This holiday season the streets of Prague are being whisked back to the middle-ages with the opening of the holiday Christmas markets, and both locals and visitors are coming together to take part in the festivities.
Join the celebration and you’ll find fairy tale-esque wooden huts scatted about the main squares of Prague. Each adorned with festive lights and selling traditional wooden toys, bohemian crystal, handmade jewelry, ceramics and all sorts of traditional Czech handicrafts. You can warm yourself with some hot mulled wine (svarak) while you shop, or even enjoy a traditional trdelnik role (a delicious hooped pastry, glazed with cinnamon and sugar). Those looking for a little more substantial Czech cuisine will be pleased to find an endless array of juicy sausages, skewered pork and chestnuts roasted over open flame. And as to be expected, there’s never a shortage of delicious Czech beers.
In addition to the shopping and food, there are also other attractions for all ages including traditional coach rides through Prague’s historical cobblestone streets, a lovely nativity scene, and free nightly Carols and dance performances by both Czech and international acts. For the kids, there’s a Czech fairy tale puppet show on the weekends at 3pm, a daily puppet show at 5pm, and even a nativity petting zoo!
The two main markets are on Old Town Square, and Wenceslas Square. Others are opening their windows at Jiriho z Podebrad, Namesti Miru, and on smaller squares throughout the city.
Whatever market you visit, be sure to stop by Old Town Square to see one of the most spectacular sights in Prague this season – a brilliantly lit Christmas tree towering over the square, adding its awe-inspiring form to the majestic scene. If you are in Prague this winter, don’t miss out on the magic of the holiday markets.