Prague Christmas: 3-Day Itinerary

23–25 December: the markets, Christmas Eve and a late-starting Christmas Day. Pick one of two paces: relaxed or balanced–packed.

Plan with your own dates

Enter your arrival and departure; the route adapts to your flights and that day’s markets and opening hours.

Relaxed

More chilled: late starts, plenty of market and café breaks and an afternoon rest at the hotel; at most one or two interiors a day.

Day 1 · Wednesday 23 December10:00–20:10

Christmas Markets: Republiky, the Bridge and Vinohrady

The Municipal House and Republiky market in the morning, the bridge and Malá Strana at midday, the local Náměstí Míru market in the evening.

10:00
Náměstí Republiky Christmas Market 30 min
Right next to the Municipal House, a calmer market than the Old Town; open until 24 December.
10:30
Municipal House Café 45 min
The Art Nouveau café of the Municipal House (Obecní dům): chandeliers, mirrors and coffee. Check holiday hours before you go.
11:15
Powder Tower 10 min
The Old Town’s Gothic gate where the Royal Route begins. From outside.
11:25
Walk · 7 min
On foot.
11:32
Old Town Square Christmas Market 40 min
The Christmas tree, the wooden stalls and the quiet morning hour: have your first mulled wine (svařák) and browse the handmade ornaments.
12:12
Walk · 8 min
On foot.
12:20
Karlova Street 15 min
The winding lane down to the bridge: puppets, glass ornaments and souvenir shops.
12:35
Charles Bridge 25 min
Baroque statues, the river and the castle above. As you cross, Kampa is on the right and the Old Town skyline behind you.
Fancy the view? Climb the tower at the Old Town end of the bridge: +25 minutes, tickets at the door (250 CZK); best at sunset.
13:00
Kampa Island 20 min
A quiet island park on the river, with Old Town views from under the bridge.
13:20
Walk · 8 min
On foot.
13:28
Lunch, Malá Strana 75 min
Czech cooking: goulash, svíčková, dumplings. Book ahead in the holiday weeks.
14:43
St Nicholas Church (Malá Strana) 30 min
The masterpiece of Prague Baroque: the green dome and gilded décor. The church isn’t heated. Tickets at the door (150 CZK).
15:13
Walk · 20 min
On foot.
15:33
Rest at the Hotel 105 min
Rest at the hotel and recharge for the evening.
17:18
Metro · 12 min
Line A (green) to Náměstí Míru; the market is right outside the station.
17:30
Náměstí Míru Christmas Market 60 min
A local market in Vinohrady in front of St Ludmila’s Church: fewer tourists, craft stalls and mulled wine. Closes at 7 pm.
18:30
Walk · 10 min
On foot.
18:40
Dinner, Vinohrady 90 min
Czech food or a wine bar; book ahead for December evenings.

Open the route on the map

Day 2 · Thursday 24 December10:00–22:00

Christmas Eve: Old Town, Josefov and the Lights

Markets and shops in the morning, Josefov and the riverbank in the afternoon; tree lights, Christmas dinner and mass in the evening.

10:00
Old Town Square Christmas Market 45 min
On 24 December the stalls are fully open until 2 pm, then only food and drink: do your shopping in the morning.
10:45
Astronomical Clock 20 min
The 11 am show.
Want to climb the clock tower (Old Town Hall Tower)? Add 40 minutes for a bird’s-eye view of the square and the market.
11:05
Shopping on Celetná 40 min
On 24 December large stores close at noon; small shops stay open.
11:45
Walk · 5 min
On foot.
11:50
Havelská Market 25 min
A small year-round street market: wooden toys, handmade gifts, dried fruit.
12:15
Walk · 5 min
On foot.
12:20
Lunch, Old Town 75 min
Czech cooking: goulash, svíčková, dumplings. Book ahead in the holiday weeks.
13:35
Josefov (Jewish Quarter) 25 min
A walk past the synagogues; the Old-New Synagogue and the Art Nouveau façades of Pařížská, from outside.
14:00
Rudolfinum and the Riverbank 15 min
The neo-Renaissance concert hall and the riverbank in front, with the castle across the water.
14:15
Walk · 15 min
On foot.
14:30
Rest at the Hotel 105 min
Rest at the hotel and recharge for the evening.
16:15
Walk · 10 min
On foot.
16:25
Christmas Mass at Týn Church (optional) 60 min
The 4:30 pm mass; free entry, arrive early.
17:25
Christmas Tree Light Show 40 min
The light show on the Old Town Square tree (5:30 pm), with a mulled wine. On 24 December the stalls only sell food and drink after 2 pm.
18:05
Walk · 10 min
On foot.
18:15
Christmas Eve Dinner 120 min
The traditional menu: carp and potato salad. On 24 December only some restaurants open and all are full; booking is essential.
20:15
Walk · 5 min
On foot.
20:20
Christmas Tree Light Show 35 min
The light show on the Old Town Square tree (8:30 pm), with a mulled wine. On 24 December the stalls only sell food and drink after 2 pm.
20:55
Walk · 5 min
On foot.
21:00
Open-air Christmas Mass (optional) 45 min
On Old Town Square at 9 pm, free. For midnight mass: Strahov Basilica and other churches (plan a taxi back; trams stop regular service around 6 pm).
21:45
Walk · 15 min
Back to your Old Town hotel on foot. The metro runs until about 2 am, then night trams take over.

Open the route on the map

Day 3 · Friday 25 December11:00–20:33

Christmas Day: the Castle and Malá Strana

A late breakfast, the castle once the cathedral opens at 1 pm, a café in Malá Strana and the bridge at sunset.

11:00
Late Breakfast 60 min
No rush: a long, late breakfast.
12:00
Tram · 15 min
Take tram 22 up to the Pražský hrad stop instead of walking the hill.
12:15
Prague Castle Courtyards 45 min
The courtyards and the noon changing of the guard; the cathedral opens at 1 pm on 25 December.
13:00
St Vitus Cathedral 40 min
The Gothic cathedral’s stained glass, Mucha’s window and the St Wenceslas Chapel. Closes early on holidays.
Ticket needed: book at least 3 days ahead Prefer a guide? Guided castle tours include the ticket.
13:40
Hradčany Viewpoint 10 min
Red roofs and spires from the terrace beside the castle gate.
13:50
Nerudova Street 20 min
The slope from the castle down to Malá Strana: old house signs over the doors and small shops.
14:10
Malá Strana Square 10 min
Baroque palaces and the dome of St Nicholas; the old square the trams run through.
14:20
Café Break 45 min
Hot chocolate or coffee; warm up and rest.
15:05
Kampa Island 20 min
A quiet island park on the river, with Old Town views from under the bridge.
15:25
Walk · 5 min
On foot.
15:30
Charles Bridge 35 min
The bridge towards sunset (around 4 pm in December): cross to the Old Town as the castle lights come on.
Fancy the view? Climb the tower at the Old Town end of the bridge: +25 minutes, tickets at the door (250 CZK); best at sunset.
16:05
Walk · 8 min
On foot.
16:13
Old Town Square Christmas Market 60 min
The 4:30 pm tree light show and mulled wine; large stores are closed today.
17:13
Rest at the Hotel 110 min
Rest at the hotel and recharge for the evening.
19:03
Dinner, Old Town 90 min
Czech food or a wine bar; book ahead for December evenings.

Open the route on the map

Balanced–packed

Covers everything: the castle buildings, the Old Town Hall tower, the Jewish Quarter and Strahov; no hotel break, but historic café and beer hall stops instead.

Day 1 · Wednesday 23 December09:00–19:38

The Castle, the Bridge and the Náměstí Míru Market

The castle is closed on 24 December, so it’s today: one flow from Strahov to the bridge, then the local Náměstí Míru market in its last days.

09:00
Tram · 15 min
Tram 22 to Pohořelec; Strahov Monastery is right by the stop.
09:15
Strahov Library 40 min
The fresco-covered Theological and Philosophical Halls, viewed from the doorways.
Ticket needed: book at least 1 day ahead
09:55
Strahov Panorama 10 min
The whole city from the edge of the monastery garden; one of Prague’s best views.
10:05
Walk · 5 min
On foot.
10:10
Loreta 10 min
The Baroque pilgrimage church and its carillon tower, from outside; the bells ring on the hour.
10:20
Walk · 5 min
On foot.
10:25
Hradčany Viewpoint 10 min
Red roofs and spires from the terrace beside the castle gate.
10:35
Prague Castle Courtyards 10 min
The castle courtyards and the guards at the gate; the grounds are open daily 6 am–10 pm.
10:45
St Vitus Cathedral 45 min
The Gothic cathedral’s stained glass, Mucha’s window and the St Wenceslas Chapel. Closes early on holidays.
Ticket needed: book at least 3 days ahead Prefer a guide? Guided castle tours include the ticket.
11:30
Old Royal Palace 25 min
The Gothic vaults of Vladislav Hall and the room of Prague’s famous defenestration. Castle ticket.
11:55
St George’s Basilica 15 min
The castle’s oldest church behind its red Romanesque front. Same ticket.
12:10
Golden Lane 30 min
Tiny colourful houses under the walls; Kafka once wrote at number 22. Same ticket.
12:40
Walk · 10 min
Down the Old Castle Stairs; downhill with a view.
12:50
Lunch, Malá Strana 60 min
Czech cooking: goulash, svíčková, dumplings. Book ahead in the holiday weeks.
13:50
St Nicholas Church (Malá Strana) 30 min
The masterpiece of Prague Baroque: the green dome and gilded décor. The church isn’t heated. Tickets at the door (150 CZK).
14:20
Lennon Wall 10 min
The ever-changing graffiti wall on the way to Kampa.
14:30
Kampa Island 20 min
A quiet island park on the river, with Old Town views from under the bridge.
14:50
Charles Bridge 30 min
Baroque statues, the river and the castle above. As you cross, Kampa is on the right and the Old Town skyline behind you.
15:20
Old Town Bridge Tower 25 min
Watch the sunset from the tower (around 4 pm in December): bridge, river and castle in one frame. Tickets at the door (250 CZK).
15:45
Walk · 8 min
On foot.
15:53
Old Town Square Christmas Market 60 min
The Christmas tree, the wooden stalls and the quiet morning hour: have your first mulled wine (svařák) and browse the handmade ornaments.
16:53
Walk · 10 min
On foot.
17:03
Metro · 10 min
Line A (green) to Náměstí Míru; the market is right outside the station.
17:13
Náměstí Míru Christmas Market 45 min
A local market in Vinohrady in front of St Ludmila’s Church: fewer tourists, craft stalls and mulled wine. Closes at 7 pm.
17:58
Walk · 10 min
On foot.
18:08
Dinner, Vinohrady 90 min
Czech food or a wine bar; book ahead for December evenings.

Open the route on the map

Day 2 · Thursday 24 December09:00–22:00

Christmas Eve: Towers, Josefov, Markets and the Lights

Museums and market shopping before 2 pm; the Municipal House in the afternoon; tree lights, Christmas dinner and mass in the evening.

09:00
Astronomical Clock 10 min
The 9 am show.
09:10
Old Town Hall Tower 40 min
Up by lift for a bird’s-eye view of the square and the market, with Týn Church and the castle in one frame.
Ticket needed: book at least 1 day ahead
09:50
Walk · 5 min
On foot.
09:55
Pinkas Synagogue 25 min
The memorial synagogue whose walls bear 80,000 hand-written names; upstairs, drawings by the children of Terezín.
Ticket needed: book at least 2 days ahead
10:20
Old Jewish Cemetery 25 min
Hundreds of tilting, layered headstones in one of Europe’s oldest Jewish cemeteries.
10:45
Klausen Synagogue 15 min
By the cemetery exit; an exhibition on Jewish customs and daily life.
11:00
Spanish Synagogue 25 min
A gilded, Moorish-patterned interior inspired by the Alhambra; the most dazzling building in Josefov.
11:25
Rudolfinum and the Riverbank 10 min
The neo-Renaissance concert hall and the riverbank in front, with the castle across the water.
11:35
Walk · 10 min
On foot.
11:45
Havelská Market 20 min
A small year-round street market: wooden toys, handmade gifts, dried fruit.
12:05
Shopping on Celetná 25 min
On 24 December large stores close at noon; small shops stay open.
12:30
Walk · 10 min
On foot.
12:40
Wenceslas Square Christmas Market 30 min
Stalls are open until 2 pm; last souvenirs.
13:10
National Museum Façade 15 min
The neo-Renaissance building and St Wenceslas statue at the top of the square, with the whole boulevard below.
13:25
Lunch, New Town 60 min
Czech cooking: goulash, svíčková, dumplings. Book ahead in the holiday weeks.
14:25
Walk · 10 min
On foot.
14:35
Municipal House Café 45 min
Coffee in the Art Nouveau hall; check the 24 December hours before you go.
15:20
Powder Tower 10 min
The Old Town’s Gothic gate where the Royal Route begins. From outside.
15:30
Walk · 10 min
On foot.
15:40
Pařížská Street 30 min
Lit-up shop windows and Art Nouveau façades; an evening stroll into the lanes of the Jewish Quarter.
16:10
Walk · 5 min
On foot.
16:15
Týn Church and Kinský Palace 10 min
The square’s postcard corner: the twin-spired Gothic church and the pink-and-white Rococo palace, from outside.
16:25
Christmas Tree Light Show 45 min
The light show on the Old Town Square tree (4:30 pm), with a mulled wine. On 24 December the stalls only sell food and drink after 2 pm.
17:10
Aperitif: Beer Hall or Bar 55 min
A Czech beer or a glass of wine before dinner. Options: U Fleků, Lokál, Café Imperial.
18:05
Walk · 10 min
On foot.
18:15
Christmas Eve Dinner 120 min
The traditional menu: carp and potato salad. On 24 December only some restaurants open and all are full; booking is essential.
20:15
Walk · 5 min
On foot.
20:20
Christmas Tree Light Show 30 min
The light show on the Old Town Square tree (8:30 pm), with a mulled wine. On 24 December the stalls only sell food and drink after 2 pm.
20:50
Walk · 10 min
On foot.
21:00
Open-air Christmas Mass (optional) 45 min
On Old Town Square at 9 pm, free. For midnight mass: Strahov Basilica and other churches (plan a taxi back; trams stop regular service around 6 pm).
21:45
Walk · 15 min
Back to your Old Town hotel on foot. The metro runs until about 2 am, then night trams take over.

Open the route on the map

Day 3 · Friday 25 December10:00–20:05

Christmas Day: Vyšehrad, the Castle and the Bridge

Vyšehrad and the river in the morning; the castle once the cathedral opens at 1 pm, Malá Strana and the bridge at sunset, then the market.

10:00
Metro · 15 min
Line C (red) to Vyšehrad station, then a 10-minute walk to the ramparts.
10:15
Walk · 10 min
On foot.
10:25
Vyšehrad Ramparts and Panorama 45 min
The city’s legendary first fortress: the river and the distant castle from the ramparts. Open-air and open every day.
11:10
Basilica of Sts Peter and Paul and the Cemetery 20 min
The neo-Gothic basilica from outside and the cemetery where Dvořák and Mucha are buried.
11:30
Walk · 15 min
On foot.
11:45
Riverside Walk 20 min
Along Rašínovo nábřeží: swans, boats and the castle across the river.
12:05
Dancing House 10 min
Frank Gehry’s “Fred and Ginger” building, from outside.
12:15
Walk · 15 min
On foot.
12:30
Lunch, Národní 60 min
Czech cooking: goulash, svíčková, dumplings. Book ahead in the holiday weeks.
13:30
Tram · 20 min
Take tram 22 up to the Pražský hrad stop instead of walking the hill.
13:50
Prague Castle Courtyards 10 min
The castle courtyards and the guards at the gate; the grounds are open daily 6 am–10 pm.
14:00
St Vitus Cathedral 45 min
The Gothic cathedral’s stained glass, Mucha’s window and the St Wenceslas Chapel. Closes early on holidays.
Ticket needed: book at least 3 days ahead Prefer a guide? Guided castle tours include the ticket.
14:45
Hradčany Viewpoint 10 min
Red roofs and spires from the terrace beside the castle gate.
14:55
Nerudova Street 20 min
The slope from the castle down to Malá Strana: old house signs over the doors and small shops.
15:15
Malá Strana Square 10 min
Baroque palaces and the dome of St Nicholas; the old square the trams run through.
15:25
Lennon Wall 10 min
The ever-changing graffiti wall on the way to Kampa.
15:35
Kampa Island 15 min
A quiet island park on the river, with Old Town views from under the bridge.
15:50
Charles Bridge 30 min
The bridge towards sunset (around 4 pm in December): cross to the Old Town as the castle lights come on.
16:20
Old Town Bridge Tower 20 min
The floodlit castle from the tower; open until 5:30 pm on 25 December. Tickets at the door (250 CZK).
16:40
Walk · 5 min
On foot.
16:45
Old Town Square Christmas Market 60 min
Tree light shows at 4:30 and 5:30 pm, with mulled wine.
17:45
Aperitif: Beer Hall or Bar 40 min
A Czech beer or a glass of wine before dinner. Options: U Fleků, Lokál, Café Imperial.
18:25
Walk · 10 min
On foot.
18:35
Dinner, Old Town 90 min
Czech food or a wine bar; book ahead for December evenings.

Open the route on the map

Tips

Don’t leave your shopping until late on 31 December: large stores close at 5–6 pm. On 1 January and 25–26 December stores over 200 m² are closed by law, and on 24 December they close at noon; small gift shops are up to their owners.
The neighbourhood markets (Náměstí Míru, Náměstí Republiky) end on 24 December. Over New Year only the Old Town and Wenceslas markets are open (until 6 January). To see them all, go in the first half of December.
Book New Year’s Eve and Christmas Eve dinner in October or November: most restaurants serve a set menu and fill up early.
Prague has no official fireworks display; at midnight people set off fireworks all over the city. Watch out for fireworks in the crowd.
Visit the castle on the morning of 31 December: St Vitus closes at 3 pm that day, opens at 12:30 on 1 January, and the castle buildings are fully closed on 24 December.
On 31 December trams switch to the night timetable around 10 pm and the metro runs to the centre until about 2 am. On 24 December trams stop regular service around 6 pm. Staying in the Old Town and walking back is easiest.
Churches aren’t heated (St Nicholas included), so keep your coat and gloves on inside. In December it gets dark around 4 pm.
The Jewish Museum is closed on Saturdays. Jewish Museum tickets

Times are for Wednesday 23 December – Friday 25 December and were checked against official sources (20 October 2026); holiday hours can change. See the guide page for sources and the open/closed table. Christmas in Prague

Frequently asked questions

Is 3 days enough for Prague Christmas?

Three days is ideal for the markets, Christmas Eve and a relaxed Christmas Day without rushing.

Which places do you go inside?

Relaxed: Prague Castle (basic circuit). Balanced–packed: Strahov Library, Prague Castle (basic circuit), Old Town Hall Tower, Jewish Museum.

How far ahead should I book tickets?

Prague Castle (basic circuit) at least 3 days ahead; Strahov Library at least 1 day ahead; Old Town Hall Tower at least 1 day ahead; Jewish Museum at least 2 days ahead. Queues are long in the holiday week.

I’m going on different dates; how does the route change?

Enter Prague and your arrival and departure in the planner on the home page. For any date from 25 November to 5 January it builds the route around that day’s markets and opening hours: New Year’s Eve on 31 December, Christmas Eve on 24 December, and closed markets are dropped.

Prague Christmas: 3-Day Itinerary

Relaxed

Christmas Markets: Republiky, the Bridge and Vinohrady

Náměstí Republiky Christmas Market 30 min

Municipal House Café 45 min

Powder Tower 10 min

Old Town Square Christmas Market 40 min

Karlova Street 15 min

Charles Bridge 25 min

Kampa Island 20 min

Lunch, Malá Strana 75 min

St Nicholas Church (Malá Strana) 30 min

Rest at the Hotel 105 min

Náměstí Míru Christmas Market 60 min

Dinner, Vinohrady 90 min

Christmas Eve: Old Town, Josefov and the Lights

Old Town Square Christmas Market 45 min

Astronomical Clock 20 min

Shopping on Celetná 40 min

Havelská Market 25 min

Lunch, Old Town 75 min

Josefov (Jewish Quarter) 25 min

Rudolfinum and the Riverbank 15 min

Rest at the Hotel 105 min

Christmas Mass at Týn Church (optional) 60 min

Christmas Tree Light Show 40 min

Christmas Eve Dinner 120 min

Christmas Tree Light Show 35 min

Open-air Christmas Mass (optional) 45 min

Christmas Day: the Castle and Malá Strana

Late Breakfast 60 min

Prague Castle Courtyards 45 min

St Vitus Cathedral 40 min

Hradčany Viewpoint 10 min

Nerudova Street 20 min

Malá Strana Square 10 min

Café Break 45 min

Kampa Island 20 min

Charles Bridge 35 min

Old Town Square Christmas Market 60 min

Rest at the Hotel 110 min

Dinner, Old Town 90 min

Balanced–packed

The Castle, the Bridge and the Náměstí Míru Market

Strahov Library 40 min

Strahov Panorama 10 min

Loreta 10 min

Hradčany Viewpoint 10 min

Prague Castle Courtyards 10 min

St Vitus Cathedral 45 min

Old Royal Palace 25 min

St George’s Basilica 15 min

Golden Lane 30 min

Lunch, Malá Strana 60 min

St Nicholas Church (Malá Strana) 30 min

Lennon Wall 10 min

Kampa Island 20 min

Charles Bridge 30 min

Old Town Bridge Tower 25 min

Old Town Square Christmas Market 60 min

Náměstí Míru Christmas Market 45 min

Dinner, Vinohrady 90 min

Christmas Eve: Towers, Josefov, Markets and the Lights

Astronomical Clock 10 min

Old Town Hall Tower 40 min

Pinkas Synagogue 25 min

Old Jewish Cemetery 25 min

Klausen Synagogue 15 min

Spanish Synagogue 25 min

Rudolfinum and the Riverbank 10 min

Havelská Market 20 min

Shopping on Celetná 25 min

Wenceslas Square Christmas Market 30 min

National Museum Façade 15 min

Lunch, New Town 60 min

Municipal House Café 45 min

Powder Tower 10 min

Pařížská Street 30 min

Týn Church and Kinský Palace 10 min

Christmas Tree Light Show 45 min