Christmas and New Year's Eve

Children and adults can’t help but gaze up to its 15 metre height and watch the lights now red now white dazzle and amaze. All around are dozens of wooden, decorated huts where the friendly vendors have everything imaginable on offer. The smells and aromas are tempting and delicious especially the Moravian hot wine - "svarak" as the Czechs call it - as well as the ever popular bramboraky a kind of hot flat potato cake to keep you warm and keep your energy up as you stroll around. Lots of other food choices abound also like long, boiled sausages, corn on the cob, and "trdlo" a local sweetcake made in front of you at a unique oven. 

Gifts that will make extra-special presents for loved ones are everywhere on sale too such as handmade jewellery, wooden toys, bohemian crystal, scented candles, scarves, hats, mugs, puppets and dolls. In one corner of the square you will come upon a delightful little pen where quiet sheep and donkeys patiently stare and pose for the children who thrill to be so near them while in another corner the ancient sound of the blacksmith busy sending sparks into the night sky resounds as he creates another ornament at his hammer and forge. Both churches on the Square enter into the spirit also with festive concerts everyday and glorious nativity scenes of Bethlehem at their altars. So far we have just described Old Town Square at Christmas but there are also equally attractive Prague Christmas markets at Mustek at the bottom of Wenceslas Square and another at Namesti Miru in front of the twin spired Church of St Ludmila. By day and by night carol singers gather with their conductors at many places throughout the city centre to sing the festive songs we know so well while schoolchildren from throughout the country arrive and in indoor and outdoor venues recreate the nativity play. To make one’s holiday even more unforgettable it is worth knowing that Prague being Prague there is always a good chance of of snow being on the ground throughout December and for those who cherish the thought of a White Christmas once in their life  there’s a good chance of having their wish realised here.

Once the last days of December are upon us thoughts in the city begin to focus on New Years Eve night - 'Sylvestr' as the Czechs call it - and what exciting choices there are to make your celebration of the end of the old and the start of the new a night to remember forever. There is something for absolutely everyone from romantic quiet evenings where one can watch the spectacle outside from a safe and quiet distance while reminiscing with a loved about times past, or you can choose to be at the heart of the action where the noise level is incredible and the party is wild. For those who would indeed like to participate in a laid back way there are candlelit dinners at gracefully decorated restaurants where as the midnight hour comes around the toasts can begin and the magic moment of a new year can be savoured fully. Many restaurants have superb views over the city where the activity on the ground can be observed and admired.

For those who don’t mind at all the probable cold of Prague on the brink of January it is a great feeling getting round the city and deciding where to head for the evening and night’s entertainment. Bars and nightclubs abound with tempting offers and shows to get your business, even the Boats on the Vltava get in on the act with cruises and all-inclusive food and drink parties. Whether you choose a club or bar or nightclub to enjoy it all from it is up to you. Or even travel a little into the suburbs of Prague to an old time Czech pub and celebrate with the locals who will be delighted to have you among them. Here the beer and the vodka will flow freely and best of all the prices will be just a fraction of what they are in the city centre. For many of course to be outdoor is best where it is all happening and where there are no constrictions. Prague has two time-honoured locations for celebrating the New Year. One is on Charles Bridge and another is the Old Town Square where thousands will gather in high spirits to sing and drink and embrace as the countdown begins. The fireworks will go off in mighty crescendoes of noise and light and a New Year will have begun. All in all a fantastic adventure, so plan it now and come to Prague. You will be glad you did.

Prague Old Town Square Christmas Market Virtual Tour