Portál Pražana
Prague under the spell of Christmas markets
The season of Advent, the four weeks leading into Christmas, is the time of Christmas markets where people are purchasing gifts for their loved ones and absorbing the Christmas atmosphere. Where will you find them in Prague? Traditionally, the largest two markets are in Staroměstské náměstí (Old Town Square) and Václavské náměstí (Wenceslas Square). This year's theme of the markets is fairy tales. The fairy tale motifs can be seen in the decorations. The daily performances on the stage in the Old Town Square is in line with the fairy tales theme. They will continue right through until the 6th of January 2019.
In the stalls spread throughout the market, you can buy everything from Christmas cookies and various food selections, to Christmas decorations and original craft products, or you can just take a stroll with a hot drink in a BIO cup (new this year) and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the markets that are considered one of the most beautiful in the world.
The markets also facilitate a charity box for the Prague Children's Foundation, with their proceeds going to children at oncology and hematology at the University Hospital Motol.
Christmas markets in Prague 2
Traditional Christmas markets also take place in Prague 2, in the central square of Vinohrady called Náměstí Míru. Whether you would like to indulge yourself in Christmas delicacies or take a pleasure in listening to Christmas music, look no further. This market provides a balanced mix of the two.
The market in Jiřího z Poděbrad square can be described as a Christmas farmer’s market. Here, you can buy not only goose, turkey or freshwater fish for your Christmas table, but also spices, candles, honey or wine - of course, the popular mulled wine is also on offer. What is more, there are bakers in Jiřího z Poděbrad that will be happy to take your order for traditional Czech Christmas cookies. You can place your order any day from Wednesday to Saturday, and you can collect your sweet delights in the week prior to the Christmas day, or as needed.
Medieval and modern markets
At the Prague Castle, you can combine the pleasure of visiting the market with a beautiful walk. The market, that takes place on the square near bazilika svatého Jiří (St. George's Basilica), behind the katedrála sv. Víta, Václava a Vojtěcha (St. Vitus Cathedral), will captivate you with its nearly ‘medieval’ atmosphere.
On the contrary, the Christmas market in Anděl is rather modern. This year, the market is smaller than usual due to the works on reconstruction of the exit from the metro station of the same name. Nevertheless, one can still find here a great quantity of nice decorations and presents. You can choose from the hand-painted products, cosmetics, aromatic oils and candles, or you can go for high quality tea, macarons or carp, which is the traditional meat for Czech Christmas dinner.
Design Florenc
For design lovers there is the Manifesto Winter Market, which takes place in Florenc. This Christmas market will delight not only all those who are keen on quality design and craftsmanship, but also those who appreciate high quality gastronomy. Here, Czech designers, creators and artists, as well as the best chefs, sell their goods.
Bethlehem Light and Bethlehem Post Office
On the 17th of December, the scouts will be handing out the Bethlehem light on the Christmas market at Náměstí Míru. Also, there will be a Bethlehem Post Office, where everyone can write Christmas cards to their friends. Both the candles with the Bethlehem light and the Christmas cards will be free of charge. Every Christmas card will be stamped with a memorial stamp of Bethlehem light and posted by the Czech Post. Children will enjoy small workshop where they can not only write their Christmas cards, but also decorate them with the Christmas stamps.
INFORMATION ON CHRISTMAS MARKETS