Making merry at the market

Every year, more than 120,000 tourists come to the Czech Republic for the holidays. And while shopping at the popular Christmas markets in Old Town and on Wenceslas Square are looked upon by both visitors and locals as an essential tradition to be upheld each holiday season, there is a new breed of markets that are opening up shop for the season and offering those willing to travel a bit farther something out of the ordinary.

Farmers' markets (known in Czech as farmářské trhy), are most commonly associated with fresh, local produce displayed during the summer months in stalls set up in open fields and town squares. But while local farmers' production is bountiful in the summer, they are still churning out some goodies for the winter with delicious home-made and organic cheeses, wines, chocolates, pastries, sausages, meat and fish. In addition, many local designers and artists display their wares with handmade jewelry, wooden toys, glass, ceramics and porcelain dishes that are more unique than the mass-produced items found in the larger Christmas markets on Wenceslas Square and Old Town.

Lenka Sehnalová, organizer for the farmers' markets, said while the traditional markets on the main squares of Prague certainly draw the most crowds, the farmers' markets offer something unique for Christmas gifts and programs for both adults and children.

"I think our Christmas farmers' markets are better than what you can find on Wenceslas Square because everything comes from farmers, and our products are from small manufacturers and Czech designers," she said. "The products that we have are special because they're local."

The farmers' market in Holešovice is indoors, so it has been open in the past for the winter months and boasts more than 60 stalls. The latest markets to extend their hours for the holiday season, however, are Jiřák in Prague 3, Kubáň in Prague 10 and Náplavka in Prague 2. All three markets have a Christmas market that starts Dec. 1 and runs through Dec. 22. Additionally, Jiřák and Kubáň will have New Year's markets from Dec. 28 until Jan. 1.

"People like buying things at these markets because it's a unique product they can't find in other areas made of good quality, with local origins, and it's seasonable," Sehnalová said. "Farmers' markets have a great atmosphere that people enjoy, too. We even have Christmas programs for children this year during the weekends in December."

While artisan Christmas gifts are definitely a big draw for people who flock to the farmers' markets outside the touristy areas of Prague 1, it's the local and fresh food, home-made holiday sweets like Christmas nut cookies and sweet rolls, as well as traditional mulled wine and beer that really draw the crowds, according to Sehnalová.

There certainly is something to say for the bigger markets held in the heart of Prague, but according to Sehnalová, if you want an experience that is unique, with each stall selling something completely different, then the Christmas and New Year's farmers' markets are worth the trip.

Megan Battista can be reached at
features@praguepost.com