How to celebrate Christmas in Prague

Many people travel elsewhere during the holidays, either to visit family or some other interesting destination. But for those who decide to stay in town, Prague is a magical place during the holiday season and there are a variety of activities for everyone in and around Prague as well.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Christmas in Prague is a magical time and December is undoubtedly one of the nicest months of the year in this beautiful city. Christmas markets are up, shop windows are bright and beautiful, Christmas trees adorn the town squares and the early dusk is filled with warm light. People are nicer to each other, the mood is festive. And if all is covered in fresh, white snows, what more can you ask for?
   Prague at Christmas is a special place, so bundle up and take a stroll. If you get cold, have some hot chocolate at a café, stop by a tea room or buy a cup of mulled wine or grog from a street vendor. You will see the signs of Christmas approaching as early as October when Czech Christmas ornaments start appearing in shop windows. Around the end of November, Christmas markets open up and a large Christmas tree is erected and lit on the Old Town Square. Christmas mood marks the month of December until its very end when New Year's celebrations take over.
2. Czechs also have a tradition of cookies and other holiday treats and, of course, there is the traditional Christmas meal of carp. About a week before Christmas, carp stands with tanks of live fish begin appearing on streets around town. One can pick out the fish of choice and have it prepared to take home on the spot. Those who prefer to have a really fresh fish can take it home live and keep it in the bathtub until preparation time arrives and do it all themselves. I have known people who have done this and have lived to tell the tale.
   Let’s not forget New Year’s Eve. You can take advantage of the many offerings of New Year’s Eve parties at various accommodation in Prague such as hotels, hostels, pensions around town (http://www.prague-hotels.org.uk/) or get together for a lively or quiet party (depending on your mood) with friends and neighbors. The best part is the fireworks. There’s a big display put on by the city in the center, but the best ones are in your local neighborhoods or close to your accommodation in Prague. It’s the one time of year that it is legal to set off fireworks privately. You can buy them at most stores, including Tesco, Delvita, Baumax, Hornbach, etc. There is nothing like standing outside and setting off your own fireworks display amidst all the others being launched in surrounding neighborhoods. I still find rockets in my yard in March after the snows melt, a small reminder of the fun had at the beginning of the New Year.
3. Traditional Christmas markets are in Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. The organizers of Old Town Square Christmas markets announced that a special souvenir can be bought there, a cup with the motive of Prague’s Christmas markets. Other Christmas markets are in namesti Miru, namesti Republiky and Avion Park in Prague-Zlicin.

Tips & Warnings

• These are just a handful of ideas and activities. Be creative, explore Prague and the countryside, and search out new activities.