Official: Prague’s Old Town Christmas Market Cancelled

Svařák (mulled wine) and a cozy atmosphere at the foot of picturesque buildings normally attract thousands to the Christmas market at Prague’s Old Town every year.

But due to the risk posed by growing coronavirus cases, there will be no enticing stalls to be seen in 2020, as iDNES reports.

“Given the epidemiological situation, it would probably be very inappropriate to hold Christmas markets,” said Prague councilor Jan Chabr.

The atmosphere in the Old Town Square will be ensured by the traditional large spruce and Christmas decorations. “If the epidemiological situation allows it, we are ready to add some small stalls,” added Chabr.

Read: Coronavirus in the Czech Republic: The Latest

The Christmas markets on Old Town, Wenceslas Square, and Namesti Republiky are organized by Taiko company.

“The Easter and now the Christmas markets have been canceled. We are very sorry and it also affects our company. However, we respect the decision and offer the tree installation to the City of Prague for overhead costs,” said Libor Votruba, Chairman of Taiko.

This year’s Christmas tree for Prague will come from the village of Jílové (Prague Region). The 19-meter spruce was selected by experts from some forty-two trees, suggested by the public.

Read: Czech Government Will Likely Have to Tighten COVID-19 Measures

The tree will be erected on the night of November 24.

Christmas markets (Vánoční trhy) are a key ingredient of the festive magic in the Czech Republic, and the Prague markets are the most impressive in the country.

You can find goods such as handmade soaps and lotions, jewelry, wooden toys, ceramic decorations, crystals, scarves and so on.

Food stands are offering grilled meat or sausages; please your sweet tooth with apple strudel, gingerbread, cookies, waffles, roasted almonds, cotton candy.