Prague, the beautiful capital of the Czech Republic, known as the City Of A Thousand Spires, welcomes more than 8 million visitors who flock to one of Europe's most marvelous architectural gems every year. Thanks to its Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Art Nouveau styles, Prague was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even if people spend an entire month in the city, they will not witness all of its magical, rich cultural attractions.

Prague is home to the largest castle complex globally and one of Europe's oldest bridges, Charles Bridge, built during the late 1300s. Moreover, the famous astronomical clock located in the city's old town square and installed since 1410 is still functioning up to this day. Prague is a year-round destination with much happening in this vibrant city during all seasons.

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Prague, A Year-Round Marvelous Destination With A Unique Vibe During Winter

While Prague hosts magnificent year-round festivals, such as summer music festivals, floating beer gardens, food festivals, and the autumn wine festival, nothing beats the majesty and uniqueness of its Christmas Markets with the one held in the city's Old Town Square being considered among the biggest festivals in Europe. Gladly, Prague's Christmas markets will be going ahead in 2021 after the covid-19 pandemic subsided and high vaccination rates lowered the cases and deaths in the Czech Republic.

The Christmas Festivals have been going on for 20 years and welcome more than 600,000 tourists yearly between the end of November and the first week of January. The main markets are held in Prague at the Old Town Square and the renowned Wenceslas Square. Apart from the Christmas festival's magical vibes, visiting Prague during the winter season allows one to enjoy the city's attractions with fewer crowds than in peak seasons.

Moreover, people will enjoy the beautiful snowy weather covering the town in a picturesque white scene never witnessed before. However, visitors must remember that temperatures can fall below 0 degrees Celsius in January in Prague. They are encouraged to wear thermal layers, a windproof winter coat, comfortable boots, warm socks, a scarf, gloves, and a wool hat.

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The Magical Christmas Markets Of Prague, Including The One In Old Town Square

With plenty of traditional Czech food and drink to savor and an unprecedented vibe of joy and festive, Prague holds every year a dozen of magical Christmas Markets and festivals around the city, with the largest one happening in the Old Town Square. This market hosts the city's main Christmas tree and a nativity scene in front of the Astronomical Clock around the Jan Hus memorial. The tree lighting is a must-see and happens on the festival's first day, accompanied by lively music from 16:30 to 21:30.

The market also features a stage that hosts carols singing, concerts, live shows, and dance performances related to the event's theme. People can also enjoy yummy food and drink when celebrating Christmas at Old Town Square. Another attractive Christmas Market in Prague is the one that takes place at Wenceslas Square and is just a walk away from Old Town Square. The Christmas tree of this market also lights with lovely music from 17:00 to 21:00 every night. People can enjoy eating delicious food at the decorated stands and buy beautiful souvenirs and gifts.

The Havel's Market at Christmas features a year-round shopping center built in the 1200s between Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. Other worth visiting fascinating Christmas Markets in Prague include the ones in Prague Castle, Kampa Island, and Námestí Republiky.

Visiting Prague During Winter Season Is Not Only About The Christmas Markets

While the unique Christmas Markets that Prague hosts every year are one of the city's most attractive and unique features, there's much more to Prague being a magical destination during winter. The town turns into an ice skating field during the coldest season of the year, and lovers of the sport can practice their hobby on skating rinks around Prague.

It's a good idea to practice ice skating free at Victory Square's rink or under the Žižkov Television Tower. Other ice skating locations include the Letna Plan near the football stadium of Sparta Prague. Moreover, the best time to take photos of iconic landmarks in Prague is during the winter season, when there are no crowds, and the white snow covers the picturesque city. It would be wise to take an early morning walk around the town to take shots of the famous Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, The Old Town Hall, and Letná Park.

  • Recommended: Take a Prague City Tourism walking tour for CZK 300.

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