December in Prague - Things to do
Mulled wine (svařák) or a hot chocolate will definitely help to warm you up while exploring the markets and outdoor activities, but there is so much more to see and do along with some very special and traditional Czech days that cannot be missed if you are in town.
Coming to Prague in January? Here you will find a list of events in January 2020 and here for February 2020.
So, what is on in December in Prague?
The Christmas markets are open from the 1st of December, the market in Náměsti Míru opens on November 20th and will last at least until Christmas Eve. We already published All you Need guide for the Christmas markets. However, there is a lot more happening in December.
Find rooms and apartments in Prague and plan your trip.
Dyzajn Winter Market
When: 30th of November & 1st of December
Opening hours: 10:00 – 19:00
Where: Vaclav Havel Square, Narodni Divadlo, Prague 1.
Free Entry
This traditional open-air market right next to Prague’s National Theatre building brings 180 designers selling artwork and design pieces such as art, jewelry, handbags, accessories, decorations, clothes and toys. There will be live music, workshops, children’s theatre and fashion shows.
Mikuláš (St. Nicholas Day)
When: 5th of December 2019
Time: 16:00
Where: Old Town Christmas Market
Devils, Angels, St Nicholas and Czech children judgment day. This curious Czech tradition takes place everywhere in town but concentrates around the Old Town Christmas market.
Children in awe must recite poems and songs in order to prove themselves good kids to St Nicholas to avoid being taken by the devil in its sack and get their presents on Christmas Day. Be prepared, the loose devils are plenty and they look scary.
Ice Rink in the Old Town
When: 5th of December 2019 – 31st of January 2020
Opening hours: 10:00 – 21:00
Where: Ovocny Trh, behind the Estates Theatre
Free Entry. Skates Hire: 100 CZK adults / 50 CZK children
Christmas must have some ice-skating, and where better than in the historical streets of Prague’s Old Town, just behind the impressive Estates Theatre. The perfect break from the Old Town Christmas market.
Lamp lighting the Charles Bridge
When: 1st of December 2019 – 23rd of December 2019
Time: 16:00
Where: Charles Bridge
Free Entry
This theatre-like real activity takes place in Prague’s most famous postcard, the Charles Bridge. Bringing up the Christmas atmosphere, a lamplighter wearing period costume lights the historical gas lamps along the Charles Bridge taking you back in time in this amazing experience.
The Nutcracker Ballet Series
When: 10th 12th 17th 19th 21st 22nd 25th 27th 29th 31st December 2019
Where: National Theatre, Narodni 2, Prague 1.
Being in Prague for the festive season calls for Tchaikovsky’s adorable ballet “The Nutcracker”. This charming production at the National Theatre amazes audiences every year. Advanced booking is essential. Most of the best times are already sold out, but you still can find seats in this link here or with travel and tour agencies.
https://www.narodni-divadlo.cz/en/show/4598
Prague’s National Museum Exposition
The newly rebuilt Historical National Museum brings two major expositions in December
Tutankhamun Real Experience Exhibition (1st of November 2019 – 31st of January 2020)
Opening hours: 10:00 – 18:00 daily
Entry fees: Adult 320 CZK / Senior & Child 270 CZK / Family 520 CZK
The famous Egyptian pharaoh through original artefacts as well as the latest multimedia technology.
The Kings of the Heaven (1st of November 2019 – 31st of January 2020)
Opening hours: 10:00 – 18:00 daily
Entre fees: Adult 260 CZK / Senior & Child 170 CZK / Family 440 CZK
Dedicated to the bravery of Czechoslovak pilots who joined and flew with the Royal Air Force during WWII.
30th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution
Where: National Gallery in Prague & Prague City Museum
Exhibition of photography, video, texts and the history of this historical day and the president Vaclav Havel to celebrate this milestone in Czech’s history.
New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve in Prague is a different experience. Normally fireworks and celebration take place on New Year’s Day as it is the Restoration Day of the Independent Czech State.
What is left for New Year’s Eve is private fireworks from our people. But there is one little problem, after midnight, a little madness takes over Prague’s main squares that recollects to war zone with local and tourists firing the fireworks towards each other.
Better to find a close and safe place for the celebration.
Find more events in January and February.
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Written by Mauricio Schuler