Prague transforms at Christmas time into a winter wonderland, full of places to explore, things to buy and food to try.
The markets here are not simply an added extra, but an essential part of the Czech Christmas experience. There are a number of different markets operating in the city centre, all within around ten minutes walk from each other. The largest and most popular are in Wenceslas Square and the Old Town Square.
Christmas shopping in Prague
Pretty much anything connected with Christmas that you can imagine is on offer at the Christmas markets in Prague. Brightly painted stalls sell all manner of Christmas goods and gifts, and are open between 9am and 7pm daily. Christmas decorations are easily available, with brightly coloured baubles and traditional wooden carvings on offer. There are also many great gift items to take back home, which will no doubt make you very popular with friends and family. Czech glassware and crystal are high quality and make great presents, while children will love the wooden toys and the many puppets on sale. Candles and hand-made jewellery also make great stocking fillers.
As well as the many gift stalls, there are food stalls serving up some delicious traditional food and drink. Local sausages, breads and mulled wine are the perfect foods to warm up chilly shoppers. There’s entertainment too. Carol singers and orchestras entertain the crowds, while the huge Christmas tree in the Old Town Square and nativity scenes and farm animals on display combine to make the experience truly special.
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Prague is also well worth visiting in its own right, if you can tear yourself away from the markets! The city is full of historic architecture, and boasts a huge castle that’s been the home of the city’s rulers for a thousand years. Prices are much cheaper than Western Europe too, so you can afford to go out on the town and spend all day shopping.