10 Things to Do in Prague in December
Is it worth visiting Prague at Christmas time? Of course it is! In December the cold weather in Prague doesn't stop the party for a moment. If you visit the city this month, be prepared to visit markets, listen to Christmas carols, taste delicious food and much more.
Prague in December | ©Chris Parker
With the arrival of cold weather, the fairy-tale charm that characterises Prague' s Gothic buildings increases even more. You may find this hard to believe if you've visited Prague in summer or spring in the past, but few things in the world are as beautiful as the sights of Prague Castle after the first snowfall of winter. But what else is there to do in this beautiful city besides the dreamy scenery? Here I tell you all about it in detail.
1. Attend the lighting ceremony on Charles Bridge
If you visit Prague in December you can't miss the traditional Charles Bridge illumination ceremony. It takes place every day from the end of November until 23 December. Shortly before nightfall a very important person, known as the city lamplighter, has the important task of switching on all the lights on the King's Royal Road.
In addition to the beautiful statues that adorn it, Charles Bridge is the only bridge in the world that continues to use a gas system for its lights; although, unlike in December, the rest of the year these lights are switched on by an automatic remote system.
Where it takes place
Starting at the Powder Tower, it starts from Křižovnické náměstí Square. It follows the historical route to the Old Town Square and ends at Charles Bridge. Take advantage of one of the best city tours to explore this area.
How to buy tickets
Tickets are not necessary, the ceremony is free for tourists and locals to enjoy.
2. Enjoy Prague's magical Christmas markets
One of the best things to do in Prague at Christmas time is to attend the enchanting Christmas markets that are held all over the city. Throughout the month of December the squares are filled with small wooden chalets beautifully decorated with lights, glitter and festive colours. As well as being the perfect place to buy your travel souvenirs or Christmas presents for the family, it is also an opportunity to enjoy traditional Prague Christmas dishes, sweets and drinks; young wine and mulled cider are not to be missed.
Where it takes place
Practically every neighbourhood in Prague has its own small main square, and in each of them there is a market with people from the local community. Below is a list of the largest, busiest and most varied, but you are also welcome to visit the other locations in the smaller neighbourhoods.
- Old Town Square: Available throughout the month of December, the Christmas market in the Old Town Square starts at the end of November and usually ends on Three Kings Day. In addition to stalls selling food, drink and handicrafts, there are carol concerts and dance performances.
Opening hours: From 10 am to 10 pm.
- Wenceslas Square: A Christmas market is held in the historic Wenceslas Square from the end of November until Epiphany. The speciality of the markets in this area are handmade gifts made of wood and steel.
Opening hours: From 10 am to 10 pm.
- Plaza de la República: This market usually starts on the 25th of November and ends on the 24th of December; in its stalls you will find a great selection of Christmas products, gifts for children, soaps and candles with seasonal aromas and everything you need to decorate your house for the holidays.
Opening hours: From 10 am to 7 pm.
- Prague Castle: A very special Christmas market is held in St. George's Square where you can find a wide collection of Christmas products made by carefully selected vendors and craftsmen.
Opening hours: 9am-6pm, weekends until 7pm.
How to buy tickets
The markets are free and open to tourists and locals.
3. Take a tour of "le Grand Café Houses".
Le Grand Café Houses is the name given to the city's historic cafés; they are everywhere in Prague and December is one of the best times to enjoy them due to the almost non-existent presence of tourists in the city. As well as being historical attractions in their own right, these famous spots serve delicious drinks and dishes and will provide shelter from the cold weather outside - it doesn't get any better than this!
Where to go
In the years when Prague was part of the famous Austro-Hungarian Empire, the city served as a haven for intellectuals, creatives and thinkers of all kinds. Prague's beautiful cafés served as a working space for the creation of great works and for the discussion of ideas that would become part of the thinking of future generations. Some of the ones you should visit are:
- Kavárna Slavia Characterised by fabulous views of the city of Prague it has always been common for prominent musicians and opera singers to perform here.
- Café Savoy Considered one of the most beautiful cafés in the world due to its Renaissance-style interiors.
- Café Louvre A favourite meeting place for intellectuals of all ages. Franz Kafka wrote the Metamorphosis sitting in this place.
4. Come out and meet the picturesque St. Nicholas and his companions.
On 5 December, Prague celebrates St. Nicholas Day, or Mikuláš to the locals. This amusing character, very similar to Father Christmas, walks around the city accompanied by two important figures: an angel and a devil. You will see how the children of Prague gather in groups around him, St. Nicholas and his friends will ask each of them if they have been good children; positive answers will receive sweets in exchange for the singing of a carol, while negative answers will receive a bag of coal and a warning that the devil could take them far away if they don't improve their act. If you are visiting Prague with children, this show is not to be missed.
Where it takes place
You can find them at different locations in the city. The most iconic will undoubtedly be around the Christmas Market on the Old Town Square.
How to buy tickets
No tickets necessary, just head to the square in the afternoon and wait for St. Nicholas to appear.
5. Come out and see Prague's ice skating rink
There is plenty to see and do in Prague all year round, but with the arrival of winter comes one of the most fun activities in the city: ice skating. In December, ice skating rinks open all over the country and Czechs enjoy them alone with their families. If you've never been ice skating before, Prague is a good place to try it for the first time. You don't need special equipment, as you can rent everything you need at the rinks themselves.
Where it takes place
All over the city! Here are my favourites for you to consider.
- Na Frantisku slope. With a size of 40x20 meters, it is one of the most popular and traditional, it is located in the Jewish Quarter of Prague which means that you will be skating surrounded by the old part of the city.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.; weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Admission fee: Approx. 3 € - Skate rental: Approx. 3 € - Skate rental: Approx. 3 € - Skate rental: Approx. 3 €.
- Ovocny trh Rink 30x14 in size is a rink managed by the city council, located in the heart of Ovocny and surrounded by historical buildings.
Hours: from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. -Admission fee: free admission -Skate rental: approx. 3€ for children and 5€ for adults -Skate rental: approx. 3€ for children and 5€ for adults.
- Harfa Shopping Centre Rink A fabulous 30-metre ice rink located on the rooftop of the Harfa Shopping Centre. It is interesting to skate and see the city from above.
Hours: From 1pm to 6.30pm - Admission fee: €3 entry, small children free - Skate hire: Approximately €2 for children and €4 for adults - Skate rental: Approximately €2 for children and €4 for adults.
How to buy tickets
Tickets can be purchased directly from the venue ticket office.
6. Attend the Christmas exhibition at the Chapel of Bethlehem
In Prague, the Bethlehem Chapel organises a thematic exhibition of arts and crafts in December with a different theme, but always around the Christmas holidays. The exhibitions are usually divided into four main groups: folk crafts, Christmas decorations, nativity scenes and Christmas traditions. The exhibition usually opens in late November and remains open to the public every day until at least 31 December.
Where it takes place
In the Bellen Chapel, Betlémské náměstí, Prague 1. Opening hours are from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm; on 24 December from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.
How to buy tickets
You can buy a ticket to the exhibition directly at the chapel. The cost is approximately €5 for adults.
7. Take a ride on the Prague Christmas Tram
One of the nicest surprises of visiting Prague at Christmas time is the Christmas trams. From the first days of December until around 6 January, selected trams on the city's route are decorated with Christmas motifs complemented by thousands of sparkling lights.
The sight of them running through the city adds a special charm to the scenery, but it will be even more fun to get on one of them at night and take the corresponding route to admire the old Gothic buildings illuminated by the lights.
Where it takes place
The trams selected are always the most popular; for example, the T3 tram, which runs on lines 2 and 22, is decorated with lights and Christmas motifs. This line takes you directly around Prague Castle.
How to buy tickets
If you want to take the tour, all you have to do is pay for the tram ticket, which costs about €1.30. It is also a good idea to bring your own ticket with you on the trip. It is also a good idea to take a map of the routes with you on your trip so that you know where to go according to the places you want to see.
8. Don't miss a carol concert!
The musical tradition in Prague is alive not only in the luxurious concert halls but also in the streets and bars throughout the city, as evidenced by the many carol concerts that take place during the celebrations throughout the month of December.
Where it takes place
Literally all over the city, mainly in the most important Christmas markets and the main religious temples. Among the fixed performances that you can enjoy year after year are the following.
- Prague Advent Choir Meeting Prague's most popular Christmas choral event takes place every year on two dates: the last week of November and the first week of December. The events take place in two important Czech churches: St. Nicholas Church in the Old Town Square and the Church of the Holy Saviour.
- Prague Advent Singing This choral group has been performing every year since 1999 at the following locations: Christmas Market on Náměstí Míru Square, St. Nicholas Church, Church of the Holy Saviour, Palata Retreat House.
9. Attend the Bohuslav Martinů Festival
The Bohuslav Martinů Foundation organises an annual violin and cello music festival. The festival usually starts in the last days of November to sell out a calendar of at least 10 concerts during the whole month of December. If instrumental music is something that appeals to you, consider attending one of the performances.
The best shows tend to sell out at the end of the itinerary, very close to Christmas time. During the performances, the winning artists of the Bohuslav Martinůc. Foundation's annual competition take to the stage, accompanied by outstanding local and international artists.
Where it takes place
Taking into account the many performances that take place during the month, the foundation has chosen year after year to use different stages in the city. The most prominent and popular are the performance spaces of the Liechtenstein Palace, the Czech National Bank, the Rudolfinum, and Prague Castle itself.
How to buy tickets
Tickets can be purchased on the website or at the box office of the venue where the event is taking place. My recommendation is to visit the foundation's website before your trip to view the performance schedule. Every year there is at least one free concert open to the public.
10. Take pictures of Prague in the snow.
If you like photography, consider the following: Prague after the winter snows is one of the most perfect landscapes you will ever find. Get your camera ready and go out in search of postcard-worthy shots.
Prague Castle, of course, is especially beautiful under a blanket of snow, so make sure you visit it and take a guided tour of Prague Castle and the various buildings in the complex. If you're still in the mood for more photos, head to Charles Bridge and Old Town Square. If you climb to the top of the Powder Tower or the Petrin Tower you can take pictures of the whole city from above.
Prague in December: How to handle the weather and what to wear
WeatherAs December approaches the temperature in Prague drops a few degrees; the average maximum is 2°C maximum and the minimum is -2°C. In addition, expect sunny days due to overcast and short days that hide the light around 16.30 in the afternoon. Although it is the month with the least snowfall of the whole winter in Prague, the expected precipitation amounts to 26mm.
What to wearAlthough there is less snowfall than in the following winter months, it is essential to take adequate warm clothing with you. Long-sleeved jumpers, shirts and thick coats feel free to add several layers of clothing in order to keep warm. Don't forget some insulated tights, your winter hat, and your cold boots; gloves might be a good idea.
Prague in December: Tourist crowds
The arrival of December in Prague brings with it two things: the winter chill and a considerable drop in the number of tourists on the streets. If you take the dates around the Christmas and New Year holidays off the calendar, the rest of the month you'll be able to find cheap prices on hotels and various deals on cheap flights.
If you can handle the cold and don't mind the many extra layers of clothing you'll have to wear to walk the streets, December is a perfect time to enjoy Prague, its festive atmosphere and iconic attractions while saving much more than at any other time of the year.