Christmas Eve » 24 December 2010:

Christmas Eve in Prague
Although Christmas Eve, the 24th December, is the most festive day of Christmas in the Czech Republic, the Christmas markets remain open, as do a small number of shops, bars & restaurants. However, nearly all tourist attractions close.

This is a wonderfully peaceful day to explore Prague. With relatively few people, and the squares perhaps dusted with snow or a light frost, the city has an even greater 'olden day' charm.

In the evening many restaurants close, so we strongly advise making a reservation - Christmas restaurants

Czech Christmas Traditions
For a glimpse into a traditional Czech Christmas Eve, one has to naturally look at food and family life.

Czech's spend the afternoon of the 24th December at home with their families, dressing the Christmas tree and preparing food for the evening celebration.

Traditionally on Christmas Eve, Czechs are only allowed to eat sauerkraut soup during the day, in order to see the "golden piglet". This lasts until the evening, when Christmas dinner is served around 6pm.

Carp forms the central ingredient for a traditional Czech Christmas dinner. The fish is purchased live from sellers on the street, then cooked and served with potato salad.

Dinner can be a hectic affair, as parents devise ways to leave the table during the meal in order to place their childrens' presents under the newly dressed tree.

Children believe that presents are brought by Jezisek (little Jesus). As the family move to the Christmas tree after dinner, they are amazed to find Jezisek has visited, leaving presents without anyone noticing.

With a nicely dressed Christmas tree in the corner and the presents open, the evening is spent playing games, watching childrens' stories on the TV and chatting. For adults there is of course a good supply of Czech beers, wines and spirits!

Later in the evening some families attend Christmas midnight mass at the local church.

To book restaurants, sightseeing & entertainment in Prague on Christmas Eve: Prague Christmas Planner