Easter markets in Prague: painted eggs, willow whips and what to buy

Czech Easter has two faces. One is religious and quiet. The other involves a braided stick and a tradition that most visitors find baffling for about thirty seconds and then enjoy. Prague's Easter markets sit between the two: a calmer, craft-heavy cousin of the Christmas markets, with painted eggs where the baubles were.

When it happens

Easter moves, so the markets do too. In 2027 Easter Sunday falls on 28 March, which makes Good Friday 26 March and Easter Monday 29 March. Both Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays in Czechia, and Easter Monday is the day of the whipping tradition described below.

The markets generally open in the weeks before Easter and run until or around Easter Monday. The city announces exact dates and squares each year, so check Prague City Tourism a few weeks before you travel and do not assume the pattern repeats.

Where to go

The most visible market is on Old Town Square, under the Týn Church and a few steps from the astronomical clock. Other central squares host Easter stalls in a similar style, and the choice changes from year to year. They are close together, and you can walk between them in minutes.

For something calmer than the Old Town, see our guides to farmers' markets and Havelské Market.

What you will see

Easter markets share a visual language: wooden stalls, spring flowers and an enormous number of eggs.

• Eggs (kraslice). Hand-decorated eggs are the main craft, made by wax-resist painting, scratching patterns into a dyed shell or decorating with straw. Our guide to Czech Easter traditions explains the methods and the symbolism.
• Pomlázky. Braided willow whips for Easter Monday, often decorated with ribbons, and sold as souvenirs.
• Wooden and straw toys. Chicks, rabbits and lambs.
• Food. Seasonal bakes such as the lamb-shaped cake (beránek) and the sweet bread mazanec; see Czech Easter at the table.
• Drinks. Hot drinks and beer from stalls, plus seasonal spirits.

How to buy a good egg

A real hand-painted egg is fragile and takes hours to make, so look closely before you pay.

Walk round the whole market before you spend anything, because quality varies a lot. If the egg is a gift, ask the seller how to pack it; many stalls provide small boxes. Carry it in your hand luggage, well wrapped, not in a suitcase.

Easter Monday and the whips

According to tradition, on Easter Monday boys and men go from house to house with a pomlázka and lightly whip girls and women, who are said to stay young and healthy in return. The women give them painted eggs, sweets or a drink. Today the custom is more playful than serious and is kept up mostly in villages and families, though you may see it referenced in the city. Views of it differ, so if you are invited to take part, ask first and approach it with respect. The full story is in our guide to the willow whip and painted eggs.

For payments see paying in Prague, for safety pickpockets in Prague, and for a route the Royal Route guide.

Spring, and the weather

Early spring in Prague can be cold and wet, and you will spend a long time outside. Bring layers, an umbrella and shoes that cope with damp cobbles; our guide to Prague weather in spring explains what to expect. Do not expect the scale of the Christmas markets: Easter is smaller and more craft-focused.

The markets open the spring season, which our Prague in spring guide covers. For music, read our explainer on the Prague Spring International Music Festival. If you are in town in winter instead, see Prague in winter.

Frequently asked questions

When are the Easter markets in Prague?

In the weeks before Easter, usually until around Easter Monday. Dates are announced each year, so check Prague City Tourism.

When is Easter in 2027?

Easter Sunday is on 28 March 2027, with Good Friday on 26 March and Easter Monday on 29 March.

What is a pomlázka?

A braided willow whip used in the Easter Monday tradition. You can buy decorated ones as souvenirs.

Are Easter markets free to enter?

Yes. The markets are open public spaces, and you pay only for what you buy.

Where is the main market?

Old Town Square is the best-known site, with other central squares hosting stalls in some years.