Escape the crowds of Prague’s bustling Christmas markets and discover the festive charm of nearby towns. Just a short drive from the capital, these markets offer traditional Czech food, local crafts, and seasonal entertainment in a more relaxed winter setting.
Looking for a weekend getaway or simply a change of scenery? Explore five charming towns just a short drive from the capital and soak up the winter atmosphere—without the crowds and at more affordable prices—all within two hours.
Five Czech Christmas markets near Prague:
- Christmas Market Plzeň
Plzeň, world-famous for its beer, just 60 minutes from Prague, presents a human-sized nativity scene capturing the real essence of Christmas. Open from 22 November to 23 December, every day between 10:00 and 20:00 at Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky). Come to Plzeň to take a ride on the Ferris wheel and try the famous sweet trdelník.
- Christmas Market Karlštejn
Experience the medieval setting of Karlštejn, where the Christmas market brings a historical holiday ambience around the castle. The market runs every Friday to Sunday from 10:00 to 15:00 on the following dates: 28–30 November, 5–7 December, 12–14 December, 19–21 December, and 26–28 December, just 45 minutes from Prague.
- Christmas Market Kladno
The Christmas Market in Kladno starts on 29 November and ends on 28 December, and is open daily from 11:00 until 20:00 at Starosta Pavla Square (Náměstí Starosta Pavla), just a short 30-minute drive from Prague. Every year, the city hosts a charity event called Pohádkový strom (Fairy Tale Tree), where people donate gifts to children from orphanages to make their Christmas memorable. Visitors can also enjoy ice skating, traditional Czech food, and live concerts.
- Christmas Market Kutná Hora
Visit Kutná Hora, the UNESCO-listed historic centre, for the Christmas Market at Valašský Courtyard (Valašský Dvůr). Enjoy the lighting of the Christmas tree on 30 November, just an hour away from Prague. Take a trip to Kutná Hora on 7 December for a music programme, crafting activities for children, and food tasting. Open hours 10:00–18:00 on both days.
- Christmas Market Hradec Králové
If you are looking for a quick escape from the crowds, Hradec Králové offers traditional Czech cuisine, local beverages, handmade Christmas products, and music performances. Come to Velké Square (Velké náměstí) to feel the festive Czech spirit during Christmas time, less than 60 minutes from Prague. Opens from 30 November, 16:00–20:00; Monday to Friday, 13:00–20:00; Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00–20:00; the last day to visit is 23 December, 10:00–17:00.
Prague is not the only city hosting Christmas markets worth visiting. Explore one of the markets in Hradec Králové, Kladno, Kutná Hora, Karlštejn, or Plzeň, and experience the Czech Republic during the festive season.
