Christmas Markets: Praha

Christmas Markets in Old Town Square.
The Prague Christmas Markets are among the best in Europe! Old Town Square is transformed into a beautiful wintery wonderland that will have you singing Christmas carols for days on end. Travelers come from all over to experience the magical ambiance that surrounds Prague during this time of year.
The main Christmas markets are held at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. There is also a smaller market at the Republic Square and a permanent one at Havel’s Market. The stalls are filled with traditional Czech gifts like handmade ornaments, glass and ceramic. You can also find a variety of handmade marionettes made out of either glass or crystal. There is a wide range of street foods available and of course the Czech version of mulled wine (svarene vino) to keep you warm during these chilly winter days. Another well-known drink served during the markets is called grog— a drink made from rum, hot water, lemon, sugar, and medovina, a honey wine.
In Old Town Square there is a pavilion with a constant flow of musical entertainment. Czech Christmas carols can be heard throughout the entire center of town during the season. Don’t forget that there will be baby animals! The Old Town Square has an animal stable where people can pet goats, sheep, and a donkey. However, the most impressive part of all is the Christmas tree in the center of the square, draped in lights illuminating Prague’s dark gothic skyline.

As far as food goes, Prague has some of the most delicious sausages I’ve ever had so make sure to grab a couple of those along with your svarene vino. You can find these in any of the markets, but the best ones are in the permanent stalls in Wenceslas Square. You will also see a rolled pastry that looks similar to a piece of cake with a hole in the middle. It is a sweet pastry, grilled and topped with sugar and walnut mix. They call it trdelnik. Eat it when it’s hot, right off the grill for a delicious snack while exploring the city!