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Prague Christmas markets » 30th November 2013 - 12th January 2014:
The Prague Christmas markets are open daily at the Old Town Square & Wenceslas Square. A 'winter wonderland' awaits, as visitors soak up the festive atmosphere, browse the stalls and enjoy Christmas carols, hearty food & hot wine - Christmas markets photos. |
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| Christmas Markets 2013Christmas markets (Vanocni trh) are a key ingredient of the festive magic throughout the Czech Republic. And the Prague Christmas markets are the most impressive, lighting up the city, bringing locals and tourists together to share the holiday spirit in a true 'winter wonderland' setting. The main markets are held at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square (5 minutes walk from each other), with smaller markets at Republic Square and Havel's market. |
| | | The Prague Christmas markets are open daily, including on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. The
markets consist of brightly
decorated wooden huts selling traditional handcrafted products such as intricate glassware and jewellery, embroidered lace, wooden toys, metal-ware, ceramic plates and mugs, scented candles, beautifully dressed puppets and dolls, Christmas tree ornaments, and hats, gloves and scarves. Visitors should find some lovely items to take home with them, to decorate their own houses or to use as Christmas gifts for friends and family. | |  |
| | |  | | But the Prague Christmas markets are not just about shopping. You can also observe traditional foods
being made, and sample all manner of local food and drink.
Large hams are roasted on spits. Traditional Czech pastries are prepared in front of you, such as 'Trdelník' - a hot, sugar coated pastry. Plus there are terribly unhealthy, but wonderfully tasty, barbequed sausages.
To accompany the food, there are Czech beers like Pilsner Urquell and various warm drinks on offer. Outdoor Christmas
shopping is so much nicer with a cup of hot wine
(svařené víno or svařák) in your hand! |
| | | The Christmas markets at the Old Town Square have an animals stable, where children can stroke sheep, goats and a donkey. And there is a large Bethlehem scene depicting
Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus and the Three Kings in a wooden stable.
Most impressive of all is the Christmas tree, shipped in from the Krkonose mountains in the North of the Czech Republic. It is erected at the Old Town Square and draped in
a blaze of lights.
The tree is switched on every night around 5pm. Set against Prague's dark gothic skyline, this is truly a
spectacular sight. | |  |
| | |  | | Wenceslas Square has its own brightly lit Christmas tree too, which can be admired from all parts of the square.
But what is Christmas without carols?
On most days, local bands and school choirs perform late afternoon/early evening on a stage at the Old Town Square. The school children, dressed in traditional costumes, come from all over the Czech Republic. The trip to Prague is the highlight of their school year.
The festive atmosphere in Prague throughout December is simply wonderful! |
| | | How to make the most of the Christmas MarketsPrague's city centre is highly compact, which is ideal for pedestrians. Book a hotel anywhere in Prague 1 (city centre) or Prague 2 (fringes of the city centre), and the Christmas markets, and all the sights and attractions will be within easy walking distance. The Prague Christmas Markets are free to enter. By staying in the city centre, whenever you fancy dropping in, you can leave your hotel and be in the midst of the markets in minutes. Grab a drink, soak up the atmosphere, and when you're ready for a warm bath it's just a short walk back to your hotel - Prague hotelsAside from the markets, there are plenty of other entertainment options. In particular we recommend buying a ticket for a classical concert. Over the festive period, performances in the city's beautiful old churches and grand concert halls are magical - Prague concerts. The opera and ballet season is also in full swing, with performances proving popular at all the Prague opera houses - Prague opera and ballet. And sightseeing is of course a major reason people visit Prague. The Christmas lights and the festive atmosphere bring the ancient buildings to life at this time of year. A sightseeing tour will help you discover the best of the city. From walking tours to coach tours to river cruises, there is a fun way for everyone to explore - Prague sightseeingFor the easiest way to book your Prague city break: Prague Package City BreakFor weather, currency exchange and other information: Prague Tourist InformationFor visitors to Prague on the 5th December 2013: Mikulas in PragueFor visitors to Prague on 24th-26th December 2013: Prague Christmas PlannerFor visitors to Prague on 31st December 2013: Prague New Year's Eve Planner. | | |
Children's Activities
Next to the Bethlehem scene and the animals stable (described above), is a long wooden cabin where a kids workshop runs inside. Children can participate in making Christmas decorations and watch puppet theatre (shows are in Czech, but are still entertaining for visitors).
Bethlehem scene and animals - Old Town Square:
30th November - 29th December 2013.
Daily 10:00-22:00.
Children's Wooden Cabin - Old Town Square:
30th November - 29th December 2013.
Mon-Fri 15:00-19:00. Sat-Sun 10:00-19:00.
(Except:
24/12 10:00-15:00. 25-26/12 12:00-19:00.)
Puppet Theatre - Old Town Square:
30th November - 29th December 2013.
Mon-Fri 17:00. Sat-Sun 15:00 & 17:00.
(Except:
24/12 14:00. 25-26/12 17:00.) | |
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 Christmas 2013
HIGHLIGHTS | Christmas Markets
Old Town Square:
30th Nov-05th Jan:
Daily 10h-22h
Wenceslas Square:
30th Nov-12th Jan:
Daily 10h-22h.
more info | |
Christmas Tree
30th Nov: 17-18h
Lighting of the Christmas tree at Old Town Square. | | Mikulas Day
05th Dec: from 16h at Old Town Square.
more info | |
Ice Rink
07th Dec-31st Jan:
Daily 10h-22h
Behind Estates Theatre, Old Town.
more info | |
Christmas Eve
24th Dec:
16h - Christmas Mass for children at many churches.
16h30 - Christmas Mass at Tyn Church.
21h - Christmas Mass open-air at Old Town Square.
24h - Midnight Mass at Strahov Monastery and other churches.
more info | |
Christmas Planner
24th-26th Dec:
What's open and when at Christmas.
more info | | New Year's Eve
31st Dec: Celebrations & midnight fireworks.
more info |
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