Prague is one of the most ancient European cities, whose beauty has been honored many times by famous masters. But the charm of the Czech capital has multiplied a hundredfold with the onset of winter.
In these pre-Christmas days, it becomes a living copy of a fairy tale illustration, where the light snow that covers the bridges and towers glows in the evening with the golden and purple Christmas lights. In this article, Kidpassage will tell you about all the pros and cons of traveling to Prague in December.
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Holidays in Prague in December — pros and cons
Of the twelve months of the year, December is the most unusual time when the city transforms before the eyes of amazed guests — locals have long been accustomed to this extraordinary feature of winter Prague. Still, tourists get the impression that they are in a fairy tale.
The decision to visit the "city on five hills" in the first winter month gives travelers a lot of advantages, as evidenced by numerous reviews of holidays in Prague in December:
- there is no heat that is so annoying during summer traveling;
- pleasant weather conditions — autumnal rainy weather is left behind these days, giving way to light snowfalls and light frosts alternating with warming;
- the opportunity to watch the city prepare for the Christmas festivities;
- numerous festive fairs and folk festivities — Prague in December is full of sales and all kinds of events in honor of the upcoming Christmas;
- extensive Christmas program in Prague's theatres and concert halls;
- the opportunity to visit Prague's famous ice rinks — one of the children's favorite activities.
It's no wonder that during these magical days, the city is filled with numerous visitors eager to see the Christmas wonders of the ancient capital. Crowdedness is one of the two main disadvantages of a December holiday in Prague, but it is the festive bustle that owes much of its winter charm.
The second disadvantage is a significant price increase for all services during this period — a natural consequence of the influx of tourists in the "high" season.
Weather in Prague in December
In contrast to the weather in Prague in November, the first month of winter is marked by a slight cooling during daylight hours: the maximum air temperature drops from +4 C° to +3 C°. Rain clouds often cover the sky on the first days of the month.
Due to the continental climate, Czech winters are mild, with little snow, and the weather in early December is not much different from that in autumn.
In mid-December, the temperature in Prague usually drops a few degrees, and the city becomes wintery. The light snow and a slight frost are ideal for walking along the picturesque streets and taking part in the fun on the many ice rinks, both indoor and outdoor.
The weather in December and January in this region is like a capricious beauty: in the morning, it can frown, and by midday, it can treat the citizens to bright, welcoming sunshine. Sometimes, even in the height of winter, it can be pretty wet here, so when going on a trip, it is advisable to bring warm clothes, waterproof shoes, and an umbrella.
But the weather in Prague at the end of December is most generous with frosty days. The air temperature drops to -1C° during the day, and the city looks fabulous under a fluffy blanket of snow.
Air and water temperature
The mild climate of the Central Bohemian region practically blurs the line between autumn and winter seasons, and it is not until mid-December that winter makes its presence felt, when cloud cover is replaced by less gloomy and colder days. The temperature in Prague in December is most often close to zero.
Air temperature in Prague in December
The average temperature ranges from +2 C° to -4 C°. The coldest time falls on the last days of the month. On the eve of the New Year, all kinds of winter fun are available to the city's owners and guests: sledding, skiing and visiting outdoor skating rinks.
Thanks to the mountains that protect Bohemia, windy weather is rare here, so the risk of catching a severe cold during the festive outdoor activities is minimal.
River water temperature
The temperature of the Vltava River on December days is close to +1 C°, which keeps its waters from freezing. The city's unique climate gives its visitors a splendid opportunity to admire the snow-covered spires of ancient towers from one of the riverboats that run throughout the winter.
Precipitation
Wet snow in the Czech Republic in the first winter month is not uncommon. Being practically a continuation of the lingering autumn, the first week of December can bring rain to tourists strolling along the streets, which is no reason to cancel the fun planned for these days.
During Christmas preparations, there is always something exciting to do for travelers of all ages: countless fairs, excursions, and cozy cafés invite everyone to take part in the fun and relax every day. Overall, the average rainfall in the first month of winter is 38 mm.
Sunny, cloudy and overcast days
Czech winter does not spoil the city residents with bright sunshine: most of the time, the sky is covered with dense clouds, and fog is not uncommon. Cloudiness is an everyday companion of Prague's weekdays and holidays. Sunny weather can be enjoyed for an average of 6 days throughout the month.
Tour Holidays
A trip to the glorious city cannot be called complete without exciting excursions, a wide choice of which is offered to travelers.
Wintertime, chosen for a trip, and even with children, imprints the specifics of excursions. When the rain is dripping, or the frost pinches your cheeks, you can't wander the streets for a long time and admire the scenery in the dampness either.
However, the hospitable city has many surprises in store for guests who decide to visit it on cold December days: several cozy museums open their doors to young explorers, their parents and art connoisseurs:
- The Choco Story Museum — a delicious adventure for sweet-toothed travelers of all ages;
- Karel Zeman Museum — a visit to this museum is more likely to appeal to older children: here you can see the fantastic special effects the famous film director used in the making of his films;
- Toy Museum;
- National Technical Museum;
- Karlštejn Museum, located on the outskirts of Prague, where samples of Christmas betlems from different eras are collected.
Given that December is a busy month in terms of tourism, we recommend booking and buying tickets to museums online in advance so that you don't have to queue for long periods. By the way, by buying tickets on the official websites of museums and galleries, you can also save money: many of them offer discounts on e-tickets.
Holidays, events and festivals
The beginning of December in the Czech Republic coincides with Advent — the preparation period for Christmas celebrations. Who can resist the colorful whirlwind of Christmas fairs, where you can eat traditional sweets and warm yourself with hot mulled wine, take part in a fun ride and win a small trinket, and taste the famous fish soup, which is distributed on Old Town Square from the very morning of 24 December?
Christmas markets
More vividly than in other parts of the capital, Christmas is felt in Old Town Square. A lavishly decorated Christmas tree rises amidst the wide-spread fairgrounds.
The fair's opening is incredibly festive: lights are lit on the Christmas tree, and a festive concert is given. The stage doesn't empty until New Year's Eve, with singers, dancers, and musical groups performing.
The square is filled with masquerades, entertaining the public as best they can - here and there, fairy-tale mini-performances are played out. The market stalls look more like gingerbread houses: children, as well as adults, have something to see and something to eat. Many locals come here with their families to spend the evening in a warm, festive atmosphere.
Tourists are everywhere, taking memorable photos, and craftspeople offer to buy souvenirs and handmade Christmas tree decorations. The cheerful noise mingles with the voices of the artists performing in the square.
Skilfully made creches (betlems) are displayed in churches, shop windows, market stalls, and streets. It is as if the city is in an unspoken competition with itself regarding the richness of decoration and the variety of materials used to create nativity scenes.
Most fairs in Prague will be open until Christmas Eve (24 December), and only a few will keep citizens and tourists in the festive mood until New Year's Eve.
In Prague Castle, guests can enjoy the magnificent Christmas Tree which it is traditionally attended by the President and his wife every year. Wenceslas Square is famous for its costume shows.
On St. Nicholas' Day — 6 December — you can meet the saint himself, accompanied by the Angel and the Devil, who walk around the square carefree and give children gifts: obedient children get a candy bar, naughty children get a coal.
Mid-December in Prague has millions of colorful and glittering lights: Christmas markets light up all over the ancient city. It's hard to list all the places where the Christmas Eve fair trade in delicious delicacies and souvenir curiosities is buzzing:
- Holešovice Exhibition Hall;
- Peace Square (Náměstí Míru);
- Havel Market;
- Charles Square (Karlovo náměstí);
- Republic Square and other squares and squares in Prague.
Theatre performances
A special Christmas program is also offered to theatre lovers — it is only at the end of December that the traditional Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Cinderella, and new shows are closing. Young audiences are not bored either — the theatre programs are full of children's fairy tale shows.
Stephen's Day
Holidays in Prague in December are not limited to Christmas and New Year's Eve: the Czechs, who honor old traditions, join other European countries in celebrating St. Stepan's Day, which falls on 26 December.
Anyone lucky enough to be in the capital on this day can take part in the singing of traditional carols and festive fortune-telling. Traditionally, on 26 December, citizens visit friends and relatives or receive guests themselves. The main dish on the table is poultry.
Shopping
Prague's Christmas sales are a cherished dream for shopping enthusiasts. Discounts on goods in shopping centers during this period can reach up to 80%. The list of the most popular shopping centers includes:
- «Рalladium»;
- «Čhodov»;
- «Kotva»;
- «Palаc Flоra»;
- «Mеtropоle Zličin»;
- «Park Avion»;
- «Černá růže».
Sweets and souvenirs are also sold at the fairs at an affordable price. Here, you can buy jewelry, national costumes, stone products, the famous Kohinoor stationery, toys, hats, and, of course, the famous Czech beer and "beer" accessories — mugs, glasses, coasters, and souvenir corkscrews for opening bottles.
Cost of vacation
Airfares, as well as hotel accommodation costs, increase significantly in December. Compared to the relatively "inexpensive" November, airfares in December increased by about 19%.
Prices in Prague in December for rented accommodation, in particular from 24th to 26th December, can exactly double. Buying tickets and booking accommodation in advance will allow you to save a lot of money and ensure both are available on the day of departure.
The peak price increases for travel-related services coincide with the New Year and Christmas days — 25 and 31 December.
Therefore, when planning a trip with children, it is essential to buy tickets and book hotel rooms in advance. It will not only eliminate the possibility of being left out at the most inopportune moment but also significantly save money. After all, the earlier the tickets are bought, the cheaper they will cost. Christmas is traditionally a family holiday, and young travelers' December trip to Prague promises unusually bright impressions.
The best time for winter adventures is the magical days of Advent and, of course, the bright and joyful Christmas holiday, full of surprises and fabulous discoveries.
Both younger and older children will enjoy visiting festive fairs and participating in games and competitions. Their parents will be able to enjoy the enchanting beauty of winter Prague fully.