Christmas in the Czech Republic is above all a time for children and families. Every day over the festive season families and friends meet to enjoy the special atmosphere in peace and harmony.
Advent
Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Eve (24. 12.), and is a sure sign that Christmas is on its way. It is a period of lengthy but enjoyable expectation. On each Advent Sunday another candle is lit on the Advent wreathe and left to burn itself out.
Did you know...?
One of the most popular days during Advent is St Nicholas Day (5. 12.). If you head out into the streets of Czech towns and villages in the early evening, you are sure to meet at least one trio consisting of St Nick, an angel and a demon. They give children fruit and sweets if they’ve been good, coal and potatoes if they’ve been bad.
A few tips
On St Nicholas day, take a walk through the streets of Prague – between stops for hot mulled wine you can count the number of St Nicholas’s you meet. When the children go to bed, you can head for a pub or restaurant, but don’t be surprised if an angel or a demon joins you at your table.
Christmas Eve
On Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) you will experience Christmas as the Czechs know it. Throughout the day it is customary to fast (those who make it to the evening will see a golden pig, a bearer of good fortune). At the end of the fast Christmas dinner is served (fish soup and fried carp with potato salad). After dinner the family gather around a festively decorated Christmas tree, under which gifts have appeared. In the Czech lands these are brought by the Baby Jesus.
Did you know...?:
Christmas carp
Christmas carp is one of the symbols of Christmas. In the run-up to Christmas you will encounter huge tubs full of fish in the streets of every Czech town. You can choose the right fish which, of course, you don’t have to eat - in the spirit of Christmas you can release it back into a river or lake.
Fish scales
Put a scale from the Christmas carp into your wallet or purse, and you will always have enough money throughout the coming year.
A few tips
The Bears’ Christmas
On Christmas Eve the popular Bears’ Christmas event takes place in Český Krumlov. Together with your children you can take the bears from the castle moat gifts and sing them Christmas carols.
