The Ultimate Guide to the Prague Christmas Market

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Christmas is coming shortly and there’s no higher place to benefit from the festive spirit than on the prime European Christmas markets.

When planning your subsequent winter getaway, why not go to one of the crucial stunning markets on the planet?

The Prague Christmas markets within the Czech Republic are recognized for his or her magical environment, native Christmas traditions, nice procuring, and scrumptious meals. These are just some of the the reason why it’s among the finest Christmas markets in Europe.

As Czechs, who’ve been dwelling in Prague for a number of years, we go to the Christmas markets within the Czech capital loads. In reality, it’s an enormous a part of Czech Christmas custom to go to the market.

Additionally, it by no means will get boring!

However Prague doesn’t have only one market, it has a number of, and every of them has one thing distinctive to supply. So when you’re unsure which Prague Christmas Market to go to or what to anticipate, that is your full information!

Why Select Prague for Christmas Markets?

A Christmas Market is likely one of the finest methods to get into the spirit of Christmas. It’s the place you possibly can unwind from the pre-Christmas procuring insanity, get into the festive temper and have a cup (or two) of mulled wine.

However why do you have to journey to Prague when there are such a lot of Christmas markets in Europe?

The primary purpose why we love the Christmas markets in Prague is that they aren’t as massive as these in Germany or Austria, so that they really feel much more intimate.

You additionally get locals visiting the markets, not simply vacationers, so you will get a extra genuine festive environment right here.

The preferred markets are positioned shut to one another and you’ll simply stroll from one to a different without having to make use of public transportation. Which makes exploring all of the Christmas markets in Prague stress-free, in comparison with different locations in Europe.

It’s also possible to discover a nice collection of distinctive merchandise, Christmas decorations, crafts, presents, meals and drinks, in addition to festive-themed leisure right here.

Basically, costs within the Czech Republic are decrease than in Western Europe so you’ll get a lot better worth to your cash in Prague on the Christmas market.

And we aren’t speaking solely about costs of Christmas merchandise or meals. The tip of the 12 months (aside from Christmas time and New Yr’s Eve) is thought-about because the off-season so you possibly can seize a discount in your flights or lodging to Prague.

To not point out the beautiful historic middle, one of many most stunning cities on the planet, which you can discover if you get uninterested in Christmas carols.

When to Go to the Prague Christmas Markets?

The Christmas markets in Prague (‘vanocni trhy’ within the Czech language) begin properly earlier than the vacations so you have got loads of time to get into the merry temper.

There are numerous markets unfold throughout the town, they’re open day by day and are free to enter, and they’re among the finest issues to do in Prague.

Sometimes, the largest and the most well-liked Prague Christmas markets (Previous City Sq., Wenceslas Sq., Republic Sq.) begin at first of December and final till the start of January.

The smaller markets (Peace Sq., Tyl’s Sq., and others) already begin on the finish of November however end on Christmas Eve.

What are the Finest Christmas Markets in Prague?

Christmas markets are an necessary a part of the Christmas custom within the Czech Republic and a must-do exercise in Prague, and that’s why you’ll find them in most cities and cities throughout the nation.

These in Prague are the largest they usually provide the most effective collection of Christmas merchandise.

Yow will discover them in lots of locations within the metropolis middle (particularly squares), however the hottest markets are positioned within the districts of Prague 1 and a pair of.

You shouldn’t miss the next markets; these are the most effective Prague Christmas markets, in addition to the largest and hottest.

1. Previous City Sq. Market (Staromestske Náměstí)

The biggest and most crowded Christmas market in Prague is unfold across the Jan Hus Memorial close to the Previous City Corridor and Astronomical clock.

Nestled among the many backdrop of the Gothic Tyn Church, this market is as stunning as it’s full of life. The market tends to be one in every of the primary to open, lighting its tree in late November. It often closes on Three Kings Day, which is held on January 6^th.

This market has every little thing that embodies a Christmas Market spirit. It has stalls promoting distinctive merchandise, meals vans serving up conventional Czech meals, and reside leisure most nights.

Any customer to Prague should not miss this Christmas Market. It’s the longest-running Christmas market in Prague and probably the most vibrant one within the metropolis with a lot of twinkling lights and decorations.

Closest metro stations: Staromestska, Mustek

2. Wenceslas Sq. Christmas Market (Vaclavske Náměstí)

Held on the decrease a part of Wenceslas Sq., only a brief stroll from Previous City Sq., is Wenceslas Sq. Christmas Market. As a result of it’s so near the Previous City Market, it’s the second busiest Christmas market in Prague.

The market is ready behind the Nationwide Museum, and is almost at all times stuffed with locals and vacationers trying to discover some distinctive handicrafts to get as presents.This market isn’t so busy with reside leisure and principally focuses on procuring.

It’s the finest place in Prague to choose up handmade wood and metal presents

It’s open fairly late to accommodate these late evening consumers.

This market tends to open on December 1st and runs till early January.

Closest metro stations: Mustek, Muzeum

3. Republic Sq. (Náměstí Republiky Christmas Market)

One a part of the market will be present in entrance of the procuring centre Palladium, the opposite close to the Previous Customs Home (Stara Celnice). It’s not massively busy, however its nice location makes it a straightforward stroll from each Previous City and Wenceslas Squares.

It’s one of many quieter Christmas markets which is why I like it. It’s genuine and relaxed, and a terrific place to sip some honey wine and benefit from the backdrop of a festive market.

Right here you possibly can store for Christmas decorations similar to Introduction calendars, wreaths and mistletoe – this isn’t one thing all markets promote, so if you wish to decide some mistletoe up then that is the market to seek out it.

It’s also possible to discover a number of scorching snacks and drinks, that are just a little cheaper than the Previous City Market, however simply as tasty.

Closest metro station: Namesti Republiky

4. Prague Fort (Prazsky Hrad)

Situated at St. George’s Sq. (Namesti sv. Jiri) behind the St. Vitus Cathedral (Katedrala sv. Vita), this market is surrounded by historic landmarks and unbelievable structure.

It’s a small market, with solely 70 or so wood stalls promoting your traditional merchandise. This market tends to shut fairly early, so it’s the most effective Christmas Market in Prague for households touring with youngsters, because it closes round 6pm on weekdays and 7pm on weekends.

Closest metro stations: Hradcanska, Malostranska

5. Peace Sq. (Náměstí Míru Christmas Market)

Held in entrance of the Church of St. Ludmila (Kostel sv. Ludmily) within the Vinohrady district. That is often the first Christmas market of the season that opens across the twentieth November.

It’s a small market that has solely round 60 stalls or so, and often sells cheap ornaments and decorations.

It’s a terrific place to choose up a conventional Introduction calendar and Christmas decorations to your house, in addition to stocking filler presents similar to soaps and candles, and painted by hand decorations.

This isn’t a massively busy market, so it’s undoubtedly up there as one in every of my favourite genuine Prague Christmas Markets.

Closest metro station: Namesti Miru

6. Tyl’s Sq. (Tylovo Náměstí)

One other small market in Vinohrady, a residential space in Prague. It is a actually relaxed, chilled market that the locals like to go to.

There are a number of stalls promoting merchandise, often wood toys and trinkets, in addition to a number of decorations.

The primary purpose to go to this Christmas market in Prague is for the meals. You’ll discover a lot of completely different choices for snacks (see under for more information about food and drinks you’ll find on the markets).

Closest metro station: I. P. Pavlova

What Can You Count on at Prague Christmas Markets?

Czech Christmas markets are often nestled round a embellished and lit Christmas tree, which is likely one of the most iconic issues to see in Prague at Christmas time.

There’s even a contest annually the place folks can ship their solutions for the best Christmas tree and the one who discovered the chosen tree wins some cash.

The most important and probably the most well-known Christmas Tree is discovered on the Previous City Sq..

The lighting of the Christmas tree takes place on the primary night of the market and is an enormous occasion. It formally opens the actual Christmas market. When you can, don’t miss the primary ceremonial tree illumination in Previous City Market Sq., which is often scheduled for the final weekend of November.

You’ll be able to often discover some type of a Nativity scene, both static or reside, and it’s often positioned close to the Christmas tree.

Christmas markets include wood stalls or wood huts embellished with Christmas ornaments, the place numerous Christmas merchandise (often handmade) or refreshments are on provide.

The commonest gadgets you’ll discover on sale are Christmas tree decorations, handicrafts, glassware, wood toys and puppets, winter equipment, gingerbread, sweets, and so forth.

We prefer to drop into a few of the refreshment stalls to get a roasted ham or sausage. It’s also possible to wash it down with Czech beer (attempt Pilsner Urquell or Budvar), or some mulled wine.

There are numerous leisure choices that occur all through the season of Prague Christmas markets – from concert events, kids’s concert events, and choirs who sing Czech Christmas carols.

Most of the occasions are family-oriented performances devoted to native craftsmen showcasing their jobs (blacksmiths are the most typical and their stalls are additionally the warmest – simply saying!).

Most Christmas markets are family-friendly and there are many actions to your little ones.

Youngsters can pet sheep, goats, or donkeys in animal stables, or get busy in baby workshops, enter numerous competitions, style Christmas sweets, and so forth.

You don’t must spend all of your time in Christmas markets, there’s at all times a lot happening within the festive season – don’t miss a few of the Introduction concert events carried out in historic buildings or church buildings, theatre, opera, ballet, or exhibitions.

You’ll be able to even discover a number of out of doors ice-skating rinks throughout the town – go to the one within the Fruit Market (Ovocny trh) within the Previous City.

What to Purchase on the Czech Christmas Markets

You is perhaps overwhelmed by the nice collection of Christmas merchandise within the markets as a result of all of it seems so fairly and it’s exhausting to resolve what to get.

The next are a few of the typical gadgets that it’s best to try as a result of they make excellent Christmas presents (and souvenirs to take house):

• Christmas tree ornaments
• Christmas decorations
• Introduction wreaths
• Handicrafts
• Wood toys
• Scented candles
• Glassware
• Spices
• Ceramics
• Jewellery
• Winter equipment (scarves, hats, gloves)
• Gingerbread merchandise

What to Eat & Drink on the Prague Christmas Market?

One other nice purpose to go to a Christmas Market in Prague is for the meals. You’ll be able to attempt many native dishes, in addition to some seasonal favorites.

Whereas visiting Prague, you will notice ‘Trdelník’ round each nook. It’s a candy pastry made out of dough that’s wrapped round a steel stick (trdlo) and grilled over an open flame.

It’s introduced as usually Czech nevertheless it’s not completely true, it’s frequent in most of Central Europe. For instance, in Budapest in Hungary it’s known as a chimney cake.

Nevertheless, it’s best to nonetheless give it a attempt – you possibly can have it empty, sprinkled with sugar, or with a filling (ice cream is the most well-liked). You’ll be able to watch ‘trdelnik’ being made in most markets and standing by the hearth may even heat you up.

They’re distinctive as a result of they unravel if you eat them. They’re candy and scrumptious!

Apart from this, don’t miss out and take a look at these typical Czech snacks, which is obtainable in most Christmas markets:

• Spit-roasted Prague ham (Pražská šunka)
• Barbecued sausages (klobasy)
• Salty potato pancakes (bramboraky)
• Conventional Czech Christmas braided cake ‘vanocka’
• Christmas cookies (vanocni cukrovi)
• Gingerbread (pernik)
• Russian Pelmeni (Dumplings)
• Langoš (flatbread topped with garlic, cheese and ketchup)

The next Christmas scorching drinks will show you how to to maintain heat too:

• Mulled wine (svarene vino or Svařák)
• Mead (medovina)
• Grog
• Punch
• Eggnog (vajecny konak)
• Sizzling chocolate (horká čokoláda)

Czech Christmas Traditions

Czech Christmas traditions are completely different from these in Western Europe.

For the Czech, a very powerful day of Christmas is Christmas Eve (twenty fourth December), particularly within the night, when we’ve household dinner, kids get their presents and a few households go to a midnight mass within the native church.

For Christmas dinner we get pleasure from fish soup and fried carp with potato salad – that’s why you possibly can see massive tanks with fish on the market in lots of locations a number of days earlier than Christmas.

Do-it-yourself Christmas cookies are an enormous a part of the vacation in each family and every household has its personal ‘secret’ recipes for the most effective cookies.

There’s a Christmas tree colorfully embellished and lit in each home.

The primary determine of Czech Christmas is Child Jesus (Jezisek), not Santa Claus (though you can see Santa in most retailers).

Throughout Christmas Day (25^th December) and St. Stephen’s Day (26^th December), Czech folks like to go to household and associates.

Christmas is the time when households come collectively and luxuriate in a variety of good meals and likewise fairy tales (there are various Czech fairy tales on TV throughout Christmas and we love watching them yearly).

Retailers are often closed from the afternoon of 24^th December till 25^th December, a few of them open on 26^th December (gross sales time!).

St. Nicholas Day within the Czech Republic

If you’re within the Czech Republic on the night of 5^th December (a day earlier than St. Nicholas Day), you’ll in all probability meet St. Nicholas (Mikulas) accompanied by an angel and a satan within the streets.

They ask youngsters in the event that they behaved throughout the 12 months – if that’s the case, they provide them a small current (often a bag of sweets or a chocolate Santa).

If the youngsters have been naughty, they get a lump of coal or potatoes as a substitute (they nonetheless get some treats in order that they aren’t too unhappy).

In Czech traditions, that is the day when ‘Santa’ visits, not on Christmas Eve like in different elements of the world.

Ideas for Visiting Prague Christmas Markets

We hope we satisfied you that the Christmas markets in Prague needs to be in your bucket record. It’s a good way to begin the vacation season and get some unique Christmas presents or decorations.

However earlier than you go, we’ve just some suggestions for visiting:

• It’s chilly within the Czech Republic in December (count on temperatures under zero diploma Celsius / 32 levels Fahrenheit), so gown warmly.
• The Prague Christmas markets are very talked-about worldwide and that’s why they will get crowded, particularly in Previous City and Wenceslas Squares. Keep watch over your little ones when you’re touring with youngsters.
• When you can, attempt to go to the markets on weekdays to keep away from the crowds (that’s what we do).
• Take into consideration which market is best for you. As locals, we want the smaller markets for a extra genuine expertise and decrease costs. But when it’s your first time in Prague you shouldn’t miss the large markets too – it’s simply as much as you the way a lot time (and cash) you’ll spend there.
• Most stalls don’t settle for bank cards as they’re simply small distributors, so deliver money with you (the native foreign money is Czech koruna, not Euro).
• We like to go to the Prague Christmas markets after it will get darkish and the stalls mild up, it’s a really magical expertise (particularly if it snows).

As you would possibly have the ability to inform by now, there’s nothing like absorbing the distinctive environment of medieval Prague, searching the wood stalls, listening to Christmas carols, having fun with Czech conventional meals, and sipping mulled wine.

If you’re in search of memorable experiences, Prague at all times delivers.

Planning a Journey to Prague

When you’re prepared to begin planning your journey, check out these further assets.