Prague’s Christmas Markets

A few years ago, I stumbled upon a picture of a real life winter wonderland in a far away land. The scene looked like it came straight out of Santa’s very own workshop. Red wooden stables decorated with garland and twinkling lights with a light dusting of fresh fallen snow. The more I looked into this alluring place, I found out it was actually Prague’s annual Christmas market in the middle of their old town square. I had never heard of a Christmas market before and didn’t really know what it was. Apparently, these markets are scattered in almost all side streets and squares of European cities, big or small. Each one differs depending on the location, however they all have the same goal in spreading some Christmas cheer.

Being from California, it never really felt like Christmas to me. Of course the Christmas lights that lined my neighborhood helped a little, but the combination of the blistering weather at a chill 75 degrees and the swaying palm trees kind of killed the Christmas spirit. So for me, I just had to make it to at least one European Christmas market while I was abroad. I found that Germany was a hotspot for some of the worlds largest and extravagant Christmas markets, but something about those red dimly-lit stables in front of a medieval gothic church that looked straight from a fairytale had me looking no further. I just had to go to Prague.

I waited no longer, packed my bags, and made it to Prague a week before Christmas. I meandered throughout the Christmas markets that were sporadically scattered throughout empty crevices of the city. Whether it was in between clusters of colorful buildings or sandwiched in a strip of souvenir shops, it didn’t matter. Christmas stalls seemed to be popping up around every corner. Now what were the stars of these markets? It was actually what was being sold in these makeshift shops. Whether it was a quick bite to eat or a little keepsake to bring back home, these Christmas markets seemed to have it all. Now here are some of the highlighted items you can find at Prague’s Christmas market.

Savory:

Different foods are prepared while passer-byers stroll on through. So many tasty specialties perfume the crisp air, changing from stall to stall. Everything from slow roasted pork turning over an open fire, to a classic Czech treat called Langose, which is a fried dough topped with cheese, garlic, and ketchup. Seems like a wacky combo, but it’s their unique spin on the classic pizza and it’s actually quite tasty.

One of the most popular stalls sold seasoned bratwursts on an open grill. Choose from hot paprika or a mild herb. Another option is chicken skewers with roasted bell peppers. All these selections are served on fresh bread rolls. Not only do these fill you up, but it’s also incredibly cheap, costing only about a buck fifty. Now that is a deal that can’t be beat. The price made it completely justifiable for eating more then just one.

Another Savory item I tried was a potato, cheese, and sauerkraut concoction that seemed to be at every Christmas market around town. A few bites of this were all I really needed considering how filling it was, but it was still something worth trying! Potatoes can be found in the majority of the side dishes here and are prepared in every way possible.

Sweets:

For me, it is all about the sweets and this Christmas market was chalked full of tempting treats lining the festive huts. Whether you’re looking for hand frosted gingerbread cookies, chocolate dipped fruits, or candy stations with 3 foot long licorice ropes, they seriously had it all. The czech’s specialty is a dessert called Trdlo which is a pastry dough spun and cooked over hot coals, then coated in sugar and nuts. You can even get a hazelnut chocolate cream (or nutella as most know it) added for the real deal. Let’s just say I had my fair share of those to last me throughout the year. I’m warning you now, they are so addicting.

Something else to try is roasted chestnuts. Now this treat can literally be found in almost every city during the fall and winter season around Europe. I don’t know why but roasted chestnuts just seem like a staple for the holidays even though no one eats them in America. If you really want to get into the Christmas spirit, grab a bag of freshly roasted chestnuts while you wander from shop to shop.

Cocktails:

Another classic item in Christmas markets around Europe is the Mulled wine. This classic cocktail is hot wine with hints of cinnamon and citrus.  I tried a white wine version but red is the more favorable and traditional. This is undoubtedly the most ideal beverage to enjoy at a Christmas market. Not only because it’s festive, but also because it will warm you up in the freezing cold! I also walked past a few stalls selling warm honey wine along side the classics. If mulled wine isn’t your thing, don’t worry, they have plenty of Czech beer such as Pilsner on tap as well.

Specialty Items:

I know I’m making it seem like these Christmas markets are all about the food, but there is plenty of shopping to be done as well. The stalls that aren’t serving up typical snacks, showcase bright and timeless Christmas decorations dangling and twinkling from all over. These stalls are the perfect spot to buy a Christmas ornament, toys and trinkets, delicate lace, scarfs, gloves, or scented candles to bring back as a souvenir. If you are looking for a classic “Praha” ornament for your tree back home, check out the Christmas market in the Old Town Square for the widest selection.

Have I inspired you to visit a European Christmas market yet? Well, let me just say I don’t think you can go to a destination any more Christmas-y outside of the north pole then Prague.  For me, this city is the most ideal Christmas market to visit because it’s big enough where there is plenty to see, but it’s not so big that it loses its charming originality. Prague itself is one of the most beautiful cities I have seen thus far. With the horse drawn carriages, stables equipped with live farm animals, and the abundance of tempting treats, you can say Prague turns into a magical city during the holiday season.