The Christmas markets in Old Town Square in the center of Prague are the largest celebrations of their kind in the Czech Republic. Studded by a gigantic 22-metre tall lavishly decorated Christmas tree you can probably see from space, dozens of wooden stalls fan out on the pretty square and beyond.

Here, merchants offer typical Christmas goods and items such as traditional Czech blown glass balls, products made of glass pearls or straw, hand-embroidered tablecloths, wooden toys, biscuit cutters, traditional Czech fabrics and foodstuffs, specialty beer and wine, and many other offerings, including working blacksmiths and craftsmen making belts, hats, and iron products. Visitors can also see live performances of folklore, ethnographic and children’s ensembles, and dazzling dance groups.

Prague’s Christmas markets spread from the lantern-lit huts on Old Town Square to Wenceslas Square. In the square is the famous medieval Astronomical Clock or Prague Orloj attached to the Old Town Hall. Just beyond is the famous Havelská Market, St George’s Basilica, and just over the romantic Charles Bridge is the fairy-tale Prague Castle soaring into the sky.

The charming stalls in the Christmas Markets are selling a wide of variety of Czech crafts, food, and Christmas ornamentation. But there is also a fabulous shopping street with all manner of high-end boutiques from Gucci to Cartier.

A Jewelry Purchase Earns you a Tipple of Liquor of your Choice—and your Pals are Invited to Join You!

Prague serves up some delicious food and drink. It’s well known for its beechwood-smoked klobása sausages and minced párek sausage (utopenec), as well as savory barbecued pork. Naturally there are sweet treats such as trdelník, a spindle-shaped walnut pastry, handmade honey-spiced gingerbread, and hot roasted chestnuts, plus plenty of Czech candies, cakes, and desserts.

Bread Bowl Soup Served Under the Clock Tower

Mulled Wine in Prague is Called *Svarak*

And of course, Prague has a variety of delightful warm and cold libations to keep you going day or night. Sipping unpasteurized Pilsner at one of the city’s unmissable pubs is a must-do. And we particularly enjoyed the fun and flirty Czech locals dispensing a considerable amount of cheer.

The locals are particularly fun and festive. They dress up in costumes and festive garb, demonstrate ancient traditions, and in general, encourage visitors to frolic with them and experience some good old fashioned Czech holiday joy.

We highly recommend romantic Prague for the holidays. Most everyone speaks perfect English and the festivities are some of the best in Europe. Veselé Vánoce (Merry Christmas)!