The Czechs are so fond of celebrating Christmas that you can feel it right down to the little streets! Decorations are everywhere (even on some trams and bin lorries!) and there's a truly magical atmosphere around every corner. This is clearly the best time to visit Prague. The whole city comes alive, happy that this lively and joyful moment is finally here. We gladly let ourselves be carried away by the fervour of the Czechs, rediscovering Christmas in a more lively way! Follow us as we take a look at the 11 must-do things to do in Prague this Christmas.
1. Watch the end-of-year fireworks in Prague
It's impossible not to be impressed by this explosion of colour over Prague! At exactly midnight on New Year's Eve, the sky lights up and the city seems to hold its breath before lighting up with a thousand fires. Huddled together, snug in our coats, it was a real pleasure to watch the rockets explode over the Vltava. People gathered on the quays of Smetanovo or Dvořákovo or the Charles Bridge, each offering a magical view of the spectacle.
Tip from Petit Futé: to make the most of the fireworks without being embarrassed, go to one of the city's parks with a hill, such as Riegrovy sady or Letná.
2. Discover Czech Christmas traditions
Even though the country claims to be very atheist, it's impossible not to feel the importance that the Czechs attach to their Christmas traditions! Here, there's no Father Christmas in sight: it's Ježíšek, the little Jesus, who brings the presents.
Discover the magic of Prague's Christmas markets with a guide, buy handmade gifts, sip mulled wine and immerse yourself in the history and traditions of the Czech festive season by booking right here.
During the festive season, we discovered a city that comes alive with joyful and touching customs:
- On 5 December, St Nicholas is paraded around with angels and imps.
- On the evening of 24 December, presents mysteriously appear under the tree.
- At the beginning of January, children dressed as the Three Wise Men sing and collect donations for charities.
- On 6 January, these same Three Wise Men cross the Charles Bridge on camels!
But one of the most symbolic moments for us was the light of Bethlehem. This little torch, set off from the Nativity grotto, arrives in Prague in a historic tram. It was passed from hand to hand, in churches, old people's homes and even public places. It's a truly magical moment... and just the way we like it!
Good to know: from the end of November to the end of December, a gas lamplighter lights the streetlamps on the Charles Bridge in period costume. It's as traditional as it gets!
3. What to do in Prague at Christmas? Stroll around the Christmas markets
As night falls, Prague's Christmas markets, some of the most beautiful in Europe, take on a fairytale atmosphere. We're happy to let ourselves get caught up in the warm, festive atmosphere. The most beautiful markets are to be found :
- in Old Town Square,
- in Male Namesti
- along Wenceslas Square.
Discover the magic of Prague's Christmas markets on a guided walking tour that you can book right here.
Good to know: just off Wenceslas Square is the National Museum of the Czech Republic. With its exceptional Christmas exhibitions, it offers a great way to combine culture and festivities.
4. Grab a bite to eat at the Folklore Garden
Why not delve into Czech culture? It was with great interest that we left the hustle and bustle of Prague to find ourselves in a rustic setting, a little out of time. As soon as we arrived at the Folklore Garden, we discovered traditional music and songs, which plunged the guests into a festive atmosphere. Dinner takes place in an old renovated house, with large wooden tables, steaming dishes and laughter that echoes into the night.
Between plates of Czech specialities, dancers in traditional costume invite the audience to join them. Unable to resist (after all, we're here to celebrate Christmas in a different way!), we let ourselves be drawn into the dance, a little awkwardly, but full of enthusiasm.
5. Take a dip in the Vltava river
Looking for an unusual activity to do in Prague this Christmas? On 26 December, wrapped up in our coats, we joined the crowd gathered near the National Theatre. In front of us, dozens of swimmers were preparing to plunge into the icy water, all smiles. Watching them already gave us the shivers!
We learned that this was the "memoriál Alfreda Nikodéma", a tradition that began in 1923 and has become emblematic. Some swim 100 metres, others 300 or even 750 metres between the Slovanský and Střelecký islands! At the finish, a ceremony is held at the Žofín Palace. The atmosphere is sporty, joyful and a little unreal. Although we didn't have the courage to jump, we loved this extraordinary scene!
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6. What to do in Prague at Christmas Taste a traditional Czech menu
All we wanted to do was try a traditional Czech menu! So we went for the famous fried carp with potato salad. A classic here. Before that, a hot fish soup warms the hands... and the heart!
Good to know: every 24 December, from 11am to 1pm, a huge free soup, known as the "Mayor's Soup", is served at the Christmas market in the Place de la Vieille-Ville. Sometimes it's also served on Kampa Island or at the top of Wenceslas Square. A good-natured atmosphere guaranteed!
This culinary tradition is mixed with other surprising customs, such as the fast on 24 December, which is supposed to make a magical little golden pig appear in the sky (we looked hard but didn't see anything!).
7. St Vitus Castle and Cathedral open their doors for Christmas
On 25 December, we swapped our woolly hats for our headphones for a guided tour of Prague Castle. We love this kind of activity, even more so when you know that Avantgarde Prague offers tours in French!
The castle shone with a thousand lights, decorated for the festive season. We particularly enjoyed strolling through the Golden Lane, admiring the majestic vaults of St Vitus Cathedral and walking through the old Royal Palace while listening to our guide's anecdotes. All in all, it's a great way to combine a cultural visit to Prague with the discovery of its emblematic buildings in their Christmas finery!
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8. Attend a Christmas concert
We'd heard about Christmas concerts in Prague and really wanted to check one out. Every evening during Christmas week, Prague's Municipal House(a superb jewel of Art Nouveau, for fans!) on Republic Square hosts concerts in a sumptuous setting.
The programmes vary, so you can come back several times if you wish. This is where we discovered the great classics of Mozart and Chopin, performed by opera musicians and singers. A magical experience! Classical dancers sometimes complete the scene.
Good to know: tickets can be bought in advance or on the spot, even at the last minute.
9. What to do in Prague at Christmas? Contemplating Christmas cots
We were surprised by the prominence of nativity scenes in Prague. They're not just in churches: they're also on display at Advent markets for all to see! The best known is in the basement of the Bethlehem Chapelin the heart of the Old Town. We were also able to admire the nativity scene on display in St Vitus Cathedral, in the castle, where Christmas masses are also celebrated.
The Charles Bridge Museum also has a large straw cot, with life-size figures, while in the Church of Notre-Dame des Neiges we discovered a mechanical cot, full of little moving details. Quite simply, it had become a game for the children: find all the cots in the town!
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10. Admire the illuminated Prague from the Clock Tower
To admire all the city's enchantment at Christmas, we climbed the steps of the Clock Tower in Prague. We chose nightfall, when the city's lights sparkle the most (of course!). The wait of around thirty minutes seemed a little long, but it was well worth it... The Old Town Square shone with a thousand lights before our very eyes, with the large fir tree standing proudly in the landscape. A beautiful sight, 100% Instagrammable!
11. What to do in Prague at Christmas? Listen to Christmas carols in emblematic places
Another part of Prague's Christmas magic is the carols that can be heard everywhere, like at St Saviour's Church. This magnificent Baroque building boasts acoustics that highlight every note played.
Even if you're not a big fan of concerts, the experience is worth the diversions just for the beauty of the place! Performances at Saint-Sauveur often take place in small groups, with period instruments giving the whole a very intimate atmosphere.
Good to know: programmes are generally announced a few days in advance. This way, you can plan ahead to enjoy this highly emotional spectacle.
Where to stay in Prague at Christmas? Our selection of the best hotels
You'll find good accommodation near the dancing houses, such as in the Nové Město district.
- The best value for money
How quiet it is atHotel Theatrino! Thanks to the nearby tram, you can quickly reach the city centre. One click here to make your reservation at this inexpensive and elegant Prague hotel.
- The cheapest
Even at Christmas time, Sir Toby's has very low prices. This youth hostel, bookable here, opens its doors wide to families. You'll feel right at home!
- The happiest
There's a great atmosphere atHostel Elf. The rooms may be simple, but the communal areas are lively and colourfully decorated. A great, relaxed atmosphere for a stress-free stay in Prague! Book your room here.
Read the article: Cheap travel to Prague: our tips
We had planned to go to Prague for 3 days, but in the end we decided to extend our stay to visit all the must-sees in Prague and the surrounding area. There are so many great things to do in the Czech Republic! In any case, one thing's for sure: Prague is one of the best destinations to visit in December. The magic of Christmas makes the city magical! What's more, as the Czech Republic is not yet an overly touristy destination, it's perfect for a cheap trip to Europe. So here's to you!
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Below are the trendiest things to do in Prague this Christmas:
