The 10 best things to do in Prague this weekend: Dec. 22–24, 2023

The retired cargo ship Petra transforms into a popular summer beer garden along Prague's Vltava River in the summer and in the winter serves as a unique ice skating rink with a breathtaking view of Hradčany. Open daily from December to March, children up to 120 centimeters tall skate for free when accompanied by an adult.

Liudmila and Peter, expats in the Czech Republic, bring the essence of a Danish bakery to newly opened Joy Bakery in Vršovice. Liudmila, the main baker, trained in Denmark and emphasizes local ingredients, good fermentation, and laminated dough. The Nordic-focused bakery offers a variety of sweet and savory pastries, baguettes, and bread, incorporating Danish, French, Spanish, and Prague influences.

On Dec. 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Prague's Old Town Square will be filled with the aroma of traditional fish soup served by Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda and other politicians, continuing the tradition of the "mayor's soup." Chefs will prepare 2,000 portions with 1,500 kilograms of ingredients, including carp from Czech ponds, vegetables, flour, butter, cream, and cognac.

On the evening of Dec. 22 a floating carillon featuring Petr R. Manoušek's 57-bell, 22-ton carillon, played by Dutch carillonist Rosemarie Seuntiëns, will take place on the Vltava River near Charles Bridge. The carillon arrives on a special pontoon and will be anchored between Charles and Mánes Bridges. The performance, titled Roaming Bells, promises a festive atmosphere for attendees along the river.

The LED park on Karlovo náměstí, inaugurated earlier this month, aims to enhance the Christmas atmosphere while providing a pleasant and safer environment in the district. The project features festive LED installations and will be on display every evening until the Three Kings.

On Dec. 24 and 25 children under 15 can enter the Prague Zoo for CZK 1. Visitors can bring edible gifts for animals, such as apples, carrots, or dry bread (from Dec. 18), and receive a small token of appreciation. Guided feeding sessions and the tradition of giving unsold Christmas trees to selected species continue through Dec. 27.

Listen to or participate in the traditional Czech Christmas Mass at Prague's main train station (main entrance hall, northern side) on Dec. 23. Whether playing, singing, or listening, all are welcome. The audience is encouraged to bring instruments. Conducted by Lukáš Prchal annually.

An exhibition of exquisite Czech and foreign Nativity scenes, including the sale of ceramic nativity scenes begins on Dec. 23. Nearly 300 exhibits made from various materials such as plaster, wax, ceramics, wood, chocolate, straw, crystal, leather, alabaster, lava, and more will be on display. These Nativity scenes, originating from different parts of the world, showcase diverse artistic forms, including those painted on stones, wood, gingerbread, and more.

A new staging of Puccini's opera La Bohème opens at the State Opera on Dec. 22 (also playing on Dec. 26 and Dec. 30). Puccini's opera unfolds the poignant love story of poet Rodolfo and fragile Mimi, set in the artistic milieu of Montmartre. With Italian audio and Czech/English subtitles, the performance runs for 2 hours and 15 minutes with one intermission.

Catch Life of Brian at Kino Aero on Dec. 24. The 1979 British comedy directed by Terry Jones parodies the Jesus story, causing a historic scandal for its irreverence. Brian, born on the Messiah's day, navigates absurd situations, joining the Popular Front of Judea against Roman rule. Monty Python's wit shines, delivering humor that remains timeless.

Pivovar Strahov offers a warm atmosphere and a diverse selection of Christmas brews, both local and international this weekend on Dec. 23 as part of its mini festival of Christmas beer. Indulge in a special menu, mulled beer, homemade eggnog, gingerbread liqueur, and premium spirits from Landcraft distillery.