Prague at Christmas is one of the great festive city breaks in Europe. The Old Town Square fills with wooden market stalls and a tall decorated tree, the lanes around it smell of mulled wine and roasting chestnuts, and the castle and bridge glow above the river. A guided walk is a good way to make sense of the season, because the markets are spread across several squares and the traditions behind them are easy to miss. This three-hour tour starts in the afternoon at the Get Prague Guide office on Maiselova, a few minutes from Old Town Square, and it is led by a live guide in English, German, French, Italian or Spanish. It covers the historic centre, the Christmas lights and decorations, key landmarks and the markets, and it mentions figures such as Charles IV and Mozart along the way. The ticket includes a drink and an audio guide for the interiors of the Basilica of St James and the Minorite Monastery, where the walk ends. Entry to the monastery and to attractions along the route is not included, nor is food or additional drinks. This is a seasonal product. Christmas markets in Prague traditionally open in late November and run into early January, and the tour is tied to that festive period, so check the dates available when you book rather than assuming it runs all year.
The walk is a good fit for first-time visitors who want orientation as well as atmosphere. Starting near the Jewish Quarter and heading towards the Old Town, you will pass Old Town Square, where the largest market stands, and see how the Christmas decorations transform the familiar landmarks. The guide explains local customs, such as the Czech tradition of eating carp on Christmas Eve, the role of Saint Nicholas on the evening of the fifth of December and the custom of the Christmas cribs, though the details of what is covered depend on the guide.
The audio guide for the interior of the Basilica of St James adds a Baroque highlight to the route.
Seasonal planning is the main thing. Late November and December bring the biggest crowds, especially at weekends, and the short days mean the light and decorations come together early in the evening. Temperatures are often close to freezing or below, so dress in layers, wear proper shoes for wet cobblestones and bring gloves. The tour includes one drink, which is welcome on a cold day, but you will want to budget for extra food and mulled wine at the stalls. If you want a quieter experience, go early in December on a weekday.
Practical details
Free cancellation and rescheduling are available until 24 hours before the visit, which is helpful given the unpredictable winter weather. The meeting point is at 5 Maiselova; show your mobile voucher to the guide. The walk is on foot over cobbled streets and is not ideal for those with limited mobility.
Combine it with dinner at a traditional restaurant, a visit to the Astronomical Clock and a river cruise or concert to build a full festive day. Outside the Christmas season, choose a standard Old Town walking tour or one of the other guided experiences on this site.
What to expect
The experience
A three-hour guided walk through the historic centre in a Christmas theme, with an included drink and an audio guide for the interiors of the Basilica of St James and the Minorite Monastery. Live guide in several languages.
Best time
The Christmas season only, roughly late November to early January. Go early in December on a weekday for smaller crowds.
How long
Three hours.
Tips
Dress warmly. The tour starts at 5 Maiselova; show your mobile voucher. Entry to the monastery and other attractions is not included. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-time winter visitors who want orientation and festive atmosphere in one walk.
- Families
- Good for older children who can stand in the cold for a few hours.
- Couples
- A romantic, atmospheric way to see the lit-up Old Town.
- Pair with
- Old Town Square market, the Astronomical Clock and a traditional dinner.
- Time needed
- Three hours.
Good questions
When does the Christmas tour run?+
It is a seasonal product tied to the festive period. Prague's Christmas markets traditionally open in late November and run into early January, so check the available dates when you book.
Where does it start?+
At the Get Prague Guide office at 5 Maiselova, near Old Town Square. Show your mobile voucher to the guide.
What is included?+
A live guide, a guided city walk, an audio guide for the interiors of the Basilica of St James and the Minorite Monastery, and one drink.
What is not included?+
Entry to the Minorite Monastery and other attractions, guided interior tours, food and additional drinks.
Can I cancel?+
Free cancellation and rescheduling are listed until 24 hours before the visit.
