Prague is the culturally vibrant capital of the Czech Republic, known for its architectural landmarks, historical monuments, colourful buildings, and rich history. It is popularly known as the “City of Spires” and offers plenty of things to do during the Christmas season. The highlights of all the events during Christmas in Prague are the wonderful Christmas markets here, which offer a variety of goodies. Prague offers an endless number of activities which one can indulge in during the Christmas season.
Top Ways to Celebrate Christmas In Prague
If you are wondering what to do at Christmas in Prague, here are a few unique and exciting experiences that must be tried at least once.
1. Try Ice Skating
One of the things that every traveller must try during Christmas in Prague in 2023 is ice skating. Although this activity is available during the other seasons in artificially created ice skating arenas, skating on real ice during Christmas is charming.
It doesn’t matter if you are a professional at ice skating or an amateur who has never tried this activity before; ice skating should be experienced by one and all. If one doesn’t have a pair of ice skates, one can easily hire a pair at any local shop. One of the most unforgettable experiences can be enjoyed by ice skating on the Vltava River in Prague, which generally freezes during winter.
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2. Witness The Prague Christmas Markets
The experience of witnessing Christmas Eve in Prague is incomplete without attending this city’s festive Christmas markets. The city’s historic centre, Old Town Square, is the market hub during the Christmas season. People in large numbers hustle and bustle in the market and explore the various opportunities these markets offer.
The Christmas markets at Wenceslas Square are also worth visiting to enjoy the Christmas festivities in this city. These popular marketplaces are open from 2nd December to 6th January every day, even during public holidays. One can participate by singing along with the Christmas carol groups, browsing through the various handicraft markets, relishing the hot drinks, and indulging in the lip-smacking local delicacies.
3. Stay At Hotel Josef
Hotel Josef is the only designer hotel in Prague City and offers the best services and hospitality for a stay during the Christmas season. The charm of the old-world beauty of the city, including Prague Castle, Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, and many other places, can be felt by the vibes given out by this hotel’s interiors.
Staying in one of their premium rooms offers the best experience. These rooms offer splendid panoramic views of the city through their glass walls, which can be enjoyed while relaxing leisurely on the bed. This hotel is located near the city’s Central Square. Still, it is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city crowd, offering much-needed tranquil and peaceful surroundings during the peak tourist season.
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4. Watch The Cultural Shows And Performances
Prague has its name etched in the world’s musical history, and one shouldn’t miss witnessing the choirs, orchestras, and dance performances showcased by talented creative artists. During Christmas, the number of such shows increases throughout the various theatres Prague accommodates.
Most get fully booked even before the holiday season starts. Far better than the rest, the shows are hosted at the National Theatre of Prague, Karlin Theatre, and Estates Theatre. Classic performances include the famous Nutcracker Ballet and Swan Lake.
5. Cruise In the Prague River
Travellers who don’t like being surrounded by many people and want to avoid Prague’s crowded areas during Christmas can opt for a relaxing Prague River Cruise. Touring through the Vltava River, visitors can witness all the major attractions of Prague. These cruises have a guide who will help visitors learn more about the historical city.
Also, the cruise has a bar where one can relish refreshing beverages and start their Christmas party in Prague. To combat the weather on Christmas in Prague, these cruise boats come equipped with operational heaters to keep everyone on board warm.
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6. Attend the Christmas concerts
The most famous and highly-rated church in Prague, St Salvator Church, hosts several Christmas music concerts during the festive season. This is one of the city’s most treasured historic assets, and it features spectacular architectural designs and vast interior spaces.
Many other churches in the city also host several music concerts on Christmas in Prague, but the one held at St Salvator Church is considered the best. Groups worldwide gather in the various historic churches spread throughout the city to sing carols and keep the festive spirit high. The best part about these concerts is that they are open to all visitors and tourists and are free of cost.
7. Indulge In traditional Czech delicacies
The major highlight of visiting Prague in December during the Christmas season is the various food stalls on almost every street, which offer a variety of delicious street food unique to traditional Czech cuisine.
Some of the Christmas food in Prague that every visitor must try include Chlebicky, an open sandwich with a variety of meat; Longnose, fried bread with veggies; Palacinky, a French-style pancake; and Czech sausages, which are very similar to German bratwurst. One must also try Svarak, a Czech wine made from apples.
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8. Shopping On Prague Shopping Streets
Almost every high-quality handicraft and other goodies is available at a meagre price during Christmas. Take advantage of this by heading to the famous shopping streets in Prague for a day of retail therapy. Buy souvenirs to take back home. Some of the best and most unique souvenirs which can be bought are Becherovka herbal liqueur, Marionettes, and Bohemian glass. The Marionettes are cute little puppets sold in Prague, handcrafted and hand-carved.
These can be purchased at the shops near the Charles Bridge. Prague is a huge city, so to save time and energy, one should consider shopping in the main shopping streets. These major shopping streets include Wenceslas Square, Republic Square, and Old Town Square, where you can get almost anything you wish for.
9. Dining At Mlynec restaurant
Mlynec restaurant is a high-rated dining area that has been locally famous for many years. It is a contemporary-styled restaurant with a stylish Czech tradition-inspired setting. It has large glass windows through which the mesmerizing evening view of the Charles Bridge can be witnessed. Every evening, a live jazz music performance is hosted at this restaurant.
The menu here changes seasonally and features the most famous traditional delicacies, which highly acclaimed in-house chefs curate. The Christmas dinner special is this restaurant’s most awaited event on Christmas day in Prague. One must book well to enjoy dining here on this particular evening.
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10. Stroll Through The City Streets
One of the best things to do in Prague if you are low on budget is strolling through the narrow cobblestoned pathways with your loved ones. The unique Christmas atmosphere and all the festivities can be witnessed and enjoyed by walking around the well-lit city. The best time to walk through the streets is in the evening when the city looks vibrant and colourful.
The historical monuments and buildings are decorated with colourful lights, making a fantastic visual treat. One can even avoid the crowded streets and walk alongside the river peacefully.
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Enjoy these experiences during the festive season of Christmas in Prague. Each experience is enchanting and would tempt every visitor here to stay and never leave this place. Book a trip to Prague to this beautiful city and enjoy a soulful Christmas this year.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas In Prague
How cold is Prague at Christmas?
With an average daily temperature of 35.5 degrees Fahrenheit and not much of a range between the high and low averages.
Is Prague Open over Christmas?
The Christmas markets are actually open on Christmas day, but they closed early on Christmas Eve. Public transit does keep running, maybe a bit slower, but it’s there.
What is there to do in Prague at Christmas?
Best Things to do for Christmas in Prague:
1. The Old Town Square Christmas Markets.
2. Walk the Vltava River at Night.
3. Climb to the top of the Old Town Tower.
4. See the Swans on the Vltava River.
5. Climb to the top of the Charles Bridge Tower.
6. Christmas Markets at Castle Hill.
7. Indulge in a Hot Chocolate from Cafe Slavia.
Will it snow in Prague in December?
The average precipitation in December is less than 25 mm (1 inch) and can be in the form of snow or light rain. Prague winter weather can be quite crisp and you will be happy to put on gloves, a warm scarf and a hat.
Is Prague expensive?
The good news is, Prague prices haven’t really gotten worse. While the Czech city is more expensive than the rest of the country by 50-100%, it’s still a great value compared to many other European capitals.
Is Prague Castle open on Christmas Day?
The market at Prague Castle is open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekdays, and from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on weekends.
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