Prague’s top 10 weekend events: Classical ballet, vintage flicks, and crafty gifts

Immerse yourself in the fantastical worlds that have been soundtracked by the most famous film composer of all time at The Universe of John Williams orchestral extravaganza. The O2 Arena will be filled with a symphony of nostalgic scores on Dec. 7, conducted by Pete Harrison. Hum along to classics from Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, ET, Home Alone, and more, with introductions on screen from the composer himself.

On December 7, 2024, the Prague Congress Center will host a special screening of Love Actually, accompanied by a live 60-piece orchestra. The orchestra will bring to life the film’s heartwarming tales of love, friendship, and Christmas cheer. Featuring a star-studded cast, including Hugh Grant and Emma Thompson, this event offers a unique blend of cinema and live music for a memorable holiday experience.

Transport yourself back to the golden era of American film from the 1960s to 1980s at the Movie Brats marathon running across the weekend at Kino Kavalírka. Taxi Driver by Martin Scorsese, Close Encounters of the Third Kind by Steven Spielberg, THX 1138 by George Lucas, and more will be screened with plenty of popcorn and themed drinks in a cozy atmosphere for several nights of indulgement in cult classic throwbacks.

A special Christmas meeting of furry friends at Prague’s Rescue station for wild animals will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 7, allowing you to bring treats for little animal patients and peek into the infirmary. A guided tour will take you into the feeding preparation room, aviaries, and paddocks, where your generous donations such as grains, sunflower seeds, and food insects will be given to a range of creatures. The experience will not be like a visiting zoo, so don’t expect a lot of close contact with animals; but rather, an opportunity to observe the work of rescuers and ask keepers anything you want to know about saving wild animals or running the station.

The Nutcracker ballet begins its holiday run at Prague's Vinohrady Theater on Dec. 8. This production combines neoclassical choreography by Adéla Abdul Khaleq with direction by Štěpán Benyovszký. Featuring Czech ballet stars and students, along with exquisite costumes by Josef Jelínek, it offers a reimagined version of the classic, with enhanced depth and dynamic storytelling.

On Dec. 8 at Rock Café, Unhinged Theatre presents Corporate Hell, a satirical play where an Angel and a Demon, both relegated to a lower department of Hell, must help Honza navigate his first 9-to-5 job. Together, they face the all-too-familiar challenges of the corporate world—micromanaging bosses, unmotivated coworkers, sexist behavior, and an apathetic HR department.

On Dec. 6, head to the Thimble Museum of Asian, African, and American Cultures for the Vietnamese Christmas Market. This unique event blends Czech and Vietnamese holiday traditions, offering a taste of Tết, the Vietnamese New Year, the country’s most significant celebration. Enjoy traditional Tết dishes, take part in a Vietnamese tea ceremony, decorate Christmas cookies, try your luck at a tombola, and immerse yourself in a vibrant cultural experience.

This weekend and next, Lemarket will transform the former Elektrické podniky in Holešovice into a festive holiday marketplace. Set within the building's functionalist architecture, the event will feature local brands and independent creators offering a wide range of unique gifts, from charming trinkets to handcrafted jewelry, all perfect for holiday giving.

From Dec. 7 to 8, the square in front of Prague's Industrial Palace at Výstaviště will host the Pottery and Craft Market, bringing together 130 artisans from the traditional Beroun fair. This special Christmas edition features a wide variety of crafts, including pottery, glasswork, blacksmithing, woodworking, and weaving. Take a break from browsing in a cozy tea room offering mulled wine, punch, mead, and beer, along with holiday treats like langoustines, gingerbread, and roasted nuts. You’ll also find unique Czech food gifts, such as the local Dráteník beer, perfect for holiday presents.

On Dec. 7, head to HYB4 for the KNIHOVÁNKY event, where books, creativity, and festive fun come together for both children and adults. Bring up to eight of your own gently used books to swap and pick out 6-7 new ones to take home. Enjoy a variety of activities, including a creative workshop inspired by Little Red Riding Hood, an illustration session with Nikola Hoření, and a ‘little journalists’ workshop led by radio journalist Michaela Vetešková. This full-day event promises literary delights and hands-on fun for families.