Groups of St Nicholas, an angel and a devil walk the old town in the evening, giving sweets to children who recite a poem. Old Town Square is the centre of it.
Carp in tubs
In the days before Christmas, live carp are sold from street tubs for the Christmas Eve dinner. Some families release theirs into the river.
24–26 December
Christmas Eve is the main family celebration; large shops close at noon and the 25th is quiet. Markets on Old Town and Wenceslas Squares stay open.
Advent and Christmas concerts
Churches and halls fill with concerts, including a Christmas gala at the Rudolfinum on 25 December and the New Year’s concert at the Municipal House on 1 January.
31 December · New Year’s Eve
Crowds gather on Wenceslas Square, Old Town Square and the bridges; it is loud and very busy. Families may prefer a quieter evening away from the centre.
Good to know
Go early or late
Weekday mornings are calmest; Friday and Saturday evenings are packed.
Dresden’s Striezelmarkt
25 November–24 December 2026, daily 10:00–21:00 (from 16:00 on opening day, until 14:00 on Christmas Eve); a good reason for a day trip.
Castle gardens are closed
The Royal Garden and South Gardens of Prague Castle stay closed until March; the courtyards and buildings are open.