Christmas Shopping in Prague
It’s the time of year when we start drawing up a list of gifts for family and friends. These days there are heaps of design markets and small boutique-style shops all over Prague with unique, czech-made gifts for everyone. The range, price and individuality of the products give you a great alternative to shopping malls and big brand items usually made in China.
First lets look at the international fairs and design markets…
International School of Prague Arts and Crafts Fair - 21 November
ISP Campus Nebusicka 700, Prague 6
10.00 to 15.00
Now in it’s 15th year, over 70 exhibitors will be selling handmade crafts, arts, seasonal gifts and decorations, ceramics, jewellery and food. At past markets I’ve purchased gorgeous Christmas wreaths made with Australian gum leaves and unique jewellery. The first market of the season for those who want to be super organised! Entry is free.
Advent Market - 27 to 29 November
Lázeňská 485/2, Prague 1
11.00 till 20.00
These markets used to be held out of Prague but last year they moved right in the centre of Mala Strana. The indoor/outdoor venue will have a large christmas tree, live music, international choirs, food, drinks, kids programme, an amazing selection of stalls and a magical Christmas atmosphere!
FURTHER INFORMATION: https://www.facebook.com/events/1475371616103766/
Holsovice Fashion Markets - 27 to 29 November
Halls 13 and 40 at Holešovice, Pražská trance, Prague 7
150 Czech and Slovak designers selling their best clothing, jewellery, accessories and homewards. Holešovice Fashion Market present an alternative to the commercial shopping malls. “People can choose if they want to support huge international chains, or the local creative community, which will sell directly in their stalls, furthermore its an opportunity to escape the hectic atmosphere of Christmas and enjoy a cup of bio coffee or tea and enjoy the unique atmosphere of Holešovice Fashion Market” says Goz Omri. The markets also have entertainment and food. Entry is free.
FURTHER INFORMATION: http://www.novetrhy.cz/trhy/prague-fashion-market/#.Vksk8-tOT8s
DSA Prague (Diplomatic Spouses Association) International Christmas Festival - 29 November
10:00 – 16:00
Congress Hall of the Hilton Hotel, Pobřežní 1, Prague 8
Known for it’s amazing selection of gifts and goodies from around the world, all items are sourced and sold by the diplomatic spouses of Prague in aid of charity. There is a 150czk entrance fee for adults with children under 12 free. A kids corner will be in operation as well as an auction.
FURTHER INFORMATION: http://dsaprague.org/festival/
IWAP Charity Christmas Market - 5 December
10:00 – 16:00
InterContinental Hotel, Pařížská 30, Prague 1
Now in it’s 6th year, IWAP’s Christmas market will feature local and international communities products, a mix of handmade craft and internationally sourced goods. Fun kids corner and to support the chosen charities they will have a Baked Goods Table, Book Table, Craft Table, Bargain Table, as well as the very popular Bottle Tombola.
FURTHER INFORMATION: http://www.iwa-prague.com/christmas-market-2015/
Vystaviste Christmas Markets - Pottery and Craft - 4 December to 6 December
Výstaviště 67, Prague 7
These Christmas markets have a large selection of goods but it’s of mixed origin and some stalls are a bit tacky. The main attraction of these markets is that they run in parallel with a very large pottery and craft market so you have the chance to meet actual potter or artist that has made the work. The markets also have carol singing, scented Christmas cakes, punch, spices and lots of Christmas cheer. Entry is 25czk.
FURTHER INFORMATION: http://www.incheba.cz/en/veletrh/christmas-markets/about-the-fair/basic-data.html
Design Supermarket 10 to 13 December
Kafkův Dům, Nám. Franze Kafky 3, Prague 1
Very cool mix of clothing, accessories, jewellery, glass, ceramics and stationary displayed at the birthplace of Franz Kafka in central Prague. Entry is 130czk which gives you a pass for all 4 days of the markets plus a catalogue. Kids under 12 are free. Inside you’ll find cool designer products along with entertainment, food, kids corner, DJ and lectures. The designers are a mix of Czech and International and their range is fashion, interior design and designed objects.
FURTHER INFORMATION: http://www.designsupermarket.cz/en/
Boutique Market - 18 to 19 December
Hall no. 13 at Holešovice, Pražská trance, Prague 7
This is a Christmas Market for everyone who wants to buy unique, exclusive, locally made gifts. Attention is focused on high-quality products, manufacturers of these products are small producers with an emphasis on quality, traditional processes, innovative thinking and respect for the environment. Enjoy interesting food and relax with a coffee while listening to DJs. Entry is free.
FURTHER INFORMATION: http://www.novetrhy.cz/trhy/boutique-market/#market-page-102
UNIQUE GIFT STORES
Dřevěný Svět Hraček (World of Wooden Toys) is located in Prague 2 and sells at local prices. You’ll find a large selection of wooden toys suitable for babies as well as older boys and girls. Lovely wooden cars and train sets, furniture for dolls, rattles, musical instruments, mobiles, blocks and games are on display - there is a lot of choice and the majority of pieces are made right here in Czech Republic. Be sure to check the box, tags or ask the store owner to make sure that it is a genuine Czech made product before purchasing. Store owners around CZ are finding it increasingly difficult to stock genuine products over cheaper imports due to price so I would encourage you to support the local industry when you can.
Address: Francouzská 140/110, Praha 10
FURTHER INFORMATION: http://www.drevenysvethracek.cz (in Czech only)
Hračky Houpací Kůň / Rocking Horse Toy Shop Located in Prague 1 right up near Hradčany is a small but popular toy store. Owners Patricia and Ivan tell us that shop celebrated its sixteenth anniversary this year, and there is NO risk of buying anything from China - all the toys, with the exception of Abrex cars, are made in Europe - mostly Czech, but also Germany and Italy. Despite it’s size they have a huge selection and good prices, and children can touch and try out the toys. Open every day, 11:00 til 18:30. . Brilliant - please support!
Address: Loretánské náměstí 3, Prague 1
FURTHER INFORMATION: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g274707-d3588791-Reviews-Rocking_Horse_Toy_Shop-Prague_Bohemia.html
Botas 66 Botas is a famous Czech footware manufacturer in operation since 1949! They specialise in sports shoes and ice skates but have a big retail brand called Botas 66 which are their fashion shoes and trainers. The styles are really colourful and cool - most impressively they are designed and made here in Czech Republic!
Address: Křížkovského 1584/18, Prague 3
FURTHER INFORMATION: http://botas.cz
Hard De Core is a fantastic Prague boutique with an art workshop and design studio. The design boutique sells cool edgy fashion plus fashion accessories including bags and jewelry. You can also pick up homewares and pieces for adult and children’s interiors plus interesting ceramics and creatively designed toys. Most pieces are designed and made by talented Czech designers and some by international designers. Closest metro is Namesti Republiky or Hlavni Nadrazi tram stop.
Address: Senovážné Námestí 10 Prague 1
FURTHER INFORMATION: http://www.harddecore.cz
Truhlář Marionety and Galerie Marionette Over the river and below Charles Bridge you will find two authentic puppet stores selling a wide selection of handcrafted puppets. Each puppet is highly detailed and crafted by Czech Republic’s top artisans, thus you are guaranteed to be buying the very best. Czech puppetry has such a rich history and puppets have their own unique style that collectors and art lovers covet, even Bill Clinton has dropped by and picked out one to take home.
Address: U lužického semináře 5 and 7, Prague 1
Bohemia Crystals is located on the 3rd floor of the Kotva Department Store at Namesti Republiky. One of Czech Republic’s most famous exports. This is where the locals shop for their Czech Glassware and Bohemian Crystal so you’ll find decent prices for Central Prague. They stock all the favourite sets of Czech Bohemia Crystal and Thun Porcelain.
Address: 3rd Floor, Revoluční 1/655, Prague 1
FURTHER INFORMATION: http://www.od-kotva.cz/cs/obchody/bohemia-crystals
Papelote Designed and made by Prague locals, Papelote have a beautiful range of notepads made with recycled papers they also sell a range of felt products for iPads and portable devices and run origami workshops for kids.
Address: Vojtěšská 9, Prague 1
FURTHER INFORMATION: http://www.papelote.cz/en/
Artel Top end traditional and modern handcrafted glass art pieces, ceramics and jewellery from the best Czech designers. They have three stores in Prague 1:
ARTĚL Concept Store Platnéřská 7, ARTĚL Old Town Celetná 29 (entrance on Rybná), ARTĚL Malá StranaU Lužickeho semináře 7 118 00 Prague 1
ONLINE CZECH PRODUCTS
Merkur Toys The Czech equivalent of Meccano created here back in the 1920s. Suitable for all ages, these construction kits continue to be popular. You’ll find them in toy stores or you can buy direct from the factory here in CZ.
FURTHER INFORMATION:http://www.merkurtoys.cz/en/
Yedoo Scooters and Bikes These great Czech scooters and bikes are for all ages and are now sold internationally. You’ll see them around the big sports stores but the best range you’ll find online. You can research in english but when you’re ready to order change to czech language settings which will allow you to order online here. We’ve purchased scooters and a balance bike with Yedoo and can recommend them for quality, price and cool styling. They can deliver to you or you can pick up from their distribution facility in Prague 5.
FURTHER INFORMATION: http://www.yedoo.eu/en/default.aspx
