Autumn holidays in Czechia: Store closures and open days for 2023

Public holidays in autumn come with a list of store closures that start this Thursday. Many state buildings, however, will be open to the public.

Expats.cz Staff

Written by Expats.cz Staff Published on 26.09.2023 16:35:00 (updated on 26.09.2023) Reading time: 3 minutes

This Thursday (Sept. 28), Czechia will celebrate the public holiday of Saint Václav (Wenceslas) and Czech Statehood Day, which will see many changes to day-to-day business and culture operations in the country.

The celebration commemorates the death of the Bohemian martyr who was made a saint after his death due to miracles he performed.

Shoppers will only have access to small shops for their groceries. This is because of a law passed in 2016 that requires most stores over 200 square meters to close on some holidays, but not on others.

October and November bring holidays

Stores will also close next month on Oct. 28, which is Independent Czechoslovak State Day and commemorates Czechoslovakia gaining independence from the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

The following month brings the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day on Nov. 17. Stores remain open on this day which commemorates the student protests that would become known as the Velvet Revolution and would eventually lead to the overthrow of the communist regime.

Where can you shop?

It is also worth keeping in mind that the closures do not apply to all stores. Pharmacies, gas stations, and shops at airports, railway stations (including Prague’s Hlavní nádraží), and hospitals are exempt. Small minimarkets and grocery stores can also remain open.

AGENCY PROPERTIES

Apartment for rent, 3+1 - 2 bedrooms, 64m<sup>2</sup>

Apartment for rent, 3+1 - 2 bedrooms, 64m2

U Ladronky, Praha 6 - Břevnov

Apartment for rent, 3+1 - 2 bedrooms, 64m<sup>2</sup>

Apartment for rent, 3+1 - 2 bedrooms, 64m2

U Ladronky, Praha 6 - Břevnov

Apartment for sale, 2+1 - 1 bedroom, 49m<sup>2</sup>

Apartment for sale, 2+1 - 1 bedroom, 49m2

Podlesí, Hodkovice nad Mohelkou

Apartment for rent, 3+kk - 2 bedrooms, 87m<sup>2</sup>

Apartment for rent, 3+kk - 2 bedrooms, 87m2

U Klikovky, Praha 5 - Smíchov

Delivery services are not covered by the law and should operate as normal. However, personal-shopper services that rely on sourcing items from supermarkets will be faced with limited suppliers.

SEPTEMBER OPEN DAYS

  • Sept. 28 marks the Open Day of the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic, which opens the doors of the Nostitz Palace to visitors and welcomes both adults and children with a host of special programs. The Ministry of Finance and the Straka Academy are also open.
  • This Thursday will also see a free-to-visit wine festival at Písecká Gate, near Prague Castle. It lasts until Oct. 1.
  • On Sept. 28, members of the public will also be able to attend an open day at the capital's main hygiene station in Prague 1. The aesthetic building dates back to the early modern period.
  • Many Czech pubs and breweries will partake in the Days of Czech Beer event that is set to last until Sept. 30 and includes Sept. 28.
  • The Ministry of Finance will open the doors of its headquarters to the general public for free on Thursday, too.
  • On Sept. 28, the St. Wenceslas Celebration 2023 family-friendly event, which features "knights" jousting on horseback, a falconer's show, and live music, will take place at Na Jezerce Park in Prague 4's Nusle.
  • Prague Zoo offers a special program on Sept. 28; members of the public will be able to hear speeches and see new photographic exhibitions.
Wenceslas Square has proven more popular. Photo: Raymond Johnston
Wenceslas Square. Photo: Raymond Johnston

October open days

  • On Oct. 28, you can visit for free The National Museum; the Straka Academy; the Senate of the Czech Parliament; the exhibitions Old Masters, Old Masters II, Medieval Art in Bohemia and Central Europe 1200⁠–⁠1550, 1796⁠–⁠1918: Art of the Long Century, 1918⁠–⁠1938: First Republic, 1956– 1989: Architecture for All, 1939–2021: The End of the Black and White Era at the National Gallery Prague; and the National Museum of Agriculture in Prague.
  • The City of Prague's open day takes place this year on Oct. 28. The annual event allows the public access to several of the city's most beautiful and historic buildings from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. This year visitors can peek inside the Mayor's Residence, the Škoda lounges, and the New Town Hall.
  • Oct. 28 will also see members of the public able to visit the Municipal House and the Czech Senate, the upper house of the Czech government.
  • You'll also be able to see the Liechtenstein Palace for free on Oct. 28, as well as the building of the Chamber of Deputies, the lower house of the Czech government.

November open days

  • The Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day in November will see the Hrzánský palác (Hrzán Palace) and the National Agriculture Museum open its doors to the public for free.
  • On Nov. 17, you can visit all buildings of the National Museum for free as well as the National Gallery and the same exhibitions as on Oct. 28. The Kramář villa is also open.

Holidays when large shops must close

  • New Year's Day
  • Easter Monday
  • May 8: Liberation from Fascism
  • Sept. 28: Czech Statehood Day (St. Wenceslas)
  • Oct. 28: Establishment of the Czechoslovak Republic
  • Dec. 24: Christmas Eve (after noon)
  • Dec. 25: Christmas
  • Dec. 26: Christmas/ Boxing Day

Holidays when large shops remain open

  • Good Friday
  • May 1: Labor Day
  • July 5: Cyril and Methodius Day
  • July 6: Jan Hus Day
  • Nov. 17: Day of the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy
  • Dec. 24: Christmas Day (until noon)

Did you like this article?

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more