Christmas Markets in Prague
Don't you also mind the Christmas markets that only last during the Advent period? Four weeks are definitely too short: for a Christmas maniac like myself, used to living in Italy the festive atmosphere until the Epiphany, I find it very irritating that after Christmas Eve you don't find around the shadow of a little kiosk with Christmas balls, a skating rink between the markets, a good mulled wine (strictly in children's version with apple and cinnamon juice!).
This means that I usually only have 3 weekends to take advantage of the Christmas markets in Europe. This year, however, without having planned it, we came across the beautiful Christmas market in Prague, which, Hallelujah, lasts until January 6.
It takes place in the main square of the old town, Staroměstské náměstí, and consists of a beautiful composition of large wooden kiosks all the same, with roofs decorated like Christmas packages. These orbit around a majestic Christmas tree, which offers light shows at various times of the day.
In the centre of the square there is a small viewing platform, on which to climb up to have a view from a few metres higher up.
The handicraft objects on display are those typical of Christmas markets, with decorations for the tree,unmissable woolen socks and hats, handmade jewelry. Street food, however, is definitely the main protagonist: at every corner of the market you will find a kiosk that prepares giant roasted Prague hams, crunchy Trdelnik, large pots of potatoes or dumplings, grilled meat sandwiches, mulled wine and other hot drinks.
There are no kiosks selling particularly original items, but overall we found it among the most picturesque Christmas markets in Europe.
Another place to browse through the Christmas markets is the large courtyard of Pražský hrad, Prague Castle, where the space behind the Cathedral is colonized by beautiful kiosks selling mostly hot food and Christmas cookies. The square in front of the castle, with a beautiful view of the city, is also home to mostly food stalls.
