The past November 20 The first of Prague’s various Christmas markets opened, the one in náměstí Míru, Peace Square, dominated by the impressive neo-Gothic church of Saint Ludmila, the first Czech saint.
And the legendary beauty of the Czech capital shines with singular splendor at Christmas when the city is decked out for a month and a half to seduce travelers and locals who enjoy its famous markets, its varied activities… and its svařákthe German version of Glühwein, the mulled wine that brightens the cold Christmas nights.
Prague Christmas markets
Czech historian Zdeněk Míka assures that the first Christmas markets in the Czech capital date back to late 18th century as a result of the evolution of Christmas plays that were performed at this time of year.
The largest and probably oldest took place in the Old Town Squarea place where the most famous market in the city continues to be held today, but not the only one, far from it…
Náměstí Míru Market (November 20 to December 24)
Míka points out that, although some markets today end with the Three Wise Men, in ancient times they ended with the christmas eve sunset because “in no way” could everyone afford to give gifts on these dates, even though they could find cheap items in the markets.
Some markets in Prague still maintain the tradition of closing on Christmas Eve, but now they open very early, such as the one in Peace Square in the center of Vinohradysoutheast of the Old City. A good option if you want to avoid the crowds of the most popular markets.
Náměstí Republiky Market (November 25 to December 24)
We now enter World Heritage territory to visit the market that opens second, in the Plaza de la República. Since you are here you can take the opportunity to visit the impressive Municipal Housebuilt at the beginning of the 20th century, as well as the much oldest Powder Towerwhose origins are late medieval although it was rebuilt at the end of the 19th century: one of the thirteen original gates of the Old City of Prague.
Tyl Market (November 26 to December 24)
Very close to the Plaza de la Paz, on the edge of the New City, you can stop by this market with about twenty stalls where food abounds. A good time to try some typical Czech dishes of these dates such as trdelnikthe traditional cake of the street markets, the klobásy or sausage, or Prague ham, accompanied, you know, by the svařák.
Old Town Market (November 30 to January 6)
It is the Christmas market par excellence in Prague, the place where everyone wants to go to enjoy one of the Christmas markets with the best scenery in the world. Not in vain are several landmarks of Central European architecture found here, such as the City Hall with its famous astronomical clockin addition to the church of Our Lady of Týnwhich for many years marked the pinnacle of Prague buildings with its magnificent towers.
Wenceslas Square Flea Market (November 30 to January 6)
With an elongated shape, this square, which bears the name of the patron saint of Bohemia, is the cultural and financial center of Prague which, when Christmas arrives, is also filled with street sales stalls at both ends: in the northwest area next to the Mustek metro stop, and on the southwest side in front of the National Museum.
At the time of writing these lines, there was still no opening date for the Prague Castle market, on the other side of the Vltava. But there is no doubt that it is another of the most famous markets in the city, which you can reach by crossing the mythical Charles Bridge, one of the most impressive urban bridges in the world, and head to the St. Vitus Cathedralin the back of which the market will be located.
What to do in Prague at Christmas… (besides the markets)?
Christmas markets are very good, but there comes a time when you will be overwhelmed by so many little wooden stalls, twinkling lights and sausage-scented smoke. Since we finish our route between huts on the eastern bank of the Vltava, it is a good time to climb the castle stairs and enjoy one of the best views of the city.
And, again, on the other side of the Charles Bridge, stop by the church of San Nicolás where it is a tradition that various musical events take place in front of it, the most endearing being the Advent Choral Encounters that bring together choral groups from all over the world. Consultation in the official website from the organizer the schedules of the performances.
And there can’t be Christmas without ice rinksNo? One of the most impressive slopes (due to its location) will be found on Strelecky Island, in the Vltava, which opens every year from the beginning of December until the end of January.
And since we are here, the icing on the cake for this Christmas route through the capital of the Czech Republic is a night cruise on the Vltava. There are even ones with dinner included, but imagine the price… Better a walk for an hour enjoying one of the most beautiful Christmas cards in the world. And then, back to the market for dinner on klobásy and trdelnik… at a slightly more affordable price.
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