Winter in Prague: The Gothic Beauty At Its Finest

Winter in Prague: The Gothic Beauty At Its Finest

 

Winter in Prague is already in full swing, with the gargoyles of St. Vitus Cathedral throwing ice, Christmas markets and sparkling lights spread across the city, and plenty of walking tours to choose from. We spent Christmas there in December 2018 and it’s one of our most memorable holidays to this day!

In the Czech Republic, the winter season runs from December to February. However, the month you choose to visit the central European country can significantly impact your experience.

Tourists who visit Prague in December will benefit from Christmas markets and festive lights, but they will also have to maneouvre through busy crows and pay high hotel rates.

Whilst those who visit in January and February will benefit from cheaper hotel rooms, fewer crowds of tourists, and shorter queues for the best attractions, they will miss out on the festive cheer and the chance of snowfall.

This post explores three reasons why winter is a brilliant time to visit Prague so you make the most of the Gothic beauty that is the Czech capital.

Christmas Markets (Early Winter)

Many tourists travel to European cities like Prague in winter mainly to explore the often German-themed Christmas markets. However, these only take place in early winter (usually the end of November to early January), so make sure you plan your city break at the right time. 

The main Prague Christmas Market is located across both Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, which are five minutes apart on foot. It is open between 10am and 10pm every day from the 30th of November 2024 to the 6th of January 2025. 

With free entry, tourists and locals can explore the wooden huts selling sweet and savoury food, hot drinks, local handicrafts, jewellery, candles, Christmas tree ornaments, and much more.

There are also a few smaller markets in Prague throughout early winter. These are located in: 

 

• Republic Square. Open from 10am to 8pm between the 25th of November and the 24th of December 2024.
• Na Kampě Square. Open from 10am to 8pm between the 29th of November 2024 and the 1st of January 2025.

 

It’s important to note that during December, when the Christmas markets are on, streets are busier and hotel room prices are higher.

Cheaper Hotel Rooms (Late Winter)

For those who aren’t in the festive spirit, are on a budget, or don’t enjoy busy crowds, you should visit Prague in January or February. 

When most Christmas markets pack up in early January, the price of hotel rooms drop and the number of tourists decreases. So, you can enjoy your winter city break with a smaller budget, all whilst avoiding long queues, booked-up restaurants, and an overcrowded Charles Bridge.

For example, a double room in Ibis Praha Old Town costs £138 for a Saturday night in December (when the Christmas markets are on). The same room costs £61 for a Saturday night in February. This makes January and February a great time to treat yourself to a lovely hotel for almost half the price. 

Keep in mind that the one-week half term school holiday and Valentine’s Day can increase winter tourism in February, so hotel room prices may increase slightly.

Czech Food (All Winter)

Traditional Czech food is known to be hearty and comforting, which is exactly what you need when the temperature outside is usually less than 6 degrees between December and February.

Here are some examples of traditional Czech dishes, full of meat and carbs, that you can indulge in on your winter city break: 

• Kulajda. Soup filled with potatoes, dill, sour cream, and a poached egg. 
• Žemlovka. A Czech take on apple pie.
• Goulash. Chunks of beef in a thick onion-based gravy served with dumplings or fresh bread.
• Smažený kapr s bramborový salát. Fried carp with potato salad.
• Palačinky. Czech pancakes with either sweet or savoury fillings.

 

Ready To Spend Winter In Prague?

If you are lucky enough to experience some snowfall, the Gothic beauty of Prague is wonderful for family trips but equally perfect for couples. Have you visited yet?