Christmas Markets in Prague

The Prague Christmas markets are also enchanting thanks to their decorations, attractive surroundings and backdrops. However, their most important feature is the true Christmas atmosphere scented with cinnamon and clove. Excellent mulled wine, sweet-smelling trdelnik (pastry), hot mead and juicy ham can be picked up in several places throughout the whole of Prague in the pre-Christmas period. For instance on Wenceslas Square under the National Museum, on Charles Square – the largest square in Europe, or near a gem of Art Nouveau architecture – the Municipal House on Republic Square.

The most popular and largest markets are traditionally held on Old Town Square (photo), which becomes the main centre of pre-Christmas celebrations. Dominated by a huge Christmas tree selected each year from a different region of the Czech Republic, the market is visited by thousands of people every winter. Holding a cup of mulled wine in their hand, they stroll past dozens of stalls with traditional Czech products, hand-crafted decorations or various types of goodies from sugar-coated roasted nuts to excellent sausages and bratwurst. In addition they can admire a display of traditional arts and crafts, such as sword making, or enjoy the extensive additional programme while humming along to the sound of Christmas carols.

On Old Town Square and also in many other places in Prague, you can just immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit. And you will wish it could last all year round.

[ph: © Martin Mařàk]