Most Beautiful Czech Christmas Markets, According to a Local

The sweet scent of spiced wine, Christmas carols in the air, and endless quaint stalls with special handmade souvenirs…Christmas markets have always been my favorite part about winter in Europe, and Christmas markets in Czech Republic are some of the best. In fact, Czech Christmas markets are my favorite part about Christmas in Czech Republic. They remind me why I am so lucky to live here!

The Czech Republic’s Christmas markets are becoming increasingly popular for tourists and locals alike, and with good reason: these Christmas markets are some of Europe’s most beautiful Christmas markets (I may or may not be biased here). You can find traditional homemade goods like puppets and cookie forms as well as traditional Czech foods like classic Czech cookies, roasted pig and spiced wine.

You know me: I love a good beachfront hotel in Mallorca or a solo Broadway trip to NYC…but when it comes to Christmas, there is literally nothing more beautiful – or romantic – than spending time at one of these outdoor markets. Plus, you can combine your visit to a Christmas market with a day trip from Prague or a romantic date night at one of my favorite Prague restaurants.

What could be better? Here’s your complete guide to the most beautiful and mesmerising Czech Christmas markets in 2022.

Disclosure: this article contains affiliate links, which means when you make a purchase, I will earn a small commission. Affiliate links cost you nothing and help keep my content free. It’s a win-win! For more information, check out my disclosure policy here.

What Do They Eat in Czech Christmas Markets?

Before we dive into my complete guide to Czech Christmas markets, let’s talk about something slightly more important: food!

I don’t know about you, but food will always be my favorite part about traveling! If you’re new to Czech Republic, you can read more about traditional Czech food here.

Czech Christmas markets often have a variety of delicious local goodies on offer. In fact, there’s usually more food than souvenirs (we’ll talk about that next!). If you’re visiting the Prague Christmas market or another Czech Christmas market, be sure to try these goodies:

• Mulled wine, or Svařák in Czech.
• Roasted chestnuts, or kaštany
• Hot mead, or horká medovina
• Blood sausages, or jelito
• Succulent roast ham
• Barbequed pork with potatoes
• Sweet pastries, like koláč. You’ll probably also see trdelník for sale. It’s not a traditional Czech pastry, but it’s often sold at events like this (and delicious nevertheless. If you have a sweet tooth and want to try out local bakeries, check out my favorites here.

In a city packed with thousands of restaurants, how do you find the best ones? Where do you find traditional Czech food? What IS traditional Czech food? I got you! Get my Ultimate Foodie Guide to Prague right here with 70+ restaurant recommendations, from Czech food spots to trendy brunch spots to local cafes!

What Can You Buy at the Christmas Markets in Czech Republic?

You will see plenty of stalls selling local, handmade goods at Czech Christmas markets across the country. So what should you invest, and what should you skip? Here are the most traditional Czech Christmas market souvenirs:

• Christmas ornaments and decorations
• Sheep wool products
• Handmade soaps and lotions
• Hand-forged items, like metal products
• Wooden toys, like dolls or puppets
• Glassware

Wooden products and glass products remain two traditional products special to Czech Republic. You’ll be amazed how unique these items can be!

Christmas Markets in Prague 

If you’re visiting Czech Republic and looking to enjoy some of the best Czech Christmas markets, look no further than the Christmas markets in Prague. The biggest Christmas market is located in Old Town Square.

The setting is unbeatable, with wooden stalls dotting the square between the church and the town’s famous 15th century astronomical clock. Wandering the square feels a lot like being in your own Hallmark movie.

The Prague Christmas markets in Old Town Square will be open from November 30, 2024 to January 6, 2025. The Prague Christmas market is open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Entry is free.

So where are the Prague Christmas markets located? 

The biggest Christmas markets in Prague are held at Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, in the heart of the city. You can actually stop at both markets – the locations are a maximum 10 minute walk from each other! 

If you want to visit Prague Christmas markets with less foot traffic, try one of the smaller markets in Prague. 2024 dates have not been revealed yet, but these are the dates from last year:

• Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky), opening dates tbd.
• Tyl’s Square (Tylovo náměstí), opening dates tbd.
• Anděl, opening dates tbd.
• Náměstí Míru (one of my favorites!), open 20th November 2024 to 24th December 2024.
• Prague Castle, on the square in front of St. George’s Basilica. Opening hours are normally 9:00 to 18:00/19:00. Entry is free.

Smaller Christmas markets may pop up elsewhere, too.

Where to Stay in Prague: Christmas Markets

The best part about visiting Prague? There are so many wonderful neighborhoods in Prague for your trip. If you’re planning a trip to Prague, I’d recommend staying in Nové Město/New Town for first time visitors or weekend trip visitors. I always recommend the Radisson Blu or Hotel CUBE, but I’m also a big fan of The MANES for a more boutique option.

If you’ve been a couple times and want something different, why not consider staying in Karlin? It’s a lovely, trendy neighborhood with plenty of excellent restaurants nearby. I always stay at Hotel Fitzgerald or Pentahotel.

Because each of these Christmas markets sits in such convenient locations, you can plan your entire trip around these markets, including stopping at some of Prague’s best cheap eats and Prague’s best date night restaurants (if you’re traveling with a partner).  

Prague Christmas Market Tours

Feeling overwhelmed? Not sure you want to navigate these Christmas markets alone? Book a local tour guide to show you the Christmas markets! I always recommend this one if you’re looking for something private – or this tour, which takes you to 4 of Prague’s most beautiful Christmas markets.

Christmas Markets in Český Krumlov

Český Krumlov is one of my favorite day trips from Prague. This quaint, picturesque city looks like it came right from a storybook. Their Christmas market is no exception. The Český Krumlov Christmas market is held on Svornosti Square. The Český Krumlov Christmas market has a number of unique activities, like letters to Baby Jesus from the Christmas post office, guided tours of the monastery on the square, and various other Advent- and Christmas-themed events. The Český Krumlov Christmas market is all the more memorable because of the city’s charming surroundings, making it a perfect place to visit for the day. 

You’ll find opening dates here, when announced. Generally, the Christmas Market is open from end of November to end of December. They have special activities for each Advent weekend.

If you do plan to visit Cesky Krumlov, I’d recommend booking a tour for the entire day. This one includes a transfer! There’s a lot to see for such a small city, and a guide will easily be able to pinpoint highlights and explain historical significance. If you’re more of a DIY traveler, I’d recommend taking a bus down to the city for the day.

Christmas Markets in Karlovy Vary 

Karlovy Vary is another one of my favorite day trips from Prague, and what better way to experience the city’s Christmas markets? This well-known spa town in Czech Republic hosts a Christmas market between two well-known hotels, Grandhotel Pupp and Thermal Hotel. The city has more than just Christmas markets, though. Plan on weekends full of Christmas-themed events as well. 

The city has not announced opening dates yet (you’ll find them here).

Looking to go from Prague to Karlovy Vary? The easiest and most direct way to get to Karlovy Vary is by bus. Student Agency and FlixBus both offer affordable fares. You can also take a train to Karlovy Vary, but it takes well over three hours as it’s not a direct train. If you’re looking for more flexibility, book a private transfer for the most customized experience.

Christmas Markets in Brno 

There are four Christmas markets in Brno, with the biggest in Liberty Square and the rest scattered throughout Brno at the Cabbage Market, Moravian Square, and Radnická Street. The Brno Christmas markets have not announced their official dates; in 2023, the Christmas markets ran from November 23 to December 23 (find the official website here). 

A quick train ride from Prague will leave you within walking distance of these popular Christmas markets. If you do plan to visit the Brno Christmas markets, expect a unique programme from each of them, including musical acts, petting zoos, and more.

Christmas Markets in Olomouc

Olomouc is one of the most underrated cities in Czech Republic, and many people only consider visiting it because it’s listed on their tour of the Czech Republic’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites (The Holy Trinity Column, anyone?).

Around Christmastime, Olomouc’s Christmas markets are a beautiful sight to see. Olomouc Christmas markets sit on both Horni Square and Dolni Square and are complete with Christmas trees AND an ice skating rink! 

Find their official dates here.

Christmas Markets in Plzeň

The birthplace of the famous Pilsner beer…and one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Czech Republic? The Plzeň Christmas market is held each year on Republic Square, where cute stalls are packed with homemade goodies and gifts. In addition to the stalls, expect a nativity scene with live animals to set the scene. If you’re in town, consider stopping by to take a tour of the Plzeň brewery, the Cathedral, the Synagogue, and other sights. 

2024 dates have not been revealed yet; In 2023, the Christmas Market in Pilsen ran from Nov. 22 to Dec. 22, 2023. Find the official website here, with events.

Christmas Markets in Telč 

The cute and cozy town of Telč is one of my favorite day trips from Prague (and a top 2020 travel destination, according to National Geographic!), and it’s also home to a small-yet-romantic little Christmas market. If you’re looking to visit one of the smaller and more authentic Czech Christmas markets, this one is for you!

The Telč Christmas market on Market Square may be small, but it’s magical all the same – especially if you’re already planning to make a trip out to see this UNESCO-protected city. 

Christmas Markets in České Budějovice

České Budějovice is famous for their Budweiser beer, but this beautiful city is also home to a lovely Christmas market. If you’re looking to visit one of the less popular Czech Christmas markets, this one is for you!

Situated on the town’s historic Přemysl Otakar II Square, the České Budějovice Christmas market has a beautiful tree, plenty of stalls, and a SKATING RINK!! Just a quick heads up, though: this market historically ends much earlier than other ones, so be sure to check the dates closer to your trip. 

2024 dates have not been revealed yet; in 2023, the Christmas markets ran from November 23 to December 30, 2023.

Samantha Tatro

Samantha Tatro is a Czech-American third culture kid who grew up living and traveling abroad. Many years later, after living in California and working as a journalist, she decided to take the leap and move abroad again…this time to Prague, Czech Republic. Samantha started Undiscovered Path Home to help couples and solo female travelers find the courage to visit countries – and locations – off the beaten path. Her work has appeared in Bon Appetit, NBC News, The Adecco Group, and more.