Oh, how I adore this time of year! Strolling through the Christmas markets (Vánoční trhy) in Prague with the sweet smell of hot Trdelník in the air, sipping on Svařák to stay warm, taking in all of the sights and sounds of the holiday...this is what I look forward to every year!
Svařák (hot mulled wine)
Be sure to visit the Christmas market during the day as well as at night when thousands of lights are twinkling...
The Christmas markets are now up throughout the city, but the most famous one is in Old Town Square. So grab a Svařák (mulled wine) or Medovina (honey wine or Mead) and take a leisurely stroll around Old Town Square. If your're lucky, it may begin to snow...adding to the Christmassy feel.
Be sure to admire the 27-meter tall tree that was gifted to Prague by the town of Vrchlabí, which is in the Czech Republic in the Giant Mountains (Krkonoše).
Old Town Square at Christmastime
Christmas just wouldn't be right without a nativity scene, but a live one!? This is one you won't want to miss! There's also a petting zoo, performances of Christmas music and dance, and many, many stalls selling everything from Czech food, beer and treats, to glass, candles, and traditional Czech toys and marionettes. It's a great place to pick up a little something to put under the tree or in a stocking.
Other Prague Christmas markets are in Wenceslas Square, with smaller markets at Havelske Trziste and Náměstí Republiky, and all are within a 10-minute walk. Another Christmas market is situated in Náměstí Míru, which is a bit outside of the city center but very easily reached by metro or tram. You'll find more locals than tourists here.
Wenceslas Square
Snow begins to gently fall as people stroll through the market at Wenceslas Square
Náměstí Míru
I recommend going atop the clock tower at dusk or later when it's dark...the view is spectacular!
Trdlo
A delicious treat! Trdlo is dough wrapped around a hot metal pin, baked to perfection and then rolled in cinnamon sugar or almonds.
One of the many stalls...this one sells candles
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The Prague Christmas market stays open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and for the remainder of December.
Hours are 9 am - 7 pm on weekdays; 9 am to 8 pm on weekends.
