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 pace — Christmas markets, shopping and café breaks

Markets, shopping and atmosphere: 1–2 main stops a day is plenty; the rest is for shopping, long meals, unplanned wandering and an afternoon rest.

Day 1 · Tuesday 22 December10:00–20:00

Strahov and Prague Castle

Two main stops: Strahov Library and the castle. Down Nerudova, a long lunch, a rest and an optional river cruise in the evening.

Running late? Skip these first: Vltava Dinner Cruise. The rest of the day still works.

10:00
Tram · 20 min
Tram 22 to Pohořelec; Strahov Monastery is right by the stop.
10:20
Strahov Library and Panorama 50 min
The fresco-covered Theological and Philosophical Halls, viewed from the doorways.
35 min library halls · 15 min city view from the monastery garden
Ticket needed: book at least 1 day ahead
11:10
Walk · 15 min
Through Hradčany to the castle; Loreta is on the way.
11:25
Prague Castle 60 min
The courtyards and the guards at the gate, then St Vitus Cathedral’s stained glass and the St Wenceslas Chapel. No rush.
15 min courtyards · 45 min cathedral
Ticket needed: book at least 3 days ahead
12:25
Walk · 25 min
Down Nerudova to Malá Strana; look out for the old house signs over the doors.
12:50
Lunch, Malá Strana 90 min
Czech cooking: goulash, svíčková, dumplings. Book ahead in the holiday weeks.
14:20
Walk · 20 min
Back to the hotel.
14:40
Rest at the Hotel 170 min
Rest at the hotel and recharge for the evening.
17:30
Walk · 30 min
On foot.
18:00
Vltava Dinner Cruise 120 min Optional
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).

Open the route on the map

Day 2 · Wednesday 23 December10:00–20:19

Christmas Market Day

Coffee at the Municipal House and gifts at the Old Town market; the local Náměstí Míru market in the evening. The Republiky market is optional.

Running late? Skip these first: Náměstí Republiky Christmas Market. The rest of the day still works.

10:00
Náměstí Republiky Christmas Market 40 min Optional
Right next to the Municipal House, a calmer market than the Old Town; open until 24 December.
10:40
Municipal House Café 60 min
The Art Nouveau café of the Municipal House (Obecní dům): chandeliers, mirrors and coffee. Check holiday hours before you go.
11:40
Walk · 7 min
On foot.
11:47
Old Town Square Christmas Market 60 min
Gift shopping and mulled wine at the Old Town market.
12:47
Walk · 5 min
On foot.
12:52
Lunch, Old Town 90 min
Czech cooking: goulash, svíčková, dumplings. Book ahead in the holiday weeks.
14:22
Walk · 15 min
Back to the hotel.
14:37
Rest at the Hotel 155 min
Rest at the hotel and recharge for the evening.
17:12
Metro · 12 min
Line A (green) to Náměstí Míru; the market is right outside the station.
17:24
Náměstí Míru Christmas Market 75 min
A local market in Vinohrady in front of St Ludmila’s Church: fewer tourists, craft stalls and mulled wine. Closes at 8 pm; check the organiser’s notice before you go.
18:39
Walk · 10 min
On foot.
18:49
Dinner, Vinohrady 90 min
Czech food or a wine bar; book ahead for December evenings.

Open the route on the map

Day 3 · Thursday 24 December09:30–22:00

Christmas Eve: Early Shopping, the Market and the Evening Lights

Shopping starts at 9:30 and is done before large stores close at noon. Then the market and the bridge, a rest in the afternoon; tree lights, Christmas dinner and an optional mass in the evening.

Running late? Skip these first: Open-air Christmas Mass. The rest of the day still works.

09:30
Shopping on Celetná 90 min
Start shopping early: on 24 December large stores close at noon. Pick the shops you want beforehand; small shops stay open in the afternoon.
11:00
Old Town Square: Christmas Market and Astronomical Clock 60 min
On 24 December the stalls are fully open until 2 pm, then only food and drink. The Astronomical Clock show on the hour. Catch the 11 am show here; be in front of the clock a few minutes early.
Stalls · Astronomical Clock show on the hour · Týn Church (outside)
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. Open until 3 pm on 24 December and 4 pm on 31 December.
12:00
Walk · 5 min
On foot.
12:05
Lunch, Old Town 90 min
Czech cooking: goulash, svíčková, dumplings. Book ahead in the holiday weeks.
13:35
Walk · 10 min
Down Karlova past its little shops to the bridge.
13:45
Charles Bridge 35 min
Walk to the middle of the bridge for the statues, the river and the castle view, then come back the same way.
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. Open until 2:30 pm on 24 December and 4 pm on 31 December.
14:20
Walk · 15 min
Back to the hotel.
14:35
Rest at the Hotel 145 min
Rest at the hotel and recharge for the evening.
17:00
Walk · 10 min
On foot.
17:10
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.
17:50
Walk · 10 min
On foot.
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.
20:00
Free Time: a Café or a Quiet Square 45 min Optional
After dinner, a warm café or a quiet square. If you want to see the light show again, it also runs at 8:30 and 9:30 pm.
20:45
Walk · 15 min
On foot.
21:00
Open-air Christmas Mass 45 min Optional
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 4 · Friday 25 December11:00–16:27

Vyšehrad and a Farewell Market

A late breakfast, the view from the city’s first fortress, a riverside walk, a historic café and a farewell market in the Old Town.

11:00
Late Breakfast 75 min
No rush: a long, late breakfast.
12:15
Metro · 15 min
Line C (red) to Vyšehrad station, then a 10-minute walk to the ramparts.
12:30
Walk · 10 min
On foot.
12:40
Vyšehrad Ramparts and Panorama 60 min
The city’s legendary first fortress: the river and the distant castle from the ramparts. Open-air and open every day.
13:40
Walk · 25 min
Along the river to Národní, passing the Dancing House.
14:05
Warm-up Break: Historic Café 70 min
A long break in one of Prague’s historic coffee houses. Options: Café Louvre, Kavárna Slavia. Check holiday hours before you go.
15:15
Walk · 12 min
On foot.
15:27
Old Town Square Christmas Market 60 min
A farewell mulled wine and last souvenirs; the lights come on around 4 pm.

Open the route on the map

Balanced–packed pace — Prague’s landmarks and Christmas markets

Explore the city and see the markets: nearby stops are grouped (the castle as one visit, Malá Strana as one walk). You can skip anything marked “Optional” and the day still works.

Day 1 · Tuesday 22 December08:40–20:15

Prague Castle, Strahov and Malá Strana

The castle (one visit) and on past Loreta to Strahov; in the afternoon, down through the Petřín gardens to Malá Strana and a historic café. Petřín Tower and the evening cruise are optional.

Running late? Skip these first: Petřín Tower, Vltava Dinner Cruise. The rest of the day still works.

08:40
Tram · 20 min
Take tram 22 up to the Pražský hrad stop instead of walking the hill.
09:00
Prague Castle 135 min
One visit: St Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, St George’s Basilica and Golden Lane. There is a security check at the entrance; if the queues are long, skip Golden Lane and the rest of the day stays on time. The castle closes early on holidays.
15 min security and queues · 45 min cathedral · 25 min Old Royal Palace · 15 min St George’s · 30 min Golden Lane · 5 min walking between courtyards
Ticket needed: book at least 3 days ahead Prefer a guide? Guided castle tours include the ticket.
11:15
Walk · 15 min
Past Loreta to Strahov.
11:30
Strahov Library and Panorama 50 min
The fresco-covered Theological and Philosophical Halls, viewed from the doorways.
35 min library halls · 15 min city view from the monastery garden
Ticket needed: book at least 1 day ahead
12:20
Lunch, Strahov 60 min
Czech cooking: goulash, svíčková, dumplings. Book ahead in the holiday weeks.
13:20
Walk · 10 min
On foot.
13:30
Petřín Tower 40 min Optional
The mini Eiffel Tower: 299 steps (or the lift) and a 360° view. Tickets at the door (250 CZK).
14:10
Walk · 25 min
Down through the Petřín gardens to Malá Strana. 5 minutes if the funicular is running.
14:35
Malá Strana Walk 40 min
Nerudova’s old house signs, the green dome of St Nicholas, the Lennon Wall and the Kampa riverside; one walk, from outside.
Nerudova · St Nicholas (outside) · Lennon Wall · Kampa
15:15
Walk · 20 min
Across Legion Bridge to Národní.
15:35
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.
16:20
Walk · 10 min
On foot.
16:30
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.
17:15
Aperitif: Beer Hall or Bar 45 min Optional
A Czech beer or a glass of wine before dinner. Options: Lokál, U Fleků.
18:00
Walk · 15 min
On foot.
18:15
Vltava Dinner Cruise 120 min Optional
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).

Open the route on the map

Day 2 · Wednesday 23 December10:00–19:52

New Town Markets and Vinohrady

The Municipal House and shopping on Celetná; the local Náměstí Míru market in the evening. The Republiky, Wenceslas and Old Town markets along the way are optional: pick the ones you fancy.

Running late? Skip these first: Náměstí Republiky Christmas Market, Wenceslas Square Christmas Market, Old Town Square Christmas Market. The rest of the day still works.

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.
10:45
Náměstí Republiky Christmas Market 30 min Optional
Right next to the Municipal House, a calmer market than the Old Town; open until 24 December.
11:15
Powder Tower 10 min
The Old Town’s Gothic gate where the Royal Route begins. From outside.
11:25
Walk · 10 min
On foot.
11:35
Wenceslas Square Christmas Market 45 min Optional
The market running the length of the square: sausages, mulled wine, gifts. The National Museum at the top.
12:20
Lunch, New Town 60 min
Czech cooking: goulash, svíčková, dumplings. Book ahead in the holiday weeks.
13:20
Walk · 10 min
On foot.
13:30
Old Town Square Christmas Market 50 min Optional
The Christmas tree, the wooden stalls and the handmade ornaments: try the mulled wine (svařák) and trdelník here. The market is quietest in the morning and busiest once the lights are on.
14:20
Shopping on Celetná 50 min
Bohemian crystal, Czech glass, glass Christmas ornaments and puppet shops. Small shops stay open over the holidays.
15:10
Warm-up Break: Historic Café 60 min
A long break in one of Prague’s historic coffee houses. Options: Grand Café Orient (on Celetná). Check holiday hours before you go.
16:10
Free Time: Rest or Stroll 40 min Optional
Drop by the hotel to rest, or take a stroll past the windows of Pařížská and along the river.
16:50
Walk · 10 min
On foot.
17:00
Metro · 12 min
Line A from Můstek to Náměstí Míru.
17:12
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 8 pm; check the organiser’s notice before you go.
18:12
Walk · 10 min
On foot.
18:22
Dinner, Vinohrady 90 min
Czech food or a wine bar; book ahead for December evenings.

Open the route on the map

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

Christmas Eve: the Tower, the Jewish Museum, 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 an optional mass in the evening.

Running late? Skip these first: Old Town Bridge Tower, Open-air Christmas Mass. The rest of the day still works.

09:00
Old Town Hall Tower and Astronomical Clock 45 min
The Astronomical Clock’s show on the hour and the lift up the tower for a bird’s-eye view of the square and the market. Catch the 9 am show here; be in front of the clock a few minutes early.
Ticket needed: book at least 1 day ahead
09:45
Walk · 5 min
On foot.
09:50
Jewish Museum (Josefov) 90 min
One ticket, four stops: the name-covered Pinkas Synagogue, the Old Jewish Cemetery, the Klausen Synagogue and the gilded Spanish Synagogue.
25 min Pinkas · 25 min Old Cemetery · 15 min Klausen · 25 min Spanish Synagogue
Ticket needed: book at least 2 days ahead
11:20
Walk · 10 min
On foot.
11:30
Old Town Bridge Tower 20 min Optional
The Gothic tower at the Old Town end of the bridge: bridge, river and castle in one frame. Tickets at the door (250 CZK).
11:50
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.
12:15
Malá Strana Walk 30 min
The Kampa riverside and the Lennon Wall.
Nerudova · St Nicholas (outside) · Lennon Wall · Kampa
12:45
Lunch, Malá Strana 60 min
Czech cooking: goulash, svíčková, dumplings. Book ahead in the holiday weeks.
13:45
Walk · 20 min
Across Charles Bridge to the Old Town; take your time on the bridge, with its statues and the castle behind you.
14:05
Free Time and Shopping 40 min Optional
The little shops of Karlova and Havelská; small shops stay open on 24 December.
14:45
Warm-up Break: Historic Café 70 min
A long break in one of Prague’s historic coffee houses. Options: Grand Café Orient, Café Louvre. Check holiday hours before you go.
15:55
Walk · 10 min
On foot.
16:05
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.
16:50
Aperitif: Beer Hall or Bar 60 min
A Czech beer or a glass of wine before dinner. Options: U Fleků, Lokál, Café Imperial.
17:50
Walk · 10 min
On foot.
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.
20:00
Free Time: a Café or a Quiet Square 45 min Optional
After dinner, a warm café or a quiet square. If you want to see the light show again, it also runs at 8:30 and 9:30 pm.
20:45
Walk · 15 min
On foot.
21:00
Open-air Christmas Mass 45 min Optional
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 4 · Friday 25 December10:00–19:45

Christmas Day: Vyšehrad, the River and the Old Town

A gentle Christmas Day: Vyšehrad, the Dancing House along the river, a historic café, the bridge at sunset and the evening market. The Josefov walk and the bridge tower are optional.

Running late? Skip these first: Old Town Bridge Tower. The rest of the day still works.

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 60 min
The city’s legendary first fortress: the river and the distant castle from the ramparts. Open-air and open every day.
11:25
The Riverside and the Dancing House 35 min
A walk along Rašínovo nábřeží; Frank Gehry’s Dancing House and the gold-roofed National Theatre, from outside.
Riverside · Dancing House · National Theatre
12:00
Walk · 10 min
On foot.
12:10
Lunch, Národní 60 min
Czech cooking: goulash, svíčková, dumplings. Book ahead in the holiday weeks.
13:10
Walk · 15 min
Along the river to the Old Town.
13:25
Free Time 45 min Optional
A walk along Pařížská and the lanes of Josefov, from outside.
14:10
Warm-up Break: Historic Café 50 min
A long break in one of Prague’s historic coffee houses. Options: Grand Café Orient, Café Imperial. Check holiday hours before you go.
15:00
Walk · 10 min
On foot.
15:10
Charles Bridge 25 min
The bridge towards sunset (around 4 pm in December): cross to the Old Town as the castle lights come on.
15:35
Old Town Bridge Tower 25 min Optional
Watch the sunset from the tower; open until 5:30 pm on 25 December. Tickets at the door.
16:00
Walk · 5 min
On foot.
16:05
Old Town Square Christmas Market 60 min
Tree light shows at 4:30 and 5:30 pm, with mulled wine.
17:05
Aperitif: Beer Hall or Bar 60 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
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 Tuesday 22 December – Friday 25 December. Some are officially confirmed for 2026, others are based on the last published season (the 2026 schedule is pending); check again before you go. The table on the guide page shows the status of each time: 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 museums and landmarks can you visit inside on a 4-day Christmas trip to Prague?

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 – 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: 4-Day Itinerary

Relaxed pace — Christmas markets, shopping and café breaks

Strahov and Prague Castle

Strahov Library and Panorama 50 min

Prague Castle 60 min

Lunch, Malá Strana 90 min

Rest at the Hotel 170 min

Vltava Dinner Cruise 120 min Optional

Christmas Market Day

Náměstí Republiky Christmas Market 40 min Optional

Municipal House Café 60 min

Old Town Square Christmas Market 60 min

Lunch, Old Town 90 min

Rest at the Hotel 155 min

Náměstí Míru Christmas Market 75 min

Dinner, Vinohrady 90 min

Christmas Eve: Early Shopping, the Market and the Evening Lights

Shopping on Celetná 90 min

Old Town Square: Christmas Market and Astronomical Clock 60 min

Lunch, Old Town 90 min

Charles Bridge 35 min

Rest at the Hotel 145 min

Christmas Tree Light Show 40 min

Christmas Eve Dinner 120 min

Free Time: a Café or a Quiet Square 45 min Optional

Open-air Christmas Mass 45 min Optional

Vyšehrad and a Farewell Market

Late Breakfast 75 min

Vyšehrad Ramparts and Panorama 60 min

Warm-up Break: Historic Café 70 min

Old Town Square Christmas Market 60 min

Balanced–packed pace — Prague’s landmarks and Christmas markets

Prague Castle, Strahov and Malá Strana

Prague Castle 135 min

Strahov Library and Panorama 50 min

Lunch, Strahov 60 min

Petřín Tower 40 min Optional

Malá Strana Walk 40 min

Warm-up Break: Historic Café 45 min

Old Town Square by Night 45 min

Aperitif: Beer Hall or Bar 45 min Optional

Vltava Dinner Cruise 120 min Optional

New Town Markets and Vinohrady

Municipal House Café 45 min

Náměstí Republiky Christmas Market 30 min Optional

Powder Tower 10 min

Wenceslas Square Christmas Market 45 min Optional

Lunch, New Town 60 min

Old Town Square Christmas Market 50 min Optional

Shopping on Celetná 50 min

Warm-up Break: Historic Café 60 min

Free Time: Rest or Stroll 40 min Optional

Náměstí Míru Christmas Market 60 min

Dinner, Vinohrady 90 min

Christmas Eve: the Tower, the Jewish Museum, the Bridge and the Lights

Old Town Hall Tower and Astronomical Clock 45 min

Jewish Museum (Josefov) 90 min

Old Town Bridge Tower 20 min Optional

Charles Bridge 25 min

Malá Strana Walk 30 min

Lunch, Malá Strana 60 min

Free Time and Shopping 40 min Optional

Warm-up Break: Historic Café 70 min

Christmas Tree Light Show 45 min

Aperitif: Beer Hall or Bar 60 min

Christmas Eve Dinner 120 min

Free Time: a Café or a Quiet Square 45 min Optional

Open-air Christmas Mass 45 min Optional

Christmas Day: Vyšehrad, the River and the Old Town

Vyšehrad Ramparts and Panorama 60 min

The Riverside and the Dancing House 35 min

Lunch, Národní 60 min

Free Time 45 min Optional

Warm-up Break: Historic Café 50 min

Charles Bridge 25 min

Old Town Bridge Tower 25 min Optional

Old Town Square Christmas Market 60 min

Aperitif: Beer Hall or Bar 60 min

Dinner, Old Town 90 min

Tips