New Year's fair in Prague. Christmas markets in Prague

All tourists who come to Prague for Christmas find themselves in a fairy tale. A key element of holiday magic in the Czech Republic are the Christmas markets, and in Prague they are at their most spectacular. Christmas markets illuminate the city with millions of bright lights, fill it with aromas, bring locals and tourists together and immerse everyone in an atmosphere of carefree joy and winter magic.

Old Town Square

At Christmas in Prague: Christmas markets

When you come to Prague for Christmas, you won’t be able to pass by the two main Christmas markets, because they are located in the main squares of the city - and. But at Christmas there are also small markets in Prague: on, on and at the Basilica of St. George in. Christmas markets are open daily from November 30, 2019 to January 6, 2020 from 10:00 to 22:00, including Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year.

The Christmas markets in Prague are full of brightly decorated wooden houses selling traditional Czech crafts: china, jewelry, fine lace, wooden toys, metalwork, ceramics, scented candles, beautiful Christmas tree decorations, hats, gloves and scarves, dolls and puppets in national costumes. Everyone who comes to Prague for Christmas will find at this bazaar many nice things to decorate their home or as gifts for their loved ones.

Christmas market on Wenceslas Square

However, in addition to the fabulous festive atmosphere and traditional Czech souvenirs, everyone who comes to the markets for Christmas in Prague will also enjoy delicious food. Here you can try many national treats and see how they are prepared right in front of you - incredibly tasty things are baked on spits (Pečené vepřové koleno), wonderful sausages are fried on coals and the aromatic Czech dishes (Trdelník) are baked, sprinkled with nuts and sugar.

For Christmas in Prague: Christmas trees

At Christmas in Prague, many people have Christmas trees. One of the tallest and most beautiful fir trees stands on Vaclavak, it is always so brightly lit that it can be seen from all corners of this large area. The most beautiful Christmas tree in Prague is, of course, installed on Old Town Square. Daily at 16:30 against a dark gothic background the beautiful spruce is wrapped in the glow of lights, creating a unique fairy-tale atmosphere.

For Christmas in Prague: holiday dates

When planning your Christmas trip to Prague, keep in mind the national holiday dates in December:

• December 5, 2019 – St. Nicholas Day, or St. Nicholas Day, this day marks the beginning of the Christmas holidays for the Czech people.

Tourists who come to Prague for Christmas and want to see the traditional festive event should come to the Old Town Square on December 5 at 16:00. Figures of St. Nicholas, an angel and a devil will appear on the square, and a crowd of small children in fancy dress will gather around them, and together they will begin a procession around Old Town Square. Czech children are raised on stories about St. Nicholas and adore this day. The saint will ask each child if he was good last year. Most children, of course, will answer “Yes”, sing a song or recite a poem to the saint, for which they will be rewarded with candy and other treats. But if Saint Nicholas suspects that the child has been naughty, then instead of sweets he will receive black coal or hard potatoes. Well, the devil can put very naughty children in his bag and send them to hell. Little kids are, of course, terrified of the devil, which is by far the strongest incentive to behave well all year long.

Observing this Czech tradition, guests of the capital who come to Prague for Christmas can taste national treats at the already opened Christmas market.

• December 24, 2019 – Christmas Eve.

This is the most festive of Christmas days in the Czech Republic. It is on this day of Christmas in Prague that there are the least people on the streets; Czechs spend it with their family, and in the evening they give each other gifts and enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner.

In the afternoon and early evening on Christmas Eve in churches and historical buildings There are festive concerts and Christmas masses, most of which have free admission.

Having walked around Christmas markets and streets in Prague at Christmas fabulous city, go to a classical music concert. You can buy a ticket for a concert in one of the medieval churches of Prague and listen to the organ, or you can enjoy the music in one of the large concert halls Czech capital. We recommend pre-booking tickets:

At Christmas, the theater season is in full swing in Prague, which means it’s time to visit the Prague operas, and don’t forget about the original Czech theaters - puppet theaters and.

You can take a break from exploring and the Christmas markets on the ice skating rink under open air in the center of Prague, behind the Estates Theatre. The skating rink is fully open for Christmas in Prague

The pre-holiday Advent period in the Czech Republic begins in 2016 on November 27th. On this day, all Christmas markets open, and Christmas trees and holiday goods begin to be sold in the markets. Prague becomes magically beautiful: Christmas trees and lanterns glow throughout the city, and the aroma of mulled wine and pastries is in the air.

Christmas exhibitions and fairs in Prague are becoming more beautiful and interesting every year. For example, in the 2015 ranking of the American publication USA Today, the Christmas market on Old Town Square was included in the list of the best tourist places At Christmas.

We have compiled for you a selection of places where you can go to get in the festive mood.

Fair on Peace Square (náměstí Míru)

Traditional fair on central square Vinohrady district in Prague opened this year as the first in the city. In front of the Church of St. Lyudmila had a beautiful Christmas tree and more than 70 stalls with holiday goods. As always, here you can buy nice gifts and souvenirs for Christmas and, of course, treat yourself to punch, mulled wine, baked chestnuts, pancakes or grilled meat.

This year, many public associations are participating in the fair: money from the sale of souvenirs will go to help those in need.

Fair on the Back Square (Tylovo náměstí) in Prague 2

The Tylovaya Square Fair, located a short walk from Peace Square, is popular with locals. There are no stunning decorations here, but you can buy organic products, Moravian rolls, honey gingerbread, potato snacks, Christmas delicacies, wine and small handmade gifts.

Open: daily from 10 to 19:00, from 11/23 to 12/24/2016.

The main Christmas market in Prague on Old Town Square

The main and most beautiful Christmas market in the country in 2016 will be decorated in the style of an Old Bohemian gingerbread village. The designers decided to focus on natural materials: the artists hand-painted the wooden holiday kiosks. More than 50 live Christmas trees will be displayed along the entire perimeter of the fair so that visitors can feel the pleasant aroma of pine needles, familiar to everyone from childhood.

November 26 at 17:30 on Old Town Square for the first time to the classical music of composer Gioachino Rossini. The illumination show will be repeated every hour until January 6 (17:30, 18:30, 19:30, 20:30). On the same day, all kiosks with treats and souvenirs will open.

Open: daily from 10:00 to 24:00 (kiosks with treats), food kiosks - from 10:00 to 22:00.

Christmas market at Prague Castle

The second most important fair in the Czech Republic will open at Prague Castle on November 25, right on St. George's Square behind St. George's Cathedral. Vita. There will be 34 stalls selling traditional Czech goods and crafts. As part of the cultural program, many children's groups and schools will perform. This year hot drinks will be served in special beautiful pots.

On November 27th at 15:00 the Christmas tree will be solemnly lit at Prague Castle, which you can admire until Christmas.

Open: Mon-Fri 9:00-19:00, Sat-Sun 9:00-20:00, from 25.11 to 6.1.2017

trhynahrade.cz

Charity Christmas market at the palace in Mala Strana

From November 25 to 27, a traditional charity fair will be held in the courtyard of the Velkoprevsky Palace on Lazenska Street (Mala Strana). This is a unique opportunity to get into fabulous place, access to which is closed on normal days. On Saturday, November 26 at 12:00, the oldest boys' choir in the world from Germany will perform at the fair.

Address: Velkopřevorský palác, Lázeňská 2, Prague 1 - Malá Strana, 118 00

vanocevpraze.cz

Farmer's Christmas market on Andel

The Christmas market on the Andel pedestrian zone in Prague's Smichov district will offer a large selection of goods: cosmetics, scented candles, oils, decorations, toys, handkerchiefs and napkins (all handmade), quality teas and, of course, carp.

Open: From 10 to 19:00, from 11/26/2016 to 12/23/2016

Fair on Republic Square

Christmas market in Prague opposite shopping center The Palladium opens on November 25th. The open-air kiosks will offer a full range of traditional Christmas products: advent wreaths, decorations, toys, gifts, Christmas tree decorations, books, cards, calendars, sweets, artificial trees, candles, ceramics, organic products, delicacies and much more. Here you can not only buy nice goods, but also drink mulled wine, punch or other warming drinks, and also try hot grilled sausages.

Open: daily from 10:00 to 19:00, from 25.11 to 24.12.2016

vanocevpraze.cz

Christmas market on Wenceslas Square

Kiosks with Christmas products will be located in the upper and lower parts of Wenceslas Square. This fair is intended primarily for tourists, so it closes later than others and runs longer.

Open: daily from 10:00 to 22:00, from 11/26/2016 to 1/6/2017.

Christmas exhibitions in Prague

Exhibition of Christmas miniatures

25.11.2016 - 1.1.2017

From November 25th, a traditional exhibition will open in the Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Natural Sciences of Charles University, which will show visitors the magical world of Christmas-themed miniatures. Among the exhibits you will see small Christmas trees with miniature toys, mini nativity scenes, compositions based on biblical scenes, etc. Miniature Christmas gifts and cards will also be sold at the exhibition.

Open: daily from 10:00 to 17:00.
Tickets: full - 50 CZK, children under 6 years old free
Address: Botanická zahrada Přírodovědecké fakulty Univerzity Karlovy, Na Slupi 16, Prague 2 - Nové Město, 128 01

vanocevpraze.cz

Exhibition of nativity scenes at the Clementinum

From November 23 to January 8, the Clementinum in the center of Prague will host an exhibition of historical nativity scenes: from the Baroque to the end of the Second World War. The exhibition features handmade wooden nativity scenes from all over the Czech Republic, as well as less traditional compositions made from paper, sugar, wax, clay and other materials. Everyone will be able to make their own marzipan figurine in the workshop.

Open: daily from 9:00 to 18:00, from December 24 to December 31 - from 9:00 to 15:00.
Entrance: 50 CZK full, 30 CZK reduced.
Address: Galerie Klementinum, Křižovnická 190, Prague 1 - Stare Město, 110 00

Exhibition: From the pagan solstice to the Christian Christmas

Betlémská kaple, Betlémské náměstí 4, Prague 1 - Stare Město, 110 00

Czech Christmas in the context of the European celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ occupies unique place. This Christian holiday with pagan roots is simultaneously associated with magic and fortune telling. The exhibition will reveal to visitors the times when people celebrated the winter solstice. You will learn how this day was determined in ancient times, what rituals and traditions there were. In addition, at the exhibition you will be able to see a large selection of Christmas exhibits: nativity scenes, Christmas trees, decorations, crafts.

Open: every day from 09:00 to 18:0, 12/24 and 12/31 - from 9:00 to 14:00, 12/25 and 1/1/2017 - from 13:00 to 18:00.
Tickets: 70 CZK - full, 35 CZK reduced.

vanocevpraze.cz

Christmas markets in Prague are the center of holidays and merry festivities. The capital seems to be filled with the expectation of magic and miracle. There is a fabulous atmosphere all around. Christmas bells can be heard ringing and Christmas carols are sung in front of cathedrals and churches. And at the fairs there is a life of its own - Christmas toys, sweets, national dishes are sold, mulled wine and grog flow like a river. And I want to have time to try it all and go home with souvenirs for my family and friends.

You can do all this at the Christmas markets (bazaars) in Prague. And this year 2017, even after Christmas, because some fairs will be open from November 20 until January 6, 2018. Hurry up to book accommodation for Christmas while there is still a choice.

• (Staroměstské náměstí) - 02.12.2017 – 06.01.2018
• (Václavské náměstí) - 02.12.2017 - 06.01.2018
• Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky) - 12/25/2017 - 12/24/2017
• Peace Square (Náměstí Míru) – 11/20/2017 - 12/24/2017
• Rear Square (Tylovo náměstí) - 11/23/2017 - 12/24/2017
• Palacko Square (Palackého náměstí) – 11/27/2017 - 12/24/2017
• Jiřího z Poděbrad Square, 11/24/2017 - 12/24/2017

Christmas markets on the map

What to eat at Christmas markets in Prague

If you really want to visit Prague for Christmas, then you definitely need to try the national one. When going to a restaurant or walking around a fair, you should be more savvy in this matter than ever.

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Christmas in Prague cannot be complete without Czech national sweets:

• Trdelnik – delicious puff pastry tubes rolled in sugar, nuts and cinnamon.
• Sweet dumplings (Knedliki) are not traditional potato dumplings. They are made from semolina, dough or cottage cheese, with sugar, vanilla and various fillings: fruits, berries, jam.
• Vanochka (Vánočka) – a sweet braid of nine “strands” with raisins
• Palanchiki (Palačinky) – sweet pancakes filled with ice cream, jam, fruit, marmalade
• Bagels with vanilla (Vanilkové rohlíčky) - small-sized cookies rolled in vanilla sugar
• Strudel is a thin dough roll with various fillings. The most popular is apple strudel.

Trdelnik

Christmas drinks include:

• Mulled wine (swarzak)
• Honey

They are usually cooked at Christmas markets so that everyone can stay warm in the December cold.

The main Christmas dish for the Czechs is mirror carp. You should definitely try it. Other dishes are optional. Czech cuisine is very tasty. During our trip to the Czech Republic, we did not have time to try everything. The pork knuckle (Veprove koleno), which we tried in...we will never forget, caused a slight shock. I’ll tell you right away, you can forget about your figure for a while. Czech cuisine is high in calories. But very tasty!

Christmas menu:

• Fried carp with potato salad
• Wine sausage (beef+pork+white wine)
• Christmas carp soup
• (Veprove knee)
• Beef goulash (Pivovarský guláš)

What gifts to buy at the Christmas market in Prague

Traditional gifts from the Czech Republic:

• Jewelry with pomegranate or vltavina
• Beer cosmetics (shampoos, creams and other environmentally friendly cosmetics)
• Puppets
• Gift beer or wine set
• Bohemian glassware
• Becherovka liqueur
• Absinthe
• Original Christmas tree decorations

Find out how much it costs to travel to the Czech Republic

Sincerely,

The capital of the Czech Republic is a city that captivates at first sight. For several centuries it has been considered one of the the most beautiful corners Europe. Swift cathedral spiers and tiny shops, cozy alleys and, of course, picturesque bridges - the distinctive views of the Czech capital cannot be confused with any others. And snowflakes fluttering in the air and silver frost on the statues only add festive charm to the landscape.

January Prague - perfect place to celebrate Christmas in a pleasant atmosphere, forget about problems and gain new strength. This a tourist route They are chosen by families with children, couples in love, and cheerful groups. And all because the Czech capital manages to find the key to the heart of every guest.

Advantages of a holiday in Prague

The popularity of the Czech Republic among residents of post-Soviet countries can also be explained by practical reasons. Firstly, this is the similarity of Slavic cultures and knowledge local residents Russian language. Prague residents over forty years old studied the great and mighty at school, so you definitely won’t have to express yourself with gestures.

Colorful Christmas lights in Prague

Secondly, geographical proximity. Three to four hours by plane - and you will already be greeted at Prague airport. You can also get to the Czech capital by train. Direct flights depart from Moscow with stops in Kyiv and Minsk. However, the duration of the trip (one and a half to two days) can scare off a novice tourist.

Thirdly, the Czech Republic has a rather mild climate: -2...-4 °C instead of our twenty degrees. Stock up on warm clothes, grab a glass of mulled wine - and you can wander around Prague all day. Finally, the number of unusual and beautiful places per square kilometer of the city is truly off scale. So be prepared for surprises!

Christmas traditions in Prague

Most Czechs are Catholics. All Christmas celebrations in the country take place on the 20th of December. At this time, the city squares are decorated with elegant fir trees, festive illuminations and countless tents of street vendors. The latter offer tourists to buy souvenirs and taste local delicacies. You can eat traditional food during your walk: honey gingerbread, vanilla bagels and nut nest cookies.

Christmas fairs take place in every corner of the Czech Republic

The festivities are accompanied by a huge number of native Czech rituals. For example, on the evening of December 24, Prague residents go to the banks of the Vltava to buy fish... and release it into the wild. This is how they celebrate Christmas Eve - “Generous Day”. The next morning, the aroma of spices wafts through the frosty air as Czechs, true to tradition, bake a goose and prepare cookies. And on December 26, the streets are filled with cheerful people. They are accompanied by careless men - on this day it is customary to drive them out of the door.

However, there is something to do in Prague during Orthodox Christmas. At the beginning of January, the festive bustle subsides, the crowds thin out and you can calmly stroll along the snow-covered streets and parks. There are seven operating in different areas of Prague Orthodox churches. The most notable of them is Cathedral Saints Cyril and Methodius in the Nove Mesto area. The Christmas religious procession takes place in the very heart of the city - around the Church of St. Nicholas.

Sights of Prague

The starting point for most excursions is Old city, or Stare Mesto in Czech. It was here that the history of Prague began a thousand years ago. Among the labyrinth of streets hide real treasures: luxurious mansions, austere cathedrals and museums. These include a collection of works by the famous artist Alphonse Mucha.

All buildings were built in different eras, but still form harmonious ensembles. However, the most interesting thing awaits you behind the Powder Gate. This is Old Town Square - one of the city's tourist attractions and an example of Gothic architecture. The traveler can see the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary in front of Tyn, crowned with two pointed towers, a monument to the church reformer Jan Hus and the building of the Prague Town Hall.

Old Town Square in the midst of Christmas: a view from above

The “oohs” and “aahs” of tourists are caused by the Astronomical Clock on its southern wall. For several hundred years, they show not only the time and date, but also the hour of sunset and sunrise, and the location of the zodiac signs. When the minute hand reaches the “12” mark, the chimes begin their chime and the ancient mechanisms are launched. The performance begins - the figures of biblical characters begin to move and act out the famous skit about human vices.

From the square it is a stone's throw to the Old Town Tower. It protects the entrance to the Charles Bridge. Every city has must-see attractions for every visitor, and this is one of them. The bridge was built back in the 14th century to connect the banks of the Vltava. By the standards of the time, it was a marvel of engineering, and was named after the then ruler, Charles IV. Three centuries later, the building was decorated with a sculpture gallery. Nowadays it includes thirty figures of Czech saints, who look at passers-by from pedestals.

On the other side of the river stands Prague Castle. One of the largest castles in the world was founded more than a thousand years ago and has gone through many reconstructions. For the Czech Republic it means the same as the Kremlin for Russia. Today it is a huge tourist complex, which includes several palaces (one of which belonged to the kings of the Czech Republic), traces of the early Middle Ages, the Basilica of St. George, Golden Lane and, of course, the Cathedral of St. Vita.

Magical Prague Castle with Christmas lights

The latter will definitely convince you: prayer in stone is not just beautiful words. This is the very essence of Gothic architecture. The stained glass windows, sculptures and richly decorated vaults of the cathedral amaze guests to the core. Old Royal Palace was erected by Charles IV, already known to us. The residence of the Czech monarchs gained fame thanks to its huge reception hall, which you can now stroll through with an entrance ticket.

Another interesting corner is Golden Street. A dozen colorful, tiny, toy-like houses under the snow caps will remind you of scenes from children's fairy tales. Be sure to look through their windows and squeeze through their doors. Some houses have preserved the interior of the beginning of the last century, while others contain museum exhibits or souvenir shops.

Co observation platforms Prague Castle offers views of the Charles Bridge, tiled roofs of ancient buildings, domes and cathedral spiers. Hidden among the monumental buildings of the complex is the Toy Museum. His collection is one of the largest and most diverse in the world. Have you visited the residence of the Czech monarchs? Then it’s worth going down the hill not on one of the Prague trams, but on two of your own.

Charles Bridge is perhaps the main attraction of Prague

The residential areas of the city are full of architectural attractions and funny places like the narrowest street (only half a meter wide) or the very peculiar sculptures in the museum on Kampa Island. Do not forget that Prague is not only an administrative capital, but also a spiritual one. On the streets of the city there are many cultural institutions: the Kafka Museum, the Museum of Decorative and Applied Arts, the Museum of Alchemists and Magicians... A separate museum is dedicated to the favorite Czech drink - beer.

There are also plenty of souvenir shops in Prague. Among the stamped figurines and keychains, you can find something special here. For example, a watercolor landscape or a handmade puppet doll. As for the cuisine, on Christmas days you can order traditional Czech dishes. The menu includes fried carp with potato or mushroom salad, Black Cuba mushroom porridge, and wine sausage. For dessert, you can enjoy zucchini cookies and apple strudel.

Prague is already preparing for the upcoming magical holiday, the city is being transformed, decorated, the aroma of baked chestnuts and warming mulled wine hangs in the air. This means that colorful fairs will soon open in the squares, musicians and singers will sing Christmas carols, and children and adults will be looking forward to gifts and the fulfillment of their most cherished desires.

Christmas markets will begin on November 26 and continue until January 1. This year they decided not to extend the fairs until at least January 7th. Below is a list of Christmas markets that you can visit in Prague.

Old Town Square

The main historical square of the Czech capital, where a huge and luxurious New Year tree will stand. The square, which is already full of tourists at any time of the year, will come to life with the bright lights of the Christmas market. Truly this is a magical time, and even when the weather is not snowy, an unforgettable fabulous holiday atmosphere is still created.
At the beginning of Advent, this year it is November 26, the garland on the Christmas tree will be solemnly lit in the square, come at 17:00. I just want to warn you that the square will be packed with people, so if you don’t like such crowds or have small children in strollers, then think carefully about whether it’s worth going there at this particular time. Perhaps the best solution would be to go to the square another day or a little later.
As for what will be happening at the fair at this time. Here the Czechs are devoted to their traditions: on the square they will sell souvenirs for every taste, delicious food, aromatic mulled wine, on the stage various groups will play music, sing songs, dance and act out scenes of the birth of Jesus. Of course, they will also put up a wooden betlem (a decorative figure of the baby Jesus, the Virgin Mary and Joseph), a pen with animals, usually a donkey, sheep, goats and ponies. Animals can be fed only with special food purchased right there. Well, you can pet the animals and admire them endlessly.

Video of the Christmas market.

This is how the ceremonial lighting of the garlands on the Christmas tree takes place.

Wenceslas Square

The fair on Wenceslas Square takes place in two places at once, one at the bottom of the square right next to the NewYorker store, the other near the monument to St. Wenceslas. Both places will have souvenirs, delicious food and nice music.

Republic Square

This Christmas market is located opposite the main entrance to the Palladium shopping center. It is not as big as the fair on Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, but you can also have a good time here. Moreover, all of the above fairs are nearby, and you can easily move from one to another.