New Year's fairs in the Czech Republic. The best Christmas markets in the Czech Republic
It's very hot in Prague this summer, last week the temperature reached +40 and the air didn't move at all! Therefore, I decided to at least mentally return to winter and tell readers about the most popular Christmas markets in Prague and their prices. Moreover, the New Year is approaching, which means it’s time to make plans for the New Year holidays.
I have been to many Christmas markets in Europe: in Munich, ... In principle, they are not very different from each other: everywhere there are lights, national treats, aromatic mulled wine, a large Christmas tree and traditional crowds of people at Christmas time.
Prague markets attract tourists due to their accessibility (for 100 CZK you can eat a sausage and drink mulled wine) and timing. If the Germans and Austrians close markets literally immediately after Catholic Christmas on December 25, then the Czechs leave Christmas paraphernalia longer: until the first days of January. I think this is largely done for tourists from Russia who come at this time. Markets are open daily from approximately 10 am to 10 pm.
Now let's take a walk through the main markets of the Czech capital and find out their opening hours in 2018-2019. For now, I will give approximate dates for the markets, stay tuned for updates.
Christmas market on Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí)
- Dates: 01.12.2018 – 06.01.2019
This market is located in the very heart of Prague next to the Prague Orla Astronomical Clock and the famous Tyn Church. The main Christmas tree of the country is installed every year. In 2018, the opening of the Christmas tree is scheduled for December 1.
The market has dozens of stalls selling both food: Wenceslas sausages, mulled wine, punch or strong mead, and Christmas paraphernalia: candles, embroidered tablecloths and napkins, gingerbread cookies, sheep wool slippers, gloves, ceramic houses.
Here you can both eat and buy nice souvenirs. Whenever possible, I always give gingerbreads from Czech markets to my friends in Omsk. Don’t be surprised that there are a lot of gingerbread cookies in the shape of piglets, chimney sweeps, and clovers, because all of them are symbols of good luck in the Czech Republic and Germany. They cost, depending on their size, from 30 to 300 CZK.
I advise you to climb the tower with the Prague Astronomical Clock and look at the markets from above: if you are lucky and it snows that day, beautiful shots are guaranteed. However, from my own experience, I want to say that on Catholic Christmas it is a rarity. Every evening the market on Old Town Square is illuminated with beautiful lighting.
In addition, a stage is installed on the square where concerts are held. Children can pet the animals housed in a special pen.
Within walking distance from the market are the Ventana Hotel Prague and Design Hotel Jewel Prague, where you can rent a double room for 99 - 132 Euros per night.
Christmas market on Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí)
- Dates: 01.12.2018 – 06.01.2019
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,
Christmas is approaching, and old Europe is getting dressed up: very soon the streets will light up with bright illumination, intricately decorated Christmas trees will “grow” in the squares, and the air will be filled with the aromas of pine needles, mulled wine and baked goods. One of the most popular tourist destinations at this time is the Czech Republic, where “that same” atmosphere is brilliantly recreated year after year. Let's take a stroll through the most beautiful fairs?
1. Celebrations in Olomouc
In cozy Olomouc, the festive season starts on November 18 and lasts until December 23. The main product at local fairs is traditional drinks made according to ancient recipes. Of course, punch and mulled wine are everywhere, but such an amazing variety of variations is rare even for the Czech Republic.
The most famous Olomouc specialty is a special mixture of punch and Nuremberg wine with a unique taste.
What kind of drinks are offered on the Upper Square: sweet and bitter, strong and non-alcoholic, with spices, rum, cherries and oranges. And they certainly provide entertainment with performances, concerts, classic rides and winter sports.
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2. Celebrations in Brno
Freedom Square in Brno is transformed on November 24: a decorated Christmas tree, a nativity scene made by the famous master Jiří Halouzka, a Christmas village - the picture is absolutely from a postcard. The spruce at the Cabbage Market is most often decorated according to ancient customs: with candles, nuts and straw crafts. Even gloomy dungeons are not left out: gifts are handed out in the Mintsmistrovsky basement, and fairs are held in the labyrinth under the Cabbage Market.
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3. Celebrations in Cesky Krumlov
Cesky Krumlov is also dominated by holidays: on December 1, the center of events is the Place de la Concorde. Traditions are carefully honored here: the lights on the Christmas tree are solemnly lit, carols are sung, and temptations are offered with sweets and hot mulled wine.
There is a “Baby Jesus Post” at the fair, from where you can send your loved ones an original postcard with a special stamp.
In the courtyard of the medieval castle there are handicraft shops, and the cutest tradition is Bear Christmas, organized for club-footed locals. Krumlov Castle is surrounded by a defensive moat, and now bears live there, which also receive real Christmas trees with edible decorations and sweet gifts from visitors.
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4. Magic in Prague
Finally, the capital picks up the baton: from December 2 to January 6, Christmas Prague shines in all its splendor. Fairs on the Old Town and Wenceslas Squares are some of the most spectacular in the world, and trade and fun take place in other parts of the city. There are more than a hundred tents, and everything is worth trying: mead and punch, grilled sausages and roasted chestnuts, trdelniki and Old Prague pork. And also - feed the little animals in the manger under the Christmas tree, order a horseshoe from the blacksmith for good luck, ride in a carriage, listen to a concert and take part in charity: in general, place a long-awaited holiday in your heart.
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(Náměstí Míru) 11.20.2018 - 12.24.2018, from 10:00 to 19:00.
Christmas markets on the map
- (15.00 €, 4.5 hours)
- (30.00 €, 2 hours)
- (100.00 €, 3 hours)
- (35.00 €, 7 hours)
- (19.00 €, 3 hours)
Opening hours for most fairs: from 10:00 to 22:00, on Sunday – until 20:00. Food and drink stalls are open much longer, usually until midnight.
Guests at (Republiky namesti), near the shopping center, are provided with a warm welcome and a fabulous mood. Handmade toys, ceramic crafts, gingerbread, potato brambles, Czech meat dishes, including the famous boar's knee, and festive concerts will leave December in your memory for a long time.
Guests can appreciate the beauty of the Christmas decorative nativity scene. An interesting entertainment program is offered. Traditional Christmas gingerbread cookies in the shape of a heart will be a souvenir and a sweet treat - another manifestation of the Czech festive flavor. The smell of twisted "" with sugar icing and cinnamon is in the air. Hot wine, grog, honey liqueur, tea, pancakes with different fillings give warmth and good spirits.
In the brightly decorated houses on Peace Square (Námĕstí Míru), visitors can see with their own eyes the production of holiday crafts, choose souvenirs from Bohemian crystal, metal, embroidery, handmade Christmas tree decorations, dolls and puppets in national costumes, hats, gloves, jewelry, aroma candles. Baked ham, barbecued sausages and a glass of hot mulled wine will keep you in a good mood.
The old Prague market is open all year round, but in December it takes on a special charm. Visitors will find a whole scattering of gifts, interesting events, national delicacies and invigorating drinks. Another Czech Christmas tradition deserves mention - huge carp. On Christmas Eve, Czechs try to eat less meat, and fried carp with potatoes becomes the main dish of the table. It is sold at fairs, delighting tourists and local residents. There is no need to talk about the abundance of excellent beer of any variety. More about the market -
On Tuesday, November 20, the Christmas market season started in Prague. On this day, the festive market opened its doors to visitors on Peace Square (náměstí Míru) near the metro station of the same name.
In total, seven large fairs will be opened in the city center this year. Half of them will work until Catholic Christmas, the rest will maintain the festive mood among citizens and tourists for several more days after the New Year.
It is worth noting that the range of goods and treats at Prague Christmas markets (Vánoční trhy) is almost the same. However, they all deserve attention for their various design details and special atmosphere. With the beginning of Advent, markets begin selling Christmas trees, and a few days before Christmas Eve, live carp.
We have prepared a list of the main Christmas markets in Prague in 2018 (in order of when they started):
Fair on Peace Square (Náměstí Míru)
This market is located on the square of the same name near the Church of St. Ludmila. Here guests will find a typical holiday assortment: Christmas gingerbread, Christmas tree decorations and garlands, candles, souvenirs, Czech snacks, mulled wine and sweets.
Finding the fair is very easy: it is located right at the exit from the náměstí Míru metro station on the “green” line/
Address: náměstí Míru, Prague 2 – Vinohrady (view).
Schedule: 20.11.2018 – 24.12.2018, daily from 10:00 to 19:00.
Manifesto Winter Market
The Manifesto concept market, built from shipping containers, will be transformed into a Christmas market. Guests will find an interesting combination of modern design and Christmas traditions.
In the stalls, visitors will find festive food and drinks from different countries, as well as handmade themed designer goods. The fair will run from November 22 to December 23 inclusive. However, it will only be open four days a week - from Thursday to Sunday.
Address: Na Florenci, Prague 1 - Nové Město (view on the map).
Schedule:
22. 11. 2018 – 25. 11. 2018
29. 11. 2018 – 2. 12. 2018
6. 12. 2018 – 9. 12. 2018
13. 12. 2018 – 16. 12. 2018
20. 12. 2018 – 23. 12. 2018
Always from 11:00 to 20:00
Fair near the metro stationI.P.Pavlova
A small market is located near Peace Square. They are separated by only 3-5 minutes on foot or one stop by tram. The fair is aimed primarily at local residents. Therefore, here the bias in the assortment is more towards ready-made holiday delicacies and fresh products.
Address: Tylovo náměstí, Prague 2 - Vinohrady (view).
Schedule: 23.11.2018 – 24.12.2018, daily from 10:00 to 19:00.
Fair at Prague Castle (VánočníthhynaPražskemhradě)
The Christmas market on the territory of the most visited attraction in the Czech Republic will open to citizens and tourists for the fourth year in a row. This happened for the first time in 2015. More than 70 wooden stalls will offer souvenirs, a variety of holiday goods, traditional treats, but most importantly - an unforgettable Christmas atmosphere.
The fair will be located on St. George's Square (náměstí U svatého Jiří). A detailed photo report of how it was the first time is available.
Address: Pražský hrad, Prague 1 - Hradčany (view).
Schedule: 23. 11. 2018 – 6. 1. 2019
Monday – Thursday: from 9:00 to 18:00
Friday - Sunday: from 9:00 to 19:00
Fair near Anděl metro station
This market traditionally opens in the pedestrian area near the Anděl metro station on the “yellow” metro line. There is an important tram interchange hub and several shopping centers here, so the fair is always crowded.
Address: Nádražní, Anděl - pěší zóna, Prague 5 – Smíchov (view ).
Schedule: 24.11.2018 – 23.12.2018, daily from 10:00 to 19:00.
Fair on Republic Square – part 1 (Náměstí Republiky)
The market is at the metro station of the same name on the yellow line next to V Celnici Street, opposite the Kolkovna restaurant. The Christmas tree market usually operates here.
Address:
Schedule: 25.11.2018 – 24.12.2018, daily from 10:00 to 19:00.
Fair on Jiřího z Poděbrad Square
The market on Jiřího z Poděbrad Square, located at the exit of the metro station of the same name, will delight guests with a variety of treats, handmade goods, fresh farm products and a rich entertainment program.
Almost every day, children's choirs, magicians, circuses, folk ensembles, and musical groups of various genres will perform on a specially installed stage. For young guests, the organizers promise to set up special tents that will house creative workshops. A detailed program of events is available.
Visitors will be able to order from sellers at the fair Christmas cookies and other traditional dishes specially prepared for the holiday table - baked goose, fried carp, potato salad, etc.
Address: náměstí Jiřího z Poděbrad, Prague 3 (view ).
Schedule: 30.11.2018 – 24.12.2018, daily from 10:30 to 21:00 (on Christmas Eve, December 24, until 14:00).
Fair on Republic Square – part 2 (Náměstí Republiky)
Another fair on Republic Square, but it differs from the first in terms of the organizer and work schedule. Festive tents with souvenirs and treats will be located directly at the main entrance to the famous Palladium shopping center.
Address: náměstí Republiky, Prague 1 - Stare Město (view ).
Schedule: 1.12.2018 – 30.12.2018, daily from 10:00 to 22:00 (some stalls with snacks - until 24:00).
Fair on Wenceslas Square
The market will be located in the upper (Muzeum metro station) and lower (Můstek metro station) parts of one of the most famous squares in the city. The fair is aimed primarily at tourists, so it will run for almost a week after the New Year celebrations.
Schedule: 1. 12. 2018 - 6. 1. 2019, daily from 10:00 to 22:00 (snack stalls - until 24:00)
Fair on Malé náměstí Square
A small market in close proximity to the Old Town Hall and the famous Prague Orloj. The local assortment is replete with souvenirs and holiday goods. There are practically no tents with drinks and food. But there really are a lot of them on the nearby Old Town Square.
Address: Male náměstí, Prague 1 - Stare Město (view).
Schedule: 1. 12. 2018 – 6. 1. 2019,
Christmas Market on Old Town Square
The largest and without a doubt the most beautiful Christmas market in Prague. Thousands of tourists and local residents come here every day to enjoy the festive mood. It is here that the main Czech Christmas tree is installed and solemnly lit every year.
At the market you can also find a small pen with live sheep, goats and ponies, which children eagerly feed. Blacksmiths and other artisans demonstrate their skills here, and national ensembles entertain guests from the stage. Most of the market is occupied by food and drink stalls. The share of inedible goods is much smaller than at other fairs.
Address: Staroměstské náměstí, Prague 1 - Staré Město (view ).
Schedule: 01.12.2018 - 06.1.2019, daily from 10:00 to 22:00 (some tents with fast food until 24:00).
Fair on the island of Kampa (Vánoce na Kampě)
A small Christmas market on Kampa Island, right next to the famous Charles Bridge, will open on December 7 and will give tourists a festive mood until January 6 inclusive. The assortment here is standard: Christmas tree decorations, hot drinks and snacks, souvenirs.
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