In Prague, holidays are definitely in the air.

My favorite aspect of the Christmas season is the pre-holiday buildup. The smell of cookies in the air, fairy lights all around, and the non-stop Christmas music that starts as soon as Mid-November hits. However, Prague was unfamiliar to me and I had no idea what to expect. I imagined the fairytale architecture and the probability of snow would make this one of the most beautiful destinations for pre-holiday cheer, but I could not be sure.
So you could imagine my enthusiasm when the Prague Starbucks released their holiday cups: the season was upon us. Although it still has not reached the stage of Christmas markets and decorations galore in the numerous squares, everyone can sense that it is right around the corner. As you ride on the tram line, your eyes can glimpse the occasional white lights and wreaths that signify holiday bliss.
The malls in particular are great places to go if you want to immerse yourself with holiday feelings. Palladium has LED angels and oversized Christmas bulbs dispersed throughout their store. Flora has a giant tree flooded with lights greeting customers as they enter. Even Ikea has a tree uniquely decorated with little white stuffed animals. All of them allow you to sit back with a gingerbread cookie and listen to the carols bursting through their stereo system. The holidays are definitely in the air.
Article by Christina Singh.