Christmas in the Czech Republic, called Vánoce, is the most beloved, long-awaited and family holiday. In anticipation of Christmas, Prague is transformed and appears in a new light: elegant fir trees are installed in the squares; the streets are decorated with cheerful lights and garlands; Christmas markets open; stores and shopping centers announce pre-holiday sales; the facades of houses sparkle with unique and individual New Year's decorations; Cafes and restaurants put up Christmas party posters and colorful signs, with each establishment offering something different to lure them in and sit them down at a table. Prague and its inhabitants feel the sweet anticipation of Christmas night, immersing themselves in the atmosphere of a magical holiday.

From November 23, bright and cheerful Christmas markets began to open in the central squares of Prague. Christmas Eve fairs are a tradition dating back to the Middle Ages. This is not only an opportunity to buy decorations and all kinds of souvenirs, attributes of Christmas and New Year, it is an atmosphere that you can see, smell and hear. The smells, sights and sounds are difficult to confuse - this is a foretaste of the miracle of Christmas. The aromas of cinnamon, gingerbread, fried sausages and chestnuts, mulled wine, an old Czech delicacy with the cheerful name “trdlo” are in the air here - and all this is accompanied by the sounds of carols and seasoned with a great mood.

Craftsmen and sellers invite visitors to their beautifully decorated tents, which contain everything! Handmade toys, straw dolls, funny puppets, knitted items, intricate Christmas tree decorations, Christmas candles and candlesticks, mistletoe sprigs and Advent wreaths, souvenirs, jewelry and costume jewelry made of Czech garnet, Bohemian crystal dishes, beer cosmetics, gift wine and beer sets.

In addition to treats and souvenirs, Christmas shows are held at the fairs. Every day, in the late afternoon, Czech and foreign groups and children's choirs perform, singing Christmas carols and performing Christmas skits.

On November 28, the Christmas tree brought to Prague from the city of Ceska Lipa lit up with festive lights on the Old Town Square. A colorful light and music show was seen by thousands of gathered residents and guests of the capital of the Czech Republic: the garlands on the beautiful coniferous tree went out and lit up again in a special sequence to the music of Antonin Dvořák “Furiant”.

The tradition of decorating fir trees for Christmas in Prague appeared relatively recently; it took several centuries for this custom to reach the Czech Republic from Germany. The year when the first Christmas tree was erected in Prague is even known: it was brought from Germany in 1812 by the director of the Estates Theater. The tradition took root and was loved, and after 30 years the Prague Newspaper wrote about Christmas trees and Christmas tree markets as a completely common phenomenon.

This year, the lights of the Christmas tree in Prague Castle were lit by the wife of the President of the Czech Republic, Ivana Zemanova, calling on her to remember the most defenseless and those in need of help - children. Under the main Christmas tree of the country, near the walls of St. Vitus Cathedral, there is a special box in the shape of a house for collecting donations in favor of the famous charity organization “SOS Children's Villages”. The SOS Children's Villages movement, which appeared in the first post-war years in Austria, now operates in 134 countries around the world, including the Czech Republic. The program gives foster families the opportunity to fully raise foster children by providing them with special low-cost housing and other support, and also works with dysfunctional families, helping them overcome serious problems that, if escalated, could lead to the removal of a child from their parents.

The tradition of helping needy children during the pre-Christmas days of Advent has existed in the Czech Republic for a long time. The famous writer, journalist and translator Rudolf Tesnoglidek did a lot for this. He was prompted to create the movement to help children “Christmas Trees of the Republic” by an event that occurred on December 22, 1919, when, while walking with friends in the Bilovitsky forest, they found a seven-month-old baby abandoned there, a girl who later received the name Lidushka. This story made such an impression on the writer that on the eve of Christmas 1924 he achieved the installation of a Christmas tree on Freedom Square in Brno, under which a fundraiser was held for the first time to help abandoned children. The very next year, the initiative was picked up by Prague, Olomouc and other Czech cities. The funds raised were enough to open the Dagmar orphanage on the outskirts of Brno 5 years later, on December 8, 1929.

Since then, there has been a tradition in the Czech Republic of collecting donations for children in need right under the branches of city Christmas trees. Therefore, the lights on the Prague Castle Christmas tree symbolize not only the Christmas star, but also the light in everyone’s soul that makes people help children in need.

On November 29, in the Czech Republic, as well as throughout the Catholic world, Advent began - a time of joyful anticipation preceding the feast of the Nativity of Christ. The first day of Advent is defined as the 4th Sunday before Christmas. Czech homes and families have lit the first of four candles on an Advent wreath made of fir branches. Next Sunday the second candle will be lit, on the third Sunday - the third, and on the fourth Sunday, December 20, all 4 candles will be lit on the Advent wreath.

The Advent wreath with four candles is associated with the globe and the four cardinal directions. The circle symbolizes the eternal life that the Resurrection bestows, the greenery is the color of life, and the candles are the light that will illuminate the world at Christmas.

On the same day, Czech children tasted the first treat from the Advent calendar, which consists of 24 days, starting on the first of four Sundays before Christmas and ending on Christmas Eve. According to tradition, an Advent calendar is a beautiful postcard or cardboard house with 24 opening windows, where each cell contains a candy, chocolate, a note with wishes or a small gift.

The most beloved Christmas tradition in the Czech Republic, which appeared many centuries before the decoration of spruce, is the creation of nativity scenes or betlems. This is the story of the birth of Jesus (in Czech the baby "Jezhishek"), made of wood, straw and any other materials. The tradition of creating figurines of “Jerzyszek” himself, his parents Joseph and Mary, a manger, wise men, and shepherds is attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi. He built a manger in a cave in northern Italy, brought a donkey and an ox to it, and organized Mass on Christmas Eve. According to legend, the appearance of the baby Jesus occurred. Everyone was so amazed by what happened that the monks began to spread the tradition throughout Europe.

It was brought to the Czech Republic by the Franciscans, who opened the first theatrical betlem in the Prague Church of St. Clement in 1562. The figures of Jerzyszek, Mary and Joseph were made of life-size straw, and the remaining characters were portrayed by people who acted out various scenes associated with the birth of Jesus Christ. During the Baroque era, liturgical plays were replaced by student plays. Students were then called “žaci” in Czech, and therefore their plays were called “Žakovske.” The students often included too secular scenes in their plays, and for this reason they were eventually expelled from the churches. They began performing their performances in squares and in front of government buildings, and after a while the habit of going from house to house took root. Thus the tradition of carols was born.

The people loved the image of the Holy Family so much that even the decree of 1780 prohibiting the installation of nativity scenes in churches had the opposite effect. The number of nativity scenes increased many times: people began to make them and install them in their homes. Entire settlements appeared where making nativity scenes was a family affair. There was even a narrow specialization among craftsmen: some made figures, others only crowns, others only mangers. Skills were passed on from generation to generation. Nativity scenes were made from different materials: carved from wood, knitted from straw, and even baked from flour.

The Czechs proudly say that the largest betlems, both in size and in the number of figures, are located in their country. The first one, listed in the Guinness Book of Records - “Crisis Lichki”, is located in the museum of Jindrichuv Hradec. The second largest betlem is the most unique wooden and moving exhibit; it is located in the Nativity Museum of the small town of Trebechovice pod Oreb. The Karlštejn City Museum houses the largest collection of betlems from various private collections. Here, in the former priest's house, betlems made of bread, sugar, tin and nutshells are displayed.

Prague before Christmas is what you need to create a festive mood. Here you plunge into a fairy-tale atmosphere, time stops its run and allows you to return a little to childhood.

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There is a good tradition in Prague: on Christmas Eve, free soup for everyone who will come to the Christmas market on Old Town Square. You can try the soup, prepared according to a special recipe with caramel and cognac, from 11 to 13:00.

This year, the organizers expect 3 thousand portions, which will also be distributed on Wenceslas Square. The mayor of Prague, Adriana Krnachova, will be at the distribution. It will take almost 100 kg of vegetables, 70 kg of flour, 50 kg of butter and 45 liters of cream to prepare the soup.

On Christmas Eve, December 24, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. free visit to the botanical garden in Prague, including the Fata Morgana greenhouse (on regular days the ticket costs 100 CZK).

- Prague Zoo will also be open on Christmas Eve, but entry will not be free for all visitors. Gifts will be received only by children under 15 years of age, who will be able to go before the ticket office closes (until 14:00) for just one crown. Most pavilions will be open until 16:00.

On Christmas Day, festivities will continue on Old Town Square. At 16:00 there will be a fabulous performance for the whole family, and at 18:00 you can listen to the bells being played.

It begins in Prague when you can try your hand at a wide variety of sports disciplines without paying a single crown.

From 26 to 31 December Prague Vaclav Havel Airport invites you on excursions on different routes lasting 2 hours. Excursions are paid (170 CZK), and you must register on the official website of the airport at least a day in advance. There you can select the route you are interested in.

In the Public House on Republic Square, in the Smetana Hall, There will be a big concert at which exclusively works by Mozart will be performed.(on the occasion of his 225th birthday). You will be able to hear both well-known and less famous instrumental compositions, as well as arias from the operas “The Marriage of Figaro”, “Don Giovanni” and others.

At the exhibition center Výstaviště Praha Holešovice will be open until February 1st educational exhibition of Lego models. On an area of ​​2 thousand square meters. m will feature hundreds of exhibits that will interest not only children, but also adults. Sights of ancient and modern architecture were assembled from Lego, historical events were restored, robots, musical instruments, etc. were created.

You will be able to see man's first steps on the Moon, the fall of the Berlin Wall, as well as famous scenes from films and fairy tales, for example, the fortress of Erebor from the Hobbit trilogy. Even the Titanic, 3 m high and 11 m long, will be presented at this unique exhibition. The cost of visiting depends on the time, but the most expensive ticket will cost 240 CZK.

A new film by the cult director will premiere in January. Jim Jarmusch"Paterson", and this event will be preceded by retrospective of all his films in cinemas in the Czech Republic. In Prague on December 28, two films by the legend of independent American cinema will be shown - “Endless Vacation” and “Mystery Train”. The screenings will take place at the Kino Aero cinema. On December 31, you can see the pre-premiere screening of “Paterson” there.

Will be open at Vystavišt Holešovice until January 3 free outdoor skating rink. You can come for a ride from 9 to 21:00. There is a skate rental shop and a food stand on site.

In the Czech Center Prague ( Rytiřská 31) December 30 will be the last day of the temporary exhibition Hapestetika, which is held under the motto "Touch please". This means that all exhibits can be touched and stroked to get a real tactile sensation from works of applied art. The exhibition marks the 25th anniversary of professional services for people with visual impairments. Free admission. Opening hours are from 11 to 18:00.

The Czech Republic has officially announced the dates and locations of Christmas markets and other festive events. If your path on New Year's Eve lies in this country, then this is the place for you.

Prague

Trade fairs

The Old Town and Havel Squares in the Old Town, Wenceslas Square and Republic Square, Peace Square and the Holesovice Exhibition Center are the venues for the fair. A must-visit (well, at least a couple) and taste the local cuisine. The ceremonial start and opening of the country's main Christmas tree were planned for November 28 (that is, today) on Old Town Square, but were canceled for security reasons.

Working hours: from November 28, 2015 to January 6, 2016, daily from 10 to 22 hours.

Nativity scenes

The most famous is the Baroque nativity scene, located in the Hradcany area, in the Church of Our Lady of the Angels.

Working hours: from 12/25/2015 to 12/30/2015 daily from 10 to 17 hours, on New Year - until 15 hours.

Vltava fish nativity scene in the Charles Bridge Museum. Its main element is a 200-liter aquarium with live carp, which creates the illusion of the bottom of the Vltava. Against its background is a scene of the birth of the son of God with life-size figures made of linden wood. The figures represent the fauna of Czech ponds and rivers.

Brno

Christmas celebrations in Brno continue until Christmas (then the locals traditionally run home). The main Christmas tree of the city is located on Freedom Square, where you can also find a nativity scene in the workshop of woodcarver Jiří Halouzka and a festive village with stalls, which apparently represent a fair.

The second holiday point is located at the Green Market. In this place, the Christmas tree is decorated in ancient traditions - with hay, candles and nuts.

In addition, festive events also take place in the city’s dungeons. A fair in parts of the Labyrinth under the Green Market that are usually closed to the general public. Gifts are distributed in the Mintsmistrovsky basement on Dominican Square (distributed by St. Nicholas with angels and devils). And another festive point is the Ossuary at St. Jacob, which for the second time opens its doors to visitors for the holidays.

Working hours: from November 28, 2015 to December 23, 2016.

Czech krumlov

Cesky Krumlov, which the Czechs (more precisely, their tourism managers) call the most romantic city in the country, welcomes guests at Christmas with a delicious and beautiful fair (it starts on November 27, 2016), concerts and a nativity scene. Judging by the fact that the exact location is not indicated, it is simply impossible to miss the holiday in this city. Bear Christmas deserves special attention - in this city you can see with your own eyes how the main Catholic holiday of the country is celebrated by those living in the moat of Krumlov Castle.

Working hours: from November 27, 2015 to January 6, 2016.

Olomouc

Olomouc is one of the most beautiful and oldest cities in the Czech Republic, which is usually compared to Prague itself. There are not such crowds of tourists here, but there is still something to see. If you go to the Czech Republic for the holidays, don’t forget to stop by. Here at Christmas they recommend drinking punch from Nuremberg wine, which in the “city of punch” on Mountain Square is made with the most incredible spices and liqueurs in addition. In addition to the fair, there is also a nativity scene and an outdoor skating rink. But before Christmas all the shops close down.

(Náměstí Míru) 11.20.2018 - 12.24.2018, from 10:00 to 19:00.

Christmas markets on the map

• (15.00 €, 4.5 hours)
• (35.00 €, 10 hours)
• (15.00 €, 2 hours)
• (19.00 €, 3 hours)
• (50.00 €, 15 hours)

Opening hours for most fairs: from 10:00 to 22:00, on Sunday – until 20:00. Food and drink stalls are open much longer, usually until midnight.

Guests at (Republiky namesti), near the shopping center, are provided with a warm welcome and a fabulous mood. Handmade toys, ceramic crafts, gingerbread, potato brambles, Czech meat dishes, including the famous boar's knee, and festive concerts will leave December in your memory for a long time.

Guests can appreciate the beauty of the Christmas decorative nativity scene. An interesting entertainment program is offered. Traditional Christmas gingerbread cookies in the shape of a heart will be a souvenir and a sweet treat - another manifestation of the Czech festive flavor. The smell of twisted "" with sugar icing and cinnamon is in the air. Hot wine, grog, honey liqueur, tea, pancakes with different fillings give warmth and good spirits.

In the brightly decorated houses on Peace Square (Námĕstí Míru), visitors can see with their own eyes the production of holiday crafts, choose souvenirs from Bohemian crystal, metal, embroidery, handmade Christmas tree decorations, dolls and puppets in national costumes, hats, gloves, jewelry, aroma candles. Baked ham, barbecued sausages and a glass of hot mulled wine will keep you in a good mood.

The old Prague market is open all year round, but in December it takes on a special charm. Visitors will find a whole scattering of gifts, interesting events, national delicacies and invigorating drinks. Another Czech Christmas tradition deserves mention - huge carp. On Christmas Eve, Czechs try to eat less meat, and fried carp with potatoes becomes the main dish of the table. It is sold at fairs, delighting tourists and local residents. There is no need to talk about the abundance of excellent beer of any variety. More about the market -

If you are going to celebrate Catholic Christmas in Prague, you are very lucky - in the Czech Republic this holiday is celebrated with warmth and at the same time on a grand scale!

Christmas in the Czech Republic and other Western European Catholic countries is celebrated on December 25th. They prepare for it long before the holiday. Spending a few days in Prague, shrouded in Christmas bustle, will be unforgettable. At this time, the city is filled with a special spirit of a bright holiday, extraordinary comfort and magic.

Beautifully decorated live Christmas trees are installed throughout the historical part of the city. The main beauty of Prague - a spruce tree with a height of 23 to 25 meters - is lit on Old Town Square. Many Czechs buy a small live spruce or pine planted in a decorated pot for their homes.

Christmas tree on Old Town Square in Prague

Prague is enveloped in the delicious smells of street food. The aroma of cinnamon baked goods hovers in the Old Town Square, which is pleasant to wash down with a warming . A fascinating walk through the Christmas markets is a great pleasure. Oh, and what’s not there! You will find beautiful Christmas tree decorations, straw figurines, candles, handmade toys, knitted items, and Christmas sweets.

You can walk through winter Prague without fear of freezing. The average air temperature is about +5 degrees. Snow in Prague is quite rare, but if you're lucky, you can see the city covered in a blanket of snow at Christmas. Prague is called the city of a thousand towers, and its snow-covered views from the observation platforms are amazing.

Advent period - anticipation of Christmas in the Czech Republic

Four Sundays before the Nativity of Christ, the Advent period begins, which precedes the holiday. Believers try to adhere to fasting and think about spiritual life. Each church hosts Christmas masses, where the choir and organ sound magically.

There are several interesting and colorful traditions associated with the Advent period. For example, an advent calendar, as well as a fir wreath with four candles, which is a favorite decoration and symbolizes the four Sundays before Christmas.

According to the Advent calendar, children count down the days until their favorite holiday. Traditionally, it looks like a cardboard house in which windows open, and each of them can contain candy, an excerpt from the Holy Scriptures, a note with a wish or a small gift. Parents often make their own calendars from a variety of materials. The calendar has 24 days and ends on Christmas Eve.

Fragrant Christmas sweets - symbols of the Advent period - appear in stores. The most popular delicacies, without which it is difficult to imagine Christmas, are: Christmas adit (large curd cake with raisins, nuts and candied fruits), coconut and ginger cookies, colorful gingerbread cookies and vanilla bagels.

Since December, sales and exhibitions of handmade Bethlehem nativity scenes have been held in the Czech Republic. The nativity scene represents the scene of the Nativity of Christ. Traditionally it is made of wood and the figures are painted. The Bethlehem manger can be seen in every church and in city squares. They are very fascinating to kids. Sometimes straw pens with live sheep and goats are installed in squares, which also delights children.

The chances of receiving a gift in the Czech Republic increase fourfold. They are given by several characters: the well-known Grandfather Frost, as well as Santa Claus, Yozhishek and Mikulas (St. Nicholas).

December 6 is the feast of St. Nicholas (Nicholas the Wonderworker). On the 5th and 6th there are mummers on the streets: Mikulash, an angel, a bishop with a staff and a devil. They walk around the city and ask children about their behavior this year. If it left much to be desired, then the devil can symbolically “threaten” the mischief-maker. Many children willingly sing children's carols to Mikulas and receive treats from him. Devils and angels can be found even on public transport, and for those who wish, these characters can be visited at home.

This is what carp looks like, without which Christmas in the Czech Republic is incomplete

The national tradition of the Czech Republic is cooking. A couple of days before the holiday, live fish is sold in large vats right on the streets of the city. Carp and potato salad are symbols of the Christmas table. Recently, a humane attitude towards carp has become popular and some Czechs are releasing purchased fish back into water bodies.

Christmas Eve is a generous day

December 24 is called Generous. On this day people treat people with sweets, help those in need, and feed animals and birds. At the initiative of the city authorities, everyone is being treated to free fish soup on Old Town Square.

Main square before Christmas in Prague

Festive tents at a fair in Prague

Believers begin a generous day with prayer. At the morning mass, Christmas treats are blessed. Gifts on this day are given by “Ježíšek” (Jezhishek). This is what Czechs affectionately call Jesus Christ. This Christian tradition reminds children and adults about the Lord, who loves every person on earth and is ready to give us any gifts if it is useful for our soul.

It should be noted that until the end of the 19th century, all food on the table of believers was fast, from the first day of the Advent period until Christmas Day, which cannot be said about the modern Czech Republic and other countries.

Housewives prepare a festive dinner in the morning. It is served after sunset. The traditional dish is carp with potato salad. Roasted chestnuts and traditional sweets may also be present on the table. The scales of the Christmas carp represent wealth, so there is a tradition associated with them to put them under a plate or in a wallet. There is a belief that no one should leave the table until dinner is over, so everything needs to be carefully prepared in advance.

Prague on Christmas Eve is especially conducive to fortune telling

Master class: how to carol and tell fortunes correctly

Like other Slavic peoples, the Czechs have preserved the tradition of caroling and fortune telling. They sing carols throughout Advent and on the day before Christmas. To receive a gift, kids learn several carols and sing them in kindergartens, schools, and on stages at Christmas markets. On Christmas Eve they tell fortunes. For example, on a boat made of walnut shells. A small candle is placed in it, lit and placed in a bowl of water. If the boat does not sink, then the fortuneteller will experience happiness and good luck next year. If he swims to the middle, then travel and adventure are expected.

Feast of the Nativity of Christ - December 25

Christmas in the Czech Republic is a favorite holiday. It is customary to meet him in the family circle. On December 25, Prague plunges into a quiet festive atmosphere. The action plan is as follows:

• Already on December 24, museums and shops stop working in the afternoon. The streets of Prague are mostly inhabited by tourists. In the Czech Republic there are three days: December 24, 25, 26;
• At midnight on Christmas Day, the Orloj clock strikes and the bells of Prague churches are heard. During the day, celebratory masses are held to commemorate the birth of Christ. There are always a lot of people at worship services. The period from December 25 to January 1 is called the Octave of Christmas in the Roman Catholic Church. These days there is a special atmosphere in the churches;
• Christmas among the Czechs is inextricably linked with the Christmas mass “Hej mistře!” Czech composer Jakub Jan Ryby. The Mass was written in 1796 and has a bright national flavor and spontaneity. It sounds in Czech, and the music is full of magic. You can hear it during Christmas week in concert halls and in some churches;
• At Christmas, films and fairy tales are broadcast on television for family viewing. The film fairy tale “Three Nuts for Cinderella” is beloved in the Czech Republic. She is also popular in. Czechs also love our Soviet film “Morozko”. In Czech it sounds very funny, especially the ditties;
• Life in Prague returns to its normal rhythm from December 27th. Museums and all shops are returning to active work, and Christmas markets continue to operate.

Come to Prague and feel the magical atmosphere of Christmas! You will definitely need the phrase: Přeji Vám krásné Vánoce! (Wish you a wonderful Christmas!)

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Interesting excursions around Prague and the surrounding area from local residents. Themes of the routes suit every taste: sightseeing, gastronomic, mystical, game quests, photo sessions, etc. All excursions are conducted in Russian.