Christmas without the crowds: A guide to Prague's smaller holiday markets

While the Christmas market at Prague’s Old Town Square makes international lists and garners the bulk of the attention, the city is filled with smaller markets that are also worth exploring.

Just around the corner from Old Town Square, there is an overlooked smaller market on Mariánské náměstí, in front of City Hall. A spruce tree is decorated in red and gold, the city's colors. People can drop off papers with their wishes at the hand-carved Nativity scene. In addition to the usual stands with gifts and refreshments, there is also space for non-governmental organizations.

Prague Castle also has a market in front of the St. George's Basilica, with an accompanying musical program. While the market has mostly attracted tourists in the past, the Office of the President hopes to attract more locals this year. One stand will also be set aside for use by charities.

One of the most popular markets outside the center is the one at náměstí Míru, which fills the space in front of the Church of St. Ludmila with several rows of stands and an Instagram-friendly decorated tree that makes for nice photos.

A somewhat smaller market is at náměstí Jiřího z Poděbrad, and serves as a meeting point for people from Vinohrady and Žižkov to stop for a glass of hot wine or shop for a warm pair of gloves.

A small distance from the Hradčanská metro stop, you can find another small market in Šabachův park at Kafkova and Wuchterlova streets. It has a daily cultural program as well.

Some markets are only open on weekends or just for a limited time. The one at Vítězné náměstí is open on Saturdays, while another at Karlínské náměstí is on Sundays.

At Výstaviště, there will be a popup pottery market and the holiday edition of Dyzajn market. Pražská tržnice will host Lemarket and the holiday edition of MINT market. All of them will feature works by local designers and craftspeople.

There is also a four-day Silver Christmas market at PVA Letňany with thousands of items from Czech and foreign producers. 

Old Town Square: Until Jan. 6

Lower part of Wenceslas Square: Until Jan. 6

Upper part of Wenceslas Square: Until Jan. 3

Mariánském náměstí: Until Dec. 18

Prague Castle: Until Jan. 6

Náměstí Republiky: Until Dec. 24

Náměstí Republiky at the Palladium: Until Dec. 24

Clam-Gallas Palace: Dec. 3

Park Lane at Valdštejnská street: Dec. 10

Náměstí Míru: Until Dec. 24

Tylovo náměstí: Until Dec. 24

New Town Hall: Dec. 10–12

Náměstí Jiřího z Poděbrad: Until Dec. 23

Chodovská tvrz: Dec. 16–18

Anděl: Until Dec. 24

Manifesto: Events throughout the holiday season

Vítězné náměstí: Dec. 3, Dec. 10, Dec. 17

Šabachův park: Until Dec. 23

Výstaviště pottery and crafts market: Dec. 3–4

Výstaviště winter Dyzajn market: Dec. 10–11

Advent at the Agricultural Museum: Dec. 10

Pražská tržnice holiday Lemarket: Dec. 10–11

Pražská tržnice holiday MINT market: Dec. 16–17

Karlínské náměstí: Nov. 27, Dec. 4, Dec. 11, Dec. 18

PVA Letňany: Dec. 8–11

Lya Beer Café's Makers Market: Dec. 3