Prague in winter: what to do in December, January and February
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Prague in winter is a different city: fewer crowds on Charles Bridge, frost on the Gothic spires, the smell of mulled wine in the squares and, with a bit of luck, snow on the red roofs. It is also cold, dark early and sometimes grey. Here is how to make the most of it — from the Christmas markets in December to quiet museum days in February.
What is the weather like in Prague in winter?
From December to February, daytime temperatures in Prague usually stay around 0–4 °C, and nights are often below freezing. January is normally the coldest month. Snow is possible but not guaranteed — recent winters have been mild, and a white Prague is a lucky bonus rather than a promise. Days are short: in December it gets dark around 16:00.
What to pack: a warm coat, a hat, gloves and — most importantly — comfortable, waterproof shoes with a good grip. The Old Town’s cobblestones are beautiful, but slippery when wet or icy.
Things to do in Prague in December
Christmas markets
The biggest and best-known Christmas market fills Old Town Square, with a huge Christmas tree in front of the Týn Church. Another large one is on Wenceslas Square, and there are smaller, more local markets in other parts of the city. The markets usually open at the end of November and the one on Old Town Square runs until 6 January; check the official dates for the current year before you travel. Try a hot svařák (mulled wine), grilled sausages and roasted chestnuts.
Czech Christmas traditions
On the evening of 5 December, St Nicholas (Mikuláš) walks the streets with an angel and a devil, handing out sweets to children who have been good — a fun sight on Old Town Square. In the days before Christmas, you may see live carp sold from tubs in the street: fried carp with potato salad is the traditional Czech Christmas Eve dinner. Christmas concerts in Prague’s churches are another lovely way to spend an evening.
New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve in Prague is busy and loud, especially on Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. Note that the city no longer organises an official New Year’s fireworks show, and private fireworks are banned in much of the centre. If you prefer a calm night, book a dinner or a river cruise and watch the celebrations from a distance.
Prague in January and February
After the holidays, Prague is at its quietest. It is the best time to see the famous sights without queues: Prague Castle in the morning, Charles Bridge at sunrise, the Astronomical Clock without a crowd. Prices for hotels are often lower too. Pair a short walk outside with a long visit inside — the city has some of the best museums in Central Europe (see our guide to the best museums in Prague).
Indoor things to do on a cold day
- Museums and galleries: the National Museum, the National Technical Museum, the National Gallery collections and many small, specialised museums.
- Concerts and theatre: classical concerts, opera, ballet and the famous black-light theatre.
- Cafés: Prague’s historic cafés are made for winter afternoons.
- A chocolate afternoon: two minutes from Old Town Square, the Choco-Story Chocolate Museum tells the story of cocoa in seven rooms, from Mayan temples to Belgian pralines, and every ticket includes a tasting of up to five kinds of Belgian chocolate. The whole visit is indoors and takes 30–45 minutes.
Where to warm up: hot chocolate in the Old Town
Nothing beats a thick hot chocolate after a walk in the cold. At our chocolate shop and café at Celetná 10, between the Powder Tower and Old Town Square, you can warm up with a hot chocolate or a coffee, try Belgian pralines and pick up chocolates with Prague motifs as souvenirs. The shop is open to everyone, no museum ticket needed — every day from 10:00 until 22:30, and until 23:00 from Friday to Sunday, so it is easy to stop by after the Christmas market.
Want to make it at home? Here is our recipe for Belgian hot chocolate.
Winter with kids
Children love the Christmas markets, St Nicholas Day and the lights — but they get cold faster than adults. Plan indoor breaks. At our chocolate workshop, kids from 4 years old make and decorate their own chocolate bars with our chocolatiers and take them home. More ideas in our guide to Prague with kids.
A winter gift from Prague
Looking for a Christmas present? A Choco-Story gift card gives a visit to the museum with a chocolate tasting — or the museum and the workshop together. You buy it online in a few minutes, and the recipient chooses the day. For souvenirs to take home, see our guide on what to buy in Prague.
Plan your visit
The Choco-Story museum is open every day from 10:00 to 22:00, including during the Christmas season, a short walk from the Old Town Square Christmas market. Workshops have limited places, especially in December — book your tickets online before you come.
