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Prague Christmas: 3-Day Itinerary

23–25 December: the markets, Christmas Eve and a late-starting Christmas Day. Pick one of two paces: relaxed or balanced–packed.

Plan with your own dates

Enter your arrival and departure; the route adapts to your flights and that day’s markets and opening hours.

Relaxed pace — Christmas markets, shopping and café breaks

Markets, shopping and atmosphere: 1–2 main stops a day is plenty; the rest is for shopping, long meals, unplanned wandering and an afternoon rest.

Day 1 · Wednesday 23 December10:00–20:19

Christmas Market Day

Coffee at the Municipal House and gifts at the Old Town market; the local Náměstí Míru market in the evening. The Republiky market is optional.

Running late? Skip these first: Náměstí Republiky Christmas Market. The rest of the day still works.

  1. 10:00

    Náměstí Republiky Christmas Market 40 min Optional

    Right next to the Municipal House, a calmer market than the Old Town; open until 24 December.

  2. 10:40

    Municipal House Café 60 min

    The Art Nouveau café of the Municipal House (Obecní dům): chandeliers, mirrors and coffee. Check holiday hours before you go.

  3. 11:40

    Walk · 7 min

    On foot.

  4. 11:47

    Old Town Square Christmas Market 60 min

    Gift shopping and mulled wine at the Old Town market.

  5. 12:47

    Walk · 5 min

    On foot.

  6. 12:52

    Lunch, Old Town 90 min

    Czech cooking: goulash, svíčková, dumplings. Book ahead in the holiday weeks.

  7. 14:22

    Walk · 15 min

    Back to the hotel.

  8. 14:37

    Rest at the Hotel 155 min

    Rest at the hotel and recharge for the evening.

  9. 17:12

    Metro · 12 min

    Line A (green) to Náměstí Míru; the market is right outside the station.

  10. 17:24

    Náměstí Míru Christmas Market 75 min

    A local market in Vinohrady in front of St Ludmila’s Church: fewer tourists, craft stalls and mulled wine. Closes at 8 pm; check the organiser’s notice before you go.

  11. 18:39

    Walk · 10 min

    On foot.

  12. 18:49

    Dinner, Vinohrady 90 min

    Czech food or a wine bar; book ahead for December evenings.

Open the route on the map

Day 2 · Thursday 24 December09:30–22:00

Christmas Eve: Early Shopping, the Market and the Evening Lights

Shopping starts at 9:30 and is done before large stores close at noon. Then the market and the bridge, a rest in the afternoon; tree lights, Christmas dinner and an optional mass in the evening.

Running late? Skip these first: Open-air Christmas Mass. The rest of the day still works.

  1. 09:30

    Shopping on Celetná 90 min

    Start shopping early: on 24 December large stores close at noon. Pick the shops you want beforehand; small shops stay open in the afternoon.

  2. 11:00

    Old Town Square: Christmas Market and Astronomical Clock 60 min

    On 24 December the stalls are fully open until 2 pm, then only food and drink. The Astronomical Clock show on the hour. Catch the 11 am show here; be in front of the clock a few minutes early.

    Stalls · Astronomical Clock show on the hour · Týn Church (outside)

    Want to climb the clock tower (Old Town Hall Tower)? Add 40 minutes for a bird’s-eye view of the square and the market. Open until 3 pm on 24 December and 4 pm on 31 December.
  3. 12:00

    Walk · 5 min

    On foot.

  4. 12:05

    Lunch, Old Town 90 min

    Czech cooking: goulash, svíčková, dumplings. Book ahead in the holiday weeks.

  5. 13:35

    Walk · 10 min

    Down Karlova past its little shops to the bridge.

  6. 13:45

    Charles Bridge 35 min

    Walk to the middle of the bridge for the statues, the river and the castle view, then come back the same way.

    Fancy the view? Climb the tower at the Old Town end of the bridge: +25 minutes, tickets at the door (250 CZK); best at sunset. Open until 2:30 pm on 24 December and 4 pm on 31 December.

  7. 14:20

    Walk · 15 min

    Back to the hotel.

  8. 14:35

    Rest at the Hotel 145 min

    Rest at the hotel and recharge for the evening.

  9. 17:00

    Walk · 10 min

    On foot.

  10. 17:10

    Christmas Tree Light Show 40 min

    The light show on the Old Town Square tree (5:30 pm), with a mulled wine. On 24 December the stalls only sell food and drink after 2 pm.

  11. 17:50

    Walk · 10 min

    On foot.

  12. 18:00

    Christmas Eve Dinner 120 min

    The traditional menu: carp and potato salad. On 24 December only some restaurants open and all are full; booking is essential.

  13. 20:00

    Free Time: a Café or a Quiet Square 45 min Optional

    After dinner, a warm café or a quiet square. If you want to see the light show again, it also runs at 8:30 and 9:30 pm.

  14. 20:45

    Walk · 15 min

    On foot.

  15. 21:00

    Open-air Christmas Mass 45 min Optional

    On Old Town Square at 9 pm, free. For midnight mass: Strahov Basilica and other churches (plan a taxi back; trams stop regular service around 6 pm).

  16. 21:45

    Walk · 15 min

    Back to your Old Town hotel on foot. The metro runs until about 2 am, then night trams take over.

Open the route on the map

Day 3 · Friday 25 December11:10–20:20

Christmas Day: the Castle and the Evening Market

A long breakfast, the castle once the cathedral opens at 1 pm; a long café stop in Malá Strana, then the light show and the market.

  1. 11:10

    Late Breakfast 90 min

    No rush: a long, late breakfast.

  2. 12:40

    Tram · 15 min

    Take tram 22 up to the Pražský hrad stop instead of walking the hill.

  3. 12:55

    Walk · 5 min

    Through the courtyards to the cathedral.

  4. 13:00

    Prague Castle 60 min

    The courtyards and the guards at the gate, then St Vitus Cathedral’s stained glass and the St Wenceslas Chapel. No rush.

    15 min courtyards · 45 min cathedral

    Ticket needed: book at least 3 days ahead
  5. 14:00

    Walk · 25 min

    Down Nerudova to Malá Strana; look out for the old house signs over the doors.

  6. 14:25

    Café Break 70 min

    A long break in Malá Strana: hot chocolate or mulled wine.

  7. 15:35

    Walk · 25 min

    Across Charles Bridge to the Old Town; take your time on the bridge, with its statues and the castle behind you.

  8. 16:00

    Old Town Square Christmas Market 50 min

    The 4:30 pm tree light show and mulled wine; large stores are closed today.

  9. 16:50

    Walk · 10 min

    Back to the hotel.

  10. 17:00

    Rest at the Hotel 100 min

    Rest at the hotel and recharge for the evening.

  11. 18:40

    Walk · 10 min

    On foot.

  12. 18:50

    Dinner, Old Town 90 min

    Czech food or a wine bar; book ahead for December evenings.

Open the route on the map

Balanced–packed pace — Prague’s landmarks and Christmas markets

Explore the city and see the markets: nearby stops are grouped (the castle as one visit, Malá Strana as one walk). You can skip anything marked “Optional” and the day still works.

Day 1 · Wednesday 23 December09:00–19:58

The Castle, the Bridge and the Náměstí Míru Market

The castle is closed on 24 December, so it’s today: one flow from Strahov to the bridge, then the Old Town market; the Náměstí Míru market is optional.

Running late? Skip these first: Old Town Bridge Tower, Náměstí Míru Christmas Market. The rest of the day still works.

  1. 09:00

    Tram · 15 min

    Tram 22 to Pohořelec; Strahov Monastery is right by the stop.

  2. 09:15

    Strahov Library and Panorama 50 min

    The fresco-covered Theological and Philosophical Halls, viewed from the doorways.

    35 min library halls · 15 min city view from the monastery garden

    Ticket needed: book at least 1 day ahead
  3. 10:05

    Walk · 15 min

    Through Hradčany to the castle; Loreta is on the way.

  4. 10:20

    Prague Castle 135 min

    One visit: St Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, St George’s Basilica and Golden Lane. There is a security check at the entrance; if the queues are long, skip Golden Lane and the rest of the day stays on time. The castle closes early on holidays.

    15 min security and queues · 45 min cathedral · 25 min Old Royal Palace · 15 min St George’s · 30 min Golden Lane · 5 min walking between courtyards

    Ticket needed: book at least 3 days aheadPrefer a guide? Guided castle tours include the ticket.
  5. 12:35

    Walk · 20 min

    Down Nerudova to Malá Strana; look out for the old house signs over the doors.

  6. 12:55

    Lunch, Malá Strana 60 min

    Czech cooking: goulash, svíčková, dumplings. Book ahead in the holiday weeks.

  7. 13:55

    Malá Strana Walk 40 min

    The dome of St Nicholas, the Lennon Wall and Kampa; one walk.

    Nerudova · St Nicholas (outside) · Lennon Wall · Kampa

  8. 14:35

    Café Break 35 min

    Hot chocolate or coffee; warm up and rest.

  9. 15:10

    Charles Bridge 30 min

    Baroque statues, the river and the castle above. As you cross, Kampa is on the right and the Old Town skyline behind you.

  10. 15:40

    Old Town Bridge Tower 25 min Optional

    Watch the sunset from the tower (around 4 pm in December): bridge, river and castle in one frame. Tickets at the door (250 CZK).

  11. 16:05

    Walk · 8 min

    On foot.

  12. 16:13

    Old Town Square: Christmas Market and Astronomical Clock 60 min

    Your first mulled wine (svařák) and a trdelník at the market; the Astronomical Clock show on the hour, the towers of Týn Church and handmade ornaments. Catch the 5 pm show here; be in front of the clock a few minutes early.

    Stalls · Astronomical Clock show on the hour · Týn Church (outside)

    Want to climb the clock tower (Old Town Hall Tower)? Add 40 minutes for a bird’s-eye view of the square and the market. Open until 3 pm on 24 December and 4 pm on 31 December.
  13. 17:13

    Walk · 10 min

    On foot.

  14. 17:23

    Metro · 10 min

    Line A (green) to Náměstí Míru; the market is right outside the station.

  15. 17:33

    Náměstí Míru Christmas Market 45 min Optional

    A local market in Vinohrady in front of St Ludmila’s Church: fewer tourists, craft stalls and mulled wine. Closes at 8 pm; check the organiser’s notice before you go.

  16. 18:18

    Walk · 10 min

    On foot.

  17. 18:28

    Dinner, Vinohrady 90 min

    Czech food or a wine bar; book ahead for December evenings.

Open the route on the map

Day 2 · Thursday 24 December09:00–22:00

Christmas Eve: the Tower, the Jewish Museum, Shopping and the Lights

The tower in the morning, shopping on Celetná before large stores close at noon, then the Jewish Museum; the Municipal House in the afternoon. The Wenceslas market and the late-afternoon stroll are optional; tree lights, Christmas dinner and an optional mass in the evening.

Running late? Skip these first: Wenceslas Square Christmas Market, Open-air Christmas Mass. The rest of the day still works.

  1. 09:00

    Old Town Hall Tower and Astronomical Clock 45 min

    The Astronomical Clock’s show on the hour and the lift up the tower for a bird’s-eye view of the square and the market. Catch the 9 am show here; be in front of the clock a few minutes early.

    Ticket needed: book at least 1 day ahead
  2. 09:45

    Walk · 5 min

    On foot.

  3. 09:50

    Shopping on Celetná 60 min

    Start shopping early: on 24 December large stores close at noon. Pick the shops you want beforehand; small shops stay open in the afternoon.

  4. 10:50

    Walk · 10 min

    On foot.

  5. 11:00

    Jewish Museum (Josefov) 90 min

    One ticket, four stops: the name-covered Pinkas Synagogue, the Old Jewish Cemetery, the Klausen Synagogue and the gilded Spanish Synagogue.

    25 min Pinkas · 25 min Old Cemetery · 15 min Klausen · 25 min Spanish Synagogue

    Ticket needed: book at least 2 days ahead
  6. 12:30

    Walk · 10 min

    On foot.

  7. 12:40

    Wenceslas Square Christmas Market 30 min Optional

    Stalls are open until 2 pm; last souvenirs.

  8. 13:10

    Lunch, New Town 60 min

    Czech cooking: goulash, svíčková, dumplings. Book ahead in the holiday weeks.

  9. 14:10

    Walk · 10 min

    On foot.

  10. 14:20

    Municipal House Café 45 min

    Coffee in the Art Nouveau hall; check the 24 December hours before you go.

  11. 15:05

    Free Time: Rest or Stroll 50 min Optional

    Drop by the hotel to rest, or take a stroll past the windows of Pařížská and along the river.

  12. 15:55

    Walk · 10 min

    On foot.

  13. 16:05

    Christmas Tree Light Show 45 min

    The light show on the Old Town Square tree (4:30 pm), with a mulled wine. On 24 December the stalls only sell food and drink after 2 pm.

  14. 16:50

    Aperitif: Beer Hall or Bar 60 min

    A Czech beer or a glass of wine before dinner. Options: U Fleků, Lokál, Café Imperial.

  15. 17:50

    Walk · 10 min

    On foot.

  16. 18:00

    Christmas Eve Dinner 120 min

    The traditional menu: carp and potato salad. On 24 December only some restaurants open and all are full; booking is essential.

  17. 20:00

    Free Time: a Café or a Quiet Square 45 min Optional

    After dinner, a warm café or a quiet square. If you want to see the light show again, it also runs at 8:30 and 9:30 pm.

  18. 20:45

    Walk · 15 min

    On foot.

  19. 21:00

    Open-air Christmas Mass 45 min Optional

    On Old Town Square at 9 pm, free. For midnight mass: Strahov Basilica and other churches (plan a taxi back; trams stop regular service around 6 pm).

  20. 21:45

    Walk · 15 min

    Back to your Old Town hotel on foot. The metro runs until about 2 am, then night trams take over.

Open the route on the map

Day 3 · Friday 25 December10:00–19:45

Christmas Day: Vyšehrad, the River and the Old Town

A gentle Christmas Day: Vyšehrad, the Dancing House along the river, a historic café, the bridge at sunset and the evening market. The Josefov walk and the bridge tower are optional.

Running late? Skip these first: Old Town Bridge Tower. The rest of the day still works.

  1. 10:00

    Metro · 15 min

    Line C (red) to Vyšehrad station, then a 10-minute walk to the ramparts.

  2. 10:15

    Walk · 10 min

    On foot.

  3. 10:25

    Vyšehrad Ramparts and Panorama 60 min

    The city’s legendary first fortress: the river and the distant castle from the ramparts. Open-air and open every day.

  4. 11:25

    The Riverside and the Dancing House 35 min

    A walk along Rašínovo nábřeží; Frank Gehry’s Dancing House and the gold-roofed National Theatre, from outside.

    Riverside · Dancing House · National Theatre

  5. 12:00

    Walk · 10 min

    On foot.

  6. 12:10

    Lunch, Národní 60 min

    Czech cooking: goulash, svíčková, dumplings. Book ahead in the holiday weeks.

  7. 13:10

    Walk · 15 min

    Along the river to the Old Town.

  8. 13:25

    Free Time 45 min Optional

    A walk along Pařížská and the lanes of Josefov, from outside.

  9. 14:10

    Warm-up Break: Historic Café 50 min

    A long break in one of Prague’s historic coffee houses. Options: Grand Café Orient, Café Imperial. Check holiday hours before you go.

  10. 15:00

    Walk · 10 min

    On foot.

  11. 15:10

    Charles Bridge 25 min

    The bridge towards sunset (around 4 pm in December): cross to the Old Town as the castle lights come on.

  12. 15:35

    Old Town Bridge Tower 25 min Optional

    Watch the sunset from the tower; open until 5:30 pm on 25 December. Tickets at the door.

  13. 16:00

    Walk · 5 min

    On foot.

  14. 16:05

    Old Town Square Christmas Market 60 min

    Tree light shows at 4:30 and 5:30 pm, with mulled wine.

  15. 17:05

    Aperitif: Beer Hall or Bar 60 min

    A Czech beer or a glass of wine before dinner. Options: U Fleků, Lokál, Café Imperial.

  16. 18:05

    Walk · 10 min

    On foot.

  17. 18:15

    Dinner, Old Town 90 min

    Czech food or a wine bar; book ahead for December evenings.

Open the route on the map

Tips

  • Don’t leave your shopping until late on 31 December: large stores close at 5–6 pm. On 1 January and 25–26 December stores over 200 m² are closed by law, and on 24 December they close at noon; small gift shops are up to their owners.

  • The neighbourhood markets (Náměstí Míru, Náměstí Republiky) end on 24 December. Over New Year only the Old Town and Wenceslas markets are open (until 6 January). To see them all, go in the first half of December.

  • Book New Year’s Eve and Christmas Eve dinner in October or November: most restaurants serve a set menu and fill up early.

  • Prague has no official fireworks display; at midnight people set off fireworks all over the city. Watch out for fireworks in the crowd.

  • Visit the castle on the morning of 31 December: St Vitus closes at 3 pm that day, opens at 12:30 on 1 January, and the castle buildings are fully closed on 24 December.

  • On 31 December trams switch to the night timetable around 10 pm and the metro runs to the centre until about 2 am. On 24 December trams stop regular service around 6 pm. Staying in the Old Town and walking back is easiest.

  • Churches aren’t heated (St Nicholas included), so keep your coat and gloves on inside. In December it gets dark around 4 pm.

  • The Jewish Museum is closed on Saturdays. Jewish Museum tickets

Times are for Wednesday 23 December – Friday 25 December. Some are officially confirmed for 2026, others are based on the last published season (the 2026 schedule is pending); check again before you go. The table on the guide page shows the status of each time: Christmas in Prague

Frequently asked questions

Is 3 days enough for Prague Christmas?

Three days is ideal for the markets, Christmas Eve and a relaxed Christmas Day without rushing.

Which museums and landmarks can you visit inside on a 3-day Christmas trip to Prague?

Relaxed: Prague Castle (basic circuit). Balanced–packed: Strahov Library, Prague Castle (basic circuit), Old Town Hall Tower, Jewish Museum.

How far ahead should I book tickets?

Prague Castle (basic circuit) at least 3 days ahead; Strahov Library at least 1 day ahead; Old Town Hall Tower at least 1 day ahead; Jewish Museum at least 2 days ahead. Queues are long in the holiday week.

I’m going on different dates; how does the route change?

Enter Prague and your arrival and departure in the planner on the home page. For any date from 25 November – 5 January it builds the route around that day’s markets and opening hours: New Year’s Eve on 31 December, Christmas Eve on 24 December, and closed markets are dropped.