Christmas Markets 2009.
Prague's unofficial holiday season begins this year on Saturday, Nov. 28, when the city's Christmas markets (Vanocni trhy) open. The markets, which run until New Year's Day, are charming temporary villages of gaily decorated and lighted wooden huts and stalls. There you can find small Christmas presents like Bohemian crystal and carved wooden toys, handmade lace and ceramics, crafts and Christmas decorations. You can stock up on homemade Czech specialty foods, sausages and cakes. You can even pick up your live carp for Christmas Eve's traditional fried fish dinner. Be sure to have a mug of hot mulled wine in hand to keep you warm while strolling through the happy throngs of holiday shoppers, soaking in the sights, sounds and smells, and listening to the golden voices of local and international choirs performing outdoors throughout the Christmas season. The main Prague Christmas markets are set up near each other in Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. Each market has 75-100 huts and stalls, with several other smaller markets within a 10-minute walk at Havelske Trziste and Namesti Republiky. Christmas markets are a key ingredient of the Czech festive magic. The Prague Christmas markets light up the city centre at this time of year, bringing tourists and locals together to enjoy the holiday spirit, in a true 'winter wonderland' setting.
The Prague Christmas markets consist of brightly decorated wooden huts selling a variety of traditional Czech products from handicrafts and hot food (corn on the cob, sausages and local specialties), to Czech beers and warm drinks. Outdoor Christmas shopping is so much easier with a cup of hot wine (svařené víno or svařák) in your hand! The markets sell nice Christmas stocking fillers, such as Bohemian Crystal, wooden toys, scented candles, hand-made jewellery, ceramic mugs, hats, scarves, traditional puppets and Christmas tree ornaments.
Christmas in Prague
The first Christmas market usually takes place four Saturdays before Christmas eve, then it's every day until early January. Visitors from far and wide congregate to experience these traditional Czech Christmas markets. The most popular one are in Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square, but there are other smaller ones to explore. The best thing about these markets is the unique atmosphere. The Christmas tree in Old Town Square is usually illuminated on the evening of the first market.
The first Christmas market usually takes place four Saturdays before Christmas eve, then it's every day until early January. Visitors from far and wide congregate to experience these traditional Czech Christmas markets. The most popular one are in Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square, but there are other smaller ones to explore. The best thing about these markets is the unique atmosphere. The Christmas tree in Old Town Square is usually illuminated on the evening of the first market.
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