Enjoying Prague in the winter

Prague Christmas markets

The Christmas market on Old Town Square honours tradition. It lasts from the beginning of December to the beginning of January and you’ll find everything you’d expect during the Advent period: a Christmas village with red-roofed huts selling Christmas decorations, traditional handicraft products and small gifts, a children’s workshop for busy hands, a massive tree covered in fairy-lights, a rich programme of Christmas events and hearty Christmas food. Celebrate Advent in richly decorated streets with masses of Christmas decorations, mulled wine, Christmas confectionary and roasted chestnuts. Like in other Christmas markets in Europe, visitors can also take away an interesting souvenir in the form of a special mulled wine mug that you can take away with you as a memento of your visit to Prague.

Prague on skates

Looking for something more dynamic? Then take a look at the fairytale Fruit Market (Ovocný trh) in Old Town, where, every throughout the whole of winter, you can skate into late evening right beside the Estates Theatre. The magical atmosphere is accompanied by not just sport, but also a variety of events, special events aimed at children, live music and various kinds of entertainment, not to mention culinary delicacies and, naturally, skate hire!

You can also sample the romance of snow-covered parks in a winter stroll through the Prague Castle gardens or on the way to the Petřín lookout tower. While the Petřín tower can be easily reached using the funicular railway, why not keep yourself warm by walking there? When Prague’s covered in snow, it is from this miniature version of the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris that the most exquisite views of the city can be had. On your way back into town, stop by at the Church of Our Lady Victorious in Karmelitská street and see the statue of the Infant of Prague, as well as the exhibitions of beautiful Nativity scenes that take place every year from mid-December till the beginning of February.


 

Experience-hunters in action

Those in the know say that one of the best times for a cruise along the Vltava is the winter, with unique views of the snow-covered roofs of old Prague, frosted trees on Kampa Island and Charles Bridge! Steamboats sail from Čechův most, with a variety of cruise lengths and types available.

You definitely won’t be short of things to see and experience at Prague Zoo, where, at a safe distance, but separated only by a layer of strong glass, you can observe polar bears underwater – see for yourself how they really enjoy the cold!

And, if you’re feeling cold, why not visit one of Prague’s legendary restaurants, or dance the night away in a club? You could try, for example, Le Terroir restaurant, the Siddharta Café restaurantin the Buddha-Bar Hotel or theArt Nouveau French restaurant in the Municipal House.