Christmas in Prague
For over a thousand years, the fairytale city of Prague has stood straddling the banks of the Vltava River; a microcosm of Central Europe; a cobbled maze of stunning architecture, hidden gardens, and cozy sidewalk cafes. At once both imperial and cosmopolitan, Prague is a lively, dynamic, and constantly developing city, where past and present intertwine to create an atmosphere of romance and wonder. On the Vltava’s western bank resides an expansive hilltop castle complex – the largest in the world – still serving as the seat of government today. On the eastern bank, the picturesque medieval Old Town is the throbbing heart of the city; home to landmarks such as Old Town Hall, the Astrological Clock and the Church of Our Lady before Týn. Linking the two are a number of stunning bridges, including the city’s most famous landmark, the Charles Bridge, bookended by two Gothic towers and lined with Baroque statues. One of Europe’s best-preserved cities, it is the only Central European capital to have escaped the extensive bombing of World War II, leaving intact its remarkable mix of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Art Nouveau architecture. Since 1992, the entire city has been protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Prague rewards its visitors with endless potential for exploration and unexpected discoveries. At no time is this more evident than during Christmas, when the Czech capital’s many charming squares play host to vibrant Vánoční Trhy (Christmas Markets). The sound of children’s choirs and carol singers echo off the ornate facades of historic buildings, bouncing among the richly decorated wooden stalls, and mingling with the laughter and chatter of jolly patrons. Live potted trees create the feeling of an enchanted forest, though they are dwarfed by the towering spruce which shimmers as the magnificent centerpiece of the Old Town Square market.
Spend Christmas in Prague and experience Prague’s spellbinding Old World charm firsthand with a custom designed holiday by Tasteful Croatian Journeys.
In 2015, USA Today ranked Prague’s Christmas market in Old Town Square #1 on their list of the 10 most beautiful Christmas Markets in the world!
Shopping, Cuisine & Merry-Making
Prague’s Christmas festivities center first and foremost on the atmospheric, ornamented stalls of Old Town Square and next on the colorful booths huddled together at the foot of Wenceslas Square – an especially fitting location given that the square is named for Saint Wenceslas, the Czech patron saint and “good king” of Christmas-carol fame. Elsewhere in the city, smaller Christmas Markets can be found, such as those at Republic Square, Havelské Market, Kampa Island, and in front of St. George’s Basilica within Prague Castle. Among the unique items available at Prague’s Christmas Markets are wooden toys such as traditional Czech marionettes, handicrafts, handmade jewelry, glassware, Christmas ornaments, and purpura (Czech Christmas potpourri). Prague’s stylish boutiques and department stores offer further opportunity to purchase traditional products such as Bohemian crystal or garnet jewelry.
Prague’s Christmas Markets offer a generous array of traditional seasonal fare. Among the favorites are the fragrant Pražská Šunka (ham roasted on a spit), Klobása (grilled sausages), Langoš (Hungarian flatbread topped with garlic, cheese and ketchup), knedlíky Plněné Uzeným Masem (smoked meat and dumplings), and Obložené Chlebíčky (open sandwiches with a variety of toppings). For something sweet, try a Trdelník (a Slovak rolled pastry served warm and topped with a dusting of sugar) – although this treat is originally from the Hungarian-speaking region of Transylvania, it has become a popular staple at Prague’s Christmas Markets. Hot drinks such as Svařák (mulled wine), Medovina (honey wine) and Grog (a mixture of rum, water, lemon and sugar) help fight away the winter chill. Need a break from the traditional? Head to the Manifesto Winter Market, a new concept offering gourmet street food and design focused retail in converted shipping containers. Book one of the heated igloos which come complete with cozy blankets and a chilled bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne for a truly special experience.
Often referred to as the “City of a hundred Spires,” Prague’s skyline is punctuated by dozens of steeples and towers stretching toward the heavens, a silhouette which is mimicked by the massive, brightly lit Christmas Tree that illuminates the city’s main square. Cut in the Krkonoše Mountains in the north of the country, the tree is shipped to the capital and erected right in the heart of the Old Town Square Christmas Market, where it is celebrated nightly in a much loved tree-lighting ceremony. The daily tree lighting is accompanied by a month-long cultural program which includes performances by more than 4,500 performers in folk and children’s ensembles from the Czech Republic and abroad. In addition, many of Prague’s Gothic churches offer a series of advent concerts which run throughout the month. Children will enjoy the stage-set nativity scene in Old Town Square, complete with stables home to live donkeys, goats and sheep, as well as the visit from St Nicholas and his cohorts on December 5th. The kindly saint, known as Mikuláš in Czech, strolls around the market on the eve of his saint’s day with both an angel and a devil by his side, taking note of who has been naughty and who has been nice.
Prague’s Regional Highlights
- Discover the storybook town of Český Krumlov, renowned as one of the most picturesque Renaissance cities in all of Europe. Marvel at the town’s magnificent architecture, from the iconic 14th century castle perched atop a rocky promontory, to the splendid townhouses which occupy the Old Town below. Spend some time exploring the craft workshops of the newly restored Minorite and Poor Clares Monasteries before perusing the charming Christmas Market which fills the main square. An overnight stay is recommended to those wishing to explore more deeply.
- Savor the hearty flavors of traditional Czech cuisine with a Market Tour and Cooking Class. Begin with a visit to Prague’s Market Hall to select fresh ingredients and learn about local life. Next, head to the kitchen to prepare an authentic three course meal from scratch under the guidance of a professional chef. Enjoy regional classics such as cabbage soup, goulash, and kaiserschmarrn (sweet shredded pancakes) paired with carefully selected Moravian wines in this fully immersive and hands-on experience.
- Visit Kutná Hora, the city of silver, whose rich mining history was instrumental in bringing about an economic boom for the Kingdom of Bohemia. The UNESCO world heritage listed Church of St. Barbara (often referred to as a cathedral), is a late Gothic architectural and ecclesiastical gem that took more than 500 years to complete. After, make a stop at the nearby Sedlec Ossuary, commonly referred to as the “Church of Bones,” decorated with a family crest, chandeliers, pyramids, chalices, and candelabras made from the bones of some 40,000 to 70,000 people.
- Learn about the rich history of Puppetry in the Czech Republic, a trade which has been inscribed on the UNESCO List of World Intangible Cultural Heritage. Go backstage at the National Marionette Theater in a private Puppet Making Workshop and see the puppets used in their performances of Don Giovanni and Magic Flute. After, construct a marionette with the guidance of your instructor.
- Peek in to the private suites of the aristocratic former residents of Hluboká Castle, ornately decorated with carved paneling, coffered ceilings, and elegant original furnishings. This fairy tale like chateau was founded as a guardian castle in the middle of the 13th century by Bohemian kings but got a neo-gothic makeover in the mid-19th century. Follow with a visit to České Budějovice, a charming South Bohemian town whose picturesque central square plays home to a festive Christmas Market during Advent.
Prague Christmas Market Dates & Duration
Most of Prague’s citywide Christmas Markets open on the last weekend of November and end sometime in early January. Specific dates vary from market to market.
