Visiting Czech Republic

Prague Christmas Market

Prague Christmas Market 2009 dates: November 28, 2009 – January 1, 2010

Prague’s Christmas Markets (Vanocni trh in Czech) are some of the most famous Christmas Markets in Europe. Held during the entire month of December each year, Prague’s Christmas Markets are the highlight of spending Christmas in Prague.

Prague’s main Christmas Markets are located in Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. There are also several smaller Christmas Markets in Namesti Republiky and Havelske Trziste.

The main features of Prague’s Christmas Markets are the brightly-lit Christmas trees and wooden market stalls selling handicrafts, Christmas food and drink, and mulled wine.

In addition, the Prague Christmas Market in Old Town Square features a children’s petting zoo, a life-size manger scene, and live entertainment throughout the month.

If you’re spending Christmas in Prague, the first thing to know is that the “big” day for Christmas in the Czech Republic is December 24th, not December 25th. On Christmas Eve most Prague shops and restaurants are closed, so plan ahead if you will be there on the 24th.

Prague’s Christmas Markets are the highlight of spending the holiday in Prague. Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square are full of market stalls, Christmas trees, and other holiday decorations.

A Czech Christmas tradition is to eat carp for dinner. You can walk through Prague on Christmas and see bathtubs filled with live carp. If you want to partake in the tradition, a fishmonger will kill the carp of your choice right in front of you.

Many churches in Prague hold a special midnight mass on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Composed in the 1900’s by Jan Jakub Ryba, it is a unique Czech experience. The mass lasts approximately 40 minutes.

Other Czech Holidays:

Czech Holidays