Kids in Prague

Christmas Markets in Prague

Events, Activities on 28 November 2010 by Karen (1 comment)

From now till early January major squares in Prague host open-air stalls selling hot beverages, traditional snacks, seasonal produce including live fish, a wide array of Christmas decorations and hand-made wooden toys. As the city descends into darkness (with dusk starting around 4pm), senses will be stimulated by cooking smells, sparkly Christmas lights and angelic voices of children’s choirs singing seasonal melodies.

Following is a list of all the Christmas Markets which you can visit in 2010

Christmas Markets (Vánoční trhy) in Prague, as in other parts of central Europe, have a long tradition that goes back to the late Middle Ages. They generally start at the beginning of December to mark the beginning of Advent (the 4 weeks leading up to Christmas Eve/Day).

The largest and best know Christmas Market in Prague is located in Old Town Square. Spread out between the Old Town Hall and the tall, gothic cathedral of Church of our Lady before Tyn, it makes for a truly spectacular, medieval sight. Here, you will find dozens of stalls, a live Nativity Scene, a craft workshop for children (open weekdays 3 till 7pm and weekends 10am till 7pm), a petting zoo with goats, horses, sheep etc, a stage with live Christmas performances and a 20-metre tall Christmas tree (another 2 metres of which are moored in the ground). This year, its white and gold decorations were inspired by the Czech painter and Art-Nouveau genius, Alfons Mucha. The trading hours begin at 10am and generally end around 7pm on weekdays and 8pm on the weekend. Stalls selling food and drink remain open until the late hours of the evening.

Here is a comprehensive list of all the Christmas Markets which you can visit in Prague in 2010.

Prague 1

Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí)
With more than 100 open-air stands it is open 27th November 2010 until 2nd January 2011 (Monday to Friday: 9am to 7pm. Weekends: 9am to 8pm. There will be a daily entertainment program for both children and adults.

Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí)
Open from 27th November 2010 until 9th January 2011 (Monday to Friday: 9am to 7pm. Weekends: 9am to 8pm). Up to 60 open-air stands will be set up for trading and the square will be decorated with a red-golden Christmas tree.

Prague 2
Náměstí Míru: 20.11 to 24.12; 10am to 7pm
Palackého náměstí: 27.11 to 24.12; 10am to 7pm

Prague 3
Náměstí J. z Poděbrad: 23.11 to 23.12; 10am to 7pm
This market will also include a Farmers’ Market (farmařské trhy) from 1.12.10

Prague 4
Arkády Pankrác: 29.11 to 23.12; 9am to 6pm

Prague 5
Anděl Pedestrian Zone: 27.11 to 23.12; 10am to 7pm

Prague 6
Vítězné náměstí: Advent Weekends – Friday to Sunday; 9am to 7pm, including a Farmers’ Market

Prague 7
Holešovická tržnice: (debut this year) – 29.11 to 24.12; 8am to 6pm

Prague 8
Staré Bohnice: Only on 19.12; 12pm-7pm.

Prague 10
Náměstí Svatopl. Čecha: 3rd, 4th, 5th, 10th and 23rd of December; 10 to 6pm

Veselé Vánoce!

(Source of all Market dates: MF Dnes, 25.11.2010)