Prague's festive transport fleet hits the streets this weekend

While holiday markets are closed, Prague won’t be devoid of cheer this Christmas. The Prague Public Transit Company (DPP) will again be decorating some of its fleet in festive lights and decor.

A regular Škoda 15T ForCity passenger tram, the poplar lubrication tram, a retro bus, and the Petřín cable car will feature strings with 13,000 lights and thematic interior stickers during the festive season.

“Dear passengers and public transport fans! The year has passed quickly and Advent is about to fall. Therefore, on Saturday, Nov. 27, around 5.30 pm, we will light up the Christmas fleet, which will run in Prague until Jan. 6, 2022,” DPP announced enthusiastically on Facebook.

The Christmas fleet will start with a one-off procession of all the vehicles together. They will then operate separately on various routes. A partial schedule is available here.

The trams and bus will make their first journey on the route Vozovna Střešovice – Prague Castle – Chotkova – Malostranské náměstí – National Theater – Národní třída – Karlovo náměstí.

The first ride will be broadcast over social media in an effort to reduce crowds. Normally, there is a big launching event at the tram terminal for families with children.

“So sit back, make yourself a good mulled wine, tea, or hot chocolate, snuggle up in a warm blanket and enjoy the lighting of the vehicles online in the comfort of your own home. If you still want to see the Christmas fleet live, wait to catch them on the route,” they said.

DPP added that they have a surprise in store this year, but are not yet revealing what it is.

Advent starts the Christmas season on Nov. 28 and lasts for the four Sundays before Christmas, which Czechs celebrate on Dec. 24. Three Kings Day, also known as the Epiphany, falls on Jan. 6. The 12 days of Christmas referenced in the famous song refer to the gap between Dec. 25 and the day before Three Kings Day.

Planned Christmas markets in the Czech Republic have been shut down due to the pandemic, and Prague's Christmas tree lighting ceremony has been canceled.