Prague’s two main Christmas markets run from November 28, 2026, through January 6, 2027. Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square are scheduled to open daily from 10:00 to 22:00, including the period after Christmas. Smaller markets at Peace Square and Republic Square open earlier, but both close on December 24.
I’ve gathered the confirmed 2026 dates, locations and transport details below so you can plan around the market that actually fits your trip. The schedules were checked against official sources on September 30, 2026; recheck shortly before visiting because individual stalls and special-event times can change.
Prague Christmas markets 2026: dates at a glance
| Market | 2026 dates | Published hours | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Town Square | Nov 28–Jan 6 | Daily 10:00–22:00 | The main tree, historic setting and full festive atmosphere |
| Wenceslas Square | Nov 28–Jan 6 | Daily 10:00–22:00 | A central stop near shopping and transport |
| Peace Square (Náměstí Míru) | Nov 20–Dec 24 | Daily 10:00–20:00 | An earlier Advent start outside the busiest Old Town streets |
| Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky) | Nov 25–Dec 24 | Not yet published | A compact market near the Municipal House and Palladium |
| Prague Castle Christmas Stroll | Beginning of Advent–Jan 5 | Check the castle calendar | Seasonal decorations combined with a castle visit |
The official Prague market organizer confirms the dates for Old Town and Wenceslas squares. Prague City Tourism lists the smaller Peace Square and Republic Square markets separately, so do not apply the main-market closing date to every festive site in the city.
Which Prague Christmas market should you visit?
Old Town Square: the essential first stop
Choose Old Town Square if you have time for only one market. The stalls sit among the Astronomical Clock, the Church of Our Lady before Týn and the square’s historic façades, with the large Christmas tree acting as the visual centre. The organizer emphasizes Czech farmers, small food producers, ornaments, nativity scenes, candles and gingerbread in its vendor criteria.
This is also the market most likely to feel crowded. For easier photos and more room to browse, arrive close to opening. Visit after dark if lights and atmosphere matter more than space. The closest useful Metro stop is Staroměstská on Line A, followed by a short walk.
Wenceslas Square: easiest to combine with the centre
The Wenceslas Square market runs on the same confirmed dates and hours as Old Town Square. Prague City Tourism describes wooden huts, Czech workshop products and a daily cultural programme through Three Kings Day. It is convenient if you are arriving through Můstek, shopping nearby or walking between the National Museum and Old Town.
Old Town and Wenceslas squares are roughly a 10- to 15-minute walk apart, so most visitors can see both in one evening without using transport between them.
Peace Square: start Advent earlier
The market at Náměstí Míru opens on November 20, eight days before the two main markets, and closes on Christmas Eve. Its published hours are 10:00–20:00. Metro A stops directly at Náměstí Míru, making it a simple addition if your trip falls in late November or you are staying around Vinohrady.
Republic Square: a compact central detour
Náměstí Republiky’s market is confirmed for November 25–December 24, with stalls on the side facing V Celnici. It works well as a short stop near the Municipal House, Powder Tower and Palladium. The official listing had not published daily hours when this guide was checked, so verify them before planning a special trip.
Prague Castle: a seasonal stroll, not the same market schedule
Prague Castle advertises a Christmas Stroll from the beginning of Advent through January 5. Treat it as a separate castle event rather than an extension of the Old Town market. Check the official Prague Castle programme for current access details and hours.
What to eat and buy
The final 2026 vendor list was not published when this article was updated, so it is safer to treat any food list as a guide rather than a guarantee. The organizers do confirm a focus on Czech producers, traditional Christmas crafts and selected seasonal food and drink.
- Svařák: Czech mulled wine and the classic cold-weather drink.
- Medovina: a sweet honey-based alcoholic drink that appears at many winter events.
- Gingerbread and pastries: useful options if you want something easy to eat while walking.
- Sausages and grilled food: compare the displayed price and portion before ordering, especially when anything is priced by weight.
- Czech crafts: look for ornaments, candles, nativity scenes and products from local workshops rather than assuming every souvenir is locally made.
Card acceptance can vary by stall. Carry a small amount of Czech koruna as backup, confirm the payment method before ordering and use the price board rather than relying on a verbal estimate.
Best time to visit and avoid the heaviest crowds
- For photos and easier browsing: go near 10:00 on a weekday.
- For lights and atmosphere: arrive shortly before sunset, accepting that the main square will be busier.
- For a post-Christmas trip: Old Town and Wenceslas continue through January 6; Peace and Republic squares do not.
- For Christmas Day or New Year: the main organizer currently lists daily operation, but recheck holiday programming and individual stall hours before going.
If you are comparing Prague with other cities, use our European Christmas markets 2026 dates guide. It separates confirmed schedules from provisional ones and helps prevent planning around a market that closes before your arrival.
Getting around Prague during the markets
Central Prague is walkable, and the four markets above connect easily by Metro and tram. The official PID Lítačka app sells timed tickets and provides route and disruption information. In 2026, app tickets cost 36 CZK for 30 minutes, 46 CZK for 90 minutes, 140 CZK for 24 hours and 340 CZK for 72 hours. Paper tickets cost slightly more.
Activate an electronic ticket before boarding or entering the paid Metro area. PID applies a one-minute protection period after activation, so do not wait until an inspector appears. The transport authority also publishes special timetables for December 24–26, December 31 and January 1; check the official PID app information and holiday schedules close to your visit.
A practical one-day Christmas market route
- 10:00 — Peace Square: browse while it is quieter, then take Metro A from Náměstí Míru to Můstek.
- 12:00 — Wenceslas Square: walk the market from the museum end toward Můstek and the Old Town.
- 14:00 — Republic Square: pass through the Powder Tower area and make a short stop at the smaller market.
- Late afternoon — Old Town: explore the surrounding lanes before the lights come on.
- After sunset — Old Town Square: finish at the main tree and return to any stalls you skipped earlier.
Allow more time if you want to photograph the architecture instead of moving directly between stalls. Our guide to Prague’s layered façades adds context to many of the streets and buildings around the route.
Prague Christmas market FAQ
When do Prague Christmas markets open in 2026?
Peace Square opens November 20, Republic Square November 25, and the main Old Town and Wenceslas Square markets November 28.
Which Prague Christmas markets stay open after Christmas?
Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square are scheduled through January 6, 2027. The smaller Peace Square and Republic Square markets end on December 24.
How long do you need?
Two to three hours is enough for Old Town and Wenceslas squares. Set aside most of a day if you want to add Peace Square, Republic Square, meals and sightseeing without rushing.
Do you need cash?
Do not assume every stall uses the same payment system. A card plus a small amount of Czech koruna is the most flexible combination. Check the displayed price and ask whether it is per item, portion or weight before ordering.
Prague in winter: photo gallery
