Prague comes alive with its Christmas markets from the first weekend in December, and while the capital shines brightly, there is so much more to the Czech Republic than Prague alone. In this post, I’ll share our time exploring the magic of Prague’s markets as well as our visit to Brno, the country’s fourth-largest city. Brno can easily be visited as a day trip, but we chose to make it a stop in its own right, and it gave us a fresh, everyday perspective of Czech life beyond the capital.
Old Town Square Christmas Markets at night
Need to Know
Money: Kč
The local currency is the Czech Crown (CZK), also known as the koruna (Kč). Some shops and stalls accept euros, but the exchange rate is usually unfavourable, so having koruna is best. We always carry a little cash just in case, though most stalls and restaurants accept cards without issue.
On our trip, we used our Wise card, which made paying in local currency simple and avoided the high fees that can sneak up on you when travelling. It also gave us the flexibility to withdraw cash when needed.
Weather:
December in the Czech Republic is cold. In Prague, daily highs average between 0 and 2 degrees Celsius, with nights often dropping to -2 degrees. Sunset arrives early, around four o’clock, and there’s every chance of rain or snow. When we visited, a massive winter front swept across Europe, and Prague was blanketed in snow — beautiful, but also chaotic. Brno was just as cold, with daytime temperatures hovering around minus three and a biting wind that made scarves and gloves essential.
The official language is Czech; however, English is also spoken in tourist areas. In both Prague and Brno, we managed fine, but sometimes conversations needed a little patience.
Couples’ Take: Rug up well and embrace the chill. There’s something about warming your hands on a cup of mulled wine together that makes the cold part of the experience.
Prague
Prague is one of the most visited cities in the world, and the markets here draw enormous crowds. We arrived on the opening weekend, just as Europe was dealing with heavy snowfall. The city looked magical under fresh snow, but with so many people filling the squares, it was also a little hectic and even slippery at times. The weekend felt overwhelming, but by Monday, the atmosphere had shifted. The crowds thinned, the markets felt more relaxed, and we could soak in the charm without the crush.
Wenceslas Square Market
Rugged up at Wenceslas Square Christmas Markets, Prague
Wenceslas Square is one of Prague’s most famous landmarks, and during December, it becomes a vibrant hub of festive stalls. The market here feels lively and modern, with plenty of food and gift stands. It’s the perfect place to pick up a trdelník, if you must.
Old Town Square Market
Looking over the Old Town Square with Christmas Markets
The Old Town Square is the star of Prague’s festive season. With its towering Christmas tree, fairy-lit stalls, and the backdrop of the astronomical clock, this market feels like the heart of Christmas in Prague. The atmosphere here is magical, especially at dusk when the lights start to twinkle against the evening sky. The food stalls are a highlight — sausages sizzling, mulled wine steaming, and sweet pastries filling the air with warmth.
Couples’ Take: Arrive early or go later in the evening. Standing together under the tree with the square glowing around you is a memory worth holding onto.
Peace Square Christmas Market
Tucked a little away from the main tourist path, Peace Square feels more local. The atmosphere is calmer, and the stalls here specialise in traditional crafts and local foods. It doesn’t have the grandeur of Old Town, but its quieter pace makes it a special place.
Brno
Travelling to Brno is simple, with trains and buses taking around two and a half to three hours from Prague. Many treat it as a day trip, but we’re glad we stayed overnight. Brno gave us a chance to experience a more authentic slice of Czech life — still festive, but without the same crush of international tourism.
Cabbage Square Christmas Market
Peace Square Christmas Market
Cabbage Square has been a marketplace for centuries, and during Christmas, it fills with festive stalls while keeping its roots as a daily shopping hub. You’ll find seasonal gifts, local produce, and food that feels hearty and real. It’s not as polished as Prague, but it’s all the more charming for it.
Couples’ Take: Brno surprised us with its warmth. Sharing a meal at a market stall, surrounded by locals, gave us a sense of connection you don’t always find in bigger cities.
Cabbage Square Christmas Market
Cabbage Square has been a marketplace for centuries, and during Christmas, it fills with festive stalls while keeping its roots as a daily shopping hub. You’ll find seasonal gifts, local produce, and food that feels hearty and real. It’s not as polished as Prague, but it’s all the more charming for it.
Couples’ Take: Brno surprised us with its warmth. Sharing a meal at a market stall, surrounded by locals, gave us a sense of connection you don’t always find in bigger cities.
Rugged up against the Prague winter
Final Thoughts
Prague at Christmas is dazzling — snowy rooftops, glowing markets, and iconic sights lit with festive cheer. But Brno reminded us that the Czech Republic has so much more to offer beyond its capital. Visiting both made our time here feel richer and more balanced. In this blog, we’ve shared our experiences, but if you’d like to see more of what we got up to in Prague, you can also watch our videos.
Couples’ Take: Balance the energy of Prague with the slower rhythm of Brno. It’s the mix of glamour and authenticity that makes a trip to the Czech Republic truly memorable.
Our visit to the Czech Republic was part of a 32-day European adventure that provided us with a true White Christmas experience. If you’d like to follow the whole journey, you can read our full itinerary, discover what we got up to in Vienna, and see how we were absolutely blown away by spending Christmas Day in Tallinn. And if watching is more your style, you can find the complete Christmas market playlist on YouTube.
We have also created resources to help you plan and pack.
