The 2021 holiday season is a time for rediscovering the joys of travel. It’s an opportunity to break free of the routines and isolation of the previous year and half. If you’re ready for an adventure and are looking for the perfect travel destination this holiday season, look no further than Prague! The always magical capital city of the Czech Republic is transformed in the cooler months to a picturesque winter wonderland, complete with visitor-friendly attractions and local charms, making it the perfect place to spend the holiday season no matter what you celebrate.
Here are the top 5 reasons to visit Prague during the holidays:
1. Charming Shopping
Prague is packed with charming Christmas Markets, but arguably the very best one is the Christmas Market in Old Town Square. Traditional wooden stands are adorned with shining lights, and you can pick up anything from ornate gifts to cozy clothing and delicious Czech treats. The Christmas Market in Old Town Square is also home to a magnificent lighted Christmas Tree and has frequent performances from carol singers and holiday dancers.
2. Festive Eats
Eating new and interesting foods is one of the absolute best parts of traveling, and Prague is an ideal travel location if you’re looking for authentic Czech treats with a unique holiday flair. A local favorite is Trdelník, a dessert made from sweet dough grilled around a spit and topped with sugar and walnuts, often served with ice cream. If you’re looking for something less sweet, you may prefer Svařák, traditional mulled wine, or Svestkove Knedliky, plum dumplings.
3. Enchanting Churches
Whether you are religiously inclined or you just love the inviting feel and inspiring history of ancient churches, Prague has a lot to offer. Make sure to check out St. Nicholas Church, built in 1732 and complete with endlessly intricate design details, as well as Church of Our Lady before Týn, a gothic tower that has remained a mainstay of the city since the 14th century.
4. Wonderful Walks
One of the best ways to get to know a new city is by walking. A long walk gives you the opportunity to take in the smaller sights of the city in between your expected destinations. In Prague, you can walk along the beautiful Vltava River, which spans 267.4 miles, or you can walk to any of the numerous local museums. If you’re looking forward to meal in a local restaurant, you may even want to consider walking there. The holiday time in Prague is cold, but with the right clothing and shoes, it’s a beautiful city to spend the day walking through.
5. Seasonal Lights
While there’s a lot of wonderful attractions in Prague any time of year, what makes the holidays particularly special is the lights. The locals truly understand the magic of the season and enjoy decorating all of the town’s buildings with festive lights. As mentioned above, Prague is a perfect city for long walks, and the holiday lights add an additional layer of spectacular views.
Whether you’re looking for a culinary adventure, a historical journey, or just an excuse to bundle up and look at the lights, the capital city of the Czech Republic has it all. Full of holiday spirit and teeming with activity, you won’t regret spending your holidays in Prague.
Have you had the chance to visit Prague? What was your favorite part?