Prague’s Old Town transforms into something truly magical during the holiday season. The cobblestone streets, lined with historic facades, glow under the soft twinkle of festive lights. For our family, it’s become a tradition to take a stroll through the heart of the city, soaking in the seasonal charm and capturing precious memories—a tradition I’ve cherished since I was a kid.
This year, our Christmas Walk in Prague was extra special—we planned a photoshoot with a Prague-based photographer. Normally, I’m the one behind the lens, or Jacob is snapping pictures of me with the kids. As you can imagine, that leaves little opportunity to capture all of us together! We’ve tried using a tripod and remote shutter in the past, but with our energetic kids, it hasn’t always worked out (haha). So, this time, I thought, why not hire a professional?
I had some brave ideas about how this could turn out but was also realistic. In the back of my mind, I was prepared for one of us to be under the weather or for something unexpected to go awry. But when the day finally arrived, I couldn’t believe our luck—everyone was healthy, happy, and ready to go! The weather was cold but sunny, and our outfits were prepped and coordinated. It felt like everything had aligned perfectly for our little adventure.
The Start of Our Adventure
We took a taxi from our home to Old Town with Uber, which was very convenient. Parking in Prague has become increasingly restricted to residents as part of the city’s eco-friendly initiatives to reduce traffic in the centre. Arriving stress-free was a great start to our Christmas Walk in Prague.
Our planned starting point was just next to Rudolfinum, near an Italian pizzeria by the Vltava River. However, the cold wind coming off the river quickly made it clear that this might not be the ideal day for shooting with kids. Within minutes, our 5-year-old son was struggling with the chill (we didn’t have such winters in the UK!). Thankfully, we had a pram and a huge warm scarf, so I snuggled Lucas into it and did my best to cheer him up.
Surprisingly, our twins, though cold, were in good spirits. The Prague photographer, Marie Hejl, was incredibly kind and patient. As a mom of two, she immediately made us feel at ease. We started with a few shots by the riverside before moving into the picturesque cobblestone streets. Along the way, we passed sailors inviting visitors to boat trips—a little charm unique to Prague.
Exploring the Festive Streets
Prague during Christmas is a sight to behold. Each year, the decorations seem to grow increasingly enchanting and refined. I especially loved the pine garlands wrapped around the old and historic railings, adorned with Christmas ornaments and bright red ribbons. The streets were filled with the festive spirit, and it was impossible not to be captivated by the charm.
Our walk took us to Mariánské náměstí, where a small but enchanting Christmas market awaited. The air was filled with the warm scent of ´trdelník´, mulled wine, and candles. Stalls offered tea, coffee, cakes, and handcrafted goods. In the square stood a beautifully decorated pine tree and a wooden house with a special letterbox—not for Santa but for the Czech Baby Jesus. A huge paper roll allowed children to write their Christmas wishes and post them.
Keeping the Magic Alive
We took a moment to sit near the market, and Maya handed the children sparklers, which turned out to be a lifesaver. Lighting them up brought immediate excitement to the kids, especially Lucas, who was absolutely captivated. Watching them have their magical moment with the sparklers felt like a quintessential Christmas experience.
However, as the session went on, the cold started to take its toll. Although we had plans to visit more spots in Old Town, we all agreed to find somewhere warmer. We ended up at the Town Hall, where a small Christmas tree and, most importantly, a radiator awaited us (haha). Lucas was thrilled to warm his hands, and the children found joy in examining the Christmas ornaments. The reflective glass baubles became a source of endless fascination as they saw their little faces mirrored back.
Maya, ever flexible, managed to capture a few final shots in this unexpected setting. While it wasn’t the location we originally planned, the children’s happiness made it perfect. Looking back, I’m so glad we decided to do this photoshoot. On a cold, windy day like this, I would never have managed to capture such moments on my own. I think we’ve re-discovered a new tradition for our family—just like thousands of others who enjoy the magic of a Christmas Walk in Prague!
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Is there a group for people living in Prague as I’d love to move there from uk at some point. Sounds real life changing away from the uk mess
Hi Chris!
Prague really has a special charm, especially around the holidays! I’ve met quite a few people who’ve moved here from the UK, and many describe it as truly life-changing. Of course, there are pros and cons, but overall, they say life feels much easier here. I actually shared our personal reasons for relocating in this post: [Moving to Prague: 10 Reasons to Relocate from the UK] — you might find it helpful!
There are some lovely expat communities on Facebook (like this one: EXPATS in PRAGUE), and I’m also thinking about starting a small circle for like-minded mums or creatives who love slow living, nature, and that unique European charm — something a bit more personal than the usual forums.
Would love to hear more about what draws you to Prague ✨
Take care,
xx