The ultimate Czech Christmas bucket list: 20 must-do holiday experiences

Prague transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, but there’s way more to experience than just the famous Christmas markets. From spotting the lamp lighter on Charles Bridge to sipping fish soup served by the mayor, here are some pointers for celebrating the holidays the Czech way.

Czechia's famed markets pop up across the city from late November, with the main action at Old Town and Wenceslas Squares. What started centuries ago as practical trading fairs has evolved into the ultimate holiday hangout, complete with mulled wine (svařák), entertainment, and handmade crafts that’ll sort your gift list in one afternoon.

From panoramic fortress views at Vyšehrad, a party-on-ice atmosphere with live DJs at River Rink Karlín, or completely free skating at Ice Rink Vypich, the city’s 20-plus rinks leave Praguers spoiled for choice. Our comprehensive guide showcases rooftop locations and riverside spots along the Vltava, as well as more of the best places to lace up and embrace Czech winter, with warming mulled wine breaks included.

One of Prague’s most atmospheric traditions: watch as a period-costumed lamp lighter manually illuminates the gas lamps on Charles Bridge each evening. This Victorian-era practice was revived in 2008, and it's absolutely worth timing your evening stroll or commute home to catch it.

Things get delightfully weird on Dec. 5 when trios of costumed characters, St. Nicholas (Mikuláš), an Angel, and a Devil, roam the streets, bestowing sweets or potatoes on children. It’s basically street theater meets moral lesson, with angels rewarding well-behaved kids and devils making the naughty ones squirm. Even if you don’t have children, it’s brilliant entertainment with revelers dressing the part in light-up horns.

Historically considered the darkest night of the year, this day honors St. Lucie (whose name literally means “light”). The collective behind Prague’s annual Signal Fest puts on a St. Lucie light show each year on Dec. 13-Dec. 14 on the grounds of Troja Chateau from 5 p.m. to 12 p.m. Entry is free; it's Signal on a smaller, wintertime scale.

Love them or hate them, keep an eye out for the sidewalk fish tanks that appear around the city in late December. Live carp, the star of the traditional Christmas Eve dinner, are sold from these barrels. It’s been the centerpiece meal since the 17th century, and yes, some families still keep the fish swimming in their bathtub before dinner. However, recent years have seen a turning away from tradition due to ethical concerns.

Czech scouts distribute this flame, carried initially from the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, as a symbol of peace. You might spot them at markets or churches offering to share the light—it’s a lovely tradition if you want to take a bit of holiday spirit home.

Prague hosts several major ticketed light-show events, including Light Park Europe at Žluté lázně, the Wild Asia–themed Garden of Lights at Prague Zoo, Lumina Park’s legend-inspired Adventure of Lights, and Wonderland Prague, featuring rides and light sculptures. The city also shines with its iconic Christmas trams.

This year, the Coca-Cola Christmas truck has stopped planned at the Christmas truck in Černý Most, Vršovice, and Chodov. 

Beyond Prague, Kladruby transforms into a donation-based light village inspired by the paintings of Josef Lada. At the same time, Loučeň Castle offers reflective illuminated labyrinths, and Karlovy Vary’s Christmas House delivers year-round festive magic.

Prague Castle’s free Christmas Journey (November 29, 2025 – January 4, 2026) opens normally closed buildings, such as the Chapel of the Holy Cross. The event features a magical forest labyrinth, a Nativity scene, and creative workshops. Concerts are held every Advent Sunday on the steps of St. Vitus.

Nativity Scenes (Betlémy) These aren’t your average manger scenes. The Czech betlémy tradition, introduced by Jesuits in the 16th century, evolved into incredibly detailed art installations by the 18th century. You’ll find them displayed throughout churches and museums all season; here is an overview in Prague, the weirdest is in the town of Máslovice, and it’s made out of butter!

Classical concerts at venues like the National Theatre (check schedules for early December) bring the liturgical season to life, while gospel performances in historic churches, such as Kostel U Salvátora, offer a more contemporary spiritual vibe. Concerts also take place in the Clementinum, Rudolfinum, Municipal House, and the Church of St. Simon and Jude. An overview can be found here.

The Czech Christmas Mass is Jakub Jan Ryba's beloved Česká mše vánoční (1796). Known as “Rybovka,” this pastoral work in Czech is central to the nation’s Christmas tradition. Rybovka na Hlaváku organizes the 21st edition of its annual concert on Dec. 23 at Hlavní nádraží, which welcomes all who want to play, sing, or just listen to the Mass. The piec is also performed at Divadlo Hyberna, St. Vitus Cathedral, and at the Old Town Christmas market. See times, dates here.

Called Louskáček in Czech, the 1892 ballet classic runs throughout the season at various venues—it’s as magical in Prague as anywhere in the world. You can see two version in the capital. A traditional showing at the National Theater (Dec. 17-Jan. 6), Vinohrady Theatre (Dec. 7-Dec. 28), and an alternative dance production at Archa+ (Dec. 18-Dec. 21).

While you'll have to brush up on your Czech to watch them, the heart of Czech Christmas tradition is the prime-time premiere of a new fairy tale (pohádka) on Christmas Eve, a ritual that has been maintained by Czech Television (ČT) since 1993.

This year’s premiere is The Mystery of the Haunted Castle.

Beyond the new title, ČT’s Christmas programming features over 120 fairy tales, including beloved classics like Anděl Páně (An Angel of the Lord), which is celebrating its 20th anniversary and will be broadcast on Dec. 23. Netflix regularly features a rotating selection of newer Czech fairy tales with English subtitles.

Join the annual tradition of singing Christmas carols at Kampa, Prague, on Christmas Eve (Štědrý den). This free gathering takes place by the pillar of the Charles Bridge near the Bruncvík bistro. Songbooks are provided at the location for free, ensuring everyone can participate in the festive sing-along.

Tradition calls for fasting throughout Dec. 24 (supposedly to increase your chances of seeing the mythical “golden piglet”). The fast breaks with fish soup made from carp head and trimmings—it’s richer and more flavorful than it sounds. You can try it at the Prague Christmas markets, served by the mayor on this day every year.

A traditional winter swimming event takes place on Dec. 26 between Slovanský ostrov (Slavic Island) and Střelecký ostrov (Shooters’ Island). This event, known as the Alfred Nikodém Memorial, is a Boxing Day tradition that features hardy swimmers braving the cold water.

From Dec. 1 a new pyrotechnics law has gone into effect banning fireworks from the city center. In past years, Prague has offered a replacement videomapping experience while the Christmas market in Old Town offers a number of performances and festivities. Find more tips for New Year's Eve here.

The season officially ends on Jan. 5 with parades commemorating the Magi's visit. Children dress up in elaborate costumes and chalk "K+M+B" (representing the three kings: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar) above doorways as a blessing. An elaborate procession will once again make its way through Prague this year.