10 Best Things to Do in Prague at Christmas

When it comes to Christmas markets, the festive ambiance at the impressive Old Town Square Christmas Market is hard to beat. In the winter wonderland setting of brightly decorated wooden huts, fragrant mulled wine, and lovely warm fresh baked goodies, you can take in the holiday spirit with all your senses. The stands are stocked with local handicrafts from ceramics and embroidered lace to wooden toys and knitted hats and gloves.

Shopping is much more fun on a full tummy, so head to the food stalls and taste some of the delicious traditional seasonal treats such as sladké knedlíky (sweet dumplings) and klobása (barbecued sausages). For impressive holiday photos of the market, climb up the steps to the Observation Bridge.

The breath-taking Prague Castle covered in a blanket of fresh driven snow is like a fairytale castle come alive – an especially spectacular sight with the night lights. One of the most recognisable landmarks of the city, the castle houses 700 rooms, churches of various architectural styles, a magnificent garden, and narrow alleys with charming nooks and crannies.

Wander along the picturesque Golden Lane and make your way to the top of the Great South Tower of the cathedral and you’ll be rewarded with a fantastic 360-degree view of this photogenic city. The castle also hosts a lovely Christmas market on the square in front of St. George's Basilica. You can reach the castle on foot or catch a tram.

Taking a selfie on the iconic Charles Bridge must be on every traveler’s bucket list, but for the best snaps, you’ll need the snow-covered Prague Castle as the backdrop. This magnificent medieval stone arch bridge that crosses the Vltava River is adorned with baroque statues and has a tower at each end. You can climb up the towers and get an astonishing view of the bridge and the city from above.

In the pre-Christmas season, a lantern lighter wearing a historical suit lights the bridge’s gas lamps with a long pole. The romantic gas light also illuminates the entire historic Royal Route from the Powder Gate to Hradčanské Square – that’s a spectacular photo right there.

The Astronomical Clock mounted on the southern wall of the Old Town Hall is one of Prague’s main attractions, an absolute wonder, and an amazing piece of engineering. The details displayed on the clock are unbelievable; you can see statues of various Catholic saints, fantastic astronomical dials, and the famous "The Walk of the Apostles."

On the hour the figures of the Apostles make an appearance, while other figures, most notably a skeleton representing Death, will strike the time. For a more detailed view of the clock, you can buy a ticket to the Old Town Hall and admire it from the tower´s chapel. You might also find out the secret that the figure of St. Thomas is carrying.

Climb aboard a stylish, wooden boat, snuggle up with your someone special by the onboard log burner, and experience Prague from a new perspective on a romantic Vltava River cruise. The city decorated for the holiday season will provide the perfect backdrop for a cosy evening and some Christmassy treats and drinks. On some cruises, you can even book a 3-course dinner with drinks.

Your captain will narrate the journey and highlight sights other tours often skip, like the hidden areas of Malá Strana. Most routes pass under the iconic Charles Bridge, which is a great way to see it without the crowds. You’ll find the boats located in docks along the river, some directly under Charles Bridge.

If Santa Claus ever had trouble finding the perfect Christmas present for someone special on his list, he’d visit Galerie Harfa Shopping Centre and its approximate 160 shops. This vast commercial centre features major international chains as well as a great selection of some the most prestigious local brands.

After a shopping spree, why not treat yourself to a hot chocolate in a cosy café or a glass of bubbly or a pint in a cool bar? To burn off the calories, visit the ice rink on the rooftop terrace. Skating here is free, and you can rent a pair of skates for a small fee. Harfa is located 30 minutes from the old town square by public transport.

On a Royal Route walk you’ll stride in the footsteps of the Czech monarchs on the historic path they took to their coronation. To walk the entire route, start at Králův dvůr, the former city seat of the kings by today’s Powder Tower. Then make your way to the Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral, where the coronations used to take place.

You’ll pass some magnificent sights such as Charles Bridge to Křižovnické Square and stunning architecture from gothic and renaissance to baroque, art nouveau, and cubist styles. On the partly uneven alleys, you’ll need your sturdiest walking shoes, but you’ll be rewarded with rosy cheeks and a truly regal day in the crisp winter air.

In a beer spa you can soak in the famous Czech beer culture and reap the benefits of this heavenly drink both internally and externally. Swimming in the giant hot tubs filled to the brim with natural extracts used to brew the most popular beers in the country, you’ll enjoy unlimited pints and feel the stress of the holiday season leave your body.

To complement the experience, you can have one-of-a-kind spa treatments, relax by a fireplace or in a hop sauna, and relish some homemade beer bread. Remember to stock up on unique cosmetics containing therapeutic hop, brewer’s yeast, and vitamins to make your skin glow. Most spas offer dressing gowns, slippers, and free storage lockers for your clothing.

Come and cheer the home team HC Sparta Prague to a glorious victory at an ice hockey game at O2 Arena, the fabulous venue for major sports events and world-famous artists. All seats have excellent sightlines to the ice rink and all the action, and the Christmas treats in the food stalls make sure you’ll have the energy to make waves for your favourite team. For a heartier meal, head to Galerie Harfa Shopping Centre just around the corner.

For an elevated experience, you can book a lounge and seats at the top of the arena and enjoy the VIP treatment. There’s an underground station just outside the venue, and the taxi ride from Old Town takes about 20 minutes.

Prague has always drawn in trailblazers in arts and science, and the avant-garde Prague’s Yellow Penguins installation is living proof of this irresistible, magnetic appeal. The 34 penguins standing in one single file line might look humorous and playful at first sight but take a closer look and you’ll notice that they have a more serious message.

These yellow birds made of recycled plastic bottles and lit from within show the impact of plastic waste on the environment and how the world is becoming increasingly artificial. Other quirky sculptures are on the grounds of the nearby Museum Kampa. You can find the penguins by the river of Vltava near Kampa Park, a 20-minute walk from the Old Town.