Things to Do in Prague in December

December Weather in Prague

4°C (40°F) High Temp

1°C (33°F) Low Temp

23 mm (0.9 inches) Rainfall

85% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Christmas markets in full swing - Wenceslas Square, Old Town Square, and Náměstí Míru host authentic markets with mulled wine (svařák) for 80-120 CZK and traditional crafts, operating daily 10am-10pm through December 23rd
Cheapest accommodation rates of the year - hotel prices drop 40-60% compared to summer, with luxury hotels averaging 2,500-4,000 CZK/night versus 6,000+ in peak season
Magical winter atmosphere without summer crowds - Prague Castle receives 8,000 daily visitors in December versus 25,000+ in July, allowing peaceful exploration of courtyards and St. Vitus Cathedral
Concert season peaks with exceptional classical performances - Czech Philharmonic, Smetana Hall, and church concerts offer programs featuring Dvořák and Smetana, with tickets starting at 500 CZK

Considerations

Extremely short daylight hours - sunrise at 7:50am, sunset at 4:10pm gives you only 8 hours 20 minutes of natural light for sightseeing
Unpredictable weather shifts - temperatures can swing 10°C (18°F) within 24 hours, with sudden snow turning cobblestones treacherous without proper footwear
Many outdoor terraces and beer gardens closed - traditional Czech pub culture moves entirely indoors, limiting the authentic terrace dining experience Prague is known for

Best Activities in December

Prague Castle Winter Tours

December offers the most atmospheric castle experience with snow-dusted spires and minimal crowds. St. Vitus Cathedral's stained glass windows create stunning light effects in winter's low sun angle. The courtyards and gardens take on a fairytale quality, and you can explore at leisure without summer's overwhelming tourist masses.

Booking Tip: Skip-the-line tickets cost 350-500 CZK and are essential even in winter for popular time slots. Book 5-7 days ahead through official castle website or licensed tour operators. Evening tours (4-6pm) offer magical twilight views. See current tour options in booking section below.

Traditional Czech Spa Treatments

December is perfect for authentic Czech spa culture - locals retreat to thermal baths and wellness centers during cold months. Historic spa towns like Karlovy Vary are 2 hours (120 km/75 miles) from Prague, offering mineral springs and traditional treatments. In Prague itself, historic spa houses provide authentic thermal experiences.

Booking Tip: Day spa packages range 1,500-3,500 CZK including treatments and thermal access. Book 10-14 days ahead for weekend slots. Multi-day Karlovy Vary packages typically cost 4,000-8,000 CZK including accommodation and spa access.

Vltava River Winter Cruises

Heated river boats offer unique perspectives of snow-covered Prague landmarks. December cruises feature Christmas themes, mulled wine service, and views of illuminated castle and bridges. The contrast between warm boat interiors and winter cityscape creates memorable experiences, with dramatically fewer boats than summer months.

Booking Tip: Winter cruises operate 11am-8pm with hourly departures. Heated cabin cruises cost 400-800 CZK for 1-2 hours. Book same-day or 2-3 days ahead. Evening dinner cruises (6-9pm) range 1,200-2,500 CZK. Licensed operators cluster near Charles Bridge and Wenceslas Square.

Classical Concert Experiences

Prague's concert season peaks in December with exceptional acoustics in historic venues enhanced by winter's crisp air. Municipal House (Obecní dům), St. Nicholas Church, and Rudolfinum host world-class performances. December features special Christmas concerts and Czech composers' works, with venues beautifully decorated for holidays.

Booking Tip: Tickets range 500-2,500 CZK depending on venue and seating. Book 7-14 days ahead for premium concerts, same-day for smaller church performances. Avoid tourist-focused 'Mozart in costume' concerts - seek authentic Czech Philharmonic or chamber music programs instead.

Traditional Czech Pub Culture Tours

December forces Prague's pub culture indoors, creating authentic atmosphere in historic beer halls. Traditional pubs (hospody) serve seasonal specialties like goulash and svíčková alongside Pilsner Urquell and Bernard. Local pub crawls focus on neighborhood establishments rather than tourist zones, offering genuine Czech drinking culture.

Booking Tip: Authentic pub tours cost 800-1,500 CZK including 3-4 venues and beer tastings. Book through local operators 3-5 days ahead. Avoid Old Town tourist pubs - authentic experiences happen in Vinohrady, Karlín, and Smíchov neighborhoods. Evening tours (6-10pm) capture best local atmosphere.

Day Trips to Český Krumlov

This UNESCO town becomes a winter wonderland in December, with medieval streets covered in snow and far fewer tourists than summer months. The 160 km (99 mile) journey takes 2.5 hours each way, but December offers the most photogenic and peaceful experience of this fairy-tale destination.

Booking Tip: Day trip packages cost 1,800-3,200 CZK including transport and guided tours. Book 7-10 days ahead as winter schedules are limited. Train connections require 3+ hours with changes - organized bus tours are more efficient. Some attractions have reduced winter hours 10am-4pm.

December Events & Festivals

Late November through December 23rd

Prague Christmas Markets

Authentic markets throughout the city featuring traditional Czech crafts, svařák (mulled wine), trdelník pastries, and Christmas decorations. Old Town Square hosts the main market with a massive Christmas tree and nativity scene. Local vendors sell hand-blown ornaments, wooden toys, and warm winter clothing.

December 5th-6th

St. Nicholas Day Celebrations

Traditional Czech holiday where costumed St. Nicholas, angels, and devils parade through streets and visit children. Major celebrations occur in Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square with traditional performances, folk music, and special market stalls selling St. Nicholas treats and gifts.

December 31st

New Year's Eve Fireworks at Prague Castle

The city's official New Year celebration features fireworks launched from Prague Castle grounds, visible throughout central Prague. Wenceslas Square and Charles Bridge become gathering points for celebrations. Free outdoor event with live music and midnight fireworks display over the Vltava River.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated waterproof boots with good tread - cobblestone streets become extremely slippery when wet or icy, and you'll walk 8-12 km (5-7.5 miles) daily exploring the city

Layered clothing system - thermal base layer, insulating mid-layer, waterproof outer shell to handle temperature swings of 10°C (18°F) throughout the day

Waterproof gloves and warm hat - exposed extremities suffer in 85% humidity with wind chill, and you'll spend hours outdoors at markets and sightseeing

Compact umbrella - light precipitation occurs on 10 days, often as sleet or freezing rain that penetrates standard rain gear

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries 40-50% faster, and you'll rely on maps and translation apps constantly

Cash in small denominations - Christmas markets and traditional pubs prefer cash, vendors often can't break 1,000+ CZK notes

Sunglasses - winter sun reflecting off snow and wet cobblestones creates intense glare despite low UV index of 1

Lip balm and moisturizer - 85% humidity combined with indoor heating creates severe skin drying, especially for visitors from different climates

Scarf or neck warmer - essential protection for walking between heated indoor attractions and cold outdoor exploration

Hand/foot warmers - small disposable warmers provide crucial comfort during 2-3 hour outdoor market visits or castle tours

Insider Knowledge

Visit Prague Castle at 2-4pm in December - this timing captures the best natural light before 4:10pm sunset, and crowds thin out as day-trippers return to hotels

Locals drink svařák (mulled wine) standing at outdoor market stalls even in snow - this is authentic Czech winter culture, not tourist theater

Use tram system extensively in December - walking distances that seem short on maps become exhausting in winter conditions, and trams run every 3-5 minutes

Book restaurant reservations by 2pm for same-day dinner - many traditional Czech restaurants have limited winter seating as outdoor terraces close, creating capacity issues

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how early darkness falls - planning outdoor activities after 3pm wastes precious daylight, leaving you exploring major sights in artificial lighting

Wearing inadequate footwear for cobblestones - smooth-soled shoes become dangerous on wet Prague streets, leading to slips and injuries that ruin trips

Expecting summer opening hours - many attractions, restaurants, and shops reduce December hours significantly, closing as early as 5pm instead of 8-10pm