December in Prague. It's cold, and it's dark by 4:30. What better way to combat seasonal affective disorder than to get outside in the daylight hours and enjoy a cup of svařák (mulled wine) and a hunk of šunka (ham) with the rest of humanity.
Mix and a mingle and all that.
Originating in Germany in the Middle Ages, Christmas markets are a popular destination for locals and tourists alike in many European cities. Market stalls pop up all over Prague, but the biggest (and probably most tourist-y, but nonetheless lovely) is at Staroměstské náměstí (Old Town Square).
Christmas markets rev up in late November, hit a fever pitch by early December, and ride the momentum right through New Year's and into early January. (So Adrienne and family: bring your woolies!)
We spent Saturday afternoon taking in the atmosphere -- and some svařák -- at Old Town Square. Here are some goofy boys in front of the Christmas tree and the Church of Our Lady Before Týn.
Church of St. Nicholas behind some market stalls.
Old Town Hall. We ascended the tower for a panoramic view.
Týn Cathedral from the tower.
Birds-eye view of Christmas market stalls around Jan Hus Memorial statue.
Sweet Ben
Prague Castle
St. Nicholas
Some cute guy.
Clock watchers -- it was nowhere near the top of the hour, so the crowd was a little thinner than it is just before the big show. (Which isn't that big.)
Here's what they were looking at: the Astronomical Clock.
And Dad -- who's never far from me when there's a Dixieland band playing -- this is for you.
We go nowhere without woolies. Even in August, because we are a stern and pragmatic people.
ReplyDeleteDad says,"What fun you must have had walking around the market! I was surprised to hear a Dixieland band playing in Old Prague and how well they played. Wish I could have been there with you."
ReplyDelete@ Adrienne ~ "Woot" I say to you and your woolies.
ReplyDelete@ Dad ~ I half-expected to see you tap dance into the circle with *your* banjo!
Dagnabit, I need a job in Prague: I know they have a thriving animation industry..... So beautiful and cool! (Plus, I'm hungry-- the food was great!)
ReplyDelete@ Eric ~ you could make the next Večerníček sensation! It could take the 8-and-under set by storm!
ReplyDeleteThis looks just great!! So much fun!! Sigh... secretly, I'm a little jealous of these adventures you guys get to have :D
ReplyDelete