Czechrepublic in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Czechrepublic

3°C (37°F) High Temp

-2°C (28°F) Low Temp

23mm (0.9 inches) Rainfall

85% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Christmas markets operate daily from late November through December 24th, with authentic Czech gingerbread, svařák (mulled wine), and handcrafted gifts - Prague Christmas Market stays open until 10pm
Hotel rates drop 40-60% compared to summer months, with luxury properties in Prague's Bratislava available for €80-120 per night versus €200+ in peak season
Fresh powder snow transforms Bohemian countryside into postcard scenery, perfect for photography at Czechia and Karlštejn Castle without summer crowds
St. Nicholas Day (December 5th) and Christmas Eve traditions offer authentic cultural experiences - locals attend midnight mass and traditional carp dinners happen December 24th

Considerations

Daylight lasts only 8 hours (sunrise 7:45am, sunset 4:00pm), severely limiting outdoor sightseeing time and requiring careful activity planning
Temperatures frequently drop to -8°C (18°F) at night with wind chill making it feel like -15°C (5°F), demanding serious cold-weather gear
Many outdoor attractions close or reduce hours - Petřín Lookout Tower closes at 5pm, castle gardens are dormant, and river cruises are suspended

Best Activities in December

Prague Castle and Old Town Christmas Market Tours

December transforms Prague into a winter wonderland with Christmas markets operating daily until December 24th. The cold weather actually enhances the experience - steaming cups of svařák (mulled wine) for 60-80 CZK taste better in sub-zero temperatures. Fewer tourists mean easier access to Prague and shorter queues at all attractions. The Gothic architecture looks spectacular dusted with snow.

Booking Tip: Book guided tours 5-7 days ahead through licensed operators for 800-1,200 CZK. Tours run 2-3 hours and include warm indoor segments. Many operators offer hot drink stops. Reference booking widget for current castle tour options.

Český Krumlov Winter Photography Tours

This UNESCO town becomes a fairytale setting in December snow. The 13th-century castle and medieval streets photograph beautifully without summer crowds obscuring shots. December's low sun angle (maximum 18° above horizon) creates dramatic lighting from 8am-4pm. River Vltava sometimes freezes, creating mirror-like ice reflections.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Prague cost 1,500-2,200 CZK including transport and guide. Book 10-14 days ahead as operators run smaller winter groups. Tours include warm indoor stops every hour. See current options in booking section below.

Traditional Czech Spa Town Thermal Baths

Czechia and Czechia thermal springs feel incredible in December's freezing weather. Steam rises dramatically from 72°C (162°F) hot springs when outside temperatures hit -5°C (23°F). Colonnade walks between springs become magical in snow. Traditional spa treatments cost 60% less than summer rates.

Booking Tip: Spa packages range 2,000-4,000 CZK for full-day treatments. Book spa hotels 2-3 weeks ahead for best December rates. Many include thermal pool access and traditional treatments. Check booking options below for current spa packages.

Prague Beer Hall and Traditional Restaurant Tours

December is peak season for hearty Czech cuisine - goulash, roast pork with sauerkraut, and dumplings taste perfect in cold weather. Historic beer halls like U Fleků maintain cozy atmospheres with heating. Traditional Christmas cookies (perníčky) and carp preparations appear only in December. real feels away from tourist traps.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost 1,800-2,800 CZK for 4-5 stops with tastings. Book 7-10 days ahead as December spots fill with locals celebrating holidays. Tours include indoor venues with heating. See current food tour options in booking section.

Bohemian Switzerland Winter Hiking

Pravčická Gate and surrounding sandstone formations create otherworldly winter landscapes. December snow highlights the unique rock formations while freezing temperatures make hiking comfortable with proper gear. Crowds disappear completely - trails that see 500+ daily visitors in summer may have 10-20 in December.

Booking Tip: Guided winter hikes cost 1,200-1,800 CZK including transport from Prague. Require good fitness and proper winter boots for icy trails up to 400m (1,312 ft) elevation. Book 14+ days ahead as few operators run winter programs.

Classical Concert and Opera Performances

Prague's concert season peaks in December with special Christmas programming at venues like Rudolfinum and State Opera. Historic churches host atmospheric classical concerts - the acoustics in Gothic spaces like St. Nicholas Church sound incredible. Ticket prices drop 30-40% from summer tourist rates.

Booking Tip: Concert tickets range 500-2,000 CZK depending on venue and seating. Book 2-3 weeks ahead for popular Christmas concerts. Many venues offer pre-show dinner packages. Dress warmly as historic buildings may be poorly heated.

December Events & Festivals

Late November through December 24th

Prague Christmas Markets

Multiple markets operate across Prague from late November through December 24th. Bratislava Square features the largest with 60+ stalls selling Czech handicrafts, gingerbread, and traditional foods. Prague market focuses on local artisans. All serve authentic svařák (mulled wine) and trdelník pastries.

December 5th

St. Nicholas Day Celebrations

December 5th evening brings traditional processions through Prague's streets. Locals dress as St. Nicholas, angels, and devils, visiting homes and giving small gifts to children. Many restaurants offer special St. Nicholas menus with traditional Czech holiday foods.

December 24th

Traditional Czech Christmas Eve

December 24th is the main Christmas celebration in Czech Republic. Many restaurants close, but some hotels offer traditional Christmas dinners featuring carp, potato salad, and Christmas cookies. Midnight mass occurs at Prague and other historic churches.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated waterproof boots rated for -10°C (14°F) with good treads - Prague's cobblestones become extremely slippery when icy

Layered clothing system: thermal base layer, insulating mid-layer, waterproof outer shell for temperatures ranging from -8°C to 3°C (18°F to 37°F)

Warm hat covering ears and insulated gloves - heat loss through extremities is severe in Czech December winds

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries 50% faster, and you'll need GPS for shorter daylight navigation

SPF 30+ sunscreen - snow reflection can cause sunburn even with UV index of 1, especially in mountain areas

Waterproof day pack - December sees 8 days of precipitation, often as wet snow that soaks through regular bags

Cash in small bills - many Christmas market vendors and traditional establishments don't accept cards, need 20-50 CZK notes

Comfortable indoor walking shoes - you'll spend significant time in heated museums, castles, and restaurants escaping cold

Hand warmers - available at Czech pharmacies for 40-60 CZK, essential for outdoor photography and market browsing

Moisturizing cream and lip balm - 85% humidity combined with heated indoor air causes severe skin dryness

Insider Knowledge

Locals shop for Christmas carp from temporary street tanks that appear city-wide in mid-December - this is normal and traditional, not a tourist attraction

Prague trams and metros run extended hours until 2am on December 31st for New Year's celebrations, making late-night travel easier than usual

Many Czechs take vacation December 23rd-January 2nd, so book restaurant reservations earlier in December when locals are still working normal schedules

Hotel breakfast rooms fill with German and Austrian tourists escaping to 'cheaper Christmas markets' - book breakfast early or eat elsewhere for authentic local experience

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating cold severity - tourists arrive with light jackets expecting 'European winter' but face temperatures comparable to northern US cities

Planning too many outdoor activities - with only 8 hours of daylight and frequent freezing conditions, indoor cultural sites must dominate itineraries

Expecting summer restaurant hours - many establishments close by 9pm in December, and some shut completely between Christmas and New Year