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What to Wear in Prague in December (Women): Cobbles, Christmas Markets and a Four-Day Packing List

“Prague is a city you see on foot and on cobbles, and in December you'll spend hours standing at Christmas markets. Every packing decision comes down to two questions: will my feet be warm after three hours, and will these soles grip on wet stone?”Her take

What's the weather like in Prague in December?

Expect cold, often grey days. Long-term averages put the afternoon high at about 4°C and the overnight low at about -1°C, and cold snaps go well below that. Snow is possible but not guaranteed; damp, icy mornings are more common. Daylight is short, with darkness falling in the late afternoon.

It feels colder than the number suggests, because you'll be outside for long stretches at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square markets, on Charles Bridge and up at the castle, where the wind picks up. Check the forecast the week you travel and pack for the cold end of it.

The coat and boots that matter most

Your coat should be warm, windproof and long enough to cover your hips and ideally your thighs, such as a long padded coat or a heavy wool coat with a warm layer underneath. A hood or a hat is essential on the bridge and up at the castle, where the wind is strongest.

Boots are the most important thing you pack. Prague's cobbles are uneven and turn slippery when wet or icy. Choose flat or low block-heeled waterproof boots with a thick, ridged rubber sole, and leave stilettos and smooth-soled shoes at home. Break new boots in before you go: you'll be on your feet for most of the day, often on steep, uneven streets up to the castle.

How to layer for markets and warm cafés

Indoors, cafés, restaurants and museums are well heated, so you'll be peeling off layers constantly. Build outfits from thin, warm layers that you can remove one at a time rather than a single bulky jumper.

Wear a thermal base layer under jeans or trousers on the coldest market days, plus thick wool socks. A fine merino or cashmere jumper over a long-sleeve thermal is warmer than a chunky knit and easier to wear under a coat. Add touchscreen gloves so you can take photos and pay without freezing your fingers.

What to wear for churches, concerts and the opera

Churches such as St Vitus Cathedral at Prague Castle welcome visitors; wear something that covers your shoulders and avoid very short skirts, which is easy in December under a coat. Keep your voice down and your phone on silent if a service is on.

Prague has a busy programme of classical concerts, ballet and opera in December. Smart-casual is fine for most concerts in churches and halls. For an evening at one of the grand theatres, a knit dress or smart trousers with a silk blouse, plus a heeled ankle boot with grip, looks right without being impractical on the walk there.

A four-day packing list

Everything fits a carry-on if you wear the coat and bulkiest boots on the plane.

• One long, warm coat, worn on the flight.
• Waterproof flat boots with a ridged sole, worn on the flight, plus a pair of heeled ankle boots with grip for evenings.
• Two pairs of dark jeans or warm trousers.
• One knit midi dress for dinner or a concert, with opaque tights.
• Three fine knit jumpers in colours that go with everything.
• Two thermal base-layer tops and one pair of thermal leggings.
• Wool hat, a large scarf, and touchscreen gloves.
• Thick socks for each day.
• A crossbody bag that zips closed, for crowded markets.
• Lip balm and a rich hand cream for the cold.

Questions people ask

The takeaway

Plan for around freezing and icy cobbles: a long warm coat, flat waterproof boots with ridged soles, thin warm layers, a hat, scarf and gloves, and one smart outfit for an evening concert.

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