New Year’s Eve with a Difference in Prague

CINEMA

If you hadn’t had a chance to see Seven Psychopaths (which our reviewer rated as the funniest  movie of 2012), Cinema Aero is having a New Year’s Eve screening of the film. Tickets are 110 CZK and the film begins at 6pm. Afterwards, the bar will be open until after midnight.

Bio Oko has two films for New Year’s Eve: Chicken with Plums, the adaptation of Marjane Satrapi’s (Persepolis) graphic novel, at 6pm and the visually stunning “Samsara” at 8:30 pm.

Lucerna Cinema is screening the Czech premiere of Cirque du Soleil: Words Away, a new film which sets a story of separation and reconnection in the world of Cirque du Soleil, all captured in 3D. The evening at Lucerna starts at 6pm with the film screening at 7pm. Following the premier will be refreshments with music starting at 10pm and going through until 3am. Tickets are 799 CZK and available at Lucerna and through Ticket Pro.

Světozor has a live broadcast of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s New Year’s Concert from 5:30pm. The orchestra is conducted by Sir Simon Rattle. They will play works by Handel, Brahms and Dvořák. Tickets are 220 CZK and available through the cinema’s website.

CLASSICAL MUSIC

With its historical connection to classical music it is not surprising that there are a number of New Year’s Eve events which feature live classical music in Prague. Strauss’ opera Der Fledermaus is being performed at the State Opera. Prices range from 4500 CZK to 8900 CZK and can be purchased here. Spaces are limited.

The Prague Philharmonic is playing at Obecní dům. The program includes two works: Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 and Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 (“The New World Symphony”).The concert starts at 4pm in the Smetana Hall. Prices range from 1080 CZK to 1580 CZK and are available here.

The National Museum’s historical building at the top of Wenceslas Square is also playing host to a New Year’s Eve classical concert with a small chamber orchestra featuring solo violin and piano. Works played will include those of Mozart, Dvořák, Vivaldi and Smetana. The concert starts at 5pm. Tickets are 500 CZK through Ticket Pro.

Starting at 5pm is a performance of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons in the Church of the Most Holy Savior (Kostel nejsvětějšího Salvátora). This cathedral is located at the corner Křížovnické náměstí and Karlova Street 2 Prague 1 (opposite Charles Bridge on the Old Town side). It is considered one of the most valuable baroque buildings in Prague and would certainly make for a different end of year celebration. The concert begins at 5pm and tickets are available through Ticket Pro.

BOWLING

A few bowling centers around the city are having tournaments to see in the New Year. Bowling Club 19 which is near the O2 Arena at Ocelářská 17 in Prague 9. The evening stats at 7pm and for 700 CZK you can bowl all night and enjoy the music of the band Merely Wild. Refreshments up to 200 CZK are included in the price.

Absolutní Bowling at Osadní 28 in Holešovice (Prague 7) also offers you a chance to bowl in the New Year for 700 CZK. The price also includes refreshment. You can make a reservation on the link provided. The event starts at 7pm.

FINE DINING

Wine Food Market, a popular Italian deli place, is organizing a New Year’ Eve dinner buffet at Ovocný Trh with chefs Marco Fadigo and Luca Natalini. The event starts at 20:00 and they will serve pumpkin soup with shrimps, rosemary and crispy bacon, Scottish salmon or truffle risotto flambéed with cognac. The price is 1300CZK per meal per person.

For all special fine dining New Year’s Eve offers, click here: https://www.expats.cz/christmas-dining-in-prague-2012/

WINE BARS

Two prize winning wine bars in Prague are open for New Year’s Eve. Vinotéka Karlín at Šaldova 28, Prague 8, which was the all round champion and Vinotéka Žižkov at Čajkovského 28, Prague 3, which was the regional champion would both be alternatives to a pub or bar. You can make reservations on the websites.

Vino di Vino is a smart cozy Italian themed wine bar in the center of Prague at Štupartská 18 in Prague 1 is also open for the evening. They also recommend that you contact them to book a table. Apart from wine, they offer Mediterranean cuisine.

ON THE WATER

Of course it’s possible to combine dining, wine and music all on the River Vltava. There are three cruises to choose from depending on whether your preferred music is pop or jazz. Prices range from 2000 to 3000 CZK. The cruises leave at 8pm, 10pm and 10:30pm and get back around 1am.

FOR KIDS

Restaurace na bobovce in Prosek is having a New Year’s Eve for families. Starting at noon and finish at 6pm, the day includes bob-sled rides, a cook-out and fireworks. You would just want to hope for good weather.

We hope these ideas inspire you to try something different. However, if you are in a mood for partying check the offers here: https://www.expats.cz/nye-parties-in-prague-2012/

Related:2012 Christmas Microsite with ideas for gifts, dining and parties