Christmas in Prague

December 23-26

Prague for Christmas...what could be better? It was magical. A beautifully lit and decorated tree in the Old Town Square, Christmas markets, lots of mulled wine and happy travelers.

This is me deciding what to order.

We arrived late on December 23, but just in time to find some people still out and about and get some mulled wine and chicken kabobs. 

The next morning we got up early in case things were going to be closed for Christmas Eve. We went to the tourism office and headed for other side of the river. On the way we stopped for more mulled wine and observed vendors at work with roasted hams and trdlo, or trdelink. There were so many people out, eating and drinking everywhere.

Trdelink - a popular pastry in Czech Republic.

We did try them one night. It has the flavor of pie dough
with cinnamon and sugar, but the consistency is not crumbly.

Second hot wine in 24 hours, and not the last either. 

On the way, we spent some more time in Old Town Square, then crossed the Charles Bridge toward Petrin Hill and the Prague Castle. All of these sites near Prague's center contribute to naming Prague a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The Astronomical Clock and Old Town Hall Tower. On the hour, you will see " The Walk of the Apostles."

We're always climbing towers!

Another tower to climb - this one looks out onto the
famous Charles Bridge and the Vltava River.

On the other side of the Charles Bridge, we joined the crowd huddled in a small plaza, flooding onto the cobblestone streets. Hot and cold drinks were being served, as well as kielbasa and ham. By now my gloves are smelling of mulled wine, which should be a scent more often found in candles and lotions. After burning our mouths on hot kielbasa, we continue on with our wine and head to Petrin Hill and the Prague castle.

Petrin Hill is known for amazing views of the city, mostly from on top of Prague's version of the Eiffel Tower. We took the funicular up to the top and found that it had just closed 10 minutes prior. It was a cloudy day and we couldn't see much, so we walked around the park a little and headed down, and then back up towards the castle.

Because it was Christmas Eve, we couldn't go inside the castle monuments and the gardens are closed in winter, but we were able to wander the grounds and see St. Vitus Cathedral (from the outside) plus many other buildings on the palace property. And the view coming down really did glow, just like the photo.

We fit a lot into Christmas Eve, so Christmas was relaxing. We wandered to Wenceslas Square, ate potato dumplings with pork and cabbage, drank mulled wine in a cable car and found a great restaurant for Christmas dinner.

Potato dumplings with ham and sauerkraut. Hot and very tasty!

My Christmas dinner: Potato dumplings stuffed with smoked pork,
served with sauerkraut.

Brian got the duck. Both were rich and delicious.

 Our last day in Prague we visited the Jewish Museum and the Old Jewish Cemetery. The Jewish Museum includes many synagogues in the Jewish Quarter. We found a quaint restaurant for lunch and ordered a great, cheap meal just before a tour group came in. Then it was a crepe for dessert and off to the bus station.

Goulash! Yum!

Strawberry crepe!

 Now off to Munich!