Prague is one of the most underrated cities in central Europe. As the city transforms into a festive fairytale, Old Town Square, Prague Castle Complex, St. Vitus Cathedral, and Charles Bridge take on a magical glow. Christmas markets in Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square burst with handcrafted gifts, savory treats, and warm mulled wine, making every visit a delight. With limited daylight, prioritize your daytime adventures, but don't miss the enchanting night illuminations. December in Prague is a time for walking tours, beer tastings, river cruises, and special holiday shows. Here’s your guide to uncovering the secrets and magic of Prague during the most wonderful time of the year.
Why is Prague in December a must-visit?
Winter wonderland: Prague harks back to a dreamy era even on its sunny best, but imagine the Prague Castle, church spires and red roof tops covered with snow! The city looks straight out of an enchanting fairytale and one you can’t stop admiring. The temperatures are freezing but it’s the captivating views that will warm you up.
Holiday Spirit: Most tourists visit Prague in December to enjoy traditional European holiday festivities. Each and every square like the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square is abuzz with Christmas Markets. Thanks to the rich Jewish history, the city also witnesses the Hanukkah festivities.
Choose your buzz: If you are visiting Prague in December you can choose the kind of atmosphere you want. The Christmas markets and other events are on all through the month but the tourists start trickling in only towards Christmas. The first half of the month is much more relaxed and you will get better rates on airfares and accommodation as well.
Prague Weather in December
December is usually one of the coldest months of the year in Prague, nevertheless the most magical time of the year! Average temperature stays at 0°C, with highs of 2°C and lows of -2°C. Chances of snow are high - 69% and you can expect just about 2 hours of sunshine every day.
Visiting Prague in December : Things to Do
1
Prague Castle
The Prague Castle has been the home of Roman Emperors, Bohemian Kings, and now the President of Czech Republic. Its history spans over a millennia with construction starting in 870 and finishing only in 1929! In December, you can visit the ‘Story of Prague Castle’ exhibition to learn more about the complex.
December Timings
Prague Castle Complex: Daily 6am to 10pm
119 08 Prague 1, Czechia
Getting There ›
2
Old Town and Jewish Quarter
When in Prague there is no way you can leave without walking the streets of Staré Město and Josefov! A walking tour with an expert will take you through the attractions but more importantly tell you about its people, including the Jewish community, who made this historic city their home.
December Timings
Tour starts at 9:50am everyday
Staroměstské nám, 110 00 Staré Město, Czechia
Getting There ›
3
St. Vitus Cathedral
The St. Vitus Cathedral is the Czech Republic’s most important Church and is located within the Prague Castle Complex. The church has iconic Gothic architecture and its wall contain the tombs of many Bohemian Kings and Roman Emperors. Skip the line and explore this magnificent church this December!
December Timings
Daily 9am to 5pm
III. nádvoří 48/2, 119 01 Praha 1, Czechia
Getting There ›
4
A Day Trip to Terezin Concentration Camp
Just 70KM away from Prague is the remnant of one of the largest concentration camps of the Nazi regime. Over 33,000 Jews lost their lives at the camp, but there innumerable stories of hope surviving during the dark times. Take a guided tour to learn about the camp’s tragic history.
December Timings
Tour runs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10am
G578+G3 Terezín, Czechia
Getting There ›
5
Vltava River Cruise
It is never too cold to be out on the Vltava River in Prague! Enjoy a comfortable cruise with heated boats as you travel down the lifeline of the city and marvel at the architecture along the way. Enjoy views of Charles Bridge, National Theatre, Prague Castle, and Old Town along the riverside.
December Timings
Depends on the chosen tour
Prague, Czechia
Getting There ›
6
Prague National Museum
Prague is an ancient historical city dating back to the Roman Empire. You can witness its history and heritage not only at the Prague National Museum but also in its open-air squares Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square. Take a guided tour and skip the line to spend more time inside exploring.
December Timings
Daily 10am to 6pm
Prague, Czechia
Getting There ›
7
Dancing House
In a neighborhood packed with traditional and amazing Baroque, Art Nouveau and Gothic architecture, the Dancing House stands out for its unique ‘Deconstructivist’ architecture. The building has become a landmark over the past decades and a symbol of Prague’s amalgamation of old and new and the rise of a modern metropolis.
December Timings
Monday to Sunday: 10am to 10pm
Jiráskovo nám. 1981/6, 120 00 Nové Město,
Czechia
Getting There ›
8
Beer Tour of Prague
The Czech love their beer and on this tour you can get to visit the most happening pubs in the city and mingle with the locals to share this love for beer! These iconic pubs have even been graced by US presidents, and you will sample their beer.
December Timings
Tour starts everyday at 6pm
Discover Prague Tour Office, Celetná 12, Prague
Getting There ›
9
Day Trip to Kutna Hora
Does the thought of dead remains in a basement bring you the chills? Take a trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kutna Hora and head down to the basement of the All Saints Church to find macabre bone formations! While grotesque, these are artistic works and made to commemorate all the lives lost.
December Timings
Every day: 9am – 5pm
Old Town, 110 00 Prague 1, Czechia
Getting There ›
Prague in December : Events to Look Out For
Mikuláš
December 5, 2024
Mikuláš or St. Nicholas Day is celebrated with much fanfare in Prague, especially at Old Town Square. You will find a bearded St. Nicholas (Inspiration behind Santa Claus), the Angel and the Devil, parading in town and distributing candy for the good kids! It is an exciting celebration and kid-friendly.
Christmas Markets
All through December
Lively and festive Christmas Markets come up across Prague’s popular neighbourhoods including Prague Castle, Peace Square, Republiky Square, Tyl’s Square, Wenceslas Square, and Old Town Square. Enjoy local Christmas delicacies like mulled wine and gingerbread, watch street shows and pop-ups and witness Christmas lighting at the markets.
Prague in December : 3-day Itinerary
3 Days In Prague
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Prague in December - Essentials
LanguageCzech
Time zoneGMT+2
Country Code+420
Socket Type E
CurrencyCzech Koruna(Kč)
Prague weather in December
December is one of the coldest months in Prague and while there is little chance of rain, snow can be expected from mid-December onwards. The days start getting shorter with the sunrise around 7:45am and sunset around 4pm, giving you only around 8 hours of daylight.
Where to Stay in Prague in December
Winters are harsh in Prague and if you are traveling in this month, then make sure you stay close to the attractions to avoid time spent in commuting and walking outdoors. The best neighbourhoods to stay in are in the Prague 1 District which covers Old Town, Lesser Town, New Town and Prague Castle Area. You will find better accommodations at lower rates thanks to the low tourist season. Here are our picks for stay in Prague –
- Luxury : Augustine, Hotel Kings Court , The Grand Mark Prague
- Moderate : Old Royal Post, Boutique Hotel Constans, Design Hotel Neruda
- Budget : My Hotel Apollon, Hotel Residence Select, A&O Prague Rhea
What to Pack for Prague in December
The cold can be biting in December in Prague, especially at nights and you should be prepared to bundle up. Pack a heavy long coat against the cold breeze when you are out in the evenings, add thick sweaters, scarves and gloves to keep yourself warm outdoors. Also, pack for sturdy shoes that can be used in snow.
Getting Around in Prague in December
The public transport system in Prague is efficient and cheap. All modes of transport work until around midnight after which you can take the night transport. Here are your public transport choices in Prague –
- Metro – Covers three lines A, B, C and convenient option for heading to airport.
- Bus – Well-connected network and super cheap to travel long distances.
- Tram – Serves 34 routes and the best option to travel between attractions.
You can save money by using a Prague Card that offers free transport, but even more so you can save time and effort by taking the Hop-on Hop-off bus in Prague.
Prague in December: Must try delicacies
Across restaurants and homes in Prague, you will notice tubs and tanks filled with carp come Christmas time. The Czechs associate carp with good luck for the New Year and enjoy a meal of fried carp at Christmas. You can sample this at traditional Czech restaurants in the city.
Where to eat: SOVA
The humble potato finds itself a prime spot on the winter menu in Prague. The potato salad with a rich mayonnaise base and laden with potatoes, eggs and vegetables is a warm delight ideal for the cold weather of December. Topped with onions and pickles, the salad is the ultimate comfort food.
Where to eat: Lokal Dlouhaaa
Vánočka or Christmas Bread is a traditional food in Prague sold around Christmas time. Imagine tearing into warm doughy bread stuffed with raisins and almonds. The mild sweet treat is often eaten for breakfast on Christmas Eve and sells out fast!
Where to eat: Restaurant Alcron
The Czechs love their Goulash so much that they add beer to their recipe, combining both their favorite foods! While the dish originated in Hungary, the Czech have mastered it and a hearty dish of goulash served with steamed bread dumplings will warm you up on those long wintry days in December.
Where to eat: Ferdinanda
Trying to keep warm in the chill in Prague in December? Try Becherovka! The traditional Czech drink is made in Karlovy Vary and has gained international fame. It is a secret concoction of over 20 herbs and spices, and is served chilled mixed with a fruit juice. A great drink to nurse through the night!
Where to eat: Restaurace U Fleku
Tips for visiting Prague in December
- The National Theatre hosts incredible opera and show performances throughout December.
- St. Stephen’s Day or Boxing Day is celebrated on December 26, 2024. It is considered as the second day of Christmas and while several offices in Prague are closed, most shopping malls and entertainment venues are open till late at night for the revelries.
- Prague has a rich history of classical music concerts, especially at the Rudolfinum. In December you can enjoy concerts of the Czech Philharmonic, PKF-Prague Philharmonia, and Advent Concert IV.
- It is the season of ice rinks and Prague offers lot of venues for ice skating. Ovocny trh, Čapadlo Ice Rink and Havličkovy sady are among the many venues to consider.
Explore Prague through the year
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