GIORGIO @ PRAGUE XMAS 2007 ¤ MARSHMALLOW WORLD

Christmas markets (Vanocni trh) are a key ingredient of the Czech festive magic. The Prague Christmas markets light up the city centre at this time of year, bringing tourists and locals together to enjoy the holiday spirit, in a true 'winter wonderland' setting.

The Prague Christmas markets run daily throughout December. They take place at the Old Town Square & Wenceslas Square, with smaller ones operating at Havelske Trziste & Namesti Republiky. All are within 10 minutes walking distance of each other.


The Prague Christmas markets consist of brightly decorated wooden huts, selling Czech handicrafts, hot food (corn on the cob, sausages and local specialties) and warm drinks. Outdoor Christmas shopping is so much easier with a cup of hot wine (svařené víno or svařák) in your hand!

A good selection of Christmas stocking fillers can be found in the markets. Products include Czech glass, wooden toys, scented candles, hand-made jewellery, ceramic mugs, hats and scarves, puppets and Christmas tree ornaments. You can also see traditional foods made fresh right in front of you.
Christmas markets are not just about shopping. In the Old Town Square children can stroke sheep, goats and even a lama. There is also a Bethlehem manger scene - a large wooden stable replete with straw floor depicts Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus and the Three Kings.

Most impressive of all is the Christmas tree, shipped from the Sumava mountains in the South of the Czech Republic. Erected in the Old Town Square, the tree is draped in a blaze of lights, which are turned on every night round 5pm. Set against a dark gothic skyline, this is a spectacular sight.


But what would Christmas be without carols? Local and International choirs, along with musical ensembles, take to the stage in the Old Town Square, entertaining visitors as they browse the market stalls.

School children from throughout the Czech Republic also come to entertain. The highlight of their year, the school children dress in traditional costume to dance and sing for the crowd.

Christmas in Prague is simply wonderful.
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Christmas in Prague is a magical time and December is undoubtedly one of the nicest months of the year in this beautiful city. Christmas markets are up, shop windows are bright and beautiful, Christmas trees adorn the town squares and the early dusk is filled with warm light. People are nicer to each other, the mood is festive. And if all is covered in fresh, white snow, what more can you ask for?

Prague at Christmas is a special place, so bundle up and take a stroll. If you get cold, have some hot chocolate at a café, stop by a tea room or buy a cup of mulled wine or grog from a street vendor.

You will see the signs of Christmas approaching as early as October when Czech Christmas ornaments start appearing in shop windows. Around the end of November, Christmas markets open up and a large Christmas tree is erected and lit on the Old Town Square.Christmas mood marks the month of December until its very end when New Year's celebrations take over.
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Visitors come from all over to experience and enjoy the Christmas markets in Prague (vánoční trhy). The markets usually start four Saturdays before Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) and run until the beginning of January. They are open every day of the week.

Prague Christmas markets are always busy despite the cold. Holiday items, crafts, traditional Christmas decorations and gifts are sold along with hot wine (svařené víno or svařák), grog, warm honey liquor (medovina) and traditional foods. Czech Christmas carols add to the festive atmosphere. After dark, the markets are lit up beautifully.
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Lambiance de Noël est en République Tchèque, comme dans bien dautre pays, un monde de magie et de féérie.

Venez y goûter vous aussi, que ce soit dans les rues illuminées de Prague, dans une église retentissante de chants de musique sacrée, sur les marchés de Noël à la recherche des cadeaux les plus originaux, un verre de vin chaud à la main ou bien encore attablés le 24 décembre au soir face au Pont Charles.

Vous trouverez dans cette rubrique nos meilleures offres et conseils afin que votre Noël à Prague soit un moment de découverte à la fois convivial, magique, et dépaysant. En un mot : une source dinspiration pour petits et grands...