Hi Everyone - My husband and I are considering booking a long weekend in Prague in December...Is that a good time of year to visit Prague?? I am concerned that it might be freezing and that many of the sites we would be interested in seeing will be closed because it is not "peak" season. What do you think?? This will be our first (and possibly last) time in Prague, so if you think it's worth it to wait and choose another month in which to visit, we could do that. Also, if you do think it's worth it, any hotel suggestions?? We are thinking of taking advantage of either the Go-Today or Gate 1 specials. Thanks!!

Bookmarking this because I'm curious as to the answers. I'm going in early March and have much the same questions.

Don't miss Prague. It is a charming city. I passed through in January. Cold. Restaurants are cozy. Leave your Hawaiian shirts at home. Few tourists equates to no waits and plenty of room at the inn, unless you are targeting the Christmas to New Year period. The Charles Bridge is always open, and busy.

The only days major sites will be closed are the holidays themselves. Other than that the city will be open, busy and active - with tons of concerts, operas etc.

That said - it is December in Central europe - so be prepared for cold temps and possible sleet or snow. but - as long as you're dressed properly no reason not to have a great time.

We plan to be in Prague in December next year (2007) on the 4th, 5th & 6th. This is to coincide with St. Nicholas Day, which is celebrated on the 5th. Apparently, St. Nicholas, the Angel and the devil walk through the main streets on this day and all the children come out to tell St. Nicholas that they've been good (or bad but who'd 'fess up to that) and the Angel (or the devil, if you've been bad) will reward you.

It sounds like such a wonderful day that we thought we'd really like to celebrate it.

We have Dutch friends who celebrate 'Sinterclaus' on the 5th and we thoroughly enjoy sharing that occasion with them.

Yes, it will be cold and yes we're even expecting (hoping for)snow. Coming from Downunder I have never, ever felt cold during Christmas season, we are usually celebrating a 30C day.

If you dress for the weather you'll be fine - we do all our travel in autumn/winter. There are a lot of advantages despite the fact that perhaps some sites may be closed but by and large the beauty of no queues, cheaper rates etc far outway the odd place or two you might miss out on.

I think Prague is beautiful in winter with the bare trees etc. As long as you are dressed for the weather, it is perfectly doable. The main sites like Prague Castle are open all year as far as I know, and concert season is certainly going on in the winter, so I don’t know what you mean about sites being closed. Also there should be pre-Christmas events like Christmas markets. But remember that days in northern Europe in December are VERY short, it will not begin to get light until after 8:30 am and will pretty much be dark a good bit before 5 pm. You have to do you outdoor sightseeing in those hours. Of course this makes the Christmas lights on the trees and buildings more beautiful, but some people find the short days frustrating.

I have visited Prague in August and also in November and as you would expect, the major sites such as the Castle aren't nearly as crowded in the colder months.

Personally, I think December would be a great time to see the city if you don't mind the colder weather. I don't know of any major sites that would be closed due to the season itself.

Worth it? Absolutely, for me but I like Prague, Venice, etc in winter. Is it too cold for you, I cannot tell. I will travel there in the end of January and expects around 0 degree celius or possibly less. I was there last week and found it not too cold as I tought it would be. It was like minimum 6 & max.12 degrees. December can be not as low season as November. Most things will be open + Christmas markets (incl.at Old Town Square) will open on 02 Dec. Only you want to be careful on Christmas or New Years' Day, I think.

It could well be freezing. If you hate it, it may not be good choice for you. And as Dukey said, when I visit Prague (or Venice, etc), I look forward to much much less crowd, that's a great thing.

> I would have to recommend Hotel Casa Marcello http://www.a-prague.com/hotel-casa-marcello to you.

Unfortunately above site demands pre-payment.

Stay as close to the Charles Bridge and Old Town Square as you can; other than the castle, that's where the action is and it will limit your time outside in the cold.

Bundle up, layer your clothing. Bring hats, gloves and warm socks and you'll be fine.

We visited Prague for three nights over New Years in 2004. It was cold... just bundle up! We wore warm coats, hats, scarves, gloves.

There were several Christmas/Holiday markets selling all kinds of craft items. The shopping in Prague is wonderful. We walked over to the castle and enjoyed that very much. We also got tickets to a wonderful performance of The Four Seasons.

New Year's Eve dinner was a problem as most restaurants had a special (expensive) met. We ended up eating early at our hotel.

I actually thought Prague was very crowded at this time of year-- quite a few large tour groups. The area around the Charles Bridge was especially crowded. A woman tried to pickpocket me, so be careful there!

Kathy

Winter is my favorite time to wander the streets of Mala Strana. Nothing beats the atmosphere. Even better, add some snow. Just bring layers & boots. Go for it!

My mother thought Praha was cold and windy in July; I couldn't imagine her there in December.

What kind of person are you? If you like hot weather for a holiday destination, you will not like Praha.

I'm seeing reasonable airfare from the West US from December through about mid March. Looking at the temp averages, March still looks cold but not quite as cold as Dec - Feb..

I was in Prague for the New Year several years back. The cold was my biggest concern, as I am definitely a hot weather person (surfing is one of my favorite hobbies, I prefer the beach to the mountains, etc.).

Anyway, while it was definitely cold - don't miss it. Be prepared for it to be cold and you'll be fine - I packed a pretty thick wool peacoat, a few thick sweaters, warm socks, knit gloves and a hat and I was fine.

I was in Prague just last week, on business and it was pleasantly mild in temperature. December is only next week. !!
I have to say that it was good to see the beautiful christmas trees going up and not the tons of stupid deco's we put up here in the UK.
Many restaurants are 'under ground' and there is something special about a swift Becherovka to warm you up followed by some delicious food.

So if I were you I would go.
Enjoy it? I'm sure you will.

Good Luck

Muck

Prague is never out of season -it just depends how long you like to queue! I spent 3 days betweeen Xmas & New Year in Prague last year. It was freezing and snowy everywhere except main thoroughfares. I had lots of layers and invested in horrible furry boots. I'm usually a high-heeled girl...It is generally not a very rainy city so thats a plus. My ideal hol is a sunny beach so to say I thought Prague was magical is something. It's architecture it set up for the cold and snow. I have a lovely memory of standing opposite Tyn church facing the Christmas market drinking hot gluhwein. My fiancee and I enjoyed the atmosphere and found everyone so friendly we returned there to get married in September. But although splendid weather then I felt my guests thought it was very crowded and didnt get that "stand back in awe" feeling we had experienced in the winter. In winter we stayed in Wencelas Square part of town but its a walk in the snow to the historic sights and the metro is drab. In the summer we viewed about 20 hotels for ourselves and guests. I would recommend Hotel Gran Praha and its next door Apostolic Residence(apartments-better value and just as lovely)- they face the Astronomical clock! Decor is sumptuous with bedroom antiques,high ceilings and chandeliers. Or Hotel Metamorphosis in a courtyard behind Old Square-also as central as you can get. If money is no option the the Boscolo CarloIV looks gorgeous. Good restarants- Cafe Flambe on Jijli st( across from our wedding church!) and Zahrada opere restarant in the basement of the Opera and Bodeguita del Medio( salsa cuban restaurant and bar- will keep you warm).We've booked our next trip- too much to see. Enjoy yourselves- you'll be back!

Ditto on the Hotel Grand Praha. Reasonable rates, considering the location. Nice renovations & great breakfast.

jmd -- nice detailed post, thanks for sharing your wedding-related research on hotels. Did you research a range of hotels in terms of price or were they all 4*?