Prague in December: Beer Tours During Christmas Market Season

Prague in December: beer tours during Christmas market season December is one of the best months to visit Prague. The Christmas markets are running, the city looks genuinely beautiful, and the cold gives you a very good reason to spend time in warm pubs drinking excellent Czech beer. A Prague beer tour in December combines […]
Prague in December: Beer Tours During Christmas Market Season

Prague in December: beer tours during Christmas market season

December is one of the best months to visit Prague. The Christmas markets are running, the city looks genuinely beautiful, and the cold gives you a very good reason to spend time in warm pubs drinking excellent Czech beer. A Prague beer tour in December combines all of that pretty well.

Most visitors focus entirely on the markets and miss the pub scene. That’s a shame, because December is when the seasonal dark lagers and Christmas specials come out, and the atmosphere inside Prague’s traditional pubs is at its peak.

what’s different about a december beer tour

The cold changes how you drink. You move between venues more deliberately, you appreciate a warm taproom, and you tend to stay longer at each stop. Our guides know which pubs have the best heating and the most character, so a winter tour feels nothing like a summer one.

You’ll also get to try beers you can’t drink in July. Several Czech breweries release dark lagers, porters, and strong winter ales specifically for December. Getting those on tap, in a Prague pub, in actual December, is hard to beat.

seasonal beers to look for in december

  • Velkopopovický Kozel dark lager, which is widely available but tastes better in winter somehow
  • Bernard dark beer, a slightly sweeter unfiltered option that works perfectly when it’s cold outside
  • Brewery Christmas specials, often strong lagers between 13 and 16 degrees Plato
  • Svatomartinské pivo, the St. Martin’s Day young beer, available through November into early December
  • Various limited porter releases from smaller Prague breweries

the Christmas markets and where beer fits in

The main markets are on Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. They open in late November and run until around the 6th of January. You can drink mulled wine there, but the hot spiced beer stands are the more interesting option for anyone doing a beer tour.

We usually incorporate a quick stop at the market into our tours, mostly so people can compare what they’re drinking at the market stalls to what proper Czech pub beer actually tastes like. The difference is educational.

practical things to know for a december tour

  • Dress warmly. Seriously. Walking between pubs in December requires a proper coat, not just a jacket.
  • The city is busier than usual around the 20th to 26th of December, so book your tour in advance.
  • Sunset is around 4pm, which means evening tours start in full darkness and have a completely different atmosphere.
  • Pubs are sometimes packed on weekends in December, so our guides pick routes that avoid the worst crowds.
  • Tipping culture in Czech pubs is relaxed, but rounding up is appreciated.

is december a good time for a stag do or group tour?

Yes, genuinely. Groups tend to love December because the pub atmosphere is more cosy and social than in summer. You’re inside, it’s warm, the beer is great, and there’s less competition for seats compared to July or August.

If you’re planning a stag do in Prague in December, combining a stag do beer tour with a Christmas market evening is a solid two-part plan. The market gives you something to do before the pubs open properly, and then the tour takes over from there.

private tours in december

December is popular for private groups, especially corporate groups visiting Prague for end-of-year trips. A private beer tour in December can be customised around your schedule, your group size, and how serious you are about the beer versus just having a fun evening out.

We’ve run private tours for groups of four and groups of forty. The format adapts. The beer stays the same quality either way.

how to book a prague beer tour in december

Availability fills up faster in December than most people expect, particularly around the 20th to 23rd. If you know your dates, book early. Our Prague beer tour runs year-round and the December version is one of the most popular we do.

You don’t need any prior knowledge of Czech beer to enjoy it. The guides explain everything as you go, and tasting is a much better teacher than reading anyway.

Spots in December fill up fast. Book your Prague beer tour before the Christmas rush takes over.

FAQ: Prague beer tours in December

Is it too cold to do a beer tour in December?
Not at all. The tour is mostly spent inside warm pubs, with short walks between stops. Dress for the weather and you’ll be fine.

Can we combine a Christmas market visit with the beer tour?
Yes. We often include a market stop as part of the experience, especially for groups who want the full December Prague experience.

Do you run tours on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?
We run tours on most days in December, but availability on the 24th and 25th is limited. Check the booking page or contact us directly to confirm.

Are the beers in December different from summer?
Some are. Seasonal dark lagers and winter specials are only available this time of year, so December tours have a slightly different beer lineup than warmer months.

How far in advance should I book for December?
At least two weeks ahead for standard tours, and further in advance for private or group bookings around the 20th to 26th of December.

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