Christmas Time in the City

Last weekend was the official lighting of the Christmas tree in Old Town Square. We did not attend because we were having our Thanksgiving dinner, but we did go downtown mid-week to see the lights and all the tourists! :-)

This is one of the many manger scenes that adorn the squares in this city. These figures are beautifully hand-carved wood that are larger than life.

Below is a photo of the square known as Namesti Miru - it is our favorite Christmas market location. As Laura showed us a few years ago when we were visiting, the goods sold here are of a better quality and price than the markets in the tourist areas.

This young lady is preparing trdelnik - a traditional Czech pastry that is wound around the wooden cylinders, cooked over an open flame grill, and served hot with cinnamon-sugar. Very yummy fare for a cold winter's evening.

Decorations for sale...

There are even Christmas market stalls and an entertainment tent at the circle in Dejvicka - right at the end of our street and just a few blocks from our house. The tent (which is heated) is booked from late afternoon through the early evening with various groups presenting musical offerings or stories/puppet shows for children. There are also opportunities for children to create seasonal artwork such as those you can see hanging on the left wall.

In addition, our street has added speakers to the street lighting decorations so that you can hear Christmas carols on the street all day long. Oh and it's all traditional music, some hymns, some classical - but no Chipmunks, no Holly Jolly Christmas, no Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer! What a way to get into the Christmas spirit!

Here's a video of Old Town Square.......

And yes, there is room at the Inn.......come and see.