Coffee & Waffles blog · Prague 1
Prague Christmas Markets 2026: Dates, Tips and Where to Warm Up Near Old Town Square
Advent in Prague means Christmas markets: the smell of mulled wine, wooden stalls, a giant tree on Old Town Square and lights in the lanes of the Old Town. Here are the 2026 market dates, practical tips for avoiding the biggest crowds, and a warm place to hide from the cold – our café is just a few minutes' walk from the city's biggest market.
Prague Christmas market dates 2026
| Market | Dates | Walk from our café |
|---|---|---|
| Old Town Square | 28 Nov 2026 – 6 Jan 2027 | approx. 3 min |
| Wenceslas Square | 28 Nov 2026 – 6 Jan 2027, daily 10:00–22:00 | approx. 12 min |
| Republic Square | 25 Nov – 24 Dec 2026 | approx. 15 min |
| Náměstí Míru (Peace Square) | 20 Nov – 24 Dec 2026* | metro line A from Staroměstská |
Dates according to the organisers and Prague City Tourism. *For the smaller markets we recommend double-checking the dates before you go.
Old Town Square: the biggest and most famous market
Prague's main Christmas market sits below the Týn Church and the Old Town Hall with its astronomical clock. A huge Christmas tree shines in the middle of the square. The first official lighting is on Saturday 28 November 2026, and after that the tree is lit every evening. You'll find stalls with handmade gifts, Christmas decorations and typical market food.
From our café on Valentinská street you reach Old Town Square in about 3 minutes on foot – and you're back in the warm just as quickly.
Wenceslas Square and other markets
- Wenceslas Square – the second big market in the centre, close to Můstek. Stalls are open daily from 10:00 to 22:00.
- Republic Square – a smaller, calmer market next to the Municipal House, open until Christmas Eve.
- Náměstí Míru – a popular "local" market in Vinohrady in front of St. Ludmila's Church, a few stops by metro line A from Staroměstská.
What to taste at the markets
- Svařák – hot mulled wine with spices, the symbol of Czech Advent.
- Medovina – warm honey mead.
- Sausages, Prague ham and potato pancakes (bramboráky) – classic street food.
- Trdelník – you'll see it everywhere, although it isn't a traditional Czech speciality.
Tips for enjoying the markets
- Come on a weekday morning. Old Town Square is busiest on Advent weekends and in the evening, when the tree is lit.
- Dress in layers. You'll be standing outside, and December in Prague can be properly cold.
- Carry some cash. Most stalls take cards, but small change is handy.
- Start with breakfast. Have a warm breakfast and a coffee first, then head out to the stalls warmed up.
Where to warm up: Coffee & Waffles, 3 minutes from Old Town Square
When your fingers start to freeze, drop in at Valentinská 6. Breakfast is served all day, every day from 8:00 to 20:00, and no reservation is needed. To warm up we serve mulled wine, coffee, matcha or chai latte and hot chocolate. Our current seasonal menu also includes hot apple cider, hazelnut hojicha and waffles with pear & lingonberry or camembert & prosciutto.
The seasonal menu may change during the winter. You'll find the current offer in our menu.
An Advent day in the city centre
- Morning: breakfast at Coffee & Waffles – eggs Benedict on a waffle and a cappuccino, for example.
- Then: a 3-minute walk to Old Town Square, the astronomical clock and the stalls while it's still quiet.
- Afternoon: a stroll to Charles Bridge and via Můstek to Wenceslas Square.
- After dark: back to Old Town Square to see the tree lit up.
Frequently asked questions
When do the Prague Christmas markets 2026 start?
The markets on Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square run from 28 November 2026 to 6 January 2027. The Republic Square market runs from 25 November to 24 December 2026.
When is the Christmas tree lit on Old Town Square?
The first official tree lighting is on Saturday 28 November 2026, the day the market opens. After that, the tree is lit every evening until the market closes.
What are the opening hours of the Prague Christmas markets?
The stalls on Wenceslas Square are open daily from 10:00 to 22:00. The Old Town Square market has similar opening hours.
When are the Christmas markets least crowded?
Weekday mornings are the quietest. The busiest times are Advent weekends and evenings, when the tree is lit.
Where can I warm up and have breakfast near Old Town Square?
Coffee & Waffles at Valentinská 1061/6 is about a 3-minute walk from Old Town Square. Breakfast is served all day, every day from 8:00 to 20:00, no reservation needed.
Coffee & Waffles · Valentinská 1061/6, Prague 1 · 3 min from Old Town Square · every day 8:00–20:00 · no reservations needed
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