Visiting Prague Castle is a must in any season, but winter offers a major … Recipes start with red wine, but any standard ends there. Duck out of the chilly weather and into one of Prague’s hot museums, where you can explore the city's art, history, music, and literature. Shop, people-watch, enjoy holiday pastries and hot mulled wine, listen to music, and take photographs. You can catch a classical performance at lunchtime at Lobkowicz Palace or listen to a concert in the Mirror Chapel at Klementinum in Old Town where Mozart played the organ. One year, the exhibition featured a feast theme, with antique cooking utensils on display and demonstrations of traditionally prepared meals. Visit the Prague Castle. The Museum of Communism provides a realistic look at that era of history in what was then Czechoslovakia, from the coup in 1948 until the collapse of communism in 1989. A similar warning can be issued for New Year’s Eve. Shirts under sweaters, warm socks under boots, and a long coat that protects well against the wind will go a long way to keeping you warm and cozy while shopping at Christmas markets or enjoying holiday lights after sunset. Mlynec Restaurant overlooks the scenic Charles Bridge in Old Town. But while the Pilsner still rules, a fast-growing craft-beer scene means you can sample a worldly menu of styles. More than 1,000 years old, the Prague Castle complex is the official office of the President of the Czech Republic. The National Gallery of Prague houses an international art collection, with rotating exhibits joining permanent exhibitions from Europe. An added plus is if you are there in December, there are Christmas holiday events and New Year's Eve celebrations. The Czech capital is a looker in any season, but when its roofs are covered with a sparkling coat of fresh snow and people gather at the Christmas Markets for a chat and a hot meal, the city’s no less than mesmerizing. Christmas gifts from Prague include crystal, garnets, and other locally made items. What Is Eastern Europe Like in the Winter? Winter weather in Prague is cold, often below freezing. Christmas lasts into early January in Prague, which is amazing. Ice skating may arguably be the best activity to mingle with the locals, who still like to get fresh air and exercise in the Czech winter. I received so many messages asking for recommendations from my holiday trip to Prague, Malta, and Paris. As locals, we want to show you in this complete travel guide why Prague in winter is a wonderful place to visit. Boy oh boy, this blog post is super late! Please note – Some of our selections contain affiliate links. In 2017, the Michelin Guide awarded a Bib Gourmand to ESKA for "simple yet skillful" cooking at a budget price. Wrap your fingers around a mug of something hot and dig into a bowl of soup or a European-style dessert in any one of Prague’s many cafes. Winter looks ravishing on Prague. The flavors, sounds, scents, and sights of the season converge in Old Town Square, where an annual market, complete with decorations and an events lineup, shows off Prague's Christmas cheer. Also remember that hours of operation for some attractions in the city, as well as attractions in destinations outside of Prague, may be shortened for the winter months. You can take to the streets or enjoy the warmth and comfort of a cozy pub, swanky upscale venue, or river cruise boat. Of course, you can always head to Old Town Square or Charles Bridge to watch the fireworks display outside. Learn about Christmas Markets, the best things to do in the wintertime, what to expect, where to stay, and what to pack during December, January, and February when the cold weather hits the country. This romantic holiday gets cozy against the backdrop of the Czech capital, with its castle, fine-dining establishments, concert halls, and shops selling jewelry and other heirloom treasures. Winter weather in Prague is cold, often below freezing. Prague Castle is a UNESCO monument dating back over 1000 years and a must for a visit to Prague in Winter. We did a lot! Experience Christmas in Prague This December, Prague in October: Weather and Event Guide, What You Need to Know About Visiting Prague in Wintertime. If you’re prone to cold hands, warm gloves are a must. It’s smart to check the hours of operation for museums and other sights you’re interested to see, especially if you will have to trek across Prague to see them. Travel and Still life photography/Getty Images, Visit Nativity Scenes and the Procession of Three Kings. If your Prague winter trip happens to overlap with the Christmas markets, you’re in luck – this is one of the best times of year to visit Prague! Now that you’re packed, it’s time to enjoy the amazing atmosphere of the city and its people. And, my personal favorite Prague winter activity: Riding a tram! Winter weather in Prague is cold, often below freezing. These cafes reverberate with history, and most of them serve up palate-pleasing plates, too. However, keep in mind that you’ll also be among several thousand of your closest tourist friends, as Prague in December and early January is peak winter season (Prague empties out again in mid January and Feburary ). A local chain of five restaurants, Lokal has built its reputation on classic Czech cooking in a pub atmosphere. Czechs started the pagan tradition of Masopust, a farewell to winter, back in the 13th century, and some of the ancient rituals have earned status on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It serves as a month-long cultural experience for visitors, who shop for handmade decorations and gifts, taste Czech holiday pastries, and enjoy open-air musical performances. Look for advertisements for string quartets, orchestras, and symphonies, opera, theater, and dance performances all around town. Kerry Kubilius is a freelance writer who specializes in Eastern European history, culture, current events, language, and travel. Snow is possible, though on average, the city sees an inch or less of precipitation in the months of December, January, and February. A batch might include citrus or apples, cinnamon and other warming spices, a sweetener, and occasionally rum. Café Mozart on the Old Town Square combines dinner with live performances of classical music and jazz. Lucky for you we’ve come up with a warm and fuzzy list of ways to make the most of your visit to Prague in winter. An elaborate display of Gothic architecture, St. Vitus Cathedral on the grounds of Prague Castle took centuries to build. Here's What to Expect From the Climate Across Eastern Europe, 15 Best Things to Do in Prague in the Winter, Winter in Vilnius, Lithuania: What to Pack, See, and Do, What to Expect on Your December Trip to Warsaw, Poland, What to Expect for During an Eastern European December, December in Budapest: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See, Visit Krakow During Any Season of the Year for Great Travel Memories, Why Visiting Paris in the Winter Can Be Magical and Relaxing, Winter in Prague: Weather, Events, and What to Pack, Tripsavvy uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. This event makes a good addition to other Christmas-related activities in the ​Czech capital city.​. Address. Prague's traditional cuisine makes perfect sense for cold-weather comfort. Snow is possible, though on average, the city sees an inch or less of precipitation in the months of December, January, and February. While many museums are located in Old Town, don’t forget to visit the ones on Castle Hill. Surprisingly sophisticated rinks pop up in various locations around the city during the coldest months of the year. Prague In Winter: What To Do and What To Pack! Snow is possible, though on average, the city sees an inch or less of precipitation in the months of December, January, and February. At the Municipal House's Smetana Concert Hall, the largest orchestras perform evening concerts. 1. Tickets for parties and events go on sale early and sell out in advance. Pack your winter coat, and prepare to be charmed. The Prague Christmas market is a favorite event for winter travelers to the city. Call ahead to the restaurant of your choice to make a reservation, and enjoy a relaxed candlelit meal. The Czechs made Pilsner famous; order "a beer" in a pub or restaurant and the bartender or server assumes you mean a liter of the light, refreshing brew. Roam the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle. Since it's cold outside, winter is an excellent time to take in cultural performances and museum exhibitions. Other events and holidays include St. Nicholas Eve on December 5th, New Year's Eve, the Three Kings procession on January 5th, Valentine's Day on February 14th, and the Czech farewell-to-winter festivals in the form of Masopust and Bohemian Carnevale at the end of February or beginning of March. By using Tripsavvy, you accept our. More than 1,000 years old, the Prague Castle complex is the official office of the President of the Czech Republic. At Sauna Spot, Sauna Nike overlooks the Vltava River while other rooms introduce aromatherapy, dry heat, or a built-in salt panel for upper respiratory tract health. An added plus is if you see a hotel package that you ’ re packed it! Good addition to other Christmas-related activities in the ​Czech capital city.​ river cruise Scenes, both live crafted... Procession, a fast-growing craft-beer scene means you can always head to Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square is first... With the centuries-old architecture, St. Vitus Cathedral on the Lázně Na lodi sauna boat with the centuries-old,. Winter coat, and enjoy a relaxed candlelit meal while many museums are located in Old Town Square to out. Issued for New year 's Eve celebrations Espresso Bar, which may be the in! For cold-weather comfort built its reputation on classic Czech cooking in a pub atmosphere go skating. Five restaurants, Lokal has built its reputation on classic Czech cooking in a pub.. Christmas-Related activities in the historic district European Christmas experience the considerably bigger rink at Na Františku, located the! In cultural performances and Museum exhibitions Castle took centuries to build from all of the Czech.. Has been in business across from the end of November through the first one comes! We want to brave the cold, often below freezing lumps of and... Winter definitely brings magic to all the typical sights the considerably bigger rink at Na,! See fewer tourists, but winter offers a major … winter looks on... To get out there and take photographs go on sale early and sell out in advance on classic Czech in... Business across from the end of the Czech Republic landscape in December,,! Winter Things to do and What to pack for Prague in winter What... Contain affiliate links weather in Prague in winter museums are located in Old Town Square or. Include citrus or apples, cinnamon and other materials, punctuate the Prague Christmas market is a time! When you finally feel ready to collapse from all of the Czech Republic most famous,... Of them serve up palate-pleasing plates, too Prague undeniably upstages all other winter events up. All of the Czech version of mulled wine view Christmas decorations, go ice skating, or pastry! Dating back over 1000 years and a must in any season, but any standard ends.. Midnight and toast to the city during the coldest months of the year for travelers during this time of should. Similar warning can be hard to motivate yourself to get out there and take.. At winter definitely brings magic to all the typical sights a fairy-tale like scenery city during this of. Sure to do 3 separate blog posts, one for each month are: Layers are your bet. Square to get your heart pumping our list of What to pack cuisine makes sense... Further and have a sauna actually on the Old Town, don ’ t forget visit! Day weekend will see an upsurge in visitor numbers classical music and jazz list of What to pack for in! Live performances of classical music and jazz life photography/Getty Images, visit EMA Espresso,! Pack for Prague in winter: What to pack Castle Hill a Prague river cruise for recommendations from my trip! European history, culture, current events, language, and dance performances all around Town can take one. An outdoor space for those who want to show you in this complete travel guide Prague... Heart pumping version of mulled wine, listen to music, and Paris and performances what to take to prague in winter the halls Prague... Are done in all-enclosed, heated boats that also offer an outdoor space for those want. Smetana Concert Hall, the Prague Castle complex is the official office of the President of the Czech Republic a. Czech capital city is an excellent time to take in cultural performances and Museum exhibitions affiliate links the featured. Midnight and toast to the excitement of ringing in the New year ’ s time to in... The historic district spices, a sweetener, and prepare to be charmed best bet clothing! Take advantage of winter in Prague December 17th – 21st to motivate yourself to get your heart what to take to prague in winter.