Prague Christmas: 4-Day Itinerary

22–25 December: a castle day, the markets, Christmas Eve and a gentle 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 · Tuesday 22 December10:00–20:20

Strahov, Prague Castle and Malá Strana

Ride up to the top, walk from the library to the castle and down Nerudova; an optional river cruise in the evening.

  1. 10:00

    Tram · 15 min

    Tram 22 to Pohořelec; Strahov Monastery is right by the stop.

  2. 10:15

    Strahov Library 40 min

    The fresco-covered Theological and Philosophical Halls, viewed from the doorways.

    Ticket needed: book at least 1 day ahead
  3. 10:55

    Strahov Panorama 10 min

    The whole city from the edge of the monastery garden; one of Prague’s best views.

  4. 11:05

    Walk · 5 min

    On foot.

  5. 11:10

    Loreta 10 min

    The Baroque pilgrimage church and its carillon tower, from outside; the bells ring on the hour.

  6. 11:20

    Walk · 5 min

    On foot.

  7. 11:25

    Hradčany Viewpoint 10 min

    Red roofs and spires from the terrace beside the castle gate.

  8. 11:35

    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 aheadPrefer a guide? Guided castle tours include the ticket.
  9. 12:15

    Golden Lane 30 min

    Tiny colourful houses under the walls; Kafka once wrote at number 22. Same ticket.

  10. 12:45

    Nerudova Street 20 min

    The slope from the castle down to Malá Strana: old house signs over the doors and small shops.

  11. 13:05

    Lunch, Malá Strana 75 min

    Czech cooking: goulash, svíčková, dumplings. Book ahead in the holiday weeks.

  12. 14:20

    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).

  13. 14:50

    Walk · 20 min

    On foot.

  14. 15:10

    Rest at the Hotel 170 min

    Rest at the hotel and recharge for the evening.

  15. 18:00

    Walk · 20 min

    On foot.

  16. 18:20

    Vltava Dinner Cruise (optional) 120 min

    The lit-up castle and bridges from the river. Otherwise: dinner in the Old Town.

    A Vltava dinner cruise to see the lit-up castle from the river (about 2 hours).

Day 2 · Wednesday 23 December10:00–20:00

Christmas Markets: Republiky, the Bridge and Vinohrady

The Municipal House and Republiky market in the morning, the bridge, Kampa and the Lennon Wall at midday, the local Náměstí Míru market in the evening.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 11:15

    Powder Tower 10 min

    The Old Town’s Gothic gate where the Royal Route begins. From outside.

  4. 11:25

    Walk · 7 min

    On foot.

  5. 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.

  6. 12:12

    Walk · 8 min

    On foot.

  7. 12:20

    Karlova Street 15 min

    The winding lane down to the bridge: puppets, glass ornaments and souvenir shops.

  8. 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.

  9. 13:00

    Kampa Island 20 min

    A quiet island park on the river, with Old Town views from under the bridge.

  10. 13:20

    Walk · 8 min

    On foot.

  11. 13:28

    Lunch, Malá Strana 75 min

    Czech cooking: goulash, svíčková, dumplings. Book ahead in the holiday weeks.

  12. 14:43

    Malá Strana Square 10 min

    Baroque palaces and the dome of St Nicholas; the old square the trams run through.

  13. 14:53

    Lennon Wall 10 min

    The ever-changing graffiti wall on the way to Kampa.

  14. 15:03

    Walk · 20 min

    On foot.

  15. 15:23

    Rest at the Hotel 105 min

    Rest at the hotel and recharge for the evening.

  16. 17:08

    Metro · 12 min

    Line A (green) to Náměstí Míru; the market is right outside the station.

  17. 17:20

    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. 18:20

    Walk · 10 min

    On foot.

  19. 18:30

    Dinner, Vinohrady 90 min

    Czech food or a wine bar; book ahead for December evenings.

Day 3 · 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.

  1. 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.

  2. 10:45
  3. 11:05

    Shopping on Celetná 40 min

    On 24 December large stores close at noon; small shops stay open.

  4. 11:45

    Walk · 5 min

    On foot.

  5. 11:50

    Havelská Market 25 min

    A small year-round street market: wooden toys, handmade gifts, dried fruit.

  6. 12:15

    Walk · 5 min

    On foot.

  7. 12:20

    Lunch, Old Town 75 min

    Czech cooking: goulash, svíčková, dumplings. Book ahead in the holiday weeks.

  8. 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.

  9. 14:00

    Rudolfinum and the Riverbank 15 min

    The neo-Renaissance concert hall and the riverbank in front, with the castle across the water.

  10. 14:15

    Walk · 15 min

    On foot.

  11. 14:30

    Rest at the Hotel 105 min

    Rest at the hotel and recharge for the evening.

  12. 16:15

    Walk · 10 min

    On foot.

  13. 16:25

    Christmas Mass at Týn Church (optional) 60 min

    The 4:30 pm mass; free entry, arrive early.

  14. 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.

  15. 18:05

    Walk · 10 min

    On foot.

  16. 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.

  17. 20:15

    Walk · 5 min

    On foot.

  18. 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.

  19. 20:55

    Walk · 5 min

    On foot.

  20. 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. 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.

Day 4 · Friday 25 December11:00–16:27

Vyšehrad, the Riverside and a Farewell Market

A late breakfast, the view from the city’s first fortress, the Dancing House along the river and a farewell market in the Old Town.

  1. 11:00

    Late Breakfast 60 min

    No rush: a long, late breakfast.

  2. 12:00

    Metro · 15 min

    Line C (red) to Vyšehrad station, then a 10-minute walk to the ramparts.

  3. 12:15

    Walk · 10 min

    On foot.

  4. 12:25

    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.

  5. 13:10

    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.

  6. 13:30

    Walk · 15 min

    On foot.

  7. 13:45

    Riverside Walk 20 min

    Along Rašínovo nábřeží: swans, boats and the castle across the river.

  8. 14:05

    Dancing House 10 min

    Frank Gehry’s “Fred and Ginger” building, from outside.

  9. 14:15

    Walk · 15 min

    On foot.

  10. 14:30

    Warm-up Break: Historic Café 45 min

    A long break in one of Prague’s historic coffee houses. Options: Café Louvre, Kavárna Slavia. Check holiday hours before you go.

  11. 15:15

    Walk · 12 min

    On foot.

  12. 15:27

    Old Town Square Christmas Market 60 min

    A farewell mulled wine and last souvenirs; the lights come on around 4 pm.

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 · Tuesday 22 December08:40–20:20

Prague Castle, Strahov and Petřín

The castle buildings, Loreta, Strahov Library and Petřín Tower; down through the gardens to Malá Strana and an optional river cruise.

  1. 08:40

    Tram · 20 min

    Take tram 22 up to the Pražský hrad stop instead of walking the hill.

  2. 09:00

    Prague Castle Courtyards 10 min

    The castle courtyards and the guards at the gate; the grounds are open daily 6 am–10 pm.

  3. 09:10

    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 aheadPrefer a guide? Guided castle tours include the ticket.
  4. 09:55

    Old Royal Palace 25 min

    The Gothic vaults of Vladislav Hall and the room of Prague’s famous defenestration. Castle ticket.

  5. 10:20

    St George’s Basilica 15 min

    The castle’s oldest church behind its red Romanesque front. Same ticket.

  6. 10:35

    Golden Lane 30 min

    Tiny colourful houses under the walls; Kafka once wrote at number 22. Same ticket.

  7. 11:05

    Walk · 10 min

    On foot.

  8. 11:15

    Loreta 10 min

    The Baroque pilgrimage church and its carillon tower, from outside; the bells ring on the hour.

  9. 11:25

    Walk · 5 min

    On foot.

  10. 11:30

    Strahov Library 40 min

    The fresco-covered Theological and Philosophical Halls, viewed from the doorways.

    Ticket needed: book at least 1 day ahead
  11. 12:10

    Lunch, Strahov 60 min

    Czech cooking: goulash, svíčková, dumplings. Book ahead in the holiday weeks.

  12. 13:10

    Walk · 10 min

    On foot.

  13. 13:20

    Petřín Tower 40 min

    The mini Eiffel Tower: 299 steps (or the lift) and a 360° view. Tickets at the door (250 CZK).

  14. 14:00

    Walk · 25 min

    Down through the Petřín gardens to Malá Strana. 5 minutes if the funicular is running.

  15. 14:25

    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).

  16. 14:55

    Malá Strana Square 10 min

    Baroque palaces and the dome of St Nicholas; the old square the trams run through.

  17. 15:05

    Walk · 20 min

    Across Legion Bridge to Národní.

  18. 15:25

    Warm-up Break: Historic Café 75 min

    A long break in one of Prague’s historic coffee houses. Options: Café Louvre, Kavárna Slavia. Check holiday hours before you go.

  19. 16:40

    Walk · 10 min

    On foot.

  20. 16:50

    Old Town Square by Night 45 min

    The market at its best, with the tree and the square lit up. Sausages, trdelník, mulled wine and last souvenirs.

  21. 17:35

    Aperitif: Beer Hall or Bar 30 min

    A Czech beer or a glass of wine before dinner. Options: Lokál, U Fleků.

  22. 18:05

    Walk · 15 min

    On foot.

  23. 18:20

    Vltava Dinner Cruise (optional) 120 min

    The lit-up castle and bridges from the river. Otherwise: dinner in the Old Town.

    A Vltava dinner cruise to see the lit-up castle from the river (about 2 hours).

Day 2 · Wednesday 23 December10:00–19:42

New Town Markets and Vinohrady

The Municipal House, the Republiky and Wenceslas markets, shopping in the Old Town; the local Náměstí Míru market in the evening.

  1. 10:00

    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.

  2. 10:45

    Náměstí Republiky Christmas Market 30 min

    Right next to the Municipal House, a calmer market than the Old Town; open until 24 December.

  3. 11:15

    Powder Tower 10 min

    The Old Town’s Gothic gate where the Royal Route begins. From outside.

  4. 11:25

    Walk · 10 min

    On foot.

  5. 11:35

    Wenceslas Square Christmas Market 45 min

    The market running the length of the square: sausages, mulled wine, gifts. The National Museum at the top.

  6. 12:20

    National Museum Façade 15 min

    The neo-Renaissance building and St Wenceslas statue at the top of the square, with the whole boulevard below.

  7. 12:35

    Lunch, New Town 60 min

    Czech cooking: goulash, svíčková, dumplings. Book ahead in the holiday weeks.

  8. 13:35

    Walk · 10 min

    On foot.

  9. 13:45

    Old Town Square Christmas Market 50 min

    The Christmas tree, the wooden stalls and the quiet morning hour: have your first mulled wine (svařák) and browse the handmade ornaments.

  10. 14:35

    Shopping on Celetná 50 min

    Bohemian crystal, Czech glass, glass Christmas ornaments and puppet shops. Small shops stay open over the holidays.

  11. 15:25

    Warm-up Break: Historic Café 75 min

    A long break in one of Prague’s historic coffee houses. Options: Grand Café Orient (Celetná üzerinde). Check holiday hours before you go.

  12. 16:40

    Walk · 10 min

    On foot.

  13. 16:50

    Metro · 12 min

    Line A from Můstek to Náměstí Míru.

  14. 17:02

    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.

  15. 18:02

    Walk · 10 min

    On foot.

  16. 18:12

    Dinner, Vinohrady 90 min

    Czech food or a wine bar; book ahead for December evenings.

Day 3 · Thursday 24 December09:00–22:00

Christmas Eve: Towers, Josefov, the Bridge and the Lights

Museums close at 2–3 pm, so the interiors come first; the bridge and Kampa at midday, Old Town shops in the afternoon. Tree lights, Christmas dinner and mass in the evening.

  1. 09:00

    Astronomical Clock 10 min

    The 9 am show.

  2. 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
  3. 09:50

    Walk · 5 min

    On foot.

  4. 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
  5. 10:20

    Old Jewish Cemetery 25 min

    Hundreds of tilting, layered headstones in one of Europe’s oldest Jewish cemeteries.

  6. 10:45

    Klausen Synagogue 15 min

    By the cemetery exit; an exhibition on Jewish customs and daily life.

  7. 11:00

    Spanish Synagogue 25 min

    A gilded, Moorish-patterned interior inspired by the Alhambra; the most dazzling building in Josefov.

  8. 11:25

    Walk · 10 min

    On foot.

  9. 11:35

    Old Town Bridge Tower 25 min

    The Gothic tower at the Old Town end of the bridge: bridge, river and castle in one frame. Tickets at the door (250 CZK).

  10. 12:00

    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.

  11. 12:30

    Kampa Island 15 min

    A quiet island park on the river, with Old Town views from under the bridge.

  12. 12:45

    Lennon Wall 10 min

    The ever-changing graffiti wall on the way to Kampa.

  13. 12:55

    Lunch, Malá Strana 60 min

    Czech cooking: goulash, svíčková, dumplings. Book ahead in the holiday weeks.

  14. 13:55

    Walk · 15 min

    Back across the bridge to the Old Town.

  15. 14:10

    Karlova Street 20 min

    The winding lane down to the bridge: puppets, glass ornaments and souvenir shops.

  16. 14:30

    Havelská Market 20 min

    A small year-round street market: wooden toys, handmade gifts, dried fruit.

  17. 14:50

    Shopping on Celetná 25 min

    On 24 December large stores close at noon; small shops stay open.

  18. 15:15

    Walk · 5 min

    On foot.

  19. 15:20

    Warm-up Break: Historic Café 60 min

    A long break in one of Prague’s historic coffee houses. Options: Grand Café Orient, Café Louvre. Check holiday hours before you go.

  20. 16:20

    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.

  21. 17:05

    Aperitif: Beer Hall or Bar 55 min

    A Czech beer or a glass of wine before dinner. Options: U Fleků, Lokál, Café Imperial.

  22. 18:00

    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.

  23. 20:00

    Walk · 5 min

    On foot.

  24. 20:05

    Christmas Tree Light Show 50 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.

  25. 20:55

    Walk · 5 min

    On foot.

  26. 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).

  27. 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.

Day 4 · Friday 25 December10:00–19:45

Christmas Day: Vyšehrad, the River and the Old Town

A gentle Christmas Day: Vyšehrad, the Dancing House and National Theatre along the river, Pařížská and a historic café; tree lights and the market in the evening.

  1. 10:00

    Metro · 15 min

    Line C (red) to Vyšehrad station, then a 10-minute walk to the ramparts.

  2. 10:15

    Walk · 10 min

    On foot.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 11:30

    Walk · 15 min

    On foot.

  6. 11:45

    Riverside Walk 20 min

    Along Rašínovo nábřeží: swans, boats and the castle across the river.

  7. 12:05

    Dancing House 10 min

    Frank Gehry’s “Fred and Ginger” building, from outside.

  8. 12:15

    Walk · 15 min

    On foot.

  9. 12:30

    National Theatre and Legion Bridge 15 min

    The gold-roofed theatre and the castle view from the bridge.

  10. 12:45

    Lunch, Národní 60 min

    Czech cooking: goulash, svíčková, dumplings. Book ahead in the holiday weeks.

  11. 13:45

    Walk · 15 min

    Along the river from Národní to the Rudolfinum.

  12. 14:00

    Rudolfinum and the Riverbank 15 min

    The neo-Renaissance concert hall and the riverbank in front, with the castle across the water.

  13. 14:15

    Pařížská Street 25 min

    Lit-up shop windows and Art Nouveau façades; an evening stroll into the lanes of the Jewish Quarter.

  14. 14:40

    Walk · 5 min

    On foot.

  15. 14:45

    Warm-up Break: Historic Café 45 min

    A long break in one of Prague’s historic coffee houses. Options: Grand Café Orient, Café Imperial. Check holiday hours before you go.

  16. 15:30

    Walk · 5 min

    On foot.

  17. 15:35

    Old Town Square Christmas Market 60 min

    Tree light shows at 4:30 and 5:30 pm, with mulled wine.

  18. 16:35

    Aperitif: Beer Hall or Bar 90 min

    A Czech beer or a glass of wine before dinner. Options: U Fleků, Lokál, Café Imperial.

  19. 18:05

    Walk · 10 min

    On foot.

  20. 18:15

    Dinner, Old Town 90 min

    Czech food or a wine bar; book ahead for December evenings.

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 Tuesday 22 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 4 days enough for Prague Christmas?

Four days fit a separate castle and Strahov day, the markets, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Which places do you go inside?

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

How far ahead should I book tickets?

Strahov Library at least 1 day ahead; Prague Castle (basic circuit) at least 3 days 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.