Winter in Prague
In winter, Prague is not as crowded with tourists, which fosters a calmer atmosphere. And when the capital is covered in a white blanket, it takes on a special charm and becomes even more mystical. It's as if the whole city falls silent and slows down…
This doesn't mean Prague isn't lively in winter though. Quite the opposite. In these months it offer tourists a unique and fairytale-like experience.
Taste the romance of Prague and experience it in a slightly different light.
What are the top events offered by winter Prague?
1) Prague in winter is known for its gorgeous Christmas markets. For example, the Christmas Market on Old Town Square, the dominant feature of which is an enormous, beautifully decorated and lit tree, is regularly labelled by international media as one of the most beautiful in the world. For the whole duration of the markets, visitors can also enjoy the accompanying cultural programme in the form of live folklore performances, and ethnographic and children's ensembles from around the country and even abroad.
2) The nativity scenes are also popular with tourists in the winter. There are any number of them on display and they all offer the opportunity to explore the rich tradition of Christmas scenes in various styles and materials. For example, the Christmas exhibit at the Charles Bridge Museum (https://www.muzeumkarlovamostu.cz/en) includes, among other things, something unique – the biggest straw nativity scene in the world. The Jindřišská Tower on the other hand offers the chance to see the work of the nativity scene makers from Třešť, where this tradition of folk carvers stretches back to the start of the 19th century. The exhibition at the Bethlehem Chapel establishes a perfect Christmas atmosphere, where visitors will not only see many beautiful nativity scenes, but also all sorts of folk craftspeople at work, such as carvers, lacemakers, tinkers and basketmakers.
3) The Infant Jesus of Prague also enjoys great attention from visitors from around the world in Advent. This forty-seven-centimetre-tall wax statue, which is found in the Church of Our Lady Victorious below Petřín, is for many people a miracle-worker. It is said to have brought many petitioners miraculous and extraordinary answers to their prayers…
4) Prague also offers a wide selection for film enthusiasts in the winter months, specifically in the form of various film festivals. For example, the Festival of Iranian Film (https://iranci.cz/en/women-life-freedom/) focuses on presenting and promoting Iranian filmmaking, while the cultural festival La Película (http://www.lapelicula.cz/index-esp.html) introduces current Spanish cinema. One World (https://www.oneworld.cz ) shows documentary films on human rights and Festival Scandi (https://scandifest.cz/en/) provides a window into Scandinavian culture through audience-favourite films from Demark, Sweden, Finland, Norway and Iceland.
5) Winter is also the ideal time to visit Prague's museums and galleries and thus discover rich cultural history and artworks in all manner of collections. The most highly trafficked include the National Museum, the National Gallery, the Prague City Gallery, the Museum of Applied Arts, the National Museum of Agriculture, the National Technical Museum, Kampa Museum and many more…
6) An exceptional artistic experience is also promised by the concerts of FOK Prague Symphony Orchestra, whose renown and respect is underscored by collaboration with internationally recognised conductors and top soloists. During its existence, the orchestra has performed in most of the countries of Europe, repeatedly in USA and Japan, and also visited South America, Korea, Taiwan and more…
7) Public outdoor ice rinks are a major attraction in the winter. Skating is great fun and an excellent way to enjoy the winter weather in the city. The largest ice surface is always at Letná, thanks to which that site has become a highly sought-after destination for sport-loving Praguers and visitors to the capital. Winter fun can also be had at Ovocný trh, in Folimanka park under the Nusle Bridge and at Na Františku.
8) Over the winter is also certainly an interesting time at Prague Zoo. Many animals don't mind the cooler days and so it possible to observe New Zealand parrots, elephants, wolves or flamingos in their outdoor enclosures. You can also enjoy a visit in the indoor pavilions, most of which are tropical in character. The zoo has a rich accompanying programme as well, for example special Christmas guided feedings and meetings with the animals.
9) An interesting place to visit on cold days is the Štefánik Observatory. You can observe the stars and planets that appear in the sky during the winter season. The observatory also offers a permanent exhibition focused on astronomy, which includes interactive exhibits, optical experiments, historical instruments and a museum of meteorites, where some exhibits can even be touched.
10) The winter season is also the time of Masopust, the traditional folk carnival that starts after Christmas and ends with Lent before Easter. It is associated with various customs and rituals, among them masks and costumes that are worn on processions and celebrations. These also take place in Prague and are full of music, dance and merriment, bringing joy and lively energy into the streets of the big city.