6 Reasons to Go to Prague in Winter
Prague in winter is an enchanting city with an imposing skyline, narrow streets, cobbled alleys and tree-lined squares and avenues. Come in winter when the city is covered in a layer of snow which makes Prague even more attractive. The Christmas season in Prague are magic. Tourists and locals meet at one of the many Christmas markets. They buy Bohemian crystal, handmade Christmas tree decorations or wooden toys. Bohemian and Moravian sausages, mulled wine and spit-roasted hams are popular judging by the throngs lining the stalls.
6 reasons to go to Prague in winter
1. Christmas markets
2. Christmas tree on Old Town Square
3. Mulled wine and Christmas goodies
4. Christmas concerts
5. Nativity scenes
6. New Year’s Eve
1. Prague in Winter: Christmas Markets
Prague in winter means a plethora of Christmas Markets, both in the historic centre and in the suburbs. The grandest Christmas market is on Old Town Square, wander along the wooden chalets, buy handmade craft gifts, drink mulled wine and eat traditional snacks. Almost every neighborhood has its own (smaller) Christmas market. The markets in the city centre are open from the end of Nevember until early January. They are located on Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, Namesti Republiky, Namesti Miru and at Prague Castle.
2. Christmas tree on Old Town Square
The Christmas tree in Old Town Square is officially lit on the last Saturday of November during a special ceremony with a music show. Crowds of people flock to see if all the lights will light up at the first attempt. It is only at the third or fourth attempt that they flop on, but that’s the charm of this festivity. When the Christmas tree has done its duty, it is removed in January. The branches go to Prague Zoo as food for the animals and the trunk is processed into furniture for old people’s homes. The entire centre lights up with thousands of (LED) fairy lights in the trees on Wenceslas Square and almost everywhere in the historic centre turn Prague into the city of light. As winter days in Prague are short, you can enjoy the lit-up streets from about 4 pm.
3. Mulled wine and Christmas goodies
Drink mulled wine and eat langose, a typical Czech treat. It’s very similar to a pizza but deep-fried and coated with tomato sauce and lots of garlic and topped by grated cheese. Buy a cone of roasted chestnuts and stand in the glow of the fairy-lit Christmas tree in the Old Town Square, drink hot chocolate and try eating warm trdelnik with ice cream. Without spilling! Or would you prefer beer and sausage? No problem. Beer is the life water of Prague, available anytime, anywhere.
4. Christmas concerts
On Christmas Eve, sing Christmas carols with the choirs performing in the music booth on Old Town Square. Or go to a Christmas concert in the Hall of Mirrors of the Clementium and listen to music by Bach, Handel, Mozart and Dvorak, sung by soloists from the State Opera, the National Theater and the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra.
5. Nativity scenes
Visit the nativity scene in Old Town Square with live animals and feed the goats, sheep and llamas. The Infant Jesus, Joseph and Mary and the three Kings are near the animals. Many parish churches display nativity scenes, the best known and most splendid is in St Vitus. A wonderful exhibition of nativity scenes takes place every year in the crypt of the Bethlehem Chapel (Betlémské námesti 4).
6. New Year’s Eve
Start the New Year in a special way: go on a boat trip on the Vltava. Prague skyline is breathtaking: Prague Castle, Charles Bridge and Vysehrad all romantically illuminated. Or simply watch the fireworks from Charles Bridge, Prague Castle or Petrin Hill.
Prague in Winter: Christmas season
The Czechs celebrate Christmas Eve with family and usually at home. Carp is on the Christmas menu. On December 24, the Christmas markets are open, but museums and tourist attractions are closed. Not all cafes and restaurants are open. On December 25 and 26 everything will be open again from shops to restaurants and bars. On these days there are special Christmas concerts in churches and concert halls.
Christmas Eve is a public holiday. The Christmas markets are open but most tourist attractions such as museums in Prague are closed. Some cafes and restaurants may be closed, but there are always plenty that are open
Christmas Winter Shopping
Winter in Prague is a good excuse to go to the big shopping centres at the terminus station of most metro lines. Here you will find all international chains and a large number of smaller stores. If you prefer to stay in Prague centre, the largest shopping mall is Palladium with more than 200 shops. Shopping mall opening hours are very generous: 7 days a week from 9 am to 10 pm.
Prague in Winter
Prague in winter is delightful! It may be freezing cold. It may be snowing. Yet, the streets fill with fun shoppers, delicious snacks, mulled wine and activities keep you entertained all day. Winter is the perfect time to go to a show in the evening or simply pop into a café and warm up. In December the Christmas markets are in full swing, mid-week they are less busy! Prague in winter is perfect for a city trip and possibly better than in summer.
Read on
Christmas markets perfect winter escape
Shopping Malls in Prague
Carp for Christmas: massacre explained
Photos: Marianne Crone