It is worth noting that the range of goods and treats at Prague's Christmas markets (Vánoční trhy) is almost the same. However, they all deserve attention for their various decorative details and special atmosphere. With the beginning of Advent, Christmas trees go on sale at the markets, and a few days before Christmas Eve, live carp.
The portal Vinegret.cz has prepared a list of the main Christmas fairs in Prague in 2017 (in order of their opening):
Fair at Náměstí Míru (Peace Square)
This market is located on the square of the same name near the Church of St. Ludmila. Here guests will find a typical festive assortment: Christmas gingerbread, tree ornaments and garlands, candles, souvenirs, Czech snacks, mulled wine and sweets.
Finding the fair is very easy: Náměstí Míru station on the "green" metro line or the tram stop of the same name for trams 4, 10, 16 and 22.
Address: Náměstí Míru, Prague 2 – Vinohrady
Opening hours: November 20 – December 24, daily from 10:00 to 19:00.
Fair at I.P. Pavlova metro station (Tylovo náměstí)
A small market is located not far from Peace Square. They are separated by just 3-5 minutes on foot or one tram stop. The fair is primarily aimed at local residents. Therefore, the assortment here is more skewed towards ready-made holiday delicacies and fresh produce.
Address: Tylovo náměstí, Prague 2 – Vinohrady
Opening hours: November 23 – December 24, daily from 10:00 to 19:00.
Fair at Jiřího z Poděbrad Square
The market at Jiřího z Poděbrad Square, located near the exit of the metro station of the same name, will delight guests with a variety of treats, handmade goods, fresh farm products and a rich entertainment program.
Almost every day, children's choirs, magicians, folk ensembles, and musical groups of various genres will perform on a specially installed stage. For young guests, the organizers promise to set up special tents where creative workshops will be held.
Visitors can order Christmas cookies and other traditional dishes specially prepared for the festive table from vendors at the fair – roast goose, fried carp, potato salad, etc.
Address: Náměstí Jiřího z Poděbrad, Prague 3
Opening hours: November 24 – December 24, daily from 10:00 to 21:00 (on Christmas Eve, December 24, until 14:00).
Fair at Anděl metro station
This market traditionally opens in the pedestrian zone near Anděl metro station on the "yellow" metro line. There is an important tram interchange and several shopping centers nearby, so the fair is always crowded.
Address: Nádražní, Anděl - pěší zóna, Prague 5 – Smíchov
Opening hours: November 25 – December 23, daily from 10:00 to 19:00.
Fair at Náměstí Republiky – Part 1 (Republic Square)
The market near the metro station of the same name on the "yellow" line next to V Celnici Street, opposite the Kolkovna restaurant. A Christmas tree market usually operates here as well.
Address: Náměstí Republiky, Prague 1 – Staré Město
Opening hours: November 25 – December 24, daily from 10:00 to 19:00.
Fair at Prague Castle (Vánoční trhy na Pražském hradě)
The Christmas market on the grounds of the Czech Republic's most visited landmark will open to residents and tourists for only the second time in history. The first time was in 2015. More than 70 wooden stalls will offer souvenirs, various holiday goods, traditional treats, but most importantly – an unforgettable Christmas atmosphere.
The fair will be located in two places – at U svatého Jiří Square (náměstí U svatého Jiří) and in the Stájový dvůr courtyard (opposite the riding hall).
Address: Prague Castle, Prague 1 – Hradčany
Opening hours: November 26 – January 6, Monday – Thursday from 9:00 to 19:00, Friday – Sunday from 9:00 to 20:00, December 24 from 9:00 to 15:00, January 1 from 11:00 to 20:00.
Charity Christmas Fair in the Courtyard of the Velkopřevorský Palace (Velkopřevorský palác)
This fair will operate for only three days. It is interesting primarily for its location – in the inner courtyard of a palace built more than 800 years ago. On ordinary days, entry for regular visitors is closed.
In addition to various souvenirs, holiday decorations, hot mulled wine, sweets and other treats, guests can enjoy live Christmas melodies and a jazz concert. The proceeds from the fair will go to charity. Additionally, anyone can make a separate donation. Admission is free, except on Friday when the jazz concert takes place (ticket price 100 crowns).
Address: Velkopřevorský palác, Lázeňská 2, Prague 1 – Malá Strana
Opening hours: December 1–3; Friday from 18:00 to 22:00, Saturday from 11:00 to 21:00, Sunday from 11:00 to 18:00.
Fair at Náměstí Republiky – Part 2 (Republic Square)
This fair differs from the previous one in location, organizer and opening hours. Festive stalls with souvenirs and treats will be located directly at the main entrance to the famous shopping center "Palladium".
Address: Náměstí Republiky, Prague 1 – Staré Město
Opening hours: December 2–30, daily from 10:00 to 22:00 (snack stalls until 24:00).
Fair at Wenceslas Square (Vánoční trhy Václavské náměstí)
The market will be located in the upper (Muzeum metro station) and lower (Můstek metro station) parts of one of the city's most famous squares. The fair is primarily aimed at tourists, so it will operate for almost a week after the New Year celebrations.
Address: Václavské náměstí, Prague 1 – Nové Město
Opening hours: December 2 – January 6, daily from 10:00 to 22:00 (snack stalls until 24:00).
Fair at Malé náměstí Square
A small market in close proximity to the Old Town Hall and the famous Prague Orloj. The assortment here abounds with souvenirs and holiday goods. There are almost no stalls with drinks and food. But there are plenty of them on the neighboring Old Town Square.
Address: Malé náměstí, Praha 1 – Staré Město
Opening hours: December 2–30 (10:00 – 24:00), December 31 (10:00 – 00:30), January 1–6 (10:00 – 24:00).
Christmas Market at Old Town Square (Vánoční trhy Staroměstské náměstí)
The largest and undoubtedly the most beautiful Christmas market in Prague. Thousands of tourists and locals come here daily for the festive atmosphere. It is here that the main Christmas tree of the Czech Republic is annually erected and solemnly lit.
The market also features a small pen with live sheep, goats, and ponies, which children eagerly feed. Blacksmiths and other craftsmen demonstrate their skills here, and national ensembles entertain guests from the stage. Most of the market is occupied by food and drink stalls. The share of non-edible goods is much smaller than at other fairs.
On Saturday, December 2, the main Christmas tree of the country will be lit at the market.
Address: Staroměstské náměstí, Praha 1 – Staré Město
Opening hours: December 2 – January 6, daily from 10:00 to 22:00 (fast food stalls until 24:00).