For years I’ve been dreaming of a white Christmas in Europe and finally this year I made my way to Central Europe to do just that. It was on my second day in Prague that I opened my window to snow – and not just a little snow – snowflakes on snowflakes were falling out of the sky and in to my hands… if that is not Christmas magic, I do not know what is!
Below I’ve written a complete list of the 10 best things to do for Christmas in Prague – from the best Christmas market in Prague through to the Christmas treats you must try!
Post Updated October 2021.
Watch the Video! Christmas in Prague:
The 10 Best Things to do for Christmas in Prague
1. The Old Town Square Christmas Markets
Christmas Markets and Europe in December go hand in hand, so make sure you wear your comfortable shoes and get ready to hit the ground running in Prague – there are Christmas stalls and markets dotted around the city. If you’re looking for the most scenic Christmas Market and prefer to just visit one then make sure you don’t miss a visit to the Old Town Square Christmas Market and be sure to make your way up to the top of the Old Town Tower for a view from above!
2. Try Trdelník
When I made a call-out on Instagram stories to see what Czech foods I could not miss at Christmas, almost every response included Trdelník. This popular Czech dessert is a hollowed out pastry dough covered in cinnamon sugar and now popularly topped with soft serve ice cream. You can find a whirlwind of flavour combinations at the Good Food Coffee and Bakery at 8 Karlova (the main street that connects Charles Bridge and the Old Town Square).
3. Walk the Vltava River at Night
I would argue the only thing more magical than Prague in December is Prague at night time in December, as the whole city lights up in an amber glow with the combination of Christmas lights and the cities’ usual radiance! Take a stroll from the Prague Dancing House down to the Charles Bridge for magical views like the photo I took on my evening walk above.
4. Climb to the top of the Old Town Tower
The view from the Old Town Tower is one of the best ways to see the city from above at any time of year, but at Christmas, it is especially beautiful as you can see the Christmas markets and their happenings from a birdseye view. The ticket price is around 9 euros and if you’re not feeling like the exercise, there’s the option to take the lift to the top.
5. See the Swans on the Vltava River
When you make your way from the Old Town Square to the Castle and Castle Hill, be sure to stop to visit the swans as you arrive on the castle side of the Vltava River. These beautiful creatures are very people friendly – just be sure to give them plenty of space!
6. Climb to the top of the Charles Bridge Tower
Another great view can be had atop the Charles Bridge Tower, though I learned from experience to not leave it too late in the day (during December the sun sets a little earlier than 4pm!)
7. Christmas Markets at Castle Hill
Once you’ve walked across the Charles Bridge, be sure to make your way to Castle Hill and take in the sweeping views of the city. Here is one of the best views of Prague on a clear day and there are a handful of Christmas market stalls at the top of the hill.
8. Indulge in Svařák
While you’re darting around town from Christmas Market to Christmas Market, be sure to indulge in all of the food and wine at your disposal. Svařák is the Czech take on English mulled wine or German gluhwein, however with a stronger touch of lemon and citrus flavours to balance out the sugars.
9. Indulge in a Hot Chocolate from Cafe Slavia
It was on my first visit to Prague when I first discovered Cafe Slavia. I was in search of the best hot chocolate in Prague and after asking a local, found my way over to this institution. The cafe itself is a flashback of a bygone era. It is the kind of place you could pull up a chair and watch the world go by. And the hot chocolate? Well, I’ve since been back a handful of times and it still tastes just as delicious every time!
10. View the Vrtba Gardens from Hotel Aria
The Vrtba garden is one of my favourite secrets in Prague but in winter they are closed to the public. The only way to see them from October-April is from one of the garden-facing rooms at Hotel Aria, one of my favourite hotels in Prague and what feels like a home away from home!
