Prague started getting ready for the holidays weeks ago. Colored lights and other yuletide decorations have slowly started snaking their way around lampposts and buildings. At this time of year, town squares around the country are transformed into dazzling Christmas marketplaces.

If you are planning to stay local for the holidays, in front of you is the perfect guide to many of the fun things going on this winter season — from concerts in churches, castles and chateaus to a list of the best ski slopes the Czech Republic has to offer.

Get into the spirit of the season with the Prague Christmas markets, which are in town from Dec. 2 until Jan. 1. More than 100 stands on Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square will be selling a variety of holiday decorations, gingerbread, candles and other goodies perfect for wrapping and putting under the tree.

After getting your fill there, you might consider heading to the Skiregion of the Krkonoše and Jizerské mountain ranges. There is a handful of top-notch resorts to choose from there, and a single pass will get you into all of them. (See our winter sports roundup, starting on the following page.)

Once you've tired of the mountains, head back to Prague and get ready for a visit from St. Nicholas with some freshly baked cookies and other homemade treats. On page 8, you'll find a number of recipes to try out, including one for fried carp, a Czech tradition.

Ring in 2007 with the fireworks show on Old Town Square or walk over to the State Opera house and boogie into the New Year on the stage's makeshift dance floor.