From the first weekend in December, Czech homes are filled with the Christmas spirit. Decorations are dusted off in the attic or new ones are bought, filling the houses with lights, music and festive motifs. Every Sunday of Advent, a new candle is lit on the wreath, a ritual that culminates on December 24.
The festive atmosphere is also reflected in the kitchen: the smell of vanilla and cinnamon fills the homes, with the first batch of cookies and cakes coming out of the oven. Hot drinks are an essential part of this holiday, such as punch (punč), made with hot water, rum and sugar, and mulled wine (svařák), made with red wine, cinnamon, cloves and lemon.
For children, December 6 is a day long awaited, when St. Nicholas, accompanied by angels and demons, hands out bags with surprises. In the Czech Republic, it is St. Nicholas who visits children instead of Father Christmas or the Three Wise Men, leaving gifts or, for those who have not behaved well, a bag of coal. In the old days, unmarried girls used to pray to St. Barbara by cutting cherry branches on 4 December: if they blossomed before Christmas Eve, marriage was guaranteed for that year.
Christmas Markets
At the end of November, Prague, the city of 100 spires, transforms into a winter wonderland where the magic of Christmas is in every corner. Imagine strolling through the city's most iconic squares, such as Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square or Peace Square, and being enveloped by the aroma of mulled wine and traditional delicacies.
Wooden houses decorated with twinkling lights await you to offer you a wide variety of local crafts, unique gifts and delicious treats. From handmade toys to handmade jewelry, you will find the perfect gift to surprise your loved ones.
Don't miss the chance to experience an authentic Christmas experience! Prague's Christmas markets offer a unique alternative to traditional shopping, where you can enjoy the festive atmosphere and get to know Czech culture.
And that's not all! Brno, the second largest city in the Czech Republic, is also joining in on the Christmas celebrations and will become the European Christmas capital in 2024. On Freedom Square and in other landmarks of the city, you will find Christmas markets with a wide range of local products, activities for the whole family and a festive atmosphere that will make you feel right at home.
The tradition of decorating a Christmas tree in the Czech Republic dates back to the 19th century, when Johann Carl Liebich, director of the Estates Theatre in Prague, introduced a decorated fir tree to a party for the local aristocracy. Since then, the custom has spread across the country, with decorations evolving from shiny papers and exotic fruits to handcrafted figures made of wood, straw and glass, each with a unique regional touch.
Christmas Eve feast and Czech delicacies
Gastronomy is an important part of Christmas in the Czech Republic. On December 24, Czechs often fast or eat light, meatless dishes, following the Lent tradition, in preparation for Christmas Eve dinner. One of the most popular dishes is Kuba, made from barley grains and mushrooms.
Christmas Eve dinner is a special time in every Czech home, with carp as the main dish, accompanied by a potato salad. It is common to buy live carp a few days before and keep it in the bathtub until dinner, a practice that often results in children becoming fond of the fish. As a final touch, carp scales are placed under plates and in purses to attract good fortune and prosperity in the coming year.
The typical dessert is Christmas braid, a preparation loaded with symbolism and made of braided dough with raisins and almonds, representing fundamental elements and values of human beings. After dinner, many families attend the 'Czech Christmas Mass', composed by Jan Jakub Ryba, a musical tradition much appreciated in the Czech Republic.
Christmas carols and games to brighten up Christmas Eve
In addition to religious ceremonies, Czechs love to sing Christmas carols and play traditional games on Christmas Eve. One of the most popular games involves young unmarried girls throwing a shoe towards the door: if the toe points towards the door, they will soon get married, but if not, their search for love will continue.
Another game involves small candles placed in walnut shells, which are left to float until they burn out, with the boat that lasts the longest symbolizing a long life.
The celebrations end with St. Stephen
December 26, St. Stephen's Day, marks the official end of Christmas celebrations in the Czech Republic, with masses in honour of the saint and traditional dishes including goose. In the past, it was customary for children to sing Christmas carols from door to door in villages, a tradition that has diminished over time but is still maintained in some places.
Thus, the Czech Republic keeps its Christmas spirit alive, with traditions and customs that, year after year, invite people to enjoy these holidays with joy and a unique touch that makes them special.
Christmas markets in the Czech Republic:
Prague: The largest and most famous flea market takes place in the Old Town Square, usually from late November to early January. There are also other markets in Wenceslas Square and at Prague Castle. 30 Nov 2024 to 06 Jan 2025.
Brno: The Brno Christmas market is spread across several squares, including Liberty Square and Moravian Square. 22 Nov - 23 Dec 2024.
Pilsen: On Republic Square, the Pilsen flea market offers local specialties and handicrafts. 22 Nov - 23 Dec 2024.
Olomouc: This flea market takes place on the Upper and Lower Squares and is characterised by its historic atmosphere and skating rink. 22 Nov - 23 Dec 2024
Karlovy Vary: With its spa-like atmosphere, the Karlovy Vary flea market is located on the square by the Teplá River. 1 - 31 Dec 2024.
Ceske Budejovice: Every year in the town of České Budějovice, on the náměstí Přemysla Otakara II (the square of Premislita Otakar II) you can find it. Here every day you can enjoy the Christmas atmosphere, listen to carols, taste numerous delicacies and buy gifts. 18 Nov 2024 to 06 Jan 2025.
Source: www.visitczechia.com