Prague, September 2012 Visit the Czech Republic at Christmas and enjoy the
unique atmosphere of advent. Try some hot wine or mead while observing the
craftsmen at work demonstrating their traditional crafts and trades. There is
so much more to see outside the Czech capital with Christmas markets taking
place in many smaller Czech towns or in the courtyards of numerous castles all
over the country. You can see nativity scenes and live performances. Christmas
concerts at cathedrals or in one of the country’s beautiful concert halls are
an unforgettable experience.
Many Christmas markets take place in the Czech Republic during advent.
Some of them start at the end of November and carry on until the beginning of
January. The Czechs celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve, i.e. December 24. The
festive meal is served that day and consists of fish soup then fried carp
accompanied by traditional potato salad. Christmas carp is one of the symbols
of the Czech Christmas. That is why you can spot large tubs full of fish in the
streets of many Czech towns during advent.
After the festive meal the whole family turns to the decorated Christmas
tree where there are presents left behind by Baby Jesus in the Czech Christmas
tradition. At midnight many churches put on a special midnight mass. Delicious
Christmas cookies are an important part of the Czech Christmas. Among the
favourites are vanilla rolls, vanocka – Christmas buns with almonds, butter
cookies with jam or beautifully decorated gingerbread.
If you happen to visit Prague during advent, make sure you take a walk
through the Old Town Square where the largest Christmas market takes place. There
is also a market in Wenceslas Square where you can enjoy your shopping from
November 27, 2012 until January 5, 2013. Live performances take place on the
main stage and the children´s choirs singing Christmas carols are particularly
memorable. Make sure you taste hot mead, an alcoholic drink made of honey. The
stalls which sell mead usually also offer a great range of bee products
including honey and wax candles. If you are looking for a gift for younger
relatives, the traditional Czech wooden toys on sale will delight them.
For shopping sprees go to the Palladium Shopping Mall at Namesti
Republiky. The Christmas market held here has also plenty to offer. Warm up
with a glass of hot wine, enjoy “trdelnik” – a special sweet pastry made of
rising dough and covered in sugar and almonds. Don´t forget to take a proper
look at the art-nouveau Municipal House (Obecni dum) and if you fancy a little
exercise climb the Powder Tower (Prasna brana) to enjoy a wonderful view of
Prague at Christmas.
Enjoy Christmas Concerts
Your Christmas itinerary should include at least one classical music
concert. The ornate halls of the Rudolfinum Concert Hall or the Municipal House
create the perfect Christmas atmosphere. Classical music will also be heard in
many of the churches in Prague city centre including the St Simon´s and Jude´s
Church (Kostel sv. Simona a Judy) or St Nicholas’ Church (Kostel sv. Mikulase) in
Old Town Square.
Prague is unforgettable when covered in snow. If you take the steps
leading from the Charles Bridge to Kampa, you will discover romantic corners
lit by beautiful old fashioned street lamps. Inside the churches you will be
able to admire various nativity scenes. The nativity scenes are constructed to the
smallest detail and will fascinate children and adults alike.
Experience a Czech Christmas outside of Prague
You will be able to experience a traditional Czech Christmas at Zelny
Market in Brno as well. The local Christmas celebrations will be inspired by
Josef Lada´s paintings which have always been one of the symbols of the Czech
Christmas. There will be an entertaining programme for adults and children and
the market stalls will offer a range of attractive products. The Christmas
market will be open from November 26 until December 23, 2012.
Cesky Krumlov is known as a fairy tale town throughout the year. But it
is during advent that it becomes even more special. The local Christmas market
which is held every weekend from Friday to Sunday starts on November 30 and
runs until January 6. Among the highlights of the programme for children are
the living nativity scene, St Nicholas or Christmas with the castle bears.
The Krivoklat Castle also offers an interesting programme on the
weekends of December 8, and 9 and 15 and 16. You will see dance and theatre
performances at the traditional Christmas market and you will be able to buy gifts
and souvenirs. To keep the chill away there will be plenty of hot mead and wine
available. The children can enjoy a steam train ride which runs to Krivoklat
from Prague and Plzen.
For more information please contact:
Jitka Šnobrová
Press Department Manager
ČCCR - CzechTourism
tel.: +420 221 580 485
e-mail: snobrova@czechtourism.cz
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