Nestled on the banks of the Moldava (Vltava in Czech), Prague is a magical city, home to magnificent historical monuments declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Christmas markets in Prague represent a true event.
The precious architectures, from Gothic to Art Nouveau to Modernism, make it one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. In Třebechovice pod Orebem, in northern Moravia, there is the Museum of Nativity Scenes which houses nativity scenes from different regions of the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The most interesting piece is the nativity scene of Třebechovice, a mechanical wooden nativity over a century old.
Another unique piece can be found in the Nativity Scene Museum of Karlštejn, at the foot of the eponymous Gothic castle about 25 km from Prague. Among the approximately 50 nativity scenes, the largest nativity scene in the world with moving figures stands out. Spread over more than 80 m2, the 46 characters are hand-carved from wood. Attentive eyes will not miss historical figures such as St. Wenceslas and Charles IV.
Prague Christmas Markets
The largest and most visited markets are those in the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square.
Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí)
Nov 28, 2015 – Jan 3
10:00 AM – 10:00 PM, food stalls 10:00 AM – midnight
This is the cutest market. Small stalls are nestled around the statue of Jan Hus and surrounded by centuries of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. The market is dominated by a Christmas tree adorned with hundreds of lights that are lit each evening at dusk (usually around 5 PM). A stage is set up every year where Christmas concerts and short outdoor plays are organized.
Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí)
Nov 28 – Dec 3, 2015
10:00 AM – 10:00 PM, food stalls 10:00 AM – midnight
One of the largest Christmas markets in central Prague. Located in the lower part of Wenceslas Square, it is often dominated by an artificial Christmas tree.
