Anyone who once walked along the streets of ancient Prague will forever remember the mysterious outlines of its buildings. fairy houses, filled with mysticism and literally soaked in the history of this place.

The Czech Republic is known to everyone as a country with preserved historical appearance of its cities and developed infrastructure. The capital of this state combines notes of modernity with the deepest secrets of centuries. To plunge into the Middle Ages, anyone can come here either in spring or autumn. But It's especially good here in winter- for the New Year.

This is what magical Prague is like on a January morning:

The video is great!

Should you go to Prague for New Year and Christmas?

In winter on New Year and Christmas Prague becomes the cradle of real fairy tales and biblical stories. The city center is decorated, and the main decoration, of course, is a large snowy Christmas tree on Old Town Square right up to the sky. An angel sits at the top of the tree. According to tradition, he is the one who looks at everyone from there every year.

Most of the population here are Catholics. In their houses in holidays Biblical heroes and characters appear. These are the Virgin Mary with the baby Jesus and the Magi, or rather their figurines, which reflect the essence of the events that happened 20 centuries ago. On the windows you can see silhouettes of little angels made of thin luminous tape. But the real fairy tale is created by the people themselves, who give each other gifts and spend these holidays with their family.

It’s decided - we will celebrate these holidays in the Czech Republic!

You should definitely spend New Year and Christmas in Prague at least once, because you are unlikely to find such a fairy tale and biblical atmosphere anywhere else. Experienced pilgrims these days advise visit St. Vitus Cathedral, where solemn calm reigns, and the silhouette of the Virgin Mary and the baby allows many people to let go of their mental torment, adversity and think about the eternal.

Take time out of your trip to visit interesting places.

The capital will offer you numerous entertainment, including skating rinks, game centers, fairs and unique attractions.

Will the winter weather be pleasant?

The weather in Prague on New Year's Day is really comfortable for winter. In December average temperature The air here during the day is +1˚С, and at night –2˚С, which for any European person is not just acceptable, but optimal.

New Year's Prague weather is always conducive to photographing rowan trees against the backdrop of city trams.

January cannot be called a month of different weather, since the temperature, as well as precipitation, approximately repeat the weather pattern of the previous month. In preparation for Christmas, as well as throughout January, the snow lying on the roofs of houses complements the fairy-tale atmosphere, and at night Prague again plunges into the Christmas mystery.

This is what the weather forecasters promise us - the weather forecast in Prague for the first days of the new year 2019.

Excursions

But the main impressions are, of course, from the excursions. Tourists are increasingly ordering them online. This is more convenient for several reasons. Can:

• take your time to read the description and reviews and choose what you like;
• do not fuss and do not waste precious time in Prague searching and purchasing excursions;
• buy in advance from home and pay by card;
• There is more choice online than at any agency or travel kiosk, and prices are 15–20% lower, because... no agency fee.

There are many options - from the simplest for €14 (it is ideal for the first acquaintance with the city) to the most fashionable excursions in the quest genre:

• - €60 for a group of 1-9 people;
• - €20 per person.

The choice is wide - from a trip to the springs (€30) to a trip to neighboring Germany: (€55), (€35) or even (for 2 days and with a stop at Neuschwanstein Castle - €125).

How do you like the opportunity to see the sights of the Czech Republic from above? costs €199 - you choose the direction and program yourself.

And since you are lucky enough to visit the Czech Republic in winter, we can’t help but recommend an excursion (€88 for 1-4 people) - this is to immediately soak up the Christmas spirit.

The most popular excursions in 2018:

• - see and learn;
• - eat delicious food and drink beer;
• - to be surprised;
• - to see not only Prague;
• - to have something to remember.

If you are traveling to the Czech Republic for a week or more, if you have a license (Russian ones will do), set aside at least one day for the road trip. Czech drivers are polite, traffic rules are no different from ours, the roads are good and almost free.

Most popular routes:

• very close - Kutna Hora with the Ossuary, Karlstejn Castle;
• a little further - Hluboka nad Vltavou, the town of Pisek, Cesky Krumlov;
• even further - Cesky Krumlov, Karolova Vary, Adrspach rocks, a path through the treetops near Lake Lipno;
• and even if you go to Dresden (the border with Germany is open), you will have time to return by evening.

Car rental prices in the Czech Republic are below the European average:

• if you are traveling together, a compact car will be enough (from 27 euros per day);
• if with children - choose middle class(from 30 euros);
• If you want something more expensive, you can find it too.

Note: You can admire beauty not only in the capital. It wouldn't be a bad idea to see a couple of Czech provinces. If you don’t succeed the first time, then definitely the second time - after all, they usually return to this country. Rent a car, go to Telc or Pilsen, you won’t be disappointed and, by the way, buy something for your mother there. And in the Czech Republic there is a city with a funny name - Pisek.

Where is the best place to celebrate the holidays?

This city will offer great variety to every son of God possible options for the main celebration of your favorite holiday. We will name you a few of them:

Theater "Divadlo na Vinohradech"

Royal New Year's Eve. Such a project is offered to visitors by the theater-palace “Divadlo na Vinohradech”, which creates a truly real fairy tale from 20:00 on December 31 to 05:00 on January 1. A large number of entertaining competitions and a grand final program that you will remember for the whole year. Prices in this establishment for New Year's Eve are in the range of 170-300 euros depending on the table and the amount of alcohol.

Divadlo na Vinohradech - don't forget to bring a tailcoat.

Restaurant "Michal"

It is located in one of the oldest districts of Prague. Here you can listen to music, dance, eat stuffed grilled wild boar in a pleasant atmosphere. A folk-style party and traditional dishes will allow you to celebrate the holiday with a bang. The price here is stable and has not changed for a long time: 110 euros per person.

Restaurant “Michal” - party for everyone…

Restaurant called “Klášterní pivovar”

A special feature of this establishment is its location on the territory of the Strahov Monastery, where, since the 17th century, monks have been brewing delicious beer named after St. Norbert. Here the holiday can be celebrated under the arches ancient monastery, which undoubtedly adds its own touch of mystery and biblical atmosphere. The price here is slightly higher than the previous option, namely: 120 euros.

Klášterní pivovar - drinking beer like a monastery on New Year's Eve is a good option.

Opera House "Státni opera Praha"

For every opera lover, such a celebration will be simply unforgettable. The performance program will include classical opera " Bat", during the breaks of which a festive table will be served. And at midnight you can raise a glass of champagne and celebrate the New Year. After which the real New Year's ball will begin on the theater stage. Prices range from 270 to 460 euros.

Státní opera Praha - total dress code and face control - but it's worth it, Bor! Shave your face and put on new shoes.

Restaurant "U Fleků"

Known for its beautiful delicious dishes, as well as the atmosphere of the oldest brewer. Essentially, this is a place for true connoisseurs of Czech beer and good goulash, which is served here with a smile. Perhaps, it is in this place that you can lose yourself in the history of the city, because this establishment has existed for 5 centuries. Here the holiday will cost you 170 euros.

Restaurant "Folklore Garden"

Here you can also try the famous Czech beer, and become a gourmet on December 31st. On New Year's Eve there will be a performance by folk groups. And at the twelfth stroke of the clock it will be launched into the sky large number bright and colorful fireworks. The price for the performance is 125 euros.

Palffy Palace Restaurant

It is here that you can feel like a real king who make up the history of Prague. This establishment is distinguished by fresh flowers on the tables in the halls, the quiet sounds of classical music and an excellent collection of wines that will not leave any lover of this drink indifferent. And the view of the Parisian Castle gardens will always complement the cozy and cultural atmosphere of Palfi Palace. The corresponding price is 170 euros.

Palffy Palace is another pretentious place with red walls and dim lighting.

Restaurant "Flambee"

Here you can feel the real spirit of bohemian life. Most great people visiting Prague came here to spend their holidays. This establishment was awarded an international award in 1994, which emphasizes its consistent quality. Not everyone can afford to spend the New Year in an odious atmosphere. Price – 270 euros.

French restaurant “Flambee” for lovers of frog legs and strange micro-substances on large white plates. There are also excellent cocktails and a rich wine cellar.

Old Town Square

Perhaps the most important thing is best place to celebrate the New Year 2019 in Prague - . On the night of January 1, the square itself and around the adjacent town hall are full of people - here are Prague residents with their families and tourists. They put it here main tree cities and organize a famous fair. The main feature and highlight of the program is chiming of the ancient astronomical clock "Orloy". It’s worth coming here in advance, because closer to midnight you are unlikely to get here - it’s crowded.

Most Russian tourists in the Czech Republic celebrate the New Year on Old Town Square.

Shopping

Christmas holidays in Prague - real. It is at this time that the season of crazy discounts and sales begins here.

Gifts from Santa Claus. Inexpensive.

One of the favorite places for shopping among tourists is the Pietro Filipi store, since the clothes in its assortment are only exclusive, and the discount percentage can reach 75. Although even with such a discount, things will not cost you too much. The Blažek men's clothing boutique is also popular. And for those who want to buy clothes, souvenirs, etc. in one place, we can advise.

They say that it is impossible to fully appreciate a place without visiting it at least twice. And it’s better to choose different seasons for this. Reviews from tourists who have checked this out confirm that Prague is worth visiting for the second time on New Year’s Day.

This is a great opportunity to combine excursions to historical places and the most fun entertainment. Throughout December, colorful, noisy fairs are held in the main squares of the city, overflowing with all kinds of crafts, souvenirs and the most unimaginable delicacies. So if you really don’t know what to do, go on a gastro excursion. Treat yourself to traditional sausages or boar's knee with a glass of fresh beer, warm up with hot spicy mulled wine with delicious painted gingerbread cookies, and the city will open up to you in a completely different way.

On New Year's Eve, the already fabulous atmosphere of Prague streets becomes even more solemn and festive. Bright lights and garlands decorating the city along with the always beautiful architecture create an amazing kaleidoscope of colors that will linger in the heart for a long time. By the way, reviews from tourists about how to spend the New Year in Prague, although very diverse, agree on one thing - fun and noisy. During this period, many exhibitions, festivals and performances traditionally take place. On each square you will be greeted by an improvised theater or mummers, adding a special flavor to local attractions.

New Year's Eve itself will invariably be overwhelmed by a whirlwind of emotions and impressions, as it is the apogee of all December entertainment. With the onset of dusk, which is not easy to notice because of the bright festive illumination, it may seem that there is not a single inhabitant left in the houses - everyone poured out into the ancient streets to wish each other all the brightest and kindest. And even after the traditional midnight fireworks, people do not go home, but continue to celebrate. Most establishments are open until the morning and welcome fun companies; At the same time, prices remain very traditional, which is good news.

New Year in the Czech Republic: a variety of leisure options

Despite the fact that the favorite holiday of the local population was and remains traditionally celebrated with family, the extravaganza of fun begins long before it, almost from the beginning of December, and the climax is the mass festivities on New Year's Eve. And this applies not only to the capital.

Many people believe that the New Year in the Czech Republic can only be celebrated interestingly in the capital. But this is completely optional. We offer you many options for winter travel programs, the cost of which remains quite affordable, even in view of the holiday bustle, and the impressions will always delight you.

Castles and fortresses, Gothic and other churches and temples in winter decoration and with theatrical performances in the squares look especially magnificent, bringing back from memory frames of enchanting old fairy tales about princes and knights, beautiful ladies and dragons. If you want your child to experience a fairy tale, go to the Czech Republic with your children for New Year: a sea of ​​emotions and unforgettable impressions are guaranteed.

And if you want to experience for yourself what a royal vacation is like in the literal sense of the word, go to Karlovy Vary. Well, to make the complex of sensations from the trip complete, get a taste of the Czech Republic. The gastronomic tour will offer you a variety of beers, traditional snacks and delicious sweets, the recipe of which is still carefully preserved by the craftsmen of the town of Pardubice, creating their gingerbread houses.

In general, at this time any Czech city, be it Krumlov or Pilsen, can give you many vivid impressions. They say how you celebrate the New Year is how you will spend it. So let yourself make this year amazing and celebrate it with us!

Do you want to see the New Year's Czech Republic? Come a few days before Christmas, in the early 20s of December. Prague is transformed before Christmas, it is already ready for the New Year holidays - everything is decorated with multi-colored garlands, there are many live Christmas trees in tubs all around. Christmas melodies are heard from everywhere. A week before the celebration, a live Christmas tree is installed in the main square of the city.

How Christmas and New Year are celebrated in the Czech Republic

The eve of Christmas - St. Nicholas Day(in Czech "Mikulas"). Catholics celebrate it December 6.

Starting from this day, children receive their first gifts - St. Nicholas and his retinue walk along the roads and congratulate the kids.

In Russia, Christmas begins two weeks later - due to the difference between the Gregorian and Julian calendars.

Catholic Christmas in the Czech Republic

The population of the Czech Republic is mostly atheists. According to the 2011 census, about 80% of respondents said they had no religion or refused to answer this question.

The largest number of believers are Catholics.

TO Christmas Eve, which is celebrated on December 24, carp are fattened all year round. A festive table is unthinkable without them.

The carp scales are not thrown away, but washed and placed under each guest’s plate, along with a small coin - for good luck.

This scale is sometimes carried all over in a wallet. next year- so that money is not transferred.

Christmas Eve is also called Generous evening- on the table 12 Lenten dishes, and guests must try each of them. They also put out an extra plate for the occasional guest.

At Christmas in Prague, it is customary to buy young carp from traders in order to release them into the water a minute or two later.

In the city park, tame bears are treated to sweets. Bears were dangerous for the inhabitants of the medieval city; they tried to appease them so that they would not be “offended” and would not come to people.

The danger no longer exists, but the tradition remains. So Christmas Eve is also called Bear day.

And the very next day it’s the turn of the Christmas goose and other various cookies and rich sweets.

From December 25 until the New Year, numerous nativity scenes are open, and carolers walk the streets. If two “devils” meet each other, they can arrange a light brawl between themselves until the “Nicholas” separate them.

How would you like this option:

• In the morning, go on a bus and walking tour of Prague. Price 10 euro per person.
• After the tour, attend a master class on how to prepare a real Christmas dinner. Experienced chefs will teach you all the intricacies of local cuisine. The prepared dish can then be eaten with appetite. Cost of the master class - 45 Euro.
• In the evening, go to a medieval show in Detenice. Show cost 35 euro per person. A lavish New Year's dinner, an interesting festive program, fireworks and fireworks awaits you.

Or this schedule:

• Devote the morning to sightseeing.
• Take a walk in one of the city parks. Each of them provides ski and skate rental for amateurs. active recreation. There are slopes for sledding.
• Take a master class on baking zucchini. The cost of the course is 45 euros.
• And in the evening, experience the mysterious and walk along the route of “Mystical Prague.” As a rule, it is conducted by a guide dressed as a skeleton. Price 15 euro per person.

And on January 1, in the late afternoon, fireworks begin throughout Prague. The most popular fireworks performance takes place on the banks of the Vltava River.

New Year's Prague for children

For Russian-speaking children during the Christmas holidays in the theater Coruni Traditional Christmas tree performances with Father Frost and Snow Maiden are held. Starts at 10.00 am.

A visit to the Prague Zoo will bring a lot of pleasure to your child. There are enclosures where pets roam free and you are allowed to interact with them. This zoo is the pride of Prague residents; you can spend half a day there unnoticed. Costs a ticket from 35 Euro.

Take your child to a cooking class, he will love it.

For lovers of classical opera and ballet, we recommend visiting the production of The Sleeping Beauty at the Prague State Opera (Státní opera Praha). Not everyone likes the modern production of the ballet “The Nutcracker” at the National Opera; they are often dissatisfied and believe that all that remains of the ballet is the music.

Preparing for your trip

The most convenient way to get from Russia to Prague is by plane from Moscow or St. Petersburg. It is better to entrust your trip to one of the time-tested tour operators.

Trips to the Czech Republic of varying durations are offered, for example a New Year's tour - “Magnificent Prague”, cost 580-700 euros, you can pay in rubles.

As usual, the group leader will meet you at the airport and provide all the necessary information.

There are also bus tours to Prague. They depart from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kaliningrad. These tours are much cheaper than traveling by plane.

If you are planning to go to independent travel, please note that you will have to develop the entire program yourself.

You can stay in a hotel, hostel or rent luxury apartments, you just need to make a reservation in advance.

The cost of living will depend on the location of the hotel, its star rating, and of course on the choice of a specific room.

It is better to find a Russian-speaking guide in advance who will meet you and take you on a walk around Prague. This service must be arranged in advance.

Christmas atmosphere:

New Year in Prague - reviews from tourists

• “We have long dreamed of going to Prague at Christmas. We couldn’t even imagine such a fairy tale - two weeks practically in the center of Europe. Live shops are just a sight for sore eyes. We ate some sweets and brought them with us. In every square we were treated to them. I’m taking home about a dozen recipes.”

  Maria

• “We stayed in a regular three-star hotel. The staff turned out to be wonderful, the boy at the reception desk, having learned that we were in Prague for the first time, gave us a map of the city and showed us what and where it was. And another remembered the phone number of the Russian guide and immediately called him. Everything was great, I enjoyed the trip. There were, of course, minor inconveniences, but they didn’t spoil our mood.”

  Victor

• “I never thought that New Year’s Prague is such a fascinating sight. And that I, a serious person over 45, suddenly wants to forget about everything and have fun like a five-year-old boy. And so become immersed in the history of the ancient medieval castle. And our guide is a funny old lady. It got us all excited, we remembered our youth, we had a blast. And we fell in love with Prague forever.”

  Everyone should spend the New Year in Prague at least once in their life! You will not hear a great many enthusiastic stories about New Year's Eve about any European capital. In this article we will find out how to celebrate Christmas and New Year in Prague, we will see Christmas and New Year Prague in the photo.

  In Czech, Christmas is called Vánoce. The Czechs have been preparing for it since December 4 - St. Barbara's Day. Many people place branches of cherry trees in water as a kind of fortune telling. If the branch turns green by Christmas, all plans for the new year will definitely come true.

  December 6, St. Nicholas, mummers are walking around all over Prague: the Bishop in a tiara with a staff, Mikulas, the Angel and the Devil. They ask the children if they behaved well, and then treat them with sweets.

  In a couple of weeks, Christmas will take over all of Prague. There are Christmas concerts, sales, and celebrations everywhere. And even on the quietest outskirts you can see posters “Vesele Vanoce!” (“Merry Christmas!”). Owners of shops and restaurants consider it their duty to decorate the doors of their establishments with a Christmas tree. Bethlems appear, images of the Bethlehem manger where Jesus was born.

  In the squares of Prague, in churches and even in the windows of houses, compositions with the baby, Mary, and the Magi appear. The townspeople try their best; the figures are made of wood, straw, gingerbread and paper. The largest betlem is placed on Old Town Square. Reality is given by living sheep. And if in Italy the figurine of the Child Christ appears in the manger only after Christmas midnight, then the Czechs put the baby in immediately.

  Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square turn into huge festive markets for Christmas. Rows of souvenirs appear: candles, ceramic toys, copper bells, wooden dolls and musical Santa Clauses, jester's hats.

  Almost all souvenirs are Chinese, except for candlesticks, which are forged right in front of the customer.

  From Prague, Bohemian crystal, beer mugs, plates, cups with views of the city, original photographs and paintings, T-shirts, puppets and wooden toys. All this can be found and bought in the area of ​​the street. Celetna and the Golden Cross in the Old Town, where there is a whole pedestrian area with shops, boutiques, stalls and benches.

  New Year's sales begin earlier every year; as early as October you can see “sleva” signs. By the way, be careful with your money, they say Prague is a pickpocket's paradise. You can see posters in the subway: under the photo with a mountain of wallets there is the inscription: “Thank you for our rich Christmas!” with the signature: “Union of Pickpockets of the Czech Republic.”

  The main Czech Christmas tradition. A few days before December 24, vats appear on Prague streets and intersections in which “carps” - large fish up to 1 m long - splash. The Czechs have fried carp for Christmas, the same tradition as we have Olivier for the New Year. If you ate river carp on Christmas evening, you can rest assured: prosperity will be with you all year. They say that fish bones should not be thrown away, but rather buried in your garden to preserve well-being. To make money, you need to put the scales of the eaten carp in your wallet.

  Throughout the year, carp are raised in special ponds. They say it is profitable to breed them, but this business goes back to the Middle Ages. The ponds created in those days with an area of ​​up to 1000 hectares changed the appearance of the Czech Republic. There are more than 20 thousand ponds in the Czech Republic.

  In mid-December, the water is released and tanks of fish are transported throughout the country. There is a long line at each vat, because you have to buy carp. At least in order to release him to freedom - another Prague tradition.

  On Christmas Eve or “Generous Evening” everyone gathers as a family around a large table. “Carp” is eaten with potato salad, on the table there are always roasted chestnuts, bacon in sauce, bread with raisins braided from nine strips, painted gingerbread cookies, dumplings, nuts “ wasp nests" They sit at the table with the first star, because whoever fasted before Christmas will have a golden pig come to him and bring doubly happiness.

  The smell of mulled wine is in the air on the streets of Prague these days. Grog, mulled wine and punch are sold throughout the city. Appetizer: bacon, roasted chestnuts, spit-roasted pig and boiled corn.

  
  Mulled wine is a heated drink!
  Czech trdelnik is a national street sweet.

  On December 25, at exactly midnight, the Orloj Astronomical Clock opens on the Town Hall tower. The bells of Prague churches ring with the crow of a mechanical rooster. Three masses are held on Christmas: a symbol of the birth of Christ in the bosom of the Father, in the womb of the Mother of God and the soul of believers. Most people in the Basilica of St. George, Church of the Virgin Mary the Victorious, Bethlehem Chapel. You should reserve a place in the church in advance; the sculpture of “Ezulatko”, or the Infant Jesus, is kept here.

  After the ringing of the bells, Prague plunges into silence! We do not recommend coming here on Catholic Christmas. Since December 24, many companies have been closed, everything stops working at lunchtime - clubs, museums, restaurants and supermarkets, and around 18:00 city transport operates in standby mode. After this, on the street you can only meet policemen, tourists and taxis who came to Prague for a Christmas fairy tale.

  Life returns to normal on December 27, and with the opening of stores, transport begins to operate. Closer to the New Year, there are more visitors to the city than citizens, because... local residents leaving Prague for Christmas week.

  New Year in Prague

  In the Czech Republic, the New Year is called Sylvester. According to legend, in 314 Pope Sylvester caught a monster who was supposed to destroy the world in 1000. From that moment on, people celebrate the joyful event, city residents and guests take to the streets, shoot fireworks, drink, dance and have fun.

  The core of New Year's Prague is the Orloj Town Hall chimes on Old Town Square. Half an hour before the New Year, the square is filled with people.

  If you don’t like a cheerful crowd, you can watch Orloy on New Year’s Eve from the Milena cafe, located opposite. From "Milena" both dials of the town hall will appear in front of you.

  A few hours after the fireworks explode, sellers of firecrackers sell them at half price, later at a third, and then completely pour out the remains on the square.

  In the Czech Republic, the President of the Republic gives a New Year's speech, but this happens at 13:00 on January 1. The day when Czechs celebrate the renewal of Czech statehood.

  Christmas trees and betlemas in Prague remain until January 6th - the holiday of the Three Kings. Kashpar with a staff, Baltazar with a bag, Melihar with a drum - they paint walls and doors, sprinkle houses with holy water, leave symbols of the gifts of the sorcerer: myrrh, gold, incense, wax and dried flowers. On the feast of Epiphany, Christ grows up and moves onto the lap of St. Virgos.

  Three places you must visit on New Year's Day
  1. Go on a boat excursion along the Vltava at night.
  2. Climb the television tower, where observation booths are located at a height of 93 m.
  3. Go to Charles Bridge - the main decoration of the city. Among the sculptures of the bridge you need to find a statue of John of Nepomuk. There is a belief that if you make a wish and touch the statue, it will come true. There is another way - after making a wish at the statue, silently step aside, place your palm on the cross embedded in the railing of the bridge, stand with your foot on the bronze spot in the pavement and repeat your request to the saint.

  or . We take out insurance for . We rent a car on . You can also buy train and bus tickets. If necessary (for example, to organize a shopping tour), we buy package tours on.

  Winter holidays are one of the most wonderful periods in Prague. At this time, the city is transformed and seems to be filled with magic. Ancient buildings, cathedrals with high spiers, medieval narrow streets, harsh Gothic towers - all this beauty resembles a fairy-tale scenery at any time of the year. But during the Christmas and New Year celebrations, Prague reveals a special side. It seems that a fairy tale has settled on these streets and squares. Haven't decided where to go for the New Year yet? Plan a trip to a fairy tale! In this article we will talk about the features of Prague during the winter holidays and important details, which will help you when planning your trip.

  How to organize a trip to Prague for New Year and Christmas:

  What to do in Prague during the winter holidays:

  Organizing a trip to Prague for New Year and Christmas

  Choose the right travel time

  Of course, travel dates depend on many factors and are often tied to your work schedule, ticket availability, etc. However, if you have a choice, try not to miss the height of the events - the Czech Republic celebrates Christmas on Catholic tradition, December 25. And this particular day is celebrated especially solemnly and brightly. The New Year is no longer so magnificent, but still festive. Decorated Christmas trees, traditional fairs, fireworks and other holiday attributes are still “in place”. But already in the first days of January, Prague returns to a completely everyday atmosphere and to ordinary city life.

  Accordingly, in order to get the maximum impressions, you should come to Prague in the early 20s of December. And if you have a lot of time to relax and you want to contemplate how the city is gradually filled with a fabulous atmosphere and anticipation of a miracle, then even earlier. But if you don’t have the opportunity to get to Prague in December, don’t worry. At the end of December and early January you will still find general fun. And after that, you can take a little break from the crowds of people densely filling the streets. And although there will no longer be lush mass celebrations and riotous fun here in January, Prague will not lose its unique winter charm.

  Book in advance

  This advice is, of course, obvious, but we cannot help but remind you of it. You are not the only one who dreams of visiting Prague for New Year and Christmas. Many tourists from the most different countries wish the same! But Prague, like some other cities, is not rubber! Hotel rooms should be chosen and booked in advance.

  You need to decide in advance what how will you get to the Czech Republic. Winter holidays are a busy time, and it is better to buy tickets as early as possible in order to fly away at reasonable prices. Check

  If you have chosen a restaurant and want to spend Christmas or New Year's Eve there, reserve your table in advance. You'll be able to attend Christmas parties at many establishments - just look out for signs outside restaurants for details.

  A few years ago we would have advised you to also take care of excursion program, book excursions, find Russian-speaking guides in advance…. If you travel with an iPhone, now you don't have to worry about it. After all, there is an excellent alternative to group excursions -. You can learn a lot with it interesting information about Prague, while you can listen to it at a convenient time, interrupting when necessary, and jumping to new topic when it's interesting. You don’t even need to think about what kind of attraction is in front of you - Travelry will determine where you are, show and tell you what is interesting nearby, and why, in fact, these objects are worthy of your attention.

  Weather in Prague in winter

  Although winter in Prague is much milder than in Russia, you will still need warm clothes. On New Year's and during the winter holidays, the temperature averages up to +1 degrees during the day and can drop to -2-4 at night. However, don't forget about high humidity, due to which this temperature is perceived to be several degrees lower. So do not rush to undress, especially if you are walking along or along the embankment of the Vltava River. You can find out more about the features of different seasons in Prague.

  Read also:

  What to do in Prague during the winter holidays

  Where does the holiday live?

  

  Of course, the feeling of celebration is born and lives in our hearts! But you must admit that external attributes are very important for creating a mood and atmosphere. In Prague, this mood literally fills all the central streets of the city, decorated with bright illumination and garlands. In the evenings, the city squares are filled with light and fun - concerts are held, many festively dressed people walk around, singing beautiful Christmas carols. Among them are many Grandfather Frosts, Santa Clauses, Mikulas and Jezhisiks - four images of the same person, the beloved Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker in Russia. I wonder if you can tell them apart?

  Holiday fairs fill the squares with noise, fun and pleasant pre-holiday bustle. Trays with local sweets beckons with the magical aromas of cinnamon, ginger, roasted chestnuts and delicious baked goods. This Christmas “aromatherapy” is complemented by the aromas of mulled wine and traditional fried sausages. Crowds of relaxed, idly (no, perhaps even festively!) tourists wandering around create a feeling of general fun. Some days this feeling is complemented by colorful fireworks(usually they paint the sky over the Charles Bridge or over Wenceslas Square).

  

  The period of Christmas and New Year celebrations is also unique in Prague because it is at this time that you can see such a rare and colorful character as the lamplighter! Dressed in a colorful frock coat and armed with a special long stick, he goes out onto the city streets in the evenings to light a living fire in gas lamps, which today illuminate many streets and squares in the city center. In particular, the streets Celetná, Melantrichova, Karlova, Jilská, Železná, Mostecká, Malostranska. They can be seen on Staromestskaya. Malaya, Hradcanska squares, Old Castle Stairs and other places.

  

  Curious:

  The profession of a lamplighter has existed since the 19th century, when the first gas lamps began to illuminate Prague. But with the advent of electricity, lanterns and, accordingly, lamplighters disappeared from the streets of the city. Imagine the joy of tourists, and the residents of Prague themselves, when in the 2000s the profession of lamplighters was revived, as gas lamps again appeared on the streets. They filled the streets of ancient Prague not only with soft and vibrant light, but also with unique romance!

  Happy tourists who meet a lamplighter can not only watch the action, but also take part in it themselves, lighting a fire in the lantern using a special long pole!

  Let's not forget that Christmas (and the main fun is dedicated to this holiday in Prague) is a Christian holiday. Therefore, during this period it is worth looking into churches in Prague. They host beautiful nativity scenes, and also hold festive masses, where you can hear the ancient organ. However, Prague churches, with their rich history, luxurious interiors and an abundance of works of art, interesting in themselves. We talk about many of them in ours.

  

  Where to celebrate Orthodox Christmas

  If you are traveling to Prague not only for the New Year, but also for the entire period of the Russian winter holidays, you may also catch Orthodox Christmas, which is celebrated on January 7th. In Prague, this day is not a holiday, but this does not mean that you cannot celebrate it. On this day, ceremonial services are held in Orthodox churches, of which there are several in Prague. Here are some of them:

  Church of St. George at the Russian Embassy
  Address: Korunovační 34, Prague 6 - Bubeneč
  Website: http://www.georgi-prague.orthodoxy.ru/

  Temple of the Assumption Holy Mother of God at the Olshansky cemetery
  Address: Olšanske hřbitovy, Prague 3
  Website: http://www.pravoslavie.cz/

  House Church of St. Nicholas in Dejvice
  Address: Rooseveltova 29, Prague 6 - Bubeneč

  Cathedral of Saints Cyril and Methodius
  Address: Resslova 307/9a, 120 00 Prague 2

  It's time for shopping

  Many tourists who come to Prague for Christmas and New Year are not averse to shopping and looking for gifts for themselves and loved ones. When planning shopping in Prague, keep in mind that on Catholic Christmas almost all stores are closed - the life of the entire city, including shopping, switches to holiday mode. Before Christmas, all Czechs attack stores in search of gifts - this is the busiest time for trade. But after the New Year, many stores will delight you with winter sales.

  Here are a few ideas on what unique things you can buy in Prague, and what traditional Czech souvenirs you can get:

  • Bohemian glass (famous Czech crystal).
  • Jewelry with traditional Czech stones - red garnet and green vltavin.
  • Natural Karlovy Vary cosmetics - shampoos, various creams and masks.
  • Traditional Czech drinks - famous beer, Becherovka liqueur.
  • Czech shoes.

  Read also:

  

  If you are traveling to Prague for New Year and Christmas, wander around the Christmas markets that operate during this period in many central squares of the city. There you will find not only many interesting souvenirs, crafts self made, unique Christmas tree decorations, original puppets, but also a special festive atmosphere. Finding such fairs will not be difficult. Walking around the center, you are sure to see rows of brightly decorated stalls. The largest concentration of them will be in the Old Town and Wenceslas Squares. Just keep in mind that some street fairs only run until Christmas (December 25th), while others run until January 1st. Therefore, you should hurry with some purchases. It’s also worth checking out the old Havel Market (it’s open all the time).

  If you want to not just walk and choose gifts, but also listen to interesting stories about these places, download - in it we talk about the amazing and rich history of Old Town Square, Havel Market and many other places in the Old Town.

  But jewelry, crystal, shoes and clothes are worth buying in stores. Great demand for popular items generates a large supply of fakes. But if you buy, for example, wine glasses in a large shopping center or in a reputable store, you will most likely get real Bohemian glass. Before Christmas in Prague you can get very profitable sales - usually they are held in large stores.

  Time for culinary delights

  It seems that during the Christmas and New Year celebrations, Czechs forget about the rules healthy eating and allow themselves to eat even beyond measure. Although we note that Czech restaurants and cafes are already famous for their huge portions! Basically, during this period it is customary to indulge in sweets - on the streets you will find many mini-kitchens where baked goods will be prepared right in front of you. Try the famous waffles, honey gingerbread, nut cookies, vanilla bagels... However, it is best not to look for something specific, but to take what you like. Everything here is delicious, everything perfectly charges you with energy for walking along the winter streets.

  

  One of the traditional Czech dishes for Christmas is carp. The tradition of fattening carp for Christmas has now given rise to another - releasing them into the river. Near the Vltava you can meet people who sell young fish specifically for this purpose. Also festive tables Prague residents are rich in a variety of snacks, traditional sausages and all kinds of baked sweets.

  Street food adds a lot of positivity, but you shouldn’t ignore Prague restaurants and cafes. It’s a special feeling to sit in them in winter, drinking hot “winter” drinks and admiring the lights outside the window, snowflakes flying in the wind, people walking, and not rushing anywhere, just relaxing. Among the mentioned “winter” drinks, Krampampuli punch is popular in Prague.

  

  The traditional Christmas dinner is served on Catholic Christmas Eve, on the evening of December 24th. Usually these are Lenten dishes, because the Nativity Fast ends on Christmas Day itself, that is, on December 25, on Christmas Day itself (in the Catholic tradition), geese and other meat delicacies are already eaten. Those who observe the Orthodox Christmas fast will have a more difficult time, but they will also be able to choose among the many traditional Czech dishes that suit them.