Prague events » December 2013:

Antonín Dvorák's Symphony No. 9, Op. 95, “From the New World” is the Czech composer's best known symphony. Dvorák composed it shortly after arriving in New York in 1982, where he was invited to become the Director of the National Conservatory of Music. This small exhibition at the Antonín Dvorák Museum features music scores, pictures and autographs, and reveals the connection between the symphony and ancient American-Indian legends.

The Prague Christmas Markets take place at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, where beautifully decorated wooden huts display handcrafted goods and all manner of food and drink. The huts stock wooden toys, intricate glass-ware, candles, jewellery, embroidery, puppets and brightly coloured Christmas decorations. And there hot sausages, large hams on spits and baked chestnuts to try, along with delicious local pastries, plus Czech beer and hot wine. Christmas trees are lit at both squares and school children perform Czech Christmas carols. Markets open daily.

Devils, St. Nicholas's and Angels roam the city centre in Prague, much to the awe of young Czech children, who are expected to recite a sing a song or recite a poem for them. Children believe their visit will determine whether they deserve their Christmas gifts or not. Visitors can experience this old Czech tradition best amongst the Christmas markets of the Old Town Square.

An open-air ice rink enhances the festive atmosphere at Ovocny trh, a square at the rear of the Estates Theatre in the Old Town. Take a break from sightseeing and the markets, to enjoy outdoor skating in a historic atmosphere.

English pop singer, composer and pianist Elton John is in concert amidst the pre-Christmas atmosphere in Prague. He is best known for hits such as Rocket Man and Candle in the Wind.

Public holiday. The most festive day of Christmas in the Czech Republic, and a wonderfully peaceful day in Prague. The Christmas markets are open, but only selected shops , bars and restaurants. Sightseeing tours and river cruises operate until around lunchtime. There are festive concerts throughout the day.

Public holiday. Although Christmas Day is naturally an important day in the Czech calendar, Prague welcomes visitors with open arms. The Christmas markets and many shops are open, tourist attractions and sightseeing tours operate as normal, and there is plenty of festive entertainment, including classical concerts and fine restaurants to choose from.

Public holiday. The Christmas markets and shops are open, tourist attractions and sightseeing tours operate as normal, and there is plenty of festive entertainment, including classical concerts and fine restaurants to choose from.

New Year's Eve in Prague has something for everyone, from the wild and carefree to the quiet and romantic. For some revellers the ideal New Year's Eve is a pub crawl. For others it is a quiet, romantic meal. And for some it is an "all-inclusive" night of fine food, drinks and dancing. Most venues hold special events - choose between riverside restaurants, candlelit cellars, parties in bars and clubs, and the Jazz Cruise and Party Boat.

Prague is famous for opera, ballet and classical concerts. Performances take place in three magnificent opera houses, in stunning concert halls and in an array of beautiful historic churches. Tickets are reasonably priced, so shows often sell out. Advance reservations are therefore highly recommended.

Visit the Prague theatre for a typically Czech experience.
Black light theatre is a highly charged mix of dynamic dance, mime, singers, film, and state-of-the-art visual and sound effects.
Marionette theatre features giant puppets dressed in 18th century costumes. Shows are highly visual, so suitable for adults and children of all ages and nationalities. And as with opera and concerts, advance reservations are highly recommended.