Christmas in Prague

Christmas in Prague can be a special experience. We know, that sounds completely cliche - but it's true.

 Christmas on Kampa Island

Where else can you have a beautiful and affordable Christmas like you can in Prague?

Christmas in Prague is romantic, full of tradition and fun for children too. Best of all, the crowds are surprisingly less intense.

This page has a few ideas about what to see and expect during Christmas. It also includes a few interesting local Czech traditions.

 Snowy Mala Strana

What to See and Do

The center of Christmas in Prague is Old Town. It's square is filled with Christmas markets, a concert stage and enormous tree. The markets sell a wide variety of things - so it's a great place to pick up little gifts and souvenirs. I always like to watch the blacksmith as he pounds out candlesticks or bells.

 Of course there's lots to eat and drink at the Christmas markets too. Decorated gingerbread is very popular in Czech Republic and I recommend trying the warm treat, trdlo. It's a doughy roll baked on a rotisserie then rolled in your choice of toppings like cinnamon, sugar and crushed nuts. Warm drinks are also on hand. Mulled wine (svařák) and honey wine (medovina) are a couple of good ones.

The markets start early in December and run through the first few days of January. Here's a list of a few things to consider regarding Christmas here:

•Concerts are a lovely warm retreat from shopping and the cold. The National Theatre always has a good program this time of year.

• Tours are always a good idea. A tour by foot or warm bus will take you by the markets and you can see lots of street decorations this way. A private guide of course, will offer a lot more personal insight regarding Christmas in Prague.

• Attend midnight mass. The Prague Cathedral (at Prague Castle) is incredible during the day. But take time to see it in action at midnight. It's very impressive to say the least. Of course, it's not heated inside, so bring your gloves.

• Christmas in Prague is traditionally celebrated with a meal of fried carp on the 24th of December. Locals buy carp from vendors on the street. You can't miss the large tubs of water and carp being cleaned in front of your eyes. It's just tradition.

• Shopping. As usual all the stores in Prague will be fairly crowded with shoppers. But, visitors usually find Prague to be cheaper than elsewhere. If you need standard gifts like clothing, head to the larger malls. There's one at the metro stations Anděl and Náměstí Republiky. Here you'll find stores like H&M and Zara.

For authentic Czech items try the smaller shops throughout the city. You'll find a variety of antiques, ceramics, wooden toys and lots of crystal, amber and garnet shops as well.

Weather and Christmas in Prague

I will be one of the fist people to wish for a white Christmas - well, me and all the children in Prague. But sadly, a white Christmas is rare.

The weather in December is certainly cold enough to snow (average -2/2 C -- 27/36 F), but it seems to always come after Christmas. But, Prague is absolutely gorgeous when it snows. So, keep your fingers crossed.

Of course, you can always go to higher elevations for a taste of snow. There are national parks and quite a few ski options about 2 hours from Prague.

What to pack:

Bring warm clothes to enjoy a cold Christmas in Prague. Gloves, hat, scarf... all those things. And, be sure to bring warm shoes and socks. You won't enjoy the attractions with cold toes!

Traditions

Christmas in Prague is celebrated on the 24th of December. And of all the Czech holidays, this one brings out the most traditions.

• Christmas carp. Fried carp is the traditional Christmas meal. They are sold live in the streets.

• Baking. Many families start baking Christmas cookies far in advance. You can find them in shops as well. Other baked items include Christmas bread (vanočka) and gingerbread items (perníčky).

• Czechs don't follow the Santa Claus method - here it's all about Baby Jesus (Ježišek). He arrives in a separate room from where dinner is eaten. A ring of a bell notes his arrival and children rush to the room to find presents, etc. Baby Jesus also brings a decorated Christmas tree. Most trees are kept hidden until this moment.

Christmas trees are decorated with a variety of things. Our home uses items like sliced dried oranges, straw ornaments, lights and even chocolate.

• Other traditional items include: advent wreaths, lots of Christmas carols and as always, chocolate for kids.

Christmas Accommodation

Generally hotel rates during Christmas are a bit higher than other months. But, you can still find a good deal. Consider booking early or even very late if you can chance it. There's always a deal to be found.

Some specialty hotels will fill up rather fast, but the hotels are often less booked than New Year's. You can save money and have more space by booking an apartment. Apartments are ideal for families spending their Christmas in Prague.

Get your accommodation right - it's very important. If you have a question about a hotel's location or reputation feel free to contact us.