Prague city breaks – magical Christmas atmosphere
Sammy
Prague is the city break which is ranked the highest for the most popular city breaks for Europeans to take.
Classed as one of the most beautiful of European cities, Prague has a veritable living museum containing many picturesque and truly medieval cobblestone streets, with Gothic church spires that reach for the skies and beautiful stone bridges and gorgeous quaint squares. It is down to the sheer historical beauty of city. As such the entire town exudes an atmospheric romance.
Winter in Prague is special, in December the streets are full of street vendors selling steaming mulled wine in stunningly picturesque, snow powdered squares. Famed for their Christmas markets known as (Vanocni trh), these are the key ingredient which make this a magical and festive Czech Christmas. Prague Christmas markets litter the city centre and light up centre they draw tourists and locals in festive spirit amidst a real and natural ‘winter wonderland’ setting.
Prague Christmas markets hit the city from the beginning of December and run throughout the whole of the month, the most famous of these are in Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, the lesser known local fairs are at Havelske Trziste & Namesti Republiky. All these markets are within 10 minutes of walking distance from each other.
All their Christmas markets are comprised of brightly lit and highly decorated wooden huts which sell a whole range of Czech handicrafts, hot winter food (sausages and local specialties including corn on the cob) and warm soft drinks and warm alcoholic drinks. They understand the reasoning behind outdoor Christmas shopping being easier when you are drinking a cup of hot wine (or as they call it - svařené víno or svařák) !
Products include Czech glassware, wooden toys, large scented candles, handmade jewelry, hats, scarves etc. You get to watch your traditional foods cooked hot and fresh right in front of you.
Christmas markets are more than shopping in Prague. The Old Town Square is very traditional and is set up for children to be able to stroke sheep, goats and lamas. The theme is strictly traditional Christina with a Bethlehem manger scene across most of the square with a huge wooden stable and handmade straw floor depicts of the 3 Kings, Mary, Joseph and Jesus.
Probably the most stunning feature in Prague during the seasonal celebrations is the huge Christmas tree which is shipped from the Sumava mountains every year (the South of the Czech Republic). The tree is put in the Old Town Square at the beginning of December and draped in a blaze of lights which begin shining every night round 5pm. When you consider that the tree is set a deeply dark gothic skyline it really is quite spectacular. International choirs take the stage in the Old Town Square and entertain visitors whilst they browse the Christmas market stalls.
Posted on: Thursday, December 11, 2008 at 6:40 am 
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