Prague's Christmas markets attract both locals and tourists

Christmas is fast approaching and the advent mood can be felt all around. One of the important features of this time of the year are the Christmas markets, offering traditional Czech Christmas goods and treats. The colourful markets are always a big attraction for both locals and tourists.

Prague's Christmas markets attract both locals and tourists

Christmas carols and the scent of mulled wine and punch fill the air in Prague's main squares where Christmas shoppers, families with young children and tourists from all over the world are soaking up the atmosphere. The vendors are selling Christmas trees, glass and straw decorations, candles and traditional Czech sweets. I asked a few tourists how they were enjoying the markets.

"Fantastic! It really is nice, isn't it? We've been our all day and we've stayed till it get dark to get the effect of it."

Have you come to Prague specifically for the markets?

"Yes. We came on Sunday. It really is nice. And it is a very pretty country."

And what have you bought so far?

"Christmas baubles, biscuits, crystal jewellery and mulled wine. All the time. Incredible. It keeps us warm. We're being sociable... (laughs)."

The Prague authorities were dissatisfied with the company that operated the markets in previous years, especially after last year's accident when a giant Christmas tree fell over in the Old Town Square, seriously injuring a British tourist. This year the markets are organised by a different company, the tree is significantly shorter and well anchored and secured with steel cables - it's a hundred percent safe, the company's head Libor Votruba reassures us. He adds that this year the markets also have a different look.

"This year it looks like a star. We have 80 stands on the Old Town Square with traditional and Christmas merchandise and eight stands with fast food. For Wenceslas Square we prepared 70 stands with traditional Christmas merchandise and five stands with fast food."

While the kids are in awe of the live donkeys and sheep at the Nativity scene, the adults are more attracted to stands selling mulled wine and hot mead, a traditional alcoholic beverage made of honey. This British woman bought a whole bottle for her husband who had fallen for it but she says one important thing is missing...

"We came at this time of year because we knew it would be more atmospheric and we are hoping for some snow!"