I'm planning a quick trip to Prague between Christmas and the new year. Will the Christmas markets still be around after Christmas? What sort of festiviites occur on NYE? Can I expect the touristy attractions to be open during that time?
Thanks!

maeby,

You might want to send a message to Mary Luce (Mary L.) who's now living in Prague. She should be able to give you some guidance.

This Website, though, should be able to answer most of your questions. I have found the "Prague Experience" sites to be quite useful.

Ann

We nearly went to Prague this past Christmas for the markets, but wimped out after a good friend told how she wore all the clothes she packed (as in at the same time) to stay warm while in Prague at Christmas. (We live in a mild climate.) We went to Vienna instead -- it was cold but not bad. The Christmas markets in Vienna are terrific.

We were in Prague for three days in 2003, arriving on December 30, so I can give a first hand report.

The city was quite crowded. There were big markets on several squares... I thought they were holiday markets of some sort. I loved the shopping in Prague-- there was so much to buy.

We decided not to go out on New Year's Eve and had room service at our hotel-- the Marriott-- and watched television. (Actually, we enjoyed this a lot... we ordered a lot of food and it wasn't at all expensive.) Most of the restaurants had special set dinner menus that were quite expensive, and reservations were necessary. This didn't really work for our family.

There are classical music concerts in various venues around the city. We bought tickets for Vivaldi's The Four Seasons for New Year's evening... very reasonably priced and very enjoyable.

We've been in Europe a couple of times during the Christmas/New Year's holidays and have enjoyed every place we've been (Paris, Munich, Oberammergau in the Bavarian Alps, Vienna, Salzburg). But our favorite holiday destination is definitely Salzburg.

Kathy

Thanks, all, for your help. This will surely make planning easier. Also, Kaydee, thank you for your help during our recent trip to Munich. We followed a good deal of your suggestions based on your trip reports, etc., and really had a great time.

Yes, the markets are there until Jan 1st so you will be able to see them.

Yes, it can be cold but this year was mild. We kept thinking our thermometer was wrong since everyday the temperture was 0 celsius. Being from NH this was not cold to me. If you do get cold stop in and get nice thick hot chocolate somewhere or by some hot wine from one of the vendors in the markets.

New Years has a lot of fireworks throughout the city. We didn't go out this year since we didn't have a babysitter at the time (and lets face it we haven't been out for New Year's Eve in years!) but we did hear/see fireworks from our apartment.

If you have any questions feel free to PM me and I will help any way I can.

-Mary