December 2025: Everything you need to know this month in Czechia

In Czechia, annual leave generally must be used within the calendar year, making December a key time to schedule your days off. Only in exceptional cases, like critical projects, personal illness, or maternity leave, can unused vacation carry over to the next year, usually requiring a written request and scheduling by mid-year. Employers aren’t obligated to approve transfers, and unused leave typically cannot be reimbursed unless you leave your job. See our full guide here.

December is the last chance for Czech households to secure significant energy savings before 2026 contracts come into force. ČEZ has lowered fixed-rate gas and electricity prices for the heating season, with two- and three-year gas contracts now 25–40 percent cheaper than last year, potentially saving a typical household around CZK 9,000 annually. Other suppliers, like PRE and E.ON, have also cut rates.

Advent begins in Czechia on Monday, Dec. 1. Meanwhile, Prague’s most iconic Christmas markets, offering live music, performances, and traditional Czech cuisine, are already open on Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. That same day, the capital will also light up its largest Christmas tree.

More ice rinks across Prague open up this month. Skate with scenic views, live music, and warm food and drink. The vast majority of rinks will stay open till late January or later. If you want to save some cash during the pricey Christmas period, head over to Ice Rink Vypich in Prague 6, which offers completely free entry to both children and adults.

This year, Czechia observes Giving Tuesday on the first Tuesday following Thanksgiving; Dec. 2. The day is dedicated to supporting those in greatest need. Across the country, people can participate by assisting the homeless, volunteering at hospices, or contributing gifts that reach recipients directly. A complete list of registered opportunities for help and donation details can be found on the official website.

St. Nicholas (St. Mikuláš) will visit children across Czechia on Friday, Dec. 5, as part of traditional yearly celebrations. Children will have the chance to receive gifts (or coal) from devils and angels; events take place in Old Town Square, Kampa, and Karlín.

More snowfall in Czechia’s mountainous regions next month will see more ski resorts open nationwide; the popular Harrachov resort, for example, opens on Dec. 13, while some of the country’s major resorts like Špindlerův Mlýn are already partially in operation. Snowsports website On The Snow presents a handy price list (in English) of Czechia’s major skiing resorts.

In Czechia, the winter solstice in 2025, the shortest day of the year, occurs on Dec. 21, 2025. The sun will rise at about 7:59 a.m., and sunset will occur around 4:02 p.m.

Dec. 18 sees the 14th anniversary of former Czech President and famous dissident Václav Havel’s death. The National Technical Museum also offers discounted entry as part of the commemoration.

Christmas Eve on Dec. 24 is a big day, with most shops closing early (before midday). Public transport will run on a Saturday timetable until 6 p.m. The metro will run until midnight, but services will be less frequent after 6 p.m.

Public holidays on Dec. 25 and Dec. 26 mean most shops larger than 200 square meters will be closed, though smaller shops, pharmacies, and those in train stations and airports (including Prague’s Hlavní nádraží) remain open. Expect Sunday timetables for public transport.

The last day of 2025 is not a public holiday, but most grocery stores offer shortened opening hours on Dec. 31: Albert, Tesco, Billa, and Kaufland for example close around 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. An expanded law also bans the use of pyrotechnics and fireworks in most areas of central Prague; be sure to avoid breaking the law on New Year's Eve.

December is the final month to buy Prague and Central Bohemia public-transport tickets at current prices before significant increases take effect in January. Most single fares will rise by over 30 percent from Jan. 1, including 30- and 90-minute tickets across trams, buses, and the metro, with SMS and app prices also going up. One striking change also concerns the Airport Express: the journey between the main railway station and Václav Havel Airport will cost CZK 200 (instead of the current CZK 100) from 2026.

Pankrác station is currently undergoing reconstruction in preparation for its future role as a transfer point to the new Line D. Deputy Mayor Zdeněk Hřib stated that the city is cautiously optimistic about the schedule, noting that, barring any unforeseen issues, Pankrác C could potentially open before Christmas. However, no exact opening date has been confirmed.

December is the last month Prague residents and visitors can use shared electric scooters, as the city will ban them starting in January under a new transport regulation. Complaints over obstructed sidewalks, safety risks, and reckless tourist riding prompted the change. The new system allows only bicycles and e-bikes parked in designated areas. Shared e-scooters, lacking approved zones, will be removed, and TSK will confiscate violations.

From Dec. 6–7, tram service between Anděl and Újezd will be temporarily suspended for maintenance. During the four Advent weekends (Nov. 29–Dec. 21), tram lines will run more frequently, with intervals reduced to 12 minutes on most lines and six minutes on main lines 9, 17, 22, and 23. Bus 112 will run more often in the evening, and the AE express between Václav Havel Airport and the main station will also see added service. Check the Prague Public Transport company website to plan your journey and check for changes (in English).

The school Christmas holidays in Czechia run from Monday, Dec. 22, through Friday, Jan. 2. The last school day of the year will be Friday, Dec. 19, and children return on Monday, Jan. 5. Altogether, students will enjoy 16 days away from the classroom. Parents with full-time jobs would need to take about six vacation days to match the school break.

You have until Dec. 31 to tap into resources from state health insurer VZP’s Prevention Fund, whether through the Moje VZP website or its mobile app. The fund provides reimbursements, discounts, and various wellness-focused benefits designed to motivate healthier habits: covering options like subsidized vaccinations, psychotherapy sessions, and similar preventive programs.