December is the one month when Prague’s churches open their doors nightly and the squares fill with choirs. Some of it is ticketed and formal, much of it is free and unannounced, and the difference between the two is worth understanding before you plan an evening.
Prague Christmas Markets 2026: Dates & Opening Hours
Here are the confirmed dates for the 2026–2027 season, so you can plan before you go:
| Market | Dates | Daily hours |
| Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí) | 28 November 2026 – 6 January 2027 | 10:00 – 22:00 |
| Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí) | 28 November 2026 – 6 January 2027 | 10:00 – 22:00 |
| Peace Square (Náměstí Míru) | 20 November – 24 December 2026 | 10:00 – 20:00 |
| Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky) | 25 November – 24 December 2026 | 10:00 – 19:00 |
Tree lighting ceremony: 28 November 2026 at 16:30 on Old Town Square.
Holiday exceptions: 24 December 10:00–14:00 · 25–26 December 12:00–22:00 · 31 December 10:00–15:00.
Entry is free at every market — you only pay for food, drinks and gifts.
Free Performances at the Markets
Both Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square run stages with near-continuous programmes through Advent: school choirs in the afternoon, professional ensembles and conservatory students in the evening. Nothing is ticketed, nothing is announced far in advance, and the standard is often surprisingly high. Old Town Square peaks between 17:00 and 20:00; Wenceslas Square is easier to get close to. Outdoor carol events you shouldn’t miss covers the regular fixtures.
Church Concerts Worth Booking
St Nicholas Church, Malá Strana
The finest baroque interior in Prague and the acoustics to match. Concerts run most evenings in December and sell out on weekends. Book ahead.
Bethlehem Chapel
Plainer, older, and historically weighty — Jan Hus preached here. Intimate performances in a space that carries voices remarkably well.
Church of Our Lady before Týn
The twin-towered church on Old Town Square itself, which means you can step from the market straight into a concert.
St Vitus Cathedral
Occasional Advent concerts inside the Castle complex — the largest space and the longest reverberation of any venue in the city.
Churches with the best acoustics compares them properly.
Tickets and Prices
Market performances are free. Church concerts typically run 400–900 CZK depending on the venue and ensemble, with some smaller churches asking only a voluntary donation at the door. Tickets are sold online, at tourist offices and by sellers outside the churches themselves. For the larger classical programme, see top classical concerts and operas and Christmas jazz nights and candlelight concerts.
Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve
On 24 December, churches across the city hold midnight mass, and most welcome visitors regardless of faith. St Vitus Cathedral is the grandest; neighbourhood churches are quieter and, for many people, more moving. Note that the markets close at 14:00 that day, so the evening belongs entirely to the churches.
Who You Are Listening To
Prague has a deep choral tradition and many of the ensembles performing in Advent are long-established amateur and semi-professional groups rather than tourist acts. Choir groups that bring Prague to life introduces the regulars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are carol performances free?
At the Christmas markets, yes — all of them. Church concerts usually charge 400–900 CZK, though some ask only for a donation.
Where are the best acoustics?
St Nicholas in Malá Strana for baroque richness, St Vitus Cathedral for scale, Bethlehem Chapel for intimacy.
Do I need to book in advance?
For weekend concerts at St Nicholas, yes. Weekday performances can usually be booked the same day.
Can I attend midnight mass as a visitor?
Yes. Churches across Prague hold mass on 24 December and visitors are welcome. Arrive early for a seat at the larger churches.
Dates and opening hours were last verified in August 2026. Market organisers occasionally adjust hours for special events — check before a long trip across the city.
