Prague in December: What to Expect, What to Do, and Why It’s So Magical

Thinking about visiting Prague in December but not sure what to expect? Wondering if it’s too cold, too dark, or just not the right time of year — especially with kids?

I had the same questions. But after spending a week in Prague at the beginning of December, I can say this: it’s one of the most festive, walkable, and unexpectedly easy cities to enjoy in the winter.

Yes, it’s chilly — but if you dress in warm layers and keep moving, it’s absolutely manageable. Yes, the days are shorter — but the twinkling lights, early sunsets, and festive Christmas markets make the evenings feel magical. And no, you don’t need to plan every moment — because the best parts of Prague in December are the ones you stumble across.

In this post, you’ll find tips on what to pack, what to do, and what it’s really like to visit Prague in December — especially if you’re travelling with kids.

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Why December Might Be the Best Time to Visit Prague

There’s a different pace in December. While Prague still buzzes with festive energy, it’s less crowded than in peak summer — and easier to enjoy as a family. You can wander the cobblestone streets, take in the twinkling lights just after sunset, and explore the main sights without long queues or big crowds.

It’s also not as cold as you might think. Early December tends to hover just above freezing, with the occasional dusting of snow. We were lucky enough to get a light snowfall on our first evening, which set the perfect scene — and melted by the next day. Most days were grey but manageable, especially with warm layers and the promise of a hot drink or sweet snack just around the corner.

But what really makes December special is the atmosphere. The city glows after dark, with lights strung across the streets and the scent of mulled wine and roasting food drifting from every market stall.

Even with the early sunsets, Prague doesn’t feel dark — it feels warm and alive. We often found ourselves staying out later than planned, just wandering and taking it all in. There’s a quiet kind of magic in the air, and it makes the whole city feel welcoming in a way that’s hard to put into words.

What to Pack for Prague in December

You don’t need to overpack, but you do need to be prepared. December in Prague is cold, damp, and often grey — but with the right gear, it’s easy to stay warm while exploring.

We’re used to Canadian winters, so for us, the weather felt mild. But even so, we made sure to dress in layers, waterproof boots, and warm outerwear — and we were comfortable walking around for most of the day.

Here’s what we recommend bringing:

Layered Clothing

• Base layers: Merino wool or synthetic thermals are ideal. The kids wore inexpensive ones from Decathlon and stayed warm the whole trip.
  
• Mid-layer: A warm fleece or sweater for insulation.
  
• Outer layer: A proper winter coat is essential — ideally one that’s windproof and water-resistant. Lightweight packable puffers also work well for travel. The boys wore these inexpensive ones from Mountain Warehouse, which were warm, easy to move in, and packed down small when we needed to store them.

Waterproof Winter Boots

• You’ll be walking a lot — often on cobblestones — so sturdy, waterproof boots are a must. My kids wore Bogs (rated to -40°C), which were warm but still light enough for long days out and perfect for Prague’s slushy streets.

Wool Socks

• Skip the cotton. Wool or wool-blend socks will keep feet warm and dry, even on damp days. They’re also less prone to odour, which is helpful when travelling.

Cold-Weather Accessories

• Bring gloves, a scarf, and a warm hat for everyone. I find my hands get cold quickly, so I stick with thick wool mitts — gloves just don’t cut it for me. But the boys wore touchscreen gloves, which made it easier for them to help with the phone when we needed to check directions or maps on the go.

Hand Warmers (Optional)

• Not necessary every day, but great for market evenings or longer outings when the temperature drops.

Daypack with Room for Layers

• You’ll likely want to peel off or add layers as you go. We used a small backpack to carry hats, mitts, and snacks, plus any small purchases from the markets.

Enjoying the Christmas Markets with Kids

The Christmas markets were the main reason we chose to visit Prague in December — and they didn’t disappoint. With the festive atmosphere, twinkling lights, and the smell of roasted food and mulled wine, the markets were just as fun for the kids as they were for us.

We originally planned to explore some markets in other towns throughout Czechia. But once we arrived in Prague and saw how festive the city felt, we decided to stay local and soak it all in.

We ended up spending most of our time at the markets in Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, which were just a short walk from our hotel. They had everything we wanted — food, decorations, live music — and with kids, it was so much easier to return to familiar spots.

What the Kids Loved

They were instantly drawn in by the lights, the music, and of course, the food. Trdelník was the clear favourite — warm, sugary, and easy to eat while walking. The nativity scenes and oversized decorations were fun to spot, and they loved seeing the angel, St. Nicholas, and Krampus walking around during Mikuláš Day. It felt magical, but not overwhelming — like a giant holiday fair.

Food, Treats, and Easy Wins for Families

The markets made meals easy. We’d grab a sausage or ham sandwich, then follow it with warm palačinky (Czech pancakes) or sweet pastries. For me, there was svařák (Prague’s equivalent to gluwhein – hot mulled wine) and medovina (honey wine), and for the kids — hot chocolate or warm juice. No one was ever hungry for long.

Tips for Visiting Without Meltdowns

• Go early: Mornings or just after lunch were quieter and easier to navigate with kids.
• Snack often: The food stalls are your friend — take advantage.
• Layer up: We were warm thanks to boots and proper coats, but we also made sure to warm up with indoor stops nearby
• Don’t try to see everything at once: We kept our visits short and returned on different days, which made it feel new each time.

For more details — including market locations, dates, and what to eat — check out our full guide to Prague’s Christmas markets. But if you’re wondering whether they’re worth visiting with kids? Absolutely. These markets ended up being one of the highlights of our entire trip.

Sightseeing and Exploring Outdoors

One of the things we loved most about visiting Prague in December is how easy it was to explore the city on foot. Many of the top sights are within walking distance, and even in winter, the city feels welcoming and manageable with kids.

We spent our days wandering through cobblestone streets, spotting quirky art installations, crossing the iconic Charles Bridge, and watching the city light up as dusk settled in. Since Prague is so compact, we didn’t need to rush or pack in too much — we could follow the boys’ lead and go at a slower pace.

Playgrounds were a surprising bonus. We stopped at a few scattered around the city (including one near Charles Bridge), which gave the kids a chance to run around while we took in the view. It helped break up the sightseeing and made our days feel more balanced.

👉 If you’re planning a trip and want to find the best spots for little ones to play, check out our post on the best playgrounds in Prague.

Even in the cold, it was easy to stay warm just by walking. We dressed in layers, took breaks at cafés or museums when needed, and made a point of alternating longer outdoor walks with quicker indoor stops. It meant we were rarely outside for hours on end, and the kids stayed happy — and warm — the whole time.

Indoor Stops to Warm Up

Even with decent weather and warm clothes, I found it really helpful to plan a few indoor activities each day — both to take a break from the cold and to keep the kids entertained.

Some of our favourite warm-up stops were:

• Gallery of Steel Figures – This quirky museum is filled with life-sized sculptures made entirely from recycled metal. The boys loved it, and unlike most galleries, you’re actually encouraged to touch and climb on many of the displays.
  
• LEGO Museum – With the world’s largest collection of LEGO models, this was a hit for all of us. It’s compact but packed with detail, and a fun spot to spend an hour or two.
  
• National Museum – At the top of Wenceslas Square, this historic building is worth a visit for the architecture alone — but the exhibits are also fantastic. The collections range from natural history to Czech culture, and there’s even a children’s museum section in the newer building next door.

Of course, cafés and bakeries were a daily ritual too. Whether we were grabbing hot chocolate for the kids or a quick coffee for myself, Prague’s cosy cafés made it easy to recharge — especially after being outside for a while.

Mixing outdoor exploration with indoor pauses helped us stretch our sightseeing throughout the day without anyone getting too cold or cranky. Most days, we’d plan one or two indoor stops, and adjust as needed depending on the weather and energy levels.

A December Bonus: Experiencing Mikuláš Day

One of the most unexpected highlights of our trip was finding ourselves in the middle of the Mikuláš Day celebrations on December 5th — a Czech tradition similar to St. Nicholas Day in other parts of Europe.

As evening fell, we started noticing people dressed as St. Nicholas, an angel, and Krampus — the not-so-friendly character meant to scare misbehaving children. They wandered through the markets and streets in costume, handing out small treats or gently teasing kids based on whether they’d been naughty or nice.

One of my boys was even brave enough to get his cheeks smudged with soot by Krampus, which he proudly wore for the rest of the evening. Seeing other kids running around with glowing red devil horns or excitedly pointing at the angel added to the festive atmosphere.

What to Expect in Prague in December

The Weather

Prague in December is chilly but manageable — especially if you’re used to Canadian winters. Early December tends to hover around 4°C (39°F), with colder days closer to 2°C (36°F) as the month progresses. We had a little snow on our first night, which made the city feel extra festive, but it melted by the next day.

For the most part, it was grey and cloudy — but not enough to stop us from being out and about. As long as we dressed in layers, had warm socks and boots, and took breaks to warm up, the weather wasn’t a problem.

Daylight Hours

Expect early sunsets, around 4:30 pm. It might sound early, but the city doesn’t feel dark or dull — the lights and markets give the evenings a warm, festive feel.

Crowds and Atmosphere

While December is busier than you might expect (thanks to the Christmas markets), it still feels calmer than peak summer season. There’s a festive buzz in the air — music in the squares, lights on every corner — but we were never overwhelmed by crowds. Attractions were easy to navigate, and we didn’t deal with long queues or jostling crowds.

Prague also felt safe and walkable. The compact layout meant we weren’t travelling far each day, and we could easily balance outdoor sightseeing with food breaks, cafés, or indoor museums when needed.

Would We Go Back? Final Thoughts on Prague in December

Prague in December really does feel like something out of a storybook — twinkling lights, festive music, warm treats in every square, and just enough chill in the air to make hot chocolate taste even better.

It wasn’t just the Christmas markets or the beautiful architecture that made it special (though those didn’t hurt). It was how easy it was to explore with kids — walkable streets, spontaneous discoveries, and plenty of built-in breaks that made the whole experience feel manageable and fun.

If you’re wondering whether Prague is worth visiting in December, we’d say yes — a thousand times yes. Whether you’re travelling with young kids or just want to experience a slower, more magical version of the city, Prague in December is full of moments you’ll remember long after the snow melts.