07
2026
For six weeks every winter, Prague turns into the Christmas card everyone imagines: a giant tree on Old Town Square, wooden market stalls glowing under the Týn spires, mulled wine in paper cups and lights coming on before four in the afternoon. It is the most atmospheric time of year for photos, whether you are travelling alone, as a couple or with the whole family.
When are the Prague Christmas markets in 2026?
The Christmas markets open at the end of November or the very start of December and run until Epiphany on 6 January, so they cover Christmas and New Year’s Eve without a break. In recent years they have opened on the Saturday before the first Sunday of Advent, so expect the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square markets to open on Saturday 28 November 2026 and close on 6 January 2027. The city confirms the exact date each autumn.
Besides the two main squares, there are smaller markets at Republic Square, Havel’s Market, on Kampa Island near the Charles Bridge, and in front of St George’s Basilica at Prague Castle. My Christmas markets guide compares them all, with opening hours and what to eat.
Christmas photoshoot ideas
Every session is private and planned around you. These are the three most popular kinds of Christmas session, each with frames from real clients.
Christmas solo
You, the tree and the lights
Travelling alone at Christmas is when you most want photos of yourself, and the least likely to have them. A solo Christmas session starts at the tree on Old Town Square, moves through the market stalls and ends on the Charles Bridge as the lamps come on. A red beret, a textured coat or a sparkler from the market is all the styling you need.
Christmas couple
Mulled wine, market stalls and a kiss under the tree
For couples, Christmas in Prague is the most romantic week of the year. We walk from stall to stall with something warm in your hands, stop under the tree for the kiss, and finish at blue hour on the bridge with the castle lit behind you. It is also one of my favourite times for a surprise proposal, and when snow falls on the Charles Bridge, there is nothing more beautiful in Europe.
Christmas family
A family photo for the Christmas card
The family Christmas card, but in Prague. Children love the lights, the baubles and the market treats, and I keep the session moving so nobody gets cold or bored. The afternoon works best with little ones: the tree is lit from about four, which is before most bedtimes.
More Christmas ideas
Where we shoot at Christmas
Which time of day?
| Time | What you get | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Sunrise, about 7:50 | Empty squares, the decorations up, soft winter light. | Couples, solo portraits without crowds |
| Midday | Busy markets, flat light, easy for children. | Families with small kids |
| 15:30–16:45 | Golden light turning to blue hour, the tree and the stalls light up. | The classic Christmas look |
| After 17:00 | Full darkness, lights only, the busiest crowds. | Short sessions, proposals |
Christmas session prices and booking
Prices per session in Czech crowns, with editing and a private online gallery included. Book online and I confirm the exact time and meeting point within a day. December evenings fill quickly, so book early if your dates are fixed.
Christmas solo photoshoot
from 4 000 CZK
Christmas couple photoshoot
from 6 100 CZK
Christmas family photoshoot
from 5 500 CZK
Expecting a baby? A maternity session at Christmas is one of the loveliest ideas of all.
Give Prague at Christmas: the Christmas voucher
A photoshoot is one of the few presents that turns into a memory. Buy a Christmas session as a voucher and I send it to you by email, ready to print or forward. Add a printed card and it arrives by Czech post with a stamp, anywhere in the world. The person who receives it books the day and time with me. For other sessions and seasons, see all photography vouchers.
Prague Christmas voucher
from 4 900 CZK, sent by email
What to wear at Christmas
It is cold: usually around zero, sometimes well below. Choose a coat you are happy to be photographed in, because it will be in every frame. Textured wool, camel, cream, burgundy and deep green look wonderful against the gold lights; a red scarf, beret or gloves add the Christmas colour. Wear warm, flat shoes for the cobblestones and bring gloves you can take off quickly for the ring and hand shots.
Questions about Christmas sessions
When are the Christmas markets open in 2026?
Expect the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square markets to open on Saturday 28 November 2026 and close on 6 January 2027. They are open every day, usually with shorter hours on Christmas Eve.
Can we have the market without the crowds?
Yes: at sunrise, around eight in December, the tree and stalls are decorated and the square is almost empty. The atmosphere of the lit market needs the afternoon, and weekdays are calmer than weekends.
Will there be snow?
Maybe. December is more reliable for lights than for snow, and January and February have better odds. If snow is forecast during your stay, I try to move the session to catch it.
How does the Christmas voucher work?
You buy the voucher online and receive it by email; with the printed card it also arrives by post. The person who receives it contacts me to book a day and time that suits them.
Is it too cold for children?
Not with the right clothes and a short session. One hour is usually perfect for families with small children, with a warm drink break in the middle.
Do you work on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve?
Ask me about your dates. The days between Christmas and New Year book up fastest, so it is worth asking early.
Book your Christmas session
December evenings go first. Pick a session above, give it as a voucher, or send me your dates and I will suggest the best time and route for the lights.
Kemal Onur Özman
One of the beautiful Christmas Market in the world!