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| | | Prague Christmas markets » 01 December 2012 - 06 January 2013:
The Prague Christmas markets run daily at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. A 'winter wonderland' awaits, as visitors soak up the festive atmosphere, browse the stalls and enjoy Christmas carols, hearty food and hot wine - Christmas markets photos. |
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 | | Christmas Markets 2012Christmas markets (Vanocni trh) 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 run daily, including on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. The main markets are held at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, with smaller ones at Republic Square and Havel's market. All are within a few minutes walk of each other. |
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Prague Christmas markets consist of brightly
decorated wooden huts selling traditional Czech products from handicrafts and
hot food (sausages, corn on the cob, pastries and local specialties), to cool Czech beers and warm drinks. Outdoor Christmas
shopping is so much nicer with a cup of hot wine
(svařené víno or svařák) in your hand!
Visitors can observe traditional foods
being made, and find a variety of Christmas stocking fillers, such as Bohemian Crystal, wooden toys, scented candles, hand-made jewellery, ceramic mugs, hats, scarves, traditional puppets and Christmas tree ornaments.
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| | |  | | However, Christmas markets are not just about shopping. At the animals stable in the Old Town Square children can stroke sheep, goats and a donkey. And a large Bethlehem scene depicts
Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus and the Three Kings in a wooden stable.
Most impressive of all is the Christmas tree, shipped from the Krkonose mountains in the North of the Czech Republic. The tree is erected in the Old Town Square and draped in
a blaze of lights, which are turned on around 5pm every night. Set against a dark gothic skyline, this is a
spectacular sight. |
| | | And what would Christmas be without carols? A programme of events runs daily on a stage erected in the Old Town Square, with Czech and International choirs and dance groups entertaining visitors.
These include school children, who come from all over the Czech Republic. The trip is the highlight of their school year - they dress in traditional costume, and sing and dance for the crowd.
The atmosphere in Prague in December is simply wonderful! |
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Children's Activities
Next to the Bethlehem scene and animals stable is a long wooden cabin where a children's indoor workshop takes place.
Children can join in activities linked to Christmas, like making Christmas decorations and masks, and watch puppet theatre.
Puppet Fairytale Theatre (in Czech) - 15:00 Sat-Sun.
Puppet Theatre (in Czech) - 17:00 Daily.
Wooden cabin opening times:
01st December - 29th December 2012.
Mon-Fri 15:00-19:00; Sat-Sun 10:00-19:00.
(Except:
24/12 10:00-15:00. 25-26/12 12:00-19:00.) |
| | | How to make the most of the Christmas MarketsPrague's city centre is compact - ideal for pedestrians. Book a hotel in Prague 1 (city centre) or Prague 2 (fringes of the city centre), and you can easily walk anywhere in the city centre (even in the snow!). The Christmas Markets are free to enter, so you can leave your hotel at any time and be in the midst of things in minutes. Grab a hot drink, soak up the atmosphere, and when you're ready for a warm bath it's just a short walk home - Prague hotelsWe recommend buying a ticket for a classical music concert in a church or concert hall. Over the festive period these concerts are more magical than ever - Prague concertsThe Christmas lights and decorations, and the festive atmosphere bring the ancient buildings in Prague to life. A sightseeing tour will help you discover the best of the city. From walking tours to coach tours to river cruises, there is a means for everyone to explore Prague - Prague sightseeing
For visitors to Prague on the 5th December 2012:
Mikulas in Prague
For visitors to Prague on 24th-26th December 2012:
Prague Christmas Planner
For a perfect Prague city break we recommend our Prague Package City Break
For weather, currency exchange and other useful information: Prague Tourist Information
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 Christmas 2012
HIGHLIGHTS | Christmas Markets
Old Town Square:
01st Dec-01st Jan.
Open Daily.
Mon-Fri: 09h-19h
Sat-Sun: 09h-20h.
Wenceslas Square:
01st Dec-06th Jan.
Open Daily.
Mon-Fri: 09h-19h
Sat-Sun: 09h-20h.
more info | | Christmas Tree
01st Dec: 17h00
Lighting of the Christmas tree at Old Town Square. | |
Mikulas Day
05th Dec: from 16h at Old Town Square.
more info | |
Christmas Eve
24th Dec: 21h
Christmas mass at Old Town Square.
24th Dec: Midnight mass at Strahov Monastery.
more info | |
Christmas Planner
24th-26th Dec.
What's open and when at Christmas.
more info | | New Year's Eve
31st Dec. Celebrations & midnight fireworks.
more info |
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