Prague’s Christmas Markets

Something magical inundates the air during the holiday season in the Czech capitol. The smell of warm pastries baking, the steam of hot wine curling up in alluring wisps and the glow of the gothic towers festooned in twinkling lights make Prague a Christmas wonderland. And the best place to be part of the magic is at one of the city’s markets.

The biggest, busiest and most enchanting market of all is located in Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí). Laid out in the heart of the city, under the imposing churches of Týn and St. Nicholas, visitors can browse the craft stands and taste traditional Czech Christmas cookies. A giant tree highlights the square and a stage offers concerts and plays.

A few streets over find the city’s second largest market at Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí). A bit of a misnomer, the market is more of a long boulevard lined with Christmas booths. It is the center of historic Prague and a World Heritage site.

Other markets are scattered around the city, and indeed it would be almost impossible to walk for longer than a few minutes without running into one. Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky) is home to the famous Powder Gate and the Palladium, Prague’s largest shopping center. Open Nov. 25–Dec. 24.

The first market of the season is usually located at Peace Square (Náměstí Míru). Generally the market attracts a more local crowd. Open Nov. 20–Dec. 24.