Christmas in Prague: Five Alternative Christmas Markets

You can’t celebrate Christmas in Prague without visiting the markets

Prague is (rightly) famous for its traditional Christmas markets. Picture: twinkling fairy lights, Christmas trees of skyscraper stature, chalet-style cottages selling trinkets and handicrafts, and steaming mugs of svařené víno (don’t forget to note that one down – that’s Czech for “mulled wine”). And yet, once you’ve taken a turn about Wenceslas Square and have dropped by the Old Town Square, try heading off-piste for a taste of an alternative Christmas in Prague. From the trendy Prague Fashion Market to the Design Supermarket and the Dyzajn Market, head to these cutting-edge shopping destinations for designer fashion, unique housewares… and a glimpse into the city’s hip set.

Prague Fashion Market

Held in Prague’s trendy Holešovice district, Prague Fashion Market kicks off the season’s alternative shopping events. Returning for its 14^th edition this November, the seasonal market (one of the largest in the city) specialises in independent fashion and jewelry and will showcase works made by more than 150 designers and artists. But on-trend labels aren’t the only offerings: this year, the festival is joining forces with the Local Food Market, meaning delectations await alongside the design.

Mint Market

New in September 2017, Mint Market is located in The Prague Market (Hall 13) and occurs every Friday and Saturday. Inspired by the bustling weekend markets of Bangkok and London’s Camden, visitors can shop for independent fashion, food, books, and design curios in a glorious, creative atmosphere. The perfect refuge when you’ve had your fill of traditional decks.

Dyzajn Market

Against the classical backdrop of the National Theatre, Dyzajn Market is nevertheless as alternative as Christmas in Prague gets. Think hundreds of local and international designers, interactive fashion shows, live music, and theatrical performances – plus a playground for young ones. But even though Dyzajn Market skews towards a cutting-edge crowd, this is still a Christmas market; as such, seasonal comfort food and steaming drinks will be available in no short supply.

Winter Warehouse Flea Market

Shopping for someone with unique taste? Accompanied by live music and frequented by younger shoppers, the Winter Warehouse Flea Market encourages browsers to dig for vintage treasures instead of tourist knick-knacks. Across several rooms at MeetFactory, a creative space and cultural center, roughly 75 vendors will pile tables high with tchotchkes and fill racks with retro finds. The hunt is officially on.

Jiřák Farmers Market

One of the city’s best farmers markets is also an excellent place to do some prepping for Christmas in Prague. Though there’s plenty of seasonal fare to sort through at the Jiřák Farmers Market, it’s also one of the best places to hunt for artisanal Czech goodies and gifts – particularly as the market stocks special, advent-themed gifts during the holiday season. From jars of honey and gingerbread men to locally made cider and sweets, this is stocking-filler central.