Category: Traditions and Holidays

Prague Christmas Market Guide

 

What is the best thing about December in Prague? Cozy pubs? Mulled wine? Seeing the beautiful buildings covered in a light dusting of snow? While all of these things are great, nothing screams Christmas joy and festive spirit like a Prague Christmas Market.

While the Czech Republic isn’t necessarily a religious country, they are indeed a traditional people and they sure know how to get into the Christmas spirit when the season rolls around.

Prague’s Christmas markets are unlike anything you’ve seen before, even if you’ve explored other Christmas markets around Europe. With traditional Czech food and drink, handmade souvenirs and gifts, and, of course, seasonal alcohol galore, Prague’s Christmas markets will show you a whole new side of the city.

Old Town Square Christmas Market 

prague old town square christ market

  • Location: Old Town Square
  • Dates: December 1, 2019 – January 6, 2020
  • Times: 10:00 am – 12:00 am

No better place to start than the largest Christmas market in Prague! This Prague Christmas market is located right smack in the center of Old Town Square, sprawled around the Jan Hus Memorial in front of the Astronomical Clock. Because of the location, this also tends to be the most crowded market, so be sure to utilize those tricks and tips we gave you for this one, and keep your bags close!

This market is the biggest and the most popular for a reason. It’s got a lot of extras that the smaller markets simply don’t have.

First off, this market hosts the Prague Christmas Tree and nativity scene. The huge, real tree is the centerpiece of the market and stands in front of the Church of Tyn so you can get some great photos. The tree is beautifully decorated with lights and ornaments and really comes to life after sunset, when you can see it in all its lit up glory.

Prague Old Town Square Christmas Market evening

We recommend checking out the first tree lighting, which takes place the first day the markets are open and starts at 16:30 with the lights animated to music, and is repeated on a loop after that until 21:30.

The Prague Xmas market in Old Town Square also has a stage to host caroling, concerts, dance performances, and other live Christmas shows for visitors of all ages to enjoy. There are also some special events for kids as well as St. Mikuláš (or St. Nicholas to Westerners) and New Year’s celebrations.

This year, the market at Old Town Square will be open from December 1, 2019 until January 6, 2020. You can buy gifts and other trinkets from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm and you can enjoy the food and drink from 10:00 am until midnight.

Prague Christmas Market Old Town Square

Wenceslas Square Christmas Market

Praha Vánoce 2018 7
PC: Karelj [CC BY-SA 4.0]
  • Location: Wenceslas Square
  • Dates: December 1, 2019 – January 6, 2020
  • Times: 10:00 am – 12:00 am

Located just a short walk from the markets in Old Town Square, the Prague Christmas market in Wenceslas Square is another one of the most popular and crowded ones in the city. The main part of this market is located in the larger space at the lower end of the square opposite the National Museum, but slowly over the years the stalls have begun to trickle further down towards the museum.

The Wenceslas Square markets also have a Christmas tree, although not as big as the one in Old Town Square. The tree also has light animations though, running from 17:00 until 21:00 every night. In front of the tree you will also find a nativity scene. As for gifts, there aren’t as many options as there are in Old Town Square but the vendors here typically specialize in handmade wooden and steel gifts, so you’re still able to find something unique.

This market in Prague is also open from December 1, 2019 until January 6, 2020 with the food and shop stands having the same opening hours as the ones of Old Town Square: refreshments open from 10:00 am to midnight and goods open from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Havel’s Christmas Market

  • Location: Havelská 13, 110 00 Staré Město
  • Dates: Year-Round
  • Times: Monday – Friday (6:00 am – 7:00 pm), Saturdays (7:00 am – 7:00 pm), Sundays (8:00 am – 6:30 pm)

Located right in between the Old Town Square markets and the Wenceslas Square markets, this year-round shopping center dates back to the 1200s and is one of the oldest shopping markets in Prague. While you can shop at it all year round, it really dedicates itself to Christmas when December in Prague rolls around so it makes it on this list.

Because this market is permanent, you’ll probably find some different products at this one than you will at the other Christmas markets in the center. For example, they won’t have the same hot food options and alcoholic drinks available, but there is a produce section where you can get some healthy snacks if that’s what you fancy.

As for souvenirs, you’ll find a lot of the typical touristy stuff like mugs, jewelry, and toys but they will add Christmas ornaments and other decorations during December in Prague. And of course, they will still offer the toys they’re famous for: the screaming witches.

Havel’s Market is open daily Monday through Friday from 6:00 am until 7:00 pm, Saturdays from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, and Sundays from 8:00 am until 6:30 pm.

Náměstí Míru Christmas Market

namesti miru prague christmas market

  • Location: Náměstí Míru, Vinohrady
  • Dates: November 20, 2019 – December 24, 2019
  • Times: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm

Located in front of the Church of St. Ludmila, this is usually the first Christmas market of the season, opening even before the main markets in the city center. This year, this Prague Christmas market will open on November 20 and shut down on December 24 and will be open from 10:00 am until 7:00 pm each day.

This Christmas market is one of the bigger ones in the city, usually hosting about 60 stalls full of all the traditional Christmas necessities: Advent wreaths and calendars, candles and candle holders, gifts and souvenirs. This market also has a beautiful tree and a hand-painted nativity scene and holds events for families of all ages.

It is also located on the very edge of one of our favorite neighborhoods in Prague, Zizkov. We highly recommend visiting Zizkov if you want to experience a bit of Prague off the beaten path.

Tylovo Náměstí Christmas Market

  • Location: Tylovo Náměstí near I.P. Pavlova metro

Located just a short walk from Náměstí Míru close to the I.P. Pavlova metro station, this is the smallest Christmas market in Prague – which means less people! This is the perfect place to go to find some Christmas gifts without having to fight your way through a crowd to see the stalls. You can still get the basics: wooden toys, jewelry, glass figurines and Christmas decorations, as well as some delicious food and warm drinks to enjoy while you browse.

Jiřího z Poděbrad Christmas Market

  • Location: Jiřího z Poděbrad Square, Vinohrady

A bit farther away from the central markets, this Prague Christmas market will be cheaper than the ones in the center with a lot of the same products. Jiřího z Poděbrad hosts a popular farmer’s market during most of the year, and during December in Prague it is transformed into a festive Christmas market.

Less crowded than the center and a bit more family-oriented, the Christmas market at Jiřího z Poděbrad also hosts a regular program of events, including concerts, theater performances, workshops for kids, celebrations, caroling, and even some creative workshops where you get to create your own Christmas decorations.

Anděl Christmas Market

  • Location: Pedestrian area outside Anděl metro station
  • Dates: Nov 30th – Dec 25th

Located right on the pedestrian strip outside the Anděl metro station, this smaller Prague Christmas market is a bit less dressed up and therefore a bit more authentic than the ones in the center.

At this market, you’ll find a wide variety of goodies and treats just like at the other markets, but you’ll also most likely find something we haven’t mentioned yet: carp! There is a Czech Christmas tradition where they kill and eat carp for Christmas dinner, and so the Christmas markets can sell them. The carp stands aren’t terribly common as they’re a bit gruesome and smelly, but it’s definitely an authentic Czech experience.

Výstavište Holešovice

  • Location: Exhibition grounds at Výstavište in Prague 7

Located at the exhibition grounds at Výstavište in Prague 7, this Prague Christmas market is less well-known since it’s a bit farther off the beaten tourist path, but it’s big! This is the only Christmas market with an admission fee, though: 25 Kč per person and the official name is Advent na Výstavište.

This market also hosts an entertainment program for both kids and adults on the weekends. Usually opened with a festive procession at the start of the Advent season, it includes markets, Christmas workshops, live music, and more.

Be sure to check out each of these Christmas markets to make the most out of December in Prague! It might be cold, but it’s beautiful and you won’t want to miss out on Prague in all of its winter glory.

Article by Just a Pack Contributor: Brittany Muldoon

https://www.justapack.com/prague-christmas-market-guide/

Holiday Bruschetta

Pinterest image of Pomegranate and Cranberry Bruschetta holiday appetizer

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and Christmas parties will be here before you know it! I know many of us are thinking now what to serve at our Thanksgiving celebration and holiday parties; this Pomegranate and Cranberry Bruschetta recipe will be perfect for both!

Pomegranate and Cranberry Bruschetta

The taste of sweet pomegranate seeds mingled with tart cranberries… a pop of basil… the kick of serrano (which you may leave out if you must)… the creamy cheese and the crunch of crostini… all of these elements combine for perfection. REALLY!

Total Time
45 min
Ingredients
  1. POMEGRANATE AND CRANBERRY RELISH
  2. 1 pound fresh (or frozen) cranberries, washed
  3. 1 cup sugar
  4. 1 serrano pepper (more if you like spicy, less if not)
  5. ½ cup roughly chopped fresh basil leaves
  6. ¾-1 cup pomegranate arils or seeds (reserve a few for garnish)
  7. finely chopped fresh basil, for garnish
CROSTINI
  1. 1 thin, good quality baguette, sliced about ¼ inch thick
  2. ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  3. Sea salt
  4. Freshly ground black pepper
  5. 8 ounces low-fat cream cheese, softened
Instructions
  1. Place the cranberries, sugar, and seranno peppers in a food processor
  2. Pulse on and off several times until cranberries are coarsely chopped. Don’t over-process
  3. Add basil and pulse a few more times. Not too much, you want basil bits to be visible in relish
  4. Transfer to a storage container and add pomegranate arils
  5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or till ready to use.
  6. For the crostini, preheat oven to 350˚F.
  7. Place baguette slices on prepared pans
  8. Brush lightly with oil
  9. Sprinkle lightly with salt and a grind of pepper (don’t leave this step out!)
  10. Bake for 14-18 minutes or until golden, rotating pans halfway through baking time.
  11. To assemble bruschetta, whisk cream cheese until creamy
  12. Spread about ½-1 tablespoon on each crostini
  13. Top with a scoop of the relish.
  14. Garnish with basil

This recipe literally bursts with vibrant flavor!

Plus it’s so versatile; in fact, you can serve the relish on top of a block of cream cheese and eat with crackers. Or, substitute cream cheese on the crostini with a slice of brie and prosciutto. You could even add a bit of olive oil, salt and vinegar to about 1/4 cup of relish for an amazing salad dressing. The possibilities are endless! Be sure to let me know if you come up with some other creative ideas.

Pomegranate and Cranberry Bruschetta

 

This recipe brought to us by Andrea of Party of two

http://www.tablerpartyoftwo.com/pomegranate-and-cranberry-bruschetta/

Cyber Monday Explained

 

See the source image

Photo by hip2save

This is what Cyber Monday is all about. Would you rather be the shopper on the left or on the right ? If you said right, then you are a true Cyber Monday shopper. It’s all about using cyber space to shop rather than fighting the crowds in now extremely crowded stores and malls.  Are there deals to be had ? You bet there are.  It’s why this day is almost as popular as Black Friday.    And guess what ?  It’s not just an American phenomenon.  It’s also popular in Australia, The U.K., Japan, Russia, Israel, Argentina, Uganda and dozens more countries.

Why so popular ?  It offers a way for smaller retail websites to compete with larger chains.  Since its inception, it has become an international marketing term used by online retailers across the world.

In 2017, Cyber Monday online sales grew to a record $6.59 billion, compared with $2.98 billion in 2015, and $2.65 billion in 2014 with the average order value being $128.

The New York Times reported: “The name Cyber Monday grew out of the observation that millions of otherwise productive working Americans, fresh off a Thanksgiving weekend of window shopping, were returning to high-speed Internet connections at work Monday and buying what they liked.”  So the picture of the woman above is likely her at work using her company’s computer to order some holiday presents, at a discount of course.

Cyber Monday appears to have taken hold in shopping history and will likely continue as long as there are shoppers, and high-speed internets.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyber_Monday

 

The History of Black Friday

Image result for black friday images

Photo by Belfast live

In 1966, the Black Friday name became famous in print. That’s when a story appeared in an ad in The American Philatelist, a stamp collectors’ magazine.  The Philadelphia Police Department used the name to describe the traffic jams and crowding in the downtown stores.  For centuries, the adjective “black” has been applied to days upon which calamities occurred, but shopping hysteria ?

Why the traffic jams and crowding ?  Historically, shoppers did half their holiday shopping on Black Friday, which in America is the Friday after Thanksgiving. Black Friday has routinely been the busiest shopping day of the year in the United States since 2005.  You can imagine mega-millions of people pushing, shoving, shortage of stock, all to be the one who gets the item, for which she must pay anyway.

It’s now firmly entrenched into our holiday tradition.  Although, some stores which use to close or curtail their hours, now remain open thru the holiday or open at midnight Friday morning.  It seems that shopping is pushing family for dominance of Thanksgiving.

So America.  Do you participate in shopping on Black Friday, where good deals on big-screen tv’s are everywhere ?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Friday_(shopping)

 

 

The 1 mistake to avoid if you’re hosting Thanksgiving

From the table full of tempting dishes to the quality time you get to spend with your loved ones, Thanksgiving is a great time to relax among the holiday hubbub and enjoy the good things in life. When you’re the one planning and hosting the day’s feast, though, this can be hard to do, which makes it that much more important that you don’t make the mistake of letting Thanksgiving completely pass you by.

a group of people sitting at a table eating food: Don’t make this mistake if you’re hosting Thanksgiving © iStock.com/filadendron 

If you’re hosting Thanksgiving, there are many things you can do to make sure your day isn’t too hectic. Planning ahead and making some dishes in advance will relieve some stress the day of and give you more time to focus on feeling gratitude for the blessings in your life.

It’s also a good idea to ask for help from your guests, such as allowing them to bring the scrumptious side dishes, set the table or help you clean up. Not only will more hands help everything go smoother, but it will also result in you getting things done faster so that you can relax and enjoy the occasion.

You, more than anyone, deserve to have a great Thanksgiving, and your enjoyment will help you be a better host, too.

Wisdom from Syjil Ashraf at:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/lifestyle-buzz/the-1-mistake-to-avoid-if-youre-hosting-thanksgiving/ar-BBX0jpX?ocid=spartanntp

65 Beautiful Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas

While I don’t have the space to post all 65, I will do a few just to get you in a more festive move.  Christmas is next month and trees usually go up right after Thanksgiving, so let’s get crackin’.

Trim your tree with our unique DIY projects and design tips from holiday decorating pros from HGTV.

Photo by Rachel Whyte

Rustic Luxe

Fixer Upper‘s Joanna Gaines adorned this lush tree with white and silver ornaments, sparkling white lights and a thick off-white ribbon garland for a look that’s simple, yet stunning.

Match Your Decor

Whether your home is traditional, contemporary or shabby chic, choose a tree color and theme that fits your design. This stunning flocked, lavender tree perfectly complements this living room’s cool purple and navy décor.

Photo by istock/Oksana Nazurchuk

Festive Fairy Lights

This year, ditch the strenuous strands of standard twinkle lights and opt instead for softer, dainty LED fairy lights draped from the top of the tree.

Photo by Rennai Hoeffer

Farmhouse Flocked

This year’s hottest tree trend? Gorgeous green branches coated in snowy white flocking. Decorate with a few white and burlap ornaments for an updated, farmhouse-style take on the classic Christmas tree.

Photo by Marian Parsons

Quaint + Quilted

Some old quilts are too fragile or tattered to use as bedding, but they’re too precious to throw away. Repurpose one into a charming, cottage-style Christmas tree skirt by using the largest intact portion of the quilt.

 

Not your cup of tea ?  No worries, there are 50 plus more to browse.  Click on this link:

https://www.hgtv.com/design/decorating/design-101/15-christmas-tree-decorating-ideas-pictures

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