Come December, Prague’s spired skyline transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland. The Czech capital’s Medieval streets are brought to life with Christmas cheer, with plenty of aromatic market stalls and snow-dusted Gothic architecture to admire. From sampling seasonal snacks to soaking in bubbling beer spas, read on for our favourite reasons to visit Prague at Christmas…
Festive markets
Among the many reasons to visit Prague at Christmas, the city’s magical markets are the most foolproof path to festive fun. Popping up across Prague from November to January, expect string lights and street vendors in the Old Town, Wenceslas Square and Prague Castle. Choose from festive decorations, candles and hand-made gifts, or treat your tastebuds to mulled wine, gingerbread, sausages and roasted chestnuts. While you may typically reach for a carry-on for a city break, you’ll need extra space for all your new goodies.
Seasonal snacks
Seasonal Czech treats make a festive trip to Prague even more tempting – and they’re not hard to find. The city’s streets are filled with scents of freshly baked trdelnik (sweet cylindrical cake), klobasa (juicy barbecued sausages), medovina (belly-warming honey wine) and vanocka (braided bread). For a full meal, do as the Czechs do on Christmas Eve and try a plate of fried carp with potato salad. Christmas is celebrated on the 24th in Prague, so this meal is the epitome of festive grub.
Historical sites
Gothic architecture looks best with a dusting of snow – it’s one of our favourite reasons to visit Prague at Christmas (and not just for architecture aficionados). The city is peppered with historical sites boasting gorgeous facades, like the St. Vitus Cathedral on the grounds of Prague Castle. The building of the cathedral began in 1344 and it’s the biggest in the Czech Republic, housing the tomb of St. Wenceslaus. Christmas time brings snow-topped roofs and twinkling lights, adding to the architectural allure.
Czech traditions
Every country has quirky Christmas traditions, and the Czech Republic is no different. On the 5th December, witness St. Nicholas (not the real deal alas) walk around Prague alongside an angel and a devil, handing out gifts to the good children and coal to the naughty few. Another – slightly morbid – Christmas tradition (and superstition) is cutting an apple in half to predict your future. If the core forms a star, look forward to health and happiness. If it forms a cross, expect rapidly declining health. Cheery.
Beer spa
What better way to warm up and wind down during your Christmas trip to Prague than in a beer spa? This wacky wellness trend invites you to relax in an oak tub bubbling with warm water, brewer's yeast and hops. This bizarre brew is said to relieve muscle stress, smooth skin and hair and boost your mood – and if all else fails, there are unlimited steins of Czech beer on hand, too. Despite being open year-round, the beer spa’s cosy and comforting nature makes it the perfect reason to visit Prague at Christmas.
Written by Evie Buller.
