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Prague Christmas Markets 2017 with Kids

5 mins 55 secs reading
Prague Christmas Markets 2017 with Kids

When I think about Christmas in Prague with kids, I always imagine three things – an ice rink, a cup of hot drink and the Prague Christmas markets. Here is my list of the Prague Christmas markets that I like visiting the most with my kids, and the ones you really can’t afford to miss.

To make the markets more fun for my boys, I give them a small budget to spend on presents. This way, they enjoy the markets a lot more - they run around, look for things they like, and add the prices up to fit things into their budget. Use my printable that lets children keep track of the presents they buy on the trip and make Prague gift tags for them!

Oh, and there’s one more thing you should know before going to a Christmas market in Prague with kids – how to say Merry Christmas in Czech! The sellers will be pleasantly surprised when you wish them “Veselé Vánoce”.

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Local Farmer’s and Prague Christmas markets at Jiřího z Poděbrad Square 

This is where to go if you’re looking for a genuinely local experience. At this market, organizers visit each farm and producer in person, certifying it before allowing them to sell their products on the market. Therefore, you can be certain that the quality is high and the origin of the food, souvenirs and art you see on display are authentic.

The farmer’s market is open all year long (except on December 24th) every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.. Every Saturday in December prior to Christmas Eve, the traditional farmer’s market turns into a Christmas market from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.. You can also come here on New Year’s Eve (December 31) from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to enjoy some fresh products and drinks.

How to get here? It’s super easy and fast. Just take the green metro line A (from stations Staroměstská, Můstek or Muzeum located in the center) to the station called Jiřího z Poděbrad. Once you get off, you’ll see the large square (it looks like a park) with a Church in the middle. The market stalls are spread along one side of the Church.

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Traditional Prague Christmas markets with kids in the very city center 

Even if you wanted to, you could’t miss the Christmas markets around the center of Prague in December. There are 3 main Prague Christmas markets market places with locations rather close to each other:

1)  Christmas market at Old Town Square  – 2.12.2017 – 6.1.2018

2) Christmas markets at Wenceslas Square –  2.12.2017 – 6.1.2018

3) Christmas markets Republic Square (Namesti Republiky) -2.12.2017 – 30.12.2017

All of these markets are managed by the same company, so you can expect a similar selection at all of them. The markets have a magical feel to them, especially after dark. Fortunately, it gets dark no later than 4 p.m. in December, so you don’t have to wait for the evening to enjoy it with your kids.

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And one more suggestion – all these markets are very popular and hence crowded, so it’s better to hold hands with your children at all times so that you don’t loose sight of them.

See the map to get better directions:


Christmas Market at the Old Town Square (2nd  Dec 2017 – 6th Jan 2018)

The main market is in the Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí). That’s where the tallest Christmas tree in Prague is and all kinds of concerts take place there. Every year the tree is brought all the way from Moravia, and is always from the same village. There is a little music and light show on the hour and half hour that I’m sure the children will enjoy too.

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Wenceslas Square & Republic Square Prague Christmas Markets

Just a five minute walk from the Old Town Square is Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí) – open from 2nd December  to 30th December 2017. Another Christmas market sits at the lower end of the square (Můstek). This area is basically a intersection, but just for pedestrians, so there is a lot of people walking through here.

Another market is in front of the shopping mall Palladium in Republic Square (Náměstí republiky) – open from  25th November to 24th December 2017. You might want to come here to see the beautiful Art Nouveau styled Municipal House! By the way, children can create their own Art Nuveau with my Prague Family Kit – the Magical Old Town Square walk includes this. Or maybe you’d want to come here to do some Christmas shopping in the mall. The market is small and usually a bit less crowded, just be aware that it’s only open until 30th December 2017.

Upated information on these three Prague Christmas markets you can also find here.

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The most popular year-round market at Náplavka

The farmer’s market on the bank of the Vltava River has quickly become the most popular in the city. It attracts crowds of both locals and tourists, and is host to some great farmers, sellers, artists and chefs. The market is open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and it too turns into a Christmas market during the holidays. It’s also open on New Year’s Eve (December 31) from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for you to enjoy some tasty homemade food and hot drinks.

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How to get here? You can either take the yellow metro line B to Karlovo náměstí and take the exit towards Na Moráni (double check this one, it is important to take the right exit here so as not to end up on the other side). From the Na Moráni exit, go to the river, turn left and walk along the bank for a couple of minutes. There are ships along the river bank and walking along, you’ll spot the market stalls easily. Your other option is to take a tram to the stop Palackého Náměstí (or Nábřeží); trams 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21 and 25 all stop there.

One more Prague Christmas market with kids- my local tip

There is one more market I enjoy with my children. It’s not far from the center in Peace Square (Náměstí míru). The market is in front of the neo-gothic Church of St. Ludmila (Kostel sv. Ludmily) and you’re allowed to take a peek inside. The nativity scene may be on display (you can only see it on specific days and hours during the Christmas holiday). The market isn’t big but it feels less touristy than the ones in the city center.

How to get here? This is just a hop, skip and a jump from the center. Just take the green metro line A to the station called Náměstí Míru. All the exits lead to the square so there’s no way you can miss it.

There are also some great cafes around the square. The IF Café (run by a great confectioner, Iveta Fabešová). Or you can visit Kavárna Maluj – a creative café where both you and your children can create your own pottery souvenirs to bring home!

Let me know in the comment what did you buy and which market did your children like the most! I’m always curious about your answers :).

2 comments

  1. 10x YES to Prague with Family - Prague with Family says:

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