Relishing in the spirit of the season, the young and old delighted in the array of gorgeous handmade ornaments, from traditional glass balls to animals and vehicles; there was an ornament of every color and size for everyone’s pleasure, thanks to the Czech company Glassor, which is dedicated to the design, production, and manufacturing of mouth-blown and hand-painted glass ornaments.

Bohemian crystal was further available for purchase from Topix Crystal Art, a distributer of fine Bohemian crystal imported from the Czech Republic. Its beautiful vases, glasses, and intricate pieces for decoration are mouth blown, and cut and painted by the most skilled crystal makers, following traditions dating back to the eleventh century.

Stunning and sophisticated jewelry by Czech manufacturer Preciosa attracted everyone’s attention. Bringing the art of glassmaking out in every piece through creative ideas and brilliant colors, Preciosa’s stand dazzled with designer earrings, bracelets, and rings as well as miniature animals, clocks, and so much more.   

While browsing the market, the guests enjoyed the smell and taste of the Embassy’s traditional pea soup and mullled wine. They were able to take savory Czech Christmas cookies and fresh, mouth-watering pastries home with them after visiting the booths of Bistro Bohem, the one and only Czech restaurant in Washington, DC, and La Bohemia Bakery, a European artisan bakery from Rockville. Moreover, the Czech company Marlenka offered a variety of sweet honey deserts and cakes.

A key highlight was the on the spot made Trdelník, a sweet pastry, which is crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. It is made from rolled dough wrapped around a stick and topped with vanilla sugar and a walnut mix or almonds. The visitors watched with glee as the pastries were grilled in front of them, a process during which the sugar caramelizes.

Lines of curious and eager visitors waited to sample Czech and Moravian wines, imported by Czech Wine Imports. As the Czech Republic is a small country, wine making is about quality, not quantity, and the guests were pleased to be able to buy award-winning bottles of reds and whites with artistic Mucha labels for Christmas gifts.

The all day program provided much entertainment for entire families as well. A group of children from American Sokol Washington DC sang Christmas carols to the joy of hundreds. Accompanied by a violin and dressed in traditional folk costumes from the Moravia region, they recited popular Czech rhymes and songs, a pinnacle of many hours of practice.  

Ambassador of the Czech Republic Hynek Kmoíček ceremoniously accepted a wooden coat of arms from the students of the Střední škola uměleckořemeslná a oděvní Liberec (High School for Artistic Workmanship and Fashion in Liberec) from its Principal Václav Tichý. The Ambassador admired the detail and artisanship displayed in the hand-carved plaque.

This year, a new delight was added to the growing market - live animals from the Nativity scene, complements of the Frederick County Sheep Breeders. The Maryland-based sheep and goat producers association, being represented by the Whispering Meadows Alpaca Breeders, the Grindstone Ridge Farm, Budding Creek Farm, the Star Gazing Farm, and the Vorac Suffolks and Club Lambs, brought noble Alpacas, sociable sheep, and a wise donkey for petting and numerous products such as warm shawls, elegant gloves, cuddly teddy bears, stylish hats and lamb sausages, to the market.  The friendly animals were adorned by the crowds of children and guests, who craved selfies and answers about the livestock.

The Embassy of the Czech Republic wholeheartedly thanks all the vendors for participating as well as the Washington community for coming out to celebrate the Christmas season on such a beautiful day in November!