Edinburgh or Prague for Christmas Markets?
Two very different festive city breaks, compared honestly
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If you’re trying to choose between Edinburgh and Prague for a Christmas market trip, you’ve picked two of Europe’s best, just in very different registers: one’s a castle-backed UK city break you can do in a long weekend, the other’s a fairytale Central European capital that rewards a few extra days. We’ve done both at Christmas, so here’s an honest look at each, plus how they actually compare when it comes down to it.
Prague, Czechia
✈️ Approx. flight time from London: 2h, direct
Prague’s Old Town Square Christmas market is one of the most photographed in Europe, and having been, I understand why: Gothic and Baroque buildings on every side, the Astronomical Clock chiming a few steps away, and the tree lit up in the middle of it all. We’ve written a full guide to Prague’s Christmas markets if you want the dates and details.
We visited after Christmas, flying out on Boxing Day, and even in the cold, the market more than delivered. Prague Castle has its own smaller market too, which was a lovely surprise on top of the main square.
Worth visiting?
Whether you visit at Christmas or not, this is a city that’s absolutely worth it – the architecture and history alone are reason enough – but winter makes it more magical.
Things to Do at the Market
- Watch the Astronomical Clock chime on the hour
- Climb the Old Town Hall Tower for a view over the market
- Cross Charles Bridge at dusk
- Take a Vltava river cruise past the lit-up Castle
- Browse Havelské tržiště for souvenirs
- Try trdelník and svařák (mulled wine)
Photos
Tours & Activities
Prague Castle Ticket
Skip-the-line entry, best paired with a visit to the castle’s own market. Book ahead – queues get long at Christmas.
Check availabilityMuseum of Fantastic Illusions
A fun, indoor stop for a break between markets.
Check availabilityEvening Sightseeing Cruise
A 50-minute evening cruise past the illuminated Castle and Charles Bridge.
Check availabilityEdinburgh, Scotland
✈️ Approx. flight time from London: 1h 20m, direct
Edinburgh’s Christmas market fills East Princes Street Gardens below the Castle, and it’s the easiest of these two trips to pull off: no flight abroad, no time difference, and it stays open right through New Year. We’ve covered it in full over on our Edinburgh Christmas markets guide.
We went at the end of November, when the leaves were still colourful but the market was already up and running, and it made for a lovely contrast against all the lights and stalls. It was a full day of walking, and that first mulled wine hit exactly right at the end of it.
Worth visiting?
Yes. Going at the end of November meant we caught the last of the autumn colour alongside the market, and it made the whole thing feel even more festive than I expected.
Things to Do at the Market
- Ride the Big Wheel and Star Flyer above the market
- Scotch Whisky Experience tasting near the Castle
- Skate at the George Street ice rink
- Walk the Royal Mile after dark
- Climb up to Edinburgh Castle for the skyline
- Warm up in a Grassmarket pub
Photos
Tours & Activities
Edinburgh Castle History & Heritage Tour
Skip-the-line entry with a guided history tour of the Castle.
Check availabilityEdinburgh’s Famous Underground Ghost Tour
An evening walk through the city’s underground vaults – not usually my thing, but I’m glad we did it.
Check availabilityCamera Obscura & World of Illusions
A fun, indoor stop for a break between market visits.
Check availabilityPrague vs Edinburgh, Side by Side
| Prague | Edinburgh | |
|---|---|---|
| Flight time from London | 2h, direct | 1h 20m, direct |
| Market season | 28 Nov 2026 – 6 Jan 2027, stays open through Christmas and New Year | 14 Nov 2026 – 3 Jan 2027, stays open through New Year |
| Setting | Gothic and Baroque Old Town Square, plus a second market at the Castle | Below the Castle, in the gardens between Old Town and New Town |
| Best for | A fairytale, storybook atmosphere | A quick, no-flight festive break |
Both markets more than earn their place on this list, just for different reasons: Prague for the fairytale setting, Edinburgh for how easy it is to just go. If you want the full story beyond the markets, Prague and Edinburgh both have a lot more going on, and full in-depth guides to each city are coming soon.
Taking Cookie to Europe this Christmas? Here’s my free guide.
If you’ve got questions, want to share your own experience, or just want to say hello, I’d love to hear from you.
Welcome to the travel diary. I’m glad you’re here.
– Elena (and Cookie 🐾)
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