City Tourism (kudyznudy.cz).

Where are Prague's main Christmas markets?

The two main markets are on Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí), beneath the Church of Our Lady before Týn, and along Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí) — a short walk apart, both running the same official season.

Is the Prague Christmas market free to enter?

Yes — walking around both markets is free; you only pay for food, mulled wine and anything you buy from the stalls.

What food should I try at the Prague Christmas market?

Trdelník (a spit-rolled pastry dusted in cinnamon sugar, often filled with ice cream or Nutella) is the market's signature food, alongside svařák (mulled wine), grilled klobásy sausages and roasted chestnuts.

Is Prague really one of the best Christmas markets in Europe?

Prague City Tourism's own site cites a 2024 U.S. News ranking naming Prague the world's most beautiful Christmas destination — largely on the strength of the Old Town Square market's setting beneath the Týn Church and Astronomical Clock.