School break begins: How to keep kids busy in Czechia through the holidays

Schools in Czechia officially start their Christmas holidays today, with students enjoying a two-week break, including weekends. Schools will reopen on Monday, Jan. 5. For those sticking around the capital this year, there has never been a better time to enjoy a staycation in Prague with a host of newly opened museums, illuminated attractions, and more.

In December, the Museum of Prague reopened with high-tech twist: a new immersive exhibition based on the famed 19th-century model of Prague by Langweil, a 22-meter projection hall, interactive displays, and an AI-powered multilingual guide. The first months will also feature free admission.

Also opening this month, at the Old Town Hall, visitors can explore the mechanism behind the landmark. The interactive exhibit features a touch panel that allows users to rotate and inspect components, showcasing parts of the clock dating back to before its 1865 repair. Digital art got its own devoted gallery this year at the family-friendly Signal Space.

The Photosynthesis Interactive Exhibit has opened this month at the Museum of Agriculture, and the National Technical Museum has unveiled a 30th anniversary exhibit commemorating the founding of Škoda Auto.

Prague's National Museum will be open during the Christmas holidays on Dec. 25 and 26, and also on Dec. 31 with its ordinary opening hours. The museum is closed on Dec. 24 and New Year’s Day. The National Gallery is open on Boxing Day and New Year's Eve.

In Prague, sightseeing and festive activities continue even on Christmas Eve. Many monuments and gardens will be open, some with discounted admission.

The Prague Zoo will welcome visitors from 9 a.m. with a special Christmas Eve admission of CZK 100 for adults and just one crown for children under 15. Guests can bring food for the animals, which will be distributed over the following days; carrots, apples, and unsweetened dry pastries are recommended. Animal pavilions close at 2 p.m., though grounds remain open until 4 p.m.

The main Christmas markets on Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square will operate from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., while the Kampa Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the Public Transport Museum from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Note that Prague Castle is closed on Dec. 24 but will be open the following day; holiday hours are here. The Castle Grounds typically remain open for walkers from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Also fun for families, the country's second annual Nativity Scene Night event, where visitors can admire elaborate nativity displays at numerous locations across the country. A full list of participating sites is available here. Břevnov Monastery is hosting a free Nativity Scene exhibition through Jan. 4.

In Prague, the annual Free Sports Week takes place from Dec. 25 to 31, offering visitors free access to select sports venues and promoting active holiday fun. Public ice rinks are also open, providing families with the opportunity to enjoy outdoor skating.