Armed with photos aplenty of beautiful Prague at Christmas from our recent Viking trip, we’re adding a few to this post on Tina’s theme this week: Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #178 – You Choose.
But we must say this: it wasn’t the trip we had anticipated. Billed as “Christmas Along the Elbe,” our Viking river cruise promised markets in some of Europe’s prettiest cities and towns — but many had closed unexpectedly due to rising numbers of people infected with Covid. All was not lost, however, and how could it be? Beautiful cities like Prague rely on Old World charm to give us that warm, wonderful, magical feeling of Christmas — even without the much-anticipated markets.

We’re sure that Viking never saw it coming: a December river cruise from Prague to Berlin promised shopping for handmade and unique specialties unique to the area, but with renewed Covid outbreaks throughout the Czech Republic the beloved shopping markets in Prague’s Old Town Square were closed for the season.

Christmas gives us an opportunity to pause and reflect on the important things around us.
David Cameron
With that information, we focused our attention on other attractions — and there were many — as we strolled along cobblestone streets staring at some of the prettiest architecture in Europe. Seeing Prague’s Old World attractions made bundling up tolerable (well, almost).
And, oh, the sites we saw.
Tourists — and lovers — lined up for pictures at the Astronomical Clock.

Interesting cathedrals needed no additional holiday trim to impress anyone.

And artwork popped up even when we didn’t expect it.

On the Charles Bridge, artists captured familiar scenes with cold hands and stiff fingers . . .

Artists braving the cold on Prague’s Charles Bridge
and visitors (maybe residents, too) rubbed already-worn places on statues, hoping for a blessing from somewhere or someone.

As dusk descended, the lamplighter did his thing, one light at a time, and we joined a merry band of followers from one street lamp to another.


As night engulfed us, we noted lighted towers, bells, and spires of venerable buildings in Old Town Square — a beauty to behold even without the Christmas markets we came to see.

The lesson learned? When in Prague, there’s no lack of beautiful things to buy or old world architecture to take in. It’s enough just to be there — at Christmas or any time.
A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.
Lao Tzu

So now you know. Covid can curtail activities, but rarely does it diminish the beauty found in grand old cities like Prague. You just have to get out and look up!
Travel on — even in tough times,
Rusha and Bert
To read more entries in this week’s Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #178 You Choose, please check out Tina’s blog, Travels and Trifles.
pam@ichoosethis
Prague is beautiful- what a bummer about the closure of the markets. Looks like ya still had a nice time!
Oh, the Places We See
Had a great time and would do it again!!! Hopefully, they’ll all be open next year.
pam@ichoosethis
🤞🤞🤞
Ana
Great post! I am glad that you could enjoy the trip despite the covid. The images are beautiful.
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Wandering Dawgs
I love how you enjoyed your destinations despite the fact that the Christmas markets were closed. I know many people probably cancelled their trips and missed out on some beautiful places! Merry Christmas!
Oh, the Places We See
We can usually make the best of a situation while traveling. There’s always more to see! Thanks fir taking a look!
WanderingCanadians
Sorry to hear that some of the Christmas markets closed as a result of the surge in new COVID cases. Glad you made the most of it and used the opportunity to just meander around the city and soak in the holiday decor, the views and charm from the old city.
Toonsarah
You really did make the best of the situation and have some lovely photos of this beautiful city to show for it. I loved seeing the lamplighter and those shots, as well as your night-time ones, would be perfect for Terri’s Sunday Stills this week, Light up the Night! https://secondwindleisure.com/2021/12/19/sunday-stills-light-the-night/
philosophy through photography
Thank you for the wealth of information.
Love the Reader in the armchair.
thehungrytravellers.blog
Shame about the markets but Prague is indeed a beautiful city.
Oh, the Places We See
You’re so right. From cathedrals to old buildings to patterned sidewalks, there was always something to swoon over!!!
Anne Sandler
Wonderful photos Rusha. Thanks for showing us Prague at Christmas time.
Oh, the Places We See
It’s probably pretty anytime. I was hoping for snow, but didn’t get it!
Tina Schell
Well Rusha, with covid rearing its ugly head again it seems you and Bert were just in time to leave and return with too many constraints. Good for you!! Prague is an absolutely stunning city and you have captured it beautifully. It’s old-world charm is enchanting and as you say, it feels like Christmas there all year long! So glad you’re back safely and that you had a wonderful visit, markets notwithstanding.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much. We’re glad to be home but we’d go again, if we could. We were tested for Covid each day on the boat. And I prayed for negative results so we wouldn’t have to quarantine extra days. Miss Prague. But glad to be home as well.
Teresa
Open or shut Christmas market stalls…. Prague is still wonderful. Thanks for the beautiful shots…makes me remember why I fell in love with this place the first time I saw it.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks for the comments. I don’t have many “great” shots. I was bundled up, wearing gloves, mask, etc. so these are all one- handed shots with my iPhone. I admire those who do tripods and big lenses in that weather!
Anonymous
As long as the memories stay in your mind and heart. That’s all that matters
maristravels
You have the right attitude to life’s uncertainties, just get on with it! Glad you enjoyed the cruise. River cruising is the only way I like to be on water, I find them so much more interesting than ocean cruising and even the conversation with fellow travellers seems better!
Oh, the Places We See
I agree. We met some nice folks on board who love to travel, so all was good. Would love a return trip!
Sue
Kudos to you for not being disheartened, Rusha!
Oh, the Places We See
There was plenty to do and see! Hopefully, I’ll get photos of German markets that were open.
Sue
OK!
kzmcb
Beautiful pictures and wise words. Thank you and blessings at Christmas.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much. This is truly one of the world’s treasures in terms of architecture and dreamy walks. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Steven M Berger
One of our favorite cities. Thanks for showing it to me in winter.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks for visiting with us. We love this city and could go again. So much to see. So little time.
Carl Taylor
Awesome! Thanks so much. We will never be able to go so we will tour through you. Merry Christmas.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks for touring with us. We love to travel, but I’ll have to admit . . . this was a cold trip!!!
Joanne
I have never been to Prague but it’s on my list! Joe and I would love to go one day. And I love how you turned lemons into lemonade.
Oh, the Places We See
It’s not hard to fall in love with Prague — Christmas markets or not.