Visiting Prague’s Old Town Square Christmas Market

From mid-November until early January, locals and tourists alike enjoy Christmas markets throughout Europe (a charming tradition I wish the United States would embrace). But of all the Christmas markets, the most famous are those in Germany and Austria. No surprise there.

While we’ve experienced (and loved) the Christmas markets in German cities such as Berlin, Dresden, and Regensberg, we have to say that Prague’s Old Town Square Christmas market is one of our favorites, if not our most favorite European Christmas market of all time. While it may not be as big, or as grand, as the German Christmas markets, there’s a special something that only a city like Prague can offer.

People roaming around Prague's Old Town Square Christmas Market at daytime

First and foremost, that’s because Prague’s Old Town Square is the most beautiful square in the entire world. That’s quite the bold statement, yes? But can you think of another comparable city square? No? I didn’t think so…

Medieval architecture and Christmas decorations in Prague Christmas Market

From the gothic style towers of the Church of Our Lady before Tรฝn and the Old Town Hall, and the surrounding Renaissance and Baroque style buildings, Prague’s Old Town Square seems like a medieval dream. And when you add anything Christmas to the combination, this square seems almost too good to be true.

But luckily, it’s all for real.

Church of Our Lady before Tรฝn surrounded by beautiful medieval architecture at Prague's Old Town Square Christmas Market

For two years in a row now, we’ve visited Prague’s Old Town Square Christmas market. And hopefully, we’ll continue to come back.

From the mulled wine and the juicy Czech sausages, to the overall delicious aromas and jolly feelings emanating from the market, there’s no place we’d rather channel our holiday spirit!

Holding Czech paprika sausages with mustard, and chicken skewers with Prague ham, peppers, and sweet onions
Chicken skewers being cooked on a grill at Prague's Old Town Square Christmas Market

But let’s talk about why we really love Prague’s Christmas market: the food.

Anywhere you look within the market, you’ll spot something delicious. Different stands line the market, featuring delights such as fine cheeses and cured meats, sweet pastries, traditional Czech beers, and Prague hams spinning on rotisseries.

Our favorite treats include the Czech paprika sausages with mustard, and chicken skewers with Prague ham, peppers, and sweet onions.

And of course, mulled wine is just the drink to keep anyone warm and jolly while browsing the market.

A bowl of haluลกky - a must-try Czech dish that will satisfy your Prague experience

Another must-try is haluลกky, a Czech dish combining cabbage, potatoes dumplings, and Prague ham. Most likely, you’ve never tried anything like this dish (unless you’ve traveled to the Czech Republic)! We hadn’t either, but we loved it.

Spiraled potato chips on sticks at Prague's Old Town Square Christmas Market
Trdelnรญk at Czech Republic, Prague

Other favorites include trdelnรญk, dough covered in cinnamon, sugar, and nuts, and served warm, and fresh spiraled potato chips.

Crowds of people roaming around the Christmas Market at the Old Town Square

Prague’s Old Town Square Christmas market also sells typical Czech Christmas trinkets such as tree ornaments, decorations, magnets, hand-carved wooden items, and so much more. Other Christmas treats such as hot cider, chocolates, and gingerbread are also worth trying!

Festive decorations at Prague's Old Town Square Christmas Market

Hearty Czech food, hot alcoholic beverages, stunning architecture, and festive decorations are exactly what you can expect to find at Prague’s Old Town Square Christmas market. It might be less famous than Nuremberg’s Christmas market, and much younger than Dresden’s, but we’d argue it’s more beautiful and delicious anyway.

If you haven’t already, add “experience Prague’s Old Town Square Christmas market” to your bucket list! You won’t be disappointed.

Over to you! Have you ever visited Prague’s Old Town Square Christmas market? Which European Christmas market is your favorite?

Join the adventure.

Be the first to know when we publish new travel guides and recipes! Plus, gain FREE access to our Know-Before-You-Go Travel Guide!

6 Comments

  1. Lovely photos. Our daughter has just started teaching English in a school just out side Prague. It was very warm when we went there a couple of weeks ago but I am looking forward to seeing her winter pictures. I don’t envy her trying to learn the language though.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *