As the holiday season approaches, the charming city of Prague is set to transform into a magical winter wonderland with the opening of its enchanting Christmas markets.
Nestled against the backdrop of historic architecture and cobblestone streets, these are the best Christmas markets in europe that offer a truly festive experience that captivates locals and visitors alike.
The festive extravaganza, set to kick off at Prague’s Old Town Square, will see the heart of Prague adorned with its twinkling lights in its 25-metre-tall Christmas tree at Old Town Square, with fragrant aromas of mulled wine, and the joyful sounds of seasonal melodies. The Christmas markets promise an array of activities and offerings to create lasting memories for all who attend.
Guests can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy the pre-Christmas atmosphere in the very centre of Prague at the market in the upper part of Wenceslas Square. The magical Wenceslas Square, the smell of mulled wine, many musical performances, the beautiful Christmas tree, and stalls with handicraft gifts.
Prague‘s Christmas Markets offer a vibrant array of live experiences.
The historic Old Town Square, steeped in centuries of history, takes centre stage for the festivities.
Here, visitors can meander through delightful wooden stalls adorned with traditional crafts, ornaments, and handcrafted gifts.
The markets also boast a delectable variety of Czech and international treats, from the renowned trdelník pastries to savoury local dishes, ensuring a culinary delight for every palate.
Traditional stalls showcase an assortment of local handicrafts and festive treasures, ranging from hand-blown glass baubles to puppets and intricately embroidered lace.
The tempting aroma of Czech sausages sizzling on the grill, garlicky cheese flatbread, and sweet dumplings fill the air, offering a feast for the senses.
Adding to the festive ambience, live performances and musical entertainment take centre stage.
Carolers, local bands, and talented performers contribute to the lively atmosphere, spreading holiday cheer throughout the markets. While honouring centuries-old traditions, Prague’s Christmas markets also embrace contemporary craftsmanship. Visitors can explore stalls that seamlessly blend the charm of traditional Czech handicrafts with modern aesthetics.
Prague’s Christmas markets are designed for everyone. The popular Christmas market in front of the picturesque Church of St Ludmila will once again include stalls offering a wide range of Christmas products such as mistletoe, Advent wreaths, candles, candle holders, toys, Christmas decorations, confectionery, Advent calendars, nativity scenes, and arts and crafts products.
On offer will also be traditional Christmas goods such as Christmas punch, mead, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, pancakes, BBQ specialities, and many more. A dedicated children’s corner offers interactive workshops, storytelling sessions, and a chance to meet Santa Claus, ensuring that the youngest visitors have an unforgettable experience tailored just for them.
Tyl Square Christmas Market features several stalls with Christmas assortment, such as Old Bohemian chimney cake (trdelník), Moravian cakes, honey gingerbread, potato delicacies, Tuscan Christmas delicacies, wine specialities, sand pictures, small gift items, and, of course, mulled wine and Christmas punch.
The Christmas tree on Old Town Square will be lit for the first time on Saturday, December 2, 2023 and will be on every day from 10 am to 1 am. It will turn on with animation to the tune of Three Nuts for Cinderella (Tři oříšky pro-Popelku, a famous Czech version of the fairy tale by Karel Svoboda) every day at fixed times.
A Feast for the Senses at Prague’s Christmas Markets
Beyond the charming souvenirs and festive decorations available at the stalls, Prague’s Christmas markets offer an unforgettable culinary journey. These markets are a treasure trove of local flavours, with an abundance of traditional Czech dishes prepared right before your eyes.
Indulge in the rich taste of large hams roasted on spits (šunka), or savor the deliciously unhealthy yet irresistible barbecued sausages (klobása). Treat your taste buds to the unique combination of flatbread topped with garlic, cheese, and ketchup (langoš), or enjoy classic chips (hranolky). Don’t miss the smoked meat dumplings (knedlíky plněné uzeným masem), sweet dumplings (sladké knedlíky), and the ever-popular pancakes or crêpes (palačinky) at these Christmas markets.
Culinary Delights at Every Turn
The star of the Christmas markets show is the traditional Christmas fish soup (rybí polévka), a culinary masterpiece made with carp, vegetables, cream, and brandy. Annually, over 1,500 kilograms of ingredients are used to create this festive delight.
Your sweet tooth will be satisfied with spicy gingerbread (perníčky) and the hot sweet pastry known as trdelník. This unique treat is made from dough rolled around a stick, baked over an open fire, and then topped with a sugar and walnut mix. You can enjoy it plain, with chocolate sauce, or even filled with ice cream!
Refreshing Beverages to Complement Your Meal
To accompany these mouth-watering dishes, sample some of the Czech Republic’s finest beers, including Pilsner Urquell, Budvar, and the locally brewed Staropramen. If you prefer something warmer, choose from mulled wine (svařák), punch (punč), hot chocolate (horká čokoláda), honey wine (medovina), or a classic grog made with rum, water, lemon, and sugar.
As you wander the outdoor Christmas markets, enjoy the experience even more with a hot mulled wine or a refreshing Czech beer in hand. The Christmas fish soup boasts carp sourced from Czech rivers and lakes, while the vegetables come from local farms. The sausages, hamburgers, and hams highlight the quality of Czech meat, and the beers are proudly Czech. Even the wine in the svařák is from Moravia, showcasing the region’s rich viniculture.
Prague’s Christmas Markets invite locals and global visitors to revel in the magic. As the city sparkles with festive lights and resonates with joy, it’s a time to come together and celebrate the warmth and traditions of the season in this captivating European gem!
Read more: Latest
