Prague in winter offers a unique atmosphere, where historic landmarks meet festive charm. Streets sparkle with lights, squares fill with markets, and the city invites exploration even in the colder months. Thanks to its central location, The Julius is the perfect base for discovering the city’s Christmas magic on foot — and for returning to the comfort of stylish apartments at the end of the day.
OLD TOWN SQUARE – THE MAIN CHRISTMAS MARKET
The heart of Prague’s festive season is undoubtedly Old Town Square. Each year, it transforms into the city’s largest and most visited market, running from November 29, 2025 to January 6, 2026. Its centrepiece is the towering Christmas tree, whose lighting ceremony marks one of the highlights of the season.
The market offers dozens of stalls with handcrafted gifts, glass ornaments, wooden toys, and traditional Czech ceramics. Food and drink are just as tempting: mulled wine, hot mead, roasted sausages, potato pancakes, and the ever-popular trdelník. These aromas and flavors create a festive hub that is impossible to resist.
Adding to the atmosphere are live concerts and children’s choirs performing carols, along with a traditional nativity scene and a charming Christmas carousel for the little ones. With its historic backdrop and vibrant program, Old Town Square is considered one of the most beautiful Christmas destinations in Europe. From The Julius Prague, it’s just a short walk away — making it the ideal starting point for your winter adventure.
TRADITIONAL FLAVORS OF CZECH CHRISTMAS
No Christmas visit to Prague is complete without tasting local specialties. In December, many restaurants serve the traditional Christmas Eve dish of fried carp with potato salad. Another highlight of the season is vánoční cukroví– traditional Czech Christmas cookies. Families bake them at home in many varieties, from vanilla crescents vanilkové rohlíčky and jam-filled linecké cookies to spiced gingerbread perníčky. You’ll also find beautifully packed assortments of cukroví at local bakeries and Christmas markets, making it easy to experience this sweet Czech tradition during your stay.
WINTER WONDERS OF PRAGUE – LETŇANY & ŽLUTÉ LÁZNĚ
One of Prague’s brightest winter experiences is Winter Wonderland in Letňany. This expansive park features hundreds of light installations – from monumental sculptures and tunnels to interactive displays that create a breathtaking atmosphere after dark. Visitors can also enjoy themed attractions, virtual reality, and festive food stalls, making it a memorable evening for both families and adults. For the 2025 season, it opens on September 26 and runs until February 16, 2026.
By the Vltava River, the Light Park at Žluté lázně offers a different experience, designed as an art exhibition. Here, installations tell stories and create a more intimate, elegant atmosphere. In past years, guests explored cosmic landscapes of planets and stars, and each season brings a new visual journey. It is the perfect choice for a romantic stroll or a refined family outing in the heart of winter Prague.
DISCOVER HIDDEN NATIVITY SCENES
Czech nativity scenes, or Betlémy, are intricate and often handmade, reflecting the deep Christian roots of the country’s Christmas traditions. While many visitors will see the large nativity scene in Old Town Square, there are several hidden gems worth discovering.
- Loreta Prague: This baroque pilgrimage site is home to a unique and ornate nativity scene, one of the finest in the city. The peaceful atmosphere of the Loreta courtyard adds to the serenity of the experience.
- Bethlehem Chapel: This historic chapel has a beautiful display of traditional nativity scenes, often with a special focus on local Czech folklore. It’s a quieter spot where you can reflect on the meaning of the season away from the hustle and bustle.
ICE SKATING AT NA FRANTIŠKU
Ice skating is one of Prague’s favorite winter pastimes. The open-air rink at Na Františku, close to Dvořák Embankment, offers the chance to skate right in the city center. A rental service is available on site, so no equipment is needed. Skating here, surrounded by the charm of old Prague, is a winter memory that stays with you long after the season ends.
CZECH PHILHARMONIC – CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT RUDOLFINUM
For those who appreciate classical music, a visit to the Czech Philharmonic’s Christmas concert at Rudolfinum is a must. The orchestra presents a special holiday program every year, performed in one of Europe’s most elegant concert halls. The combination of world-class music and festive surroundings creates an unforgettable cultural experience.
THE NUTCRACKER BALLET AT THE NATIONAL THEATRE
Christmas in Prague would not be complete without The Nutcracker. Tchaikovsky’s timeless ballet is performed each December in the historic National Theatre, attracting both locals and visitors. With its lavish production and enchanting music, the performance is a magical experience for audiences of all ages and remains one of the city’s most beloved holiday traditions.
ST. NICHOLAS CHURCH – CHRISTMAS CONCERTS
One of the city’s most beautiful Baroque churches, St. Nicholas on Malostranské Square, hosts a series of advent and Christmas concerts every year. Music lovers can enjoy both traditional carols and classical works performed in a setting renowned for its acoustics and ornate interiors. It’s a cultural highlight that perfectly captures the festive spirit of Prague.