Prague, Czech Republic
Prague's Old Town Square becomes a festive paradise during the Christmas season. The majestic Christmas tree, brightly decorated stalls, and the iconic astronomical clock create a magical atmosphere for visitors to enjoy.
The heart of the Prague Christmas Market is undoubtedly the Old Town Square, where the historic backdrop of the Old Town Hall and the Church of Our Lady Before Týn adds a fairytale quality to the festivities. Here's what you can expect when you visit:
The heart of the Prague Christmas Market is undoubtedly the Old Town Square, where the historic backdrop of the Old Town Hall and the Church of Our Lady Before Týn adds a fairytale quality to the festivities. Here's what you can expect when you visit:
- Astronomical Clock
- Traditional Czech crafts
- Culinary delights
- Christmas carols and entertainment
- Unique experiences
Prague Christmas Markets in 2023
The Prague Christmas Markets are open daily from 2nd December 2023 to 6th January 2024, including on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
The main Christmas markets are held at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, in the heart of the city.
Opening hours are 10:00-22:00. Entry is free.
In addition, Prague Castle holds a sizeable Christmas market on the square in front of St. George's Basilica. The market is open daily from 2nd December 2023 to 6th January 2024.
Opening hours 09:00-18:00/19:00. Entry is free.
Smaller Christmas markets are held at:
Two local Christmas markets are held just outside the city centre, 15 minutes walk from Wenceslas Square. May be worth visiting if you are in Prague before the main markets open:
The Prague Christmas Markets are open daily from 2nd December 2023 to 6th January 2024, including on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
The main Christmas markets are held at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, in the heart of the city.
Opening hours are 10:00-22:00. Entry is free.
In addition, Prague Castle holds a sizeable Christmas market on the square in front of St. George's Basilica. The market is open daily from 2nd December 2023 to 6th January 2024.
Opening hours 09:00-18:00/19:00. Entry is free.
Smaller Christmas markets are held at:
- Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky), in front of Palladium Shopping Centre. Open daily from 25th November to 30th December 2023. Opening hours 10:00-22:00.
- Na Kampě Square, by Charles Bridge in the Lesser Town. Open daily from 3rd December 2023 to 1st January 2024. Opening hours 10:00-20:00.
- Havel's Market in the Old Town. The city's main permanent market adopts a festive feel with Christmas stalls and a large Christmas tree. Open: Daily 06:00-18:30.
Two local Christmas markets are held just outside the city centre, 15 minutes walk from Wenceslas Square. May be worth visiting if you are in Prague before the main markets open:
- Peace Square (Náměstí Míru). Open 20th November to 24th December 2023. 10:00-20:00.
- Tyl Square (Tylovo náměstí). Open 26th November to 24th December 2023. 10:00-20:00.
Cologne, Germany
Cologne, Germany, is home to a series of wonderful Christmas markets, collectively offering a diverse and enchanting holiday experience. The most famous among them is the Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market (Kölner Weihnachtsmarkt am Kölner Dom), which is celebrated not only for its festive offerings but also for its breathtaking backdrop, the Cologne Cathedral.
- Setting and ambiance
- Artisan crafts
- Culinary delights
- Live entertainment
Cologne's Christmas markets are not only about shopping and indulgence but also about immersing yourself in the rich holiday traditions of the region. The unique backdrop of the Cologne Cathedral, combined with the variety of markets, makes it a special destination for anyone seeking the magic of Christmas in Germany. Whether you explore one or all of Cologne's Christmas markets, you're sure to leave with cherished memories and a heart full of holiday joy.
Cologne Christmas markets in 2023:
The biggest of all the city markets in the shadow of the symbol of the city, Cologne Cathedral.
Dates: 23.11.23 - 23.12.23
Times: Sunday-Wednesday: 11.00-21.00
Thursday-Friday: 11.00-22.00
Saturday: 10.00-22.00
Location: Roncalliplatz next to Cologne Cathedral
Website: www.koelnerweihnachtsmarkt.com
This market is located in the Cologne's 'Altstadt' (the old town) on the Alter Markt and calls itself the Home of the Heinzelmännchen (who were little creatures from a Cologne legend who used to do all the housework until they were annoyed by an inquisitive housewife).
Dates: 24.11.23 - 23.12.23
Times: 11.00-22.00
Location: Between the Heumarkt and the Alter Markt in the old town
Website: www.heinzels-wintermaerchen.de
The Angels' Market is the big market in the Neumarkt square, a little way outside the immediate city centre. It is one of the original markets that restarted the Christmas market boom in Cologne in the 70s.
Dates: 20.11.23 - 23.12.23
Times: Monday-Thursday: 11.00-21.00
Friday-Saturday: 11.00-22.00
Location: In the Neumarkt to the west of the city centre
Website: www.markt-der-engel.de
- Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market
The biggest of all the city markets in the shadow of the symbol of the city, Cologne Cathedral.
Dates: 23.11.23 - 23.12.23
Times: Sunday-Wednesday: 11.00-21.00
Thursday-Friday: 11.00-22.00
Saturday: 10.00-22.00
Location: Roncalliplatz next to Cologne Cathedral
Website: www.koelnerweihnachtsmarkt.com
- The Christmas Market in Cologne's Old Town
This market is located in the Cologne's 'Altstadt' (the old town) on the Alter Markt and calls itself the Home of the Heinzelmännchen (who were little creatures from a Cologne legend who used to do all the housework until they were annoyed by an inquisitive housewife).
Dates: 24.11.23 - 23.12.23
Times: 11.00-22.00
Location: Between the Heumarkt and the Alter Markt in the old town
Website: www.heinzels-wintermaerchen.de
- The Angels' Market
The Angels' Market is the big market in the Neumarkt square, a little way outside the immediate city centre. It is one of the original markets that restarted the Christmas market boom in Cologne in the 70s.
Dates: 20.11.23 - 23.12.23
Times: Monday-Thursday: 11.00-21.00
Friday-Saturday: 11.00-22.00
Location: In the Neumarkt to the west of the city centre
Website: www.markt-der-engel.de
Vienna, Austria
Vienna's Christmas market is a masterpiece of elegance and tradition. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Vienna City Hall (Rathaus), it offers a unique blend of arts and crafts, festive delicacies, and musical performances.
- Location and atmosphere
- Christmas decorations
- Arts and crafts
- Culinary delights
- Musical performances
- Ice Dream Vienna
- Children's program
- Vienna Christmas Dream Parade
Vienna Christmas markets in 2023:
Most markets have already announced their 2023 starting dates:
You can find updated information on the opening dates and hours here.
Most markets have already announced their 2023 starting dates:
- November 10th: Am Hof; Stephansplatz; Altes AKH; Christkindlmarkt am Rathausplatz (the “big one”)
- November 15th: Weihnachtsdorf on Maria-Theresien-Platz
- November 16th: Spittelberg
- November 17th: Belvedere; Freyung
- November 18th: the Schönbrunn market; Wintermarkt am Riesenradplatz
- November 23rd: Weihnachtszauber, Hirschstetten
- November 24th: Karlsplatz
You can find updated information on the opening dates and hours here.
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