December, Markets and Mikuláš
Photo: Old Town Square Christmas Market
After a quieter November generally the tourist season picks up for the pre-Christmas period and the first Christmas Markets like the one at Náměstí Míru (Peace Square) will already be open and the others will open on the first Saturday before the 5th . Its a difficult month to predict weather as I've known it sub-zero and warm enough during the day for a T-Shirt so definitely watch the weather forecast and dress accordingly. Visitors here on December 5th should check the Mikuláš section below. Pack thermal socks in your bag and a cap that covers your ears.
Remember that the clocks have gone back by now so vehicles are required to have winter tyres.
What's Been Happening on the Site
Several posts this month, some topical and others to remind people about things to do in the city. Kampa Island is a post about one very picturesque area of Prague which is now an attraction but only 30 years ago was one of the poorest areas of the city. I added the Cash or Card in Prague post to remind people how much they can be paying in Credit/Debit charges and how best to exchange cash. I added the Planning a Prague Cruise Extension post just to remind people doing an extension to Prague that I've been popular with people who want a more intimate tour than the cruise companies normally provide. Christmas related posts included Six Alcoholic Drinks to Keep You Warm in Prague, a Guide to Pay By Weight food and Hot Street Food that you'll find in and around the markets.
You'll also find that my Instagram account has been expanding with photos and short videos so you're welcome to enjoy those and follow me if you use Instagram.
On the Youtube channel I uploaded Swans on the river Vltava at Dusk, Candle Lighting at the Velvet Revolution Commemoration and the National Theatre at Night viewed from Shooters Island.
Check the BLOG to see the latest 100 posts on the site.
In Prague
After the elections in late October we are still trying to form a government. One surreal moment occurred when a member of Parliament was given his place in error because the counters in that region had failed to register "preferred" votes cast on the reverse side of the voting sheet.
Christmas Markets
By the time you read this then the Prague Christmas Markets will be be open already or will be open by December 2nd. Advent markets are a little messed up this year as the last advent Sunday falls on the 24th which is the Czech Christmas Day. So if you want to go to the little market at Náměstí Míru then make sure you plan that before the 24th as it will be closed after.
Mikuláš
Yes its time to scare the crap out of little kids with devils jumping around waving chains and bishops giving out lumps of coal. Read more on the Mikuláš page and be in Prague on the night of December 5th to experience it.
Old Town Hall Renovation
The Calendarium has been removed for renovation. The tower is now closed for renovation and the whole tower is now covered by scaffolding. At the time of writing the "Apostle march" was still working and the Astronomical Clock was still in place and working for the hourly procession but it's already being speculated that from February until June 2018 the entire Astronomical clock will be removed for renovation.
Trivia
Pucking Good - A small company in Moravia has been producing hockey pucks since 1994 and supplies all the major ice hockey events. They'll be sending 10,000 pucks to the Winter Olympic Games in South Korea.
Too soon - Jana Novotna, winner of the 1998 Wimbledon Tennis Championships died aged 49 (cancer).
Life is Cheap - The trial concluded about two women who died trapped inside a sauna unable either to open the door or break a window. The owner received a suspended sentence and was find CZK5341 (£172).
Walking Tours - https://www.livingpraguetours.com
Since launching the walking tours the ticket system was designed for individuals booking tickets for themselves. From this month the system will allow Travel Agents to book directly for clients, to generate their own sales reports and to access customer services for booking management. If you want more details then contact me.
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