12 Best Things to Experience in Prague at Christmas
September 27, 2024
"During December, the capital of Czechia turns into a winter wonderland you've got to see to believe,” states U.S.News, ranking Prague as the top Christmas destination in 2024, above such places as the Maldives, Tromsø, Rome, or Aspen. There are many different rankings and criteria, with new ones coming each and every year. Still, none of this affects the appeal Prague has for foreign and domestic visitors, nor does it detract from the city’s magical Christmas atmosphere.
What makes Christmas Prague so appealing?
1. Magical atmosphere
The perfect words to describe the Christmas atmosphere in Prague are “magical” and “romantic”—the exact qualities we expect from Christmas. Prague is an amazing city that’s worth a visit throughout the year. But its specific ambiance is further emphasised by Christmas decorations, lights, fewer tourists, and winter weather. You don’t need to look for romantic spots in Prague—they’re literally everywhere. Moreover, Prague is shrouded in mystical legends and stories—about the Golem, Faust, princess Libuše, prince Bruncvík, astronomer Tycho Brahe who spent most of his life there, and many other figures who strengthen the city’s underlying sense of mystery.
2. History, architecture, and arts
Prague is famed for its long history, sights, and charming architecture boasting gems built in the Baroque, Renaissance, and Gothic style, as well as beautiful bridges and towers, not to mention rich culture and a lively art scene. Prague is a city of art and culture. Come see for yourself and enjoy a nice holiday vacation there.
3. Local authenticity
Prague has a very specific local atmosphere that’s worth getting to know better. Experience the city as a local. The people living in Prague can serve as a useful guide. If you capitalise on an opportunity to talk to a local friend, you can get a valuable insider perspective.
4. Excellent services
Prague offers an excellent range of services, including restaurants and hotels, easily rivalling other European cities. You can find a wide range of services in the city, from regular to top-notch which are no less affordable and customer-friendly. In terms of restaurants and hotels, visitors are truly spoiled for choice. No matter if you’re planning a romantic, family, or relaxing vacation, there is a variety of ways to have fun in Prague on Christmas.
12 Magical Experiences You Can’t Miss Out On When in Prague
1. Taking a walk around the streets of Prague
Prague’s historic downtown is small and quite walkable. You can explore Christmas Prague on foot, or if you want, cover a part of the journey in a horse-drawn carriage or a vintage car (both can be booked in the Old Town Square). Almost every corner of the city has something fascinating to offer.
The best way to explore the Prague’s historic downtown and its sights is by taking a walk along the so-called Royal Way. It begins in the Republic Square by the Municipal House and ends by the St. Vitus Cathedral at the Prague Castle. The roughly 3-km journey shows you around the Prague’s palaces, houses, churches, and other sights of all architectural styles. Those who enjoy Cubism have the opportunity to admire the House of the Black Madonna, located at the corner of the Celetná Street and the Ovocný trh square. From there, the Royal Way takes you to the Old Town Square, boasting the Old Town Hall and the world-famous astronomical clock with its twelve apostles (you can enjoy the procession from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., every hour on the hour). You’ll pass by the Klementinum compound, cross the Charles Bridge (adorned with thirty Baroque statues), and then go by the Kampa Island through the Malá Strana district, taking the Nerudova Street all the way up to the Prague Castle. If you take a detour by the Kampa Island, you can explore the Church of Our Lady of Victories and see the famous Infant Jesus of Prague. The Prague Castle complex is made up of several courtyards and best-known for its St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, the Golden Lane, or the gardens below the Prague Castle.
2. Infant Jesus of Prague
If you decide to visit the Church of Our Lady of Victories in the Malá Strana district, you’ll have the opportunity to see the famous Infant Jesus of Prague, given to the Carmelites by Polyxena of Lobkowicz in 1628. The statue is routinely clothed in luxurious dresses, depending on the season of the liturgical year; come Christmas, it will be wearing white. The church includes a museum showcasing the different dresses, as well as the many nativity scenes donated to the church by Christians from abroad (e.g. Latin America, India, or Africa). The statue of baby Jesus is said to work miracles, and is worshipped by Catholics all over the world as a symbol of purity.
3. Loreto carillon, and the Prague Sun
If you happen to be walking around the Hradčany district, take the time to visit the Loreta compound, made up of cloisters, the Church of the Nativity of Our Lord, the Holy House, and a bell tower with a world-famous carillon of 27 Loreto bells. The Loreto in the Hradčanské Square plays the Marian Hymn during the opening hours, every hour on the hour. If you decide to visit the Loreto on a Sunday afternoon, you can enjoy a live show, a truly exceptional experience. You can listen to the carillon outside, in the square in front of the Loreto, though you can hear it much better from the Loreto courtyard. The Loreto’s open to public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Loreto’s treasury features a collection of gifts, as well as the Diamond Monstrance, embellished with 6222 diamonds. The Prague Sun (also known as the Golden Sun) is likely the most valuable Czech Baroque monstrance, made in the 17th century of pure gold and diamonds by the Viennese goldsmith Johan Baptist Khünischbauer and the jeweller Matthias Stegner.
4. Christmas churches and masses in Prague
While you’re out and taking a Christmas walk around Prague, stop by one of the Prague churches and enjoy a tour or mass. Masses are held by dozens of churches all over Prague, some in the afternoons but most at midnight. You can witness particularly beautiful midnight masses at the
St. Vitus Cathedral at the Prague Castle, the church of St. Ludmilla in the Peace Square, the Church of Our Lady Victorious in the Újezd neighbourhood (where masses are also conducted in English and Italian), St. Thomas’ Church in the Malá Strana district, the Church of the Holy Spirit, the St. Salvator Church (in the Křižovnické square), etc.
5. Church of Our Lady of the Snows
Founded in 1347 by the Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV, the Church of Our Lady of the Snows is located in the Jungmannovo Square, near the charming Franciscan garden and the Wenceslas Square. With its 29 meters, the church’s main altar is one of the tallest altar constructions in Prague. The Church of Our Lady of the Snows is often likened to Sainte Chapelle in Paris, the Cologne cathedral, or the Toulouse Cathedral. The church celebrates beautiful Christmas masses, favoured both by Czech and foreign visitors.
6. Prague nativity scenes
A nativity scene is a three-dimensional depiction of Jesus’ birth, with a long history dating all the way back to 1223 in Italy. They have a storied tradition in Czech crafts as well. One of the best-known Prague nativity scenes, built in the Baroque style, is displayed every year in the Hradčany district, at the Church of Saint Mary of the Angels (next to the Loreto). You can also visit the Christmas exhibition held at the Bethlehem Chapel, also featuring displays of old crafts and ancient Christmas customs. Many other nativity scenes can be seen in churches all over Prague.
7. Vyšehrad at Christmas
Vyšehrad is a historic fort, built on top of a steep rock, and the seat of Bohemian kings throughout the 11th century. Shrouded in mystery, it’s permeated by a magical atmosphere to this day. You’ll be enchanted by the beautiful panorama of the old Prague it offers, the original fortifications enclosing the entire compound, the parks where you can enjoy a peaceful walk, or the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul.
8. Museums and galleries
Most of Prague’s cultural sights, museums, and galleries are open during Christmas. Consider visiting the Franz Kafka Museum, Mucha Museum, National Museum, National Gallery, or Jewish Museum.
National Musem
Václavské náměstí 68, Prague 1
Opening hours—daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
National Gallery
Dukelských hrdinů 47, 170 00 Prague 7
Opening hours—daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Franz Kafka Musem
Cihelná 2b, Prague 1–Malá Strana
Opening hours—daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Mucha Musem
Panská 7/890, Prague 1
Opening hours—daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Jewish Museum
Maiselova 15, Prague 1
9. Prague parks and gardens
Prague’s historic gardens and parks are a true gem, and not only during Christmas. There are more than two hundred of them, each a great choice for a nice walk. Find our tips on the most beautiful historic gardens in Prague here. Other gardens and parks, not included but definitely worth a visit, are the Stromovka, Ladronka, Riegrovy sady, or Letná.
10. Charles Bridge lamplighter
Usually, the gas lamps lining the Charles Bridge light up automatically throughout the year. In December, however, you can see a lamplighter in a period-appropriate uniform lighting the lamps manually and greeting the passers-by. This beautiful tradition was inspired by the romantic atmosphere of the 19th century and became a hallmark of Prague’s pre-holiday season. The process typically begins once the public lighting comes on (roughly between 4 p.m. and 4.15 p.m.). The lamplighter sets off the Křízovnické Square, crosses the Charles Bridge, and then re-crosses it back.
11. Christmas markets in Prague
The main Christmas market is held in the Old Ton Square, followed by those in the Republic Square, Wenceslas Square, and Peace Square where you can enjoy traditional Christmas delicacies, mulled wine, and hand-crafted products.
12. Christmas concerts
Prague is a city of music. Get to know it better during the Christmas season and visit a concert to enjoy classical, opera, organ, or jazz music. Classical concerts are held at many venues, from small concert halls to the Prague Castle and Rudolfinum. The best way to learn about the events being organised is by visiting the Pragueticketoffice portal. If you’re interested in jazz music, we recommend browsing the programme of the Jazzdock club.
A Czech speciality to underscore the experience of Christmas Prague
GIYOU garden of silver and golden flowers
Christmas gifts from Prague; gifts of joy and love
If you decide to come to Prague during Christmas, make some time to discover the Czech unique flowers of silver and gold. The flowers embody joy and love, going quite well with the values and atmosphere of Christmas. Combine your walk around the Christmas Prague with a visit to our extraordinary garden and take a look at its jewellery snowdrops, daisies, ryegrass, cornflowers, lavender, forget-me-nots, or charming Christmas bouquets made of silver. The flowers are hand-made by a Czech family business, using a precise jewellery-making method and 925/1000 silver or 585/1000, 750/1000, or 999/1000 gold.
GIYOU GARDEN is located across the street from the Church of Our Lady of the Snows, a 1-minute walk from the Wenceslas Square, 3-minute walk from the Old Town Square, or 5-minute walk from the Mucha Museum.
About GIYOU
GIYOU was born in 2022 at a charming historic homestead in Bohemia, nestled in a small village of only 15 houses. The flowers were inspired by those growing in the enchanting garden surrounding the founders’ home.
Almost immediately, the jewellery flowers’ beauty, originality, and masterful craftsmanship earned them appreciation from celebrities and the media. Extraordinary commissions (e.g. a world-unique bouquet of 118 flowers made from pure gold) soon followed. The founders’ dream blossomed into a business which would go on to sell flowers all over the world.
Immerse yourself in the Christmas Prague, discover its holiday atmosphere, romantic spots, history, arts, and local spirit. We have no doubt you’ll love it.
GIYOU
info@giyou.cz
