Christmas Markets & Christmas Shopping in Prague

• By: Editor
• On: 29/Aug/2007
• In: Christmas Travel Tips

Whether you're just here to enjoy the stalls, get those last minute stocking fillers, admire the brightly decorate streets and attractions, or simply soak up the atmosphere, there is something for everyone at Prague's Christmas Markets and there might even be snow, which will no doubt add to the festive mood!

The Christmas Markets (Vanocni trh) start around the 1st of December and continue right through until the 1st of January (the majority of them are even open on Christmas Day!). They are open from 9am to 7pm throughout Christmas and despite the cold, the Prague Christmas Markets are always busy.

The city's main Christmas Markets are located at the Old Town Square and Wencesles Square. Here you'll find an atmosphere full of festive magic. Smaller markets can be found at Namesti Republiky and Havelske Trziste. Havelske Market is held in one of Prague's oldest marketplaces, established in 1232. You'll come across the Havel Market on your way from the Old Town Square to Wenceslas Square.

Prague's brightly decorated Christmas Markets sell everything from crafts and traditional Christmas decorations, to hot wine grog, warm honey liquor and traditional foods. The market is a great place to find interesting gifts like wooden toys, scented candles and Czech glass. Prague is well known for its glass and crystal, but do shop around as prices vary dramatically from place to place. Try choosing a Russian doll - there are thousands of different ones all shapes and sizes every where you look. 

Christmas Markets in Prague bring more than just a great shopping experience. In the Old Town Square children can enjoy the mini zoo which has goats, sheep, lama, and pony rides. Afterwards have a look at the beautiful Christmas manger right nextdoor to the zoo. Another impressive feature to be seen in the Old Town Square is a huge Christmas tree, which is shipped in from the mountains in the south of the Czech Republic. It's a sight to behold – especially at night when it is all lit up against the night sky.

When you've finished exploring the Christmas Markets why not hit the shops. In the New Town, Prague’s shopping street begins at the bottom of Wenceslas Square and has lots of international shops like Mango, Nike, Zara and Benneton. Most of the streets are pedestrianised and along the way there are plenty of places to stop for a bite to eat.

In the Old Town the street connecting the Old Town Square and Namesti Republiky is one of the busiest tourist strips in town. The majority of shops here are gift shops with several crystal stores and some jewellery stores. The area between Old Town Square and Charles Bridge has an abundance of small streets that have loads of shops.

Traditional Czech gifts can be found all over Prague. Look for things like handmade soaps, dried flowers, wooden toys, beeswax candles, glass, jewellery and natural cosmetics. We suggest you visit Manufaktura which can be found at Melantrichova 17 and Mostecká 17 - it's a great spot to pick up some traditional hand made gifts.

For a wide choice of shops all under the one roof, head for Centrum Chodov - one of the largest shopping centres in the entire Czech Republic. The best thing about it is that it is situated right next to the subway station Chodov (red line C). Zara, H+M,  Marks and Spencer and C+A are among the 210 shops here and are open from 9am to 9pm daily. Centrum Chodov has 10 restaurants and numerous coffee shops. 

For most Czechs, Christmas Eve is the day when all the festivities take place. The markets are open and some shops, but not all, so it is advisable not to leave the last minute shopping until Christmas Eve! Czechs normally have their Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve and afterwards many make their way to the Old Town Square for midnight mass which is truly a spectacular event.

With Christmas Markets all over the city, you won't have any problem popping around to them with Prague's excellent metro, tram and bus service. Trains run from 5am to midnight. So provided you have a good map, it is possible to explore the shops that are that little further away. Various travel passes are available and if you're in town for a few days it's a great way to get around quite cheaply. Travel passes can be bought from most of the sweet kiosks in the station and it is vital that you have your ticket on you at all times. It's important to validate your ticket on your first trip. The metro police can stop you and ask for your ticket regularly. Fines on the spot are normal if you can’t produce it. 

If you're lucky enough to be in Prague over the festive season, it's advisable to make dinner reservations if you plan on eating out, as restaurants tend to be very busy with festive celebrations. 

Do remember to bring warm clothes as the weather in Prague at this time of the year is cold with temperatures dipping to -2°C (28°F)!

And finally, if you're thinking about heading to Prague this Christmas, now is the time to book your accommodation. We've quality hotels scattered throughout the city, so go on, book one of our Prague hotels now and avoid disappointment later!

Have you been to Prague's Christmas Markets? We'd love to hear what you thought of them. If you've questions, tips, stories or advice – just leave a comment in the box below and we'll get back to you!