PRAGUE GUIDE

Prague Christmas markets start on 26 November and run daily throughout December until 1 January. Markets are usually open from 09.00 until 19.00 (food stands until midnight). Major markets are located around Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square while smaller ones can be found around Havelska Trziste, Namesti Miru and Namesti Republiky. Another one is located at the Prague Exhibition Grounds, Vystaviste. But probably the most beautiful is the Old Town Square market where a giant Christmas tree lights up the centre of the square, while the space around is transformed into a marketplace with decorated wooden huts and market stalls selling all kinds of small crafts and Czech delicacies including carved toys, bobbin lace, ceramics, glass figurines and Christmas ornaments. To soak up the market atmosphere even more, why not try some tasty gingerbread cakes, barbecued sausages, hot punch and mulled wine while street performers, local and international choirs, along with musical ensembles, take care of your entertainment?

The Old Town's Square

26^th November 2011 to the 1^st January 2012

This Xmas market is the busiest and prettiest one in Prague. Small stalls are slotted in round the statue of Jan Hus surrounded with the centuries old architecture of the Renaissance, Baroque and Gothic periods. This market is characterised by an Xmas tree, that is decorated with 100's of lights lit up each evening once it starts to get dark (normally about 17:00). A stage is set-up each year for open air short plays and Xmas concerts.

The Wenceslas Square

26^th November 2011 to 8^th January 2012

This is an additional big Xmas market situated in the city's centre. It can be found in Wenceslas Square's lower area and is normally characterised by an Xmas tree that is artificial.

The Republic Square

25^th November to the 24^th December 2011

An Xmas market close to the Palladium's department store just a short walk from Wenceslas Square and Na Příkpě street.

The Peace Square

20^th November to the 24^th December 2011

This local Xmas market is situated on Prague Two's appealing Náměstí Míru at the front of the impressive Church of Saint Ludmila. The tradition is that it is the 1^st Xmas market in Prague to open each year. This market is considerably less busy than the ones in the centre and is frequented mainly by local people.

The Exhibition Grounds At Holešovice

9^th to the 18^th December 2011

This 'Exhibition Grounds' Xmas market in Prague Seven is normally combined with a week-end program of entertainment. This year, a handicraft and pottery fair will operate from the 9^th to the 11^th of December.

Prague Christmas markets have a long tradition

The main idea is to bring people together to share the holiday spirit and enjoy Christmas carols, hot food and mulled wine. But the markets are not just about shopping. They are all about feeling that special Christmas atmosphere. Sellers offer you not only a great opportunity to buy some unique gifts, but also the experience of strong traditions being kept alive. They bring the true meaning of Christmas to life.

Christmas is the most important celebration in the Czech calendar and from 24 December to 1 January most Czechs have extended family holidays; consequently the Prague streets become even more full of life. Just before Christmas, fishmongers bring in carp by the barrelful, drawing everyone into the Christmas mood. Christmas Eve is a day of abstinence from meat and for that occasion most families prepare fried carp served with a potato salad.

New Year's Eve dinner is also a great celebration: some families serving boiled pig's head with grated horseradish and apple; some do dinner in arty-style with plates of snacks and bottles of sparkling wine. But most young people head to the streets as on New Year's Eve there are spectacular views of fireworks and a mellower pace at Prague Castle or Vyšehrad.

Enjoy the festive atmosphere and share your kindness and love this time of the year! Christmas in Prague is just wonderful!

24 December - Christmas Eve
25 December - Christmas Day
26 December - St Stephen's Day
31 December - New Year’s Eve

Tip: Around Christmas Prague becomes very crowded, so booking a hotel room in advance is essential to guarantee the standard of accommodation that you want.