Kids in Prague

Family Christmas Carols, Prague 1

Events on 05 December 2011 by Larissa

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This lovely tradition began just last year thanks to the hard work of a local expat mum. The idea is to gather families to sing English Christmas Carols within a church whilst accompanied by a church organ. Last year my daughter and I hiked to St Thomas Church in Mala Strana through half a metre of snow to experience this special evening. Lucie was enchanted by the beautiful church interior and despite the cold, the families that gathered considered it a success and one worth continuing.

On Saturday 10th December you can experience it for yourself. Hopefully we’ll be blessed with a little atmospheric snow. The host venue this year is St Clements Anglican Church (close to Namesti Republiky). Please note that there will be no service, this is a non-denominational community gathering, regardless of religion or religious views.

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St. Clement’s Church is one of the oldest in Prague. Though the earliest existing written mention comes from 1226 it was possibly founded sometime around 1065 or even earlier. In the years 1975 to 1981 during construction renovations the Romanesque foundations of the church were uncovered and in the apse remnants of frescoes dating from the 14th century came to light and were carefully restored. St Clement’s present neo-gothic appearance and furnishings were extensively reconstructed in the years 1894 to 1896.

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The carols will be in English and represent the classics that many of us have grown up with and enjoyed singing as youngsters. There will also be a couple of Czech classics too - give it a go if you dare. The carol program along with lyrics will be passed out when you enter the church.

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In the spirit of Christmas, there will also be a collection at the door for UNICEF, please give what you can.

After our caroling there will be refreshments provided nearby the church. Make sure you go, you’re probably sure to bump into others that you have not seen for a while.

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A word of advice, dress warmly. The churches often have heated pews but if it’s ridiculously cold as it was last year then you will easily feel the chill in these vast spaces. Consider additional clothing items for you and your kids such as gloves, hats and thick socks.

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If you are interested in attending Christmas Church services in English then consider the partner churches - St Clements (Anglican) and St Thomas (Roman Catholic). Here is another link to Christmas services in many other languages held around Prague this Christmas.

Organised with the support of the British Chamber of Commerce, CANZA, Class Acts and yours truly - Kids in Prague.

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DATE: Saturday, 10th December

TIME: 4.00pm

ADDRESS: Klimentská 5 (just around the corner from Namesti Republiky), Refreshments to be held at Klimentská 18 (3rd Floor)

DIRECTIONS: By Metro: Take the yellow C line to Namesti Republiky. By Tram: Take tram numbers 5, 8, 14 or 26 to Dlouhá třída‎. By Car: There is paid parking available at Paladium and Kotva Shopping Centres and in Lannova Street.