Christmas in Prague

When December arrives, Prague is transformed. The stark Gothic buildings, cobbled streets and bridges over the Vltava River, shrouded in lights and the smell of cinnamon, seem to emerge from a Christmas fairy tale. Christmas in the Czech capital is not just a holiday, but an atmospheric experience that captivates from the first minutes and does not let go until New Year's Eve.

As early as the end of November, Christmas trees and festive markets begin to be set up in the city. The center of Prague, especially the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, are transformed into living decorations: bright garlands, wooden houses with treats, music and the smell of roasted chestnuts create a sense of real magic. Even those who are indifferent to holidays cannot resist the charm of winter Prague.

It becomes especially atmospheric towards evening. The city lights up with thousands of lights, and Christmas melodies ring out from the streets. The air is filled with the aromas of sweet pastries, mead and spiced mulled wine. Many tourists note that it is Christmas Prague that evokes a feeling of coziness and good nostalgia.

The main Christmas fair is traditionally located on Old Town Square. Here you can see the huge Christmas tree, which is brought from different parts of the Czech Republic every year, and taste Czech cuisine - from traditional sausages (klobása) and roast pork to sweets like trdelnik and vanilla Christmas cookies (vánoční cukroví).

Other popular fairs are:

• on Wenceslas Square, a little more modern and spacious;
• on Republic Square - smaller, but cozy and not so crowded;
• at the Prague Castle (Hradčany), offering magical views of the evening city.

Local artisans sell their wares here handmade - ceramics, Christmas tree ornaments, toys, wooden figurines and warm woolen clothes. This is a great opportunity to buy original gifts or souvenirs that cannot be found in regular stores.

Czech cuisine especially delicious During the cold season. At Christmas markets, it is worth paying attention to:

• Prague ham, slow-roasted over an open flame;
• Vary wine (svařák) is a classic spiced mulled wine;
• mead is a warm honey drink;
• perniki (Czech gingerbread);
• fish soup and carp are traditional dishes for Christmas dinner.

Interestingly, on December 24, Christmas Eve, many Czechs stick to Lenten food and serve potato salad with fried carp. Most restaurants are closed on this day, so it's worth planning dinner in advance, especially for tourists.

In the Czech Republic, Christmas is considered a family holiday, and many Czechs spend it at home with loved ones. Gifts are exchanged on the evening of December 24, not the morning of December 25 as in most Western countries. They are brought not by Santa Claus, but by Baby Jesus (Ježíšek).

One nice Czech tradition is to release a carp into the river before Christmas. Live carp are sold on the streets before the holiday, and some families keep the fish in the bathtub, especially if there are children in the house. On Christmas Eve, the carp is either cooked or released back into the Vltava River as a symbol of mercy and prosperity.

Divination is also popular, especially among unmarried girls: for example, throwing a shoe over the shoulder (if the toe points to the door, the girl will get married in the new year), or cutting an apple crosswise (a star in the core - for happiness, a cross - for bad luck).

During the Christmas and New Year's vacations in Prague there is a lot of cultural events:

• Concerts in St. Vitus Cathedral or in the Municipal House (Obecní dům);
• Ice rinks that open directly under the open sky - one of the most popular ones is located near the Arkády Pankrác shopping center;
• Boat rides on the Vltava River, decorated with garlands and with a Christmas menu;
• Visiting Prague churches where festive services and organ music are held.

Prague Castle is not to be forgotten, especially in the evening when it is illuminated and the views of Christmas Prague become truly magical.

Christmas in Prague is not just a trip to Europe, but a real immersion in a kind, bright atmosphere where fairy tales and traditions come to life. This is the time when the city reveals its soul - quiet, cozy and amazingly beautiful. If you are looking for the perfect place to feel the spirit of Christmas, Prague is definitely at the top of the list.