Enjoy
the atmosphere of a Czech Christmas
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 .
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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