🎄 Prague’s Christmas Tree: From Forest to Old Town Square
Every December, the heart of Prague beats with a magic you can almost taste—like the first bite of warm Czech pastries fresh from a market stall. Leading the symphony of lights and laughter is the legendary Christmas tree in Old Town Square, a living symbol of the city’s holiday spirit. Its journey begins deep in the snowy forests of the Czech Republic, where foresters search for the perfect spruce: tall, regal, and old enough to stand proudly for millions in the city’s centerpiece. Chosen with reverence, the tree’s selection is often followed citywide, a secret until the day its grand travel begins.
Imagine the tree winding through sleepy Czech villages, drawing onlookers shivering over mugs of svařák—hot mulled wine that embodies the flavor of Weihnachten in Prag. Arriving at Old Town Square before dawn, workers dress the spruce with thousands of glowing lights and ornaments, crafting a scene that feels both grand and deeply intimate. Beneath its branches, local artisans hang gingerbread hearts and wood-carved angels, filling the square with aromas of cinnamon, roasting chestnuts, and classic local cuisine Prague residents adore.
As darkness falls each evening, the tree ignites—a beacon against the winter night. Locals, wrapped in scarves and nostalgia, drift among the stalls, savoring trdelnĂk and peering at the tree as if glimpsing an old friend. The moment the tree lights up, children’s faces mirror it, glowing wide-eyed as carols echo between the centuries-old stones. For many, this is the moment Weihnachten in Prag truly begins. Beneath its watchful branches, people share Christmas punch and stories, savory snacks and secret wishes, tastes of traditional Czech dishes like vánoÄŤka (braided sweet bread) or klobása (smoked sausage)—all part of the season’s embrace, inviting you to discover what to eat in Prague while basking in its holiday glow.
âť“Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where does Prague’s Christmas tree come from each year?
Each year, Prague’s Christmas tree is specially selected from forests in the Czech Republic, often from regions in the Liberec or Hradec Králové area, ensuring it is local and sustainably sourced.
2. When is the Prague Christmas tree lit up in Old Town Square?
The tree is usually illuminated on the first Advent weekend, with a festive ceremony that attracts crowds of locals and visitors alike, marking the official start of Weihnachten in Prag.
3. Can visitors enjoy Czech food near the Christmas tree in Old Town Square?
Absolutely! Around the tree, you’ll find bustling wooden stalls serving traditional Czech dishes like grilled sausages, trdelnĂk, and festive punch—perfect for sampling local cuisine Prague is famous for.
Quelle: www.praguehints.com
