The best dishes you can try at Prague’s Christmas markets

If you spot a braided bread, adorned with raisins and almonds, that’s vánočka. This sweet bread, which is a bit like a cross between brioche and challah, gets its name from the word Vánoce, which means Christmas in Czech. During the sixteenth century, there was a time when only bakers were able to make it. But people reclaimed the recipe for themselves in a gentle mutiny. Nowadays, most families have their own vánočka recipe handed down by different generations, perhaps going all the way back to the seventeenth century.

From soft gingerbread cookies (perníčky) to crescent-shaped vanilla biscuits (vanilkové rohlíčky), Czech Christmas cookies aren’t just for the kids. Indulge yourself a little with these traditional treats while scouring for stocking fillers. Other popular choices include jam-filled linzer cookies (linecké cukroví) and no-bake beehive cookies (vosí hnízda), which will surely satisfy your sweet tooth.

Does it get more Christmassy than this? Nat King Cole literally sang about them in ‘The Christmas Song’. Another classic snack, roasted chestnuts will enrich the festive spirit, both with their taste and smell. Make sure to pick up a bag to carry around with you as you explore Prague’s most interesting makers and vendors.

Originating from the mid-nineteenth century, fried carp with potato salad is the traditional Czech Christmas dish people eat at home. While you likely won’t find it at the market, try klobása (Czech sausages) if you’re craving a savoury snack. Served with bread and ketchup or mustard, they are an Christmas market fave in Czechia. Consider getting a pint of beer to accompany your dish – although it’s not the most festive drink, when you’re in Prague there’s no bad time to grab a beer.

Svařák (mulled wine) is a true festive classic in many countries and Czechia is no exception. Also, punč (punch, of course), made of alcohol, sugar, lemon and spices, is popular in the local markets for sipping on while you stroll. Finally, you’ve got medovina, a deliciously warming honey wine, aka mead. Most producers sell it in bottles, so you can add a Czech touch to your Christmas gifts and share the love a little.