The tree lights are switched on at 16:30 every day, accompanied by rousing music. It is a spectacular sight set against the dark Gothic skyline. The tree is dressed with red and gold baubles, and draped in a blaze of lights. The most impressive sight of all is the mighty 25m Christmas tree erected at the Old Town Square, which is felled and transported to Prague from the Ústí nad Labem region of North Bohemia in Czechia. Where possible, ingredients are sourced locally: Christmas fish soup is made with carp from Czech rivers and lakes and vegetables from local farms Czech meat is used for the sausages and hamburgers the hams are from Czech pigs the beer is exclusively Czech (naturally!) and the wine hails from Moravia, including the wine used to make svařák. Outdoor Christmas shopping is so much nicer with a hot mulled wine or cold beer in your hand!įood and drink at the markets is served with 100% biodegradable plates, cutlery and cups. It is delicious on its own, but it can have chocolate sauce spread inside it, and/or be filled with ice-cream.Ī word of warning to parents: once a child has tasted trdelník, there is no going back - its comforting, addictive nature means you will be pestered endlessly for another hit!įor drinks, visitors can sample famous Czech beers, such as Pilsner Urquell, Budvar and Staropramen (brewed in Prague).Īlternatively, opt for a hot drink: mulled wine (svařák) punch (punč) hot chocolate (horká čokoláda) honey wine (medovina) or grog - made of rum, water, lemon and sugar. Trdelník (sometimes translated as Chimney Cake) is made from rolled dough that is wrapped around a stick, baked on an open fire, then topped with a sugar and walnut mix. There are plenty of cakes and sweets too, such as spicy gingerbread (perníčky) and a hot sweet pastry (trdelník). Made from carp, vegetables, cream and brandy, over 1,500 kilograms of ingredients are used to make the soup each year. Traditional Christmas fish soup (rybí polévka) is also cooked in huge cauldrons. Popular Czech foods on offer include: large hams roasted on spits (šunka) terribly unhealthy but wonderfully tasty barbecued sausages (klobása) flatbread topped with garlic, cheese and ketchup (langoš) chips (hranolky) smoked meat dumplings (knedlíky plněné uzeným masem) sweet dumplings (sladké knedlíky) and pancakes or crêpes (palačinky). There is all manner of local food and drink to sample, a lot of it prepared on the stalls in front of you.
While you can find nice souvenirs on the stalls, to take home to decorate your house with or to use as Christmas gifts, the markets are about much more than shopping. The Prague Christmas Markets consist of brightly decorated wooden huts, stocked with local handicrafts and traditional Christmas treats.Īmong the wares on display are ceramics, jewellery, glassware, embroidered lace, wooden toys, candles, Christmas tree ornaments, winter hats and gloves, and puppets and dolls dressed in traditional costumes. They light up the city, bringing locals and tourists together in a true 'winter wonderland' setting. Entry is free.Ĭhristmas markets (Vánoční trhy) are a key ingredient of the festive magic in Czechia, and the Prague markets are the most impressive in the country. Aimed at Czech people (although everyone is welcome), the market is open daily from 20th November to 24th December 2023. Smaller Christmas markets are open daily from 25th November at Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky), on Kampa Island in the Lesser Town, and at Havel's Market.Ī local Christmas market is held at Peace Square (Náměstí Míru), which is just outside the city centre, 15 minutes walk from the top of Wenceslas Square. The market is open daily from 2nd December 2023 to 6th January 2024. In addition, Prague Castle holds a sizeable Christmas market on the square in front of St. The two squares are 5 minutes walk from each other. The main Christmas markets are held at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, in the heart of the city. The Prague Christmas Markets are open daily from 2nd December 2023 to 6th January 2024, including on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. A 'winter wonderland' awaits, for visitors to soak up the festive atmosphere, browse the stalls, and enjoy Christmas carols, hearty food and local drinks - photos The Prague Christmas Markets are open daily at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. Prague Christmas Markets » 2nd December 2023 - 6th January 2024 What's Open in December Xmas Eve New Year's Eve Prague Christmas Markets 2023 | Local Information | Prague ExperienceĬhristmas Markets Christmas Planner: 24-26 December 2023
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