Prague, My Love

I never tire of the view...I never tire of the city.

Please help me feel Christmassy!

I'm longing for that Christmassy feeling and no place delivers better than Prague.  But, alas, I am not in Prague for the holiday season this year, thus I need to ask you, readers, for your help in making me feel festive and bringing a Prague Christmas to me in Hawaii. 

Today I envision strolling through Old Town Square with a hot cup of Svařák (mulled wine) in-hand.  Perhaps a cinnamon Trdelnik in my other hand.  Gloved hands, of course, for I picture it to be quite chilly, perhaps even lightly snowing.  

I don't like the cold weather by any stretch of the imagination, but during the Christmas season, it's what helps make me feel festive, especially when the scent of wood burning fills the air...or roasting meat!

The Christmas markets are now open throughout Prague and they are where I long to be...

During the day I like to browse the stands and pick up presents and stocking stuffers for family & friends

And at night, there's just something so spectacular about being in the square surrounded by twinkling lights and holiday music... gives me a sense of calm and happiness that I just can't put into words.

** All of the photos except for the very first one are from MyCzechRepublic since I am not there this year **  Visit the website for opening hours and a list of all of the x-mas markets in Prague

A Stroll Through Praha...Part II

 Staroměstské náměstí (Old Town Square)

Old Town Hall Tower

Pražský Orloj - The Prague Astronomical Clock

Church of Our Lady before Týn towers over Old Town Square

Looking up at Church of Our Lady before Týn 

Prague: One of the best cities for Christmas markets

I know that I keep saying that the Prague Christmas markets are spectacular, but I'll admit, I'm biased.  That being said, it made me so very happy to see that I'm not the only one who seems to think so... Lonely Planet agrees with me:  5 great European cities for Christmas markets

Photo from the article on CNN.com 

 

Taking a festive stroll through Old Town's Christmas market

Oh, how I adore this time of year!  Strolling through the Christmas markets (Vánoční trhy) in Prague with the sweet smell of hot Trdelník in the air, sipping on Svařák to stay warm, taking in all of the sights and sounds of the holiday...this is what I look forward to every year!

Enjoying Svařák (hot mulled wine)

Be sure to visit the Christmas market during the day as well as at night when thousands of lights are twinkling...

The Christmas markets are now up throughout the city, but the most famous one is in Old Town Square.  So grab a Svařákor Medovina (honey wine or Mead) and take a leisurely stroll around Old Town Square.  If your're lucky, it may begin to snow...adding to the Christmassy feel.  

Be sure to admire the tree that came to the city centre from Krkonoše (Giant Mountain) in the Czech Republic.

 Old Town Square at Christmastime 

 

  Christmas just wouldn't be right without a nativity scene, but a live one!?  This is one you won't want to miss!  There's also a petting zoo, performances of Christmas music and dance, and many, many stalls selling everything from Czech food, beer and treats, to glass, candles, and traditional Czech toys and marionettes.  It's a great place to pick up a little something to put under the tree or in a stocking.

   Other Prague Christmas markets are in Wenceslas Square, with smaller markets at Havelske Trziste and Náměstí Republiky, and all are within a 10-minute walk.  Another Christmas market is situated in Náměstí Míru, which is a bit outside of the city center but very easily reached by metro or tram.  You'll find more locals than tourists here.

Wenceslas Square

Snow begins to gently fall as people stroll through the market at Wenceslas Square

I recommend going atop the clock tower at dusk or later when it's dark...the view is spectacular!

Trdlo

A delicious treat!  Trdlo is dough wrapped around a hot metal pin, baked to perfection and then rolled in cinnamon sugar or almonds.

 The Prague Christmas market in Old Town Square stays open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and through January 1, 2012.