On Friday and Saturday, December 13 and 14, Troja Castle in Prague will host a mini-festival of light and video mapping, presented by SIGNAL and the Prague Gallery.

The event will feature a special video mapping projected onto the castle’s façade, alongside an exhibition of light installations in the underground gallery. Best of all, admission is free, and no prior reservation is required—just come and enjoy.

Honoring St. Lucia’s Day

This event coincides with St. Lucia’s Day, celebrated on December 13. St. Lucia, a Christian martyr from Syracuse, is honored as the patron saint of the blind and those suffering from eye ailments. The mini-festival offers a modern tribute to her legacy with illuminating art and cultural activities.

A workshop on crafting Christmas lanterns will also be available, making the festival a perfect blend of creativity and tradition. For more details on the workshop, visit the official event website.

St. Lucia’s Day is steeped in fascinating folklore. According to one Swedish legend, a fisherman’s wife named Lúsia braved a raging storm to guide her husband home.

With her lantern held high, she climbed a rocky cliff to light the path. Angered by her defiance, malicious spirits extinguished the beacon and took her life. Yet, even in death, her spirit stood firm, illuminating the shore with her lantern’s glow.

This story, like many surrounding St. Lucia, emphasizes themes of light triumphing over darkness—a perfect match for the festival’s luminous displays.

Festival Details

• Dates: December 13–14
• Time: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
• Location: Troja Castle, U Trojského zámku 4/1, Prague 7

 

Milk or heavy cream, eggs, sugar, spices, and something slightly stronger. The combination of ingredients is well-known all over the world.

In the Czech Republic, it’s called vaječný likér, vaječný koňak, ajrkoňak, vaječňák. The rest of the world calls it eggnog, rompope, or koquito.

Eggnog has a rich tradition even in the Czech Republic. Due to the simplicity of preparation and limited possibilities during the communist era, people prepared eggnog at home for many generations.

After 1989, the commercial product range has expanded but eggnog is a beverage that is still created according to inherited family recipes. Various recipes claim they’re ‘the best’, ‘the most simple’, or ‘100% homemade’.

Make your own Eggnog (Vaječný koňak)

• Beat the egg yolks in a large bowl with the vanilla and caster sugar until it forms a light and fluffy foam.
• Heat and stir the milk, cream, vanilla bean seeds, and a pinch of salt in a heavy-bottomed saucepan – do not boil, bring just below boiling point (stir constantly to prevent milk skin). You can also put the rest of the vanilla pod in the pot to heat along with the cream mixture (after the mixture can be strained).
• When the cream mixture almost boils, remove the pot from the stove and place it next to the bowl with the egg yolk foam. Very carefully, gradually add a ladleful of the hot cream mixture to the egg yolks, whisking on low speed using a hand mixer – this is all about even temperatures, if you pour the hot mixture too quickly and carelessly into the whisked yolks, the whole mixture will curdle (and you don’t want that!). Gradually add more and more liquid and keep whisking until half of the mixture has been put into the egg yolk foam. Pour this egg yolk mixture back in with the rest of the liquid and heat to about 80°C over low heat (and stir) – a thermometer is definitely useful, bHow to Make Vaječný Koňak at Homeut if you haven’t got one, you can do without it. The mixture must not boil but must thicken slightly.
• Now strain the cooked mixture into another container/pot and allow to cool completely, stirring occasionally.
• Add the rum to the cooled mixture, stir, and fill a pre-prepared (sterile) tightly capped glass bottle. Store in a dark, cool place (refrigerator is best). Thanks to the alcohol, the cognac will keep for a couple of weeks in the fridge.

 

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Immerse yourself in Czech culture like never before with an exciting new lineup of films brought to you by the “Some Like It Czech” project.

Hosted under the iconic roof of Prague’s Aero cinema, this beloved project offers English-friendly screenings of Czech classic movies for local expats to bridge cultural gaps and provide an entertaining window into Czech traditions, humor, and history. Learn more.

Following three successful screenings that attracted over 750 attendees, the project continues its fourth season with more iconic Czech films, including a cherished Christmas classic, a Czechoslovak New Wave gem by Miloš Forman, and a quirky early-2000s comedy.

The next screening is on December 11th, featuring the beloved Christmas classic “Three Wishes for Cinderella” (watch the trailer), a holiday favorite across Central Europe and Scandinavia. Although filmed in the grey, socialist 70s, this magical fairytale puts a fresh twist on the classic Cinderella story.

As always, the film will be shown with English subtitles and an informative introduction. To get you in the holiday spirit, the organizers will also be offering a tasting of cukroví, traditional Czech Christmas cookies! Tickets are already on sale. 

The new year with “Some Like It Czech” kicks off on a high note on the 22nd of January with “Loves of a Blonde“, a bittersweet gem by the world-famous Academy Award-winning director Miloš Forman. This Czech New Wave classic follows the young and naïve Andula as she navigates love and heartbreak in a small-town factory. The film is a poignant yet humorous exploration of life’s complexities that made Forman an international name, earning him his first Academy Award nomination in 1967.  

For the 19th of February, the “Some Like It Czech” team has lined up the wildly entertaining “One Hand Can’t Clap“. Directed by David Ondříček, this early-2000s comedy is a chaotic, unpredictable ride featuring Jiří Macháček, the magnetic star of Czech cinema.

Packed with quirky characters, absurd situations, and razor-sharp humor, the film follows in the footsteps of Ondříček’s earlier hit Loners, which sold out at a Some Like It Czech screening two years ago  and remains one of the project’s standout successes.

Got a favorite? Save the dates! Tickets for Three Wishes for Cinderella are already on sale, and presale for other upcoming screenings will be announced on the project’s Instagram (@some_like_it_czech) or Facebook (@Somelikeitczech).

Learn Czech culture the movie way with “Some Like It Czech” and impress your Czech friends with fun facts on iconic Czech filmmakers and famous movie quotes.   

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Whether you want to dance until dawn or grab a late-night sweet treat, you’re best bet is to visit some of the places that are famously known as ‘cities that never sleep’.

But which European destinations truly embody the 24-hour lifestyle?

The sleep experts (who also know a thing or two about staying awake) at MattressNextDay have identified Europe’s best 24-hour cities by analyzing factors such as the number of late-night events, dance clubs, party search volume, public transport availability and the quality of facilities like hotels and restaurants.

Here are the top five destinations in Europe for staying up late and partying the night away.

Ibiza is Europe’s best 24-hour city that never sleeps

Taking the top spot in MattressNextDay’s ranking is the world-renowned party capital, Ibiza. Known for its hedonistic beach parties and legendary clubs like Ushuaia and Pacha, it’s no surprise that the island sees 823,500 annual searches for parties.

With 56 live events currently listed and some of the world’s best DJs performing regularly, it’s a haven for partygoers. The island also offers plenty of culinary delights, featuring Mediterranean specialties like paella and fresh seafood.

Prague secures second place in the ranking, earning its title as ‘Europe’s thumping new heart for nightlife’.

MattressNextDay wrote:

“The city boasts 119 live events, 62 dance clubs and a mix of unique venues such as Duplex, a multi-floor super club, and Swim, a former swimming pool turned nightclub. Its affordability, with public transport tickets costing just €1.18, ensures visitors can save on travel and splurge on food and drinks instead.”

Belgrade, in third place, is a lesser-known nightlife gem. It is especially famous for its splavs—floating river clubs that come alive in the summer. During colder months, though, the city still delivers with 21 clubs. Its affordability and a high percentage of highly rated restaurants make it a must-visit destination for food and nightlife enthusiasts alike.

Madrid and Budapest make the top 5 24-hour cities in Europe

Rounding out the top five are Madrid and Budapest. Madrid’s nightlife is as diverse as it is lively, with 247 late-night events and 81 dance clubs. From tapas bars to energetic discos, the Spanish capital offers something for everyone. Here, the night often doesn’t get started till after midnight and sunrise sightings are guaranteed.

Prague Airport has found a unique way to welcome the holiday season, delighting passengers with a creative Christmas surprise.

The airport arranged 32 pieces of special equipment on its runway, forming the shape of a giant Christmas tree.

To add to the festive spirit, the vehicles’ headlights and turn signals acted as shimmering lights, giving the display a magical touch.

The airport’s communication and marketing director, Eva Krejčí, shared the inspiration behind the project.

“Our video sends Christmas greetings, wishes everyone the best for 2025, and encourages people to look at life from a new perspective. The holiday season is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and spend cherished moments with loved ones,” she said.

She further explained the campaign’s message, summarized by the slogan “Don’t stick to the ground!” — a phrase that encourages dreaming big and setting lofty goals.

Krejčí described the project’s production as a challenging endeavor requiring collaboration across various airport departments. The result, however, was a one-of-a-kind video that merges the essence of the airport with the magic of Christmas.

 

In addition to the video, the airport has launched a dedicated website as part of its campaign. Visitors can use the platform to create and send personalized animated postcards to friends and family with just a few clicks, spreading holiday cheer far and wide.

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An outdoor ice rink has opened on the northern terrace of the Prague Congress Centre in Vyšehrad, offering breathtaking city skyline views.

The rink will be open daily until February 28, 2025, and measures 30 by 15 meters.

“We are delighted to open an ice rink right next to our center for the first time this year,” said Roman Sovják, Sales and Marketing Director of the Prague Congress Centre.

“This initiative not only transforms the northern terrace into a hub for active leisure but also aligns with our long-term efforts to revitalize the Vyšehrad area and foster community life in Prague 4.”

The ice rink is managed by Status Fresh, s.r.o., known for running popular skating venues in Prague 6 and Prague 3.

“Building a rink in such a unique location is a dream come true,” said David Limport, Executive Director of Status Fresh. “Skating here, with a view like no other, is truly a one-of-a-kind experience.”

Visitors can enjoy more than just skating. The rink includes a heated tent, refreshments, and skate rentals.

Special aids like penguins and bears are available to help children learn to skate. A skate sharpening service is also offered, with schedules available on the rink’s official website.

The venue offers a variety of refreshments, ranging from classics like hot dogs and beer to mulled wine, punch, and donuts.

Admission and Practical Information

• Admission Fees:
  Adults: 150 CZK
  Children: 100 CZK
  Schools and kindergartens: Free from 9:00 to 13:00 (with prior online reservation).
• Opening Hours:
  Weekdays: 13:00–21:00
  Weekends: 9:00–21:00

The ice rink is conveniently located near the Vyšehrad metro station, making it easily accessible. Details about reservations and services can be found on the official website.

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As the year-end approaches, shops across the Czech Republic are stocking up on fireworks.

Yet, many sellers report that public interest in pyrotechnics has declined in recent years. A proposed amendment to the law could bring even stricter regulations to the sale of fireworks.

Approved by the government, the amendment is now pending review in the Chamber of Deputies.

Despite current regulations, illegal sales remain a problem. Authorities have discovered unauthorized explosives, particularly in markets.

For instance, in Prague’s SAPA market, inspectors uncovered 1,080 kilograms of explosive substances, far exceeding the legal limit of 80 kilograms. “The inspection revealed serious violations,” said František Kotrba, spokesperson for the Czech Trade Inspection Authority.

Stricter Rules for High-Risk Fireworks

The proposed amendment seeks to ban the sale of category F3 fireworks without a license. This means that New Year’s Eve 2024 could be the last opportunity for individuals to purchase F3 products freely. In the future, market stalls and street vendors will be restricted to selling only sparklers or the lowest-risk category, F1.

“The amendment aims to restrict pyrotechnics sales to brick-and-mortar stores, except for category F1 items. High-risk fireworks in categories F3 and F4 will require a license,” explained Lukáš Trsek from the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

The proposed law would not only ban the sale of category F3 fireworks without a license but also impose higher fines for violations. However, its approval remains uncertain, especially with upcoming elections.

Retail Chains Taking Action

Major retail chains in Czechia typically sell fireworks ahead of New Year’s Eve, often offering promotional deals. However, some have begun stepping back. In 2022, the Billa chain became the first to stop selling firecrackers. This year, Tesco followed suit, citing safety concerns.

High-risk fireworks, especially from categories F3 and F4, have been linked to serious injuries due to improper handling. “In some cases, pyrotechnics have exploded unexpectedly, which is why such items should never be held by hand,” warned Pavel Studený of the Czech Police Pyrotechnic Service.

 

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Prague Zoo is bringing the magic of winter to life with its debut exhibition of Garden of Lights, featuring 110 lit sculptures representing 33 different animal species.

Along with a variety of glowing decorations and interactive installations, the Garden of Lights offers a unique opportunity for guests to explore the zoo after dark in a whole new way.

This light experience is open daily until February 16, 2025.

The exhibit’s description invites visitors to: “Get to know beautiful animals that come to life through thousands of lights. Stand beneath the towering height of an elephant, lock eyes with a massive rhinoceros, or even high-five a friendly penguin! Capture every moment of this exotic adventure at dedicated photo points.”

Dates and Admission

The Garden of Lights is open every day except for December 24 and 31. Entry costs for Monday through Thursday are set at 280 CZK for adults and 240 CZK for children under 12. Weekend tickets have slightly higher prices.

Tickets for Garden of Lights are separate from general zoo admission and do not grant access to the regular zoo exhibits.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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For parents concerned about their teenagers traveling alone, Uber has launched a new service tailored specifically for young passengers.

The “Uber for Teens” feature allows parents to monitor their child’s journey in real time, ensuring enhanced safety and peace of mind.

The service, which has already been successfully implemented in other countries, is now available in Prague and Brno, with plans to expand to additional Czech cities in the coming weeks.

Safety Features Designed for Teens and Parents

Teen riders, aged 13 to 17, can now travel independently while benefiting from multiple safety measures built directly into the Uber app. Parents can add their teenager to their family profile and create a dedicated account.

One of the key safety elements is the use of a PIN code. Before a ride begins, the teen must share the code with the driver, ensuring they enter the correct vehicle. This system minimizes the risk of boarding the wrong car.

“We want to ensure that teenagers are safe,” said Štěpán Šindelář, Uber’s operations manager for the Czech Republic. He explained that parents can order rides for their children directly through the app, which then enables live trip tracking, complete with driver, vehicle, and route details.

During the ride, parents can monitor the car’s location in real-time. Uber also ensures that only highly rated drivers can accept rides for teenagers. Additionally, parents and teens can contact the driver at any time through Uber’s app or use the company’s 24/7 safety line for assistance.

Advanced Safety Monitoring

Uber employs advanced technology, including GPS tracking and RideCheck sensors, to monitor rides for irregularities. For instance, if a car deviates from the planned route, stops unexpectedly, or ends the ride prematurely, Uber automatically sends notifications to both the teen and the driver to confirm their safety.

Parental Notifications in Real Time

From school drop-offs to after-school activities or visits to friends, parents will receive real-time notifications throughout the journey. These alerts ensure that parents stay informed and reassured about their child’s whereabouts.

Uber for Teens has been developed in collaboration with safety organizations such as Safe Kids Worldwide and ParentZone. According to Vicki Shotbolt, founder of ParentZone, “We worked with hundreds of parents and teenagers across Europe to design a service that prioritizes safe travel from pick-up to drop-off.”

 

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Massive snowfall is set to blanket the Czech Republic, with the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (CHMI) issuing a severe weather warning.

The alert applies to a significant portion of the country, including the regions of Liberec, Pardubice, Hradec Králové, and Olomouc, as well as parts of Moravia and northern Bohemia.

The storm is expected to cause disruptions in transportation, energy supplies, and daily activities.

Up to 25 cm of Snow in Just 12 Hours

According to CHMI, 10 to 25 centimeters of snow could accumulate within 12 hours, particularly in mountainous areas. The warning is valid from 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, December 6, 2024.

Meteorologists highlight the possibility of widespread road closures, reduced visibility, and major challenges for infrastructure and essential services.

Critical Areas: Moravia and Northern Bohemia

The most severe impacts are forecasted for Moravia and northern Bohemia, while additional warnings for heavy snowfall have been issued for the Moravian-Silesian, Zlín, South Moravian, and Vysočina regions. This alert is effective from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the same day.

CHMI experts caution: “Roads may become impassable, and visibility will likely be reduced.” Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel and adjust their driving behavior if traveling is unavoidable. “It is recommended to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. Drivers should monitor traffic updates and anticipate delays,” they added.

In addition to snowfall, meteorologists warn about ice formation, particularly in South Bohemia, the Šumava Mountains, and border areas near the Pilsen and Ústí nad Labem regions. This could pose serious risks for pedestrians and drivers alike.

“Older individuals or those with limited mobility should avoid going outside during these conditions,” CHMI advised.

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Whether it’s for Christmas, a birthday, Valentine’s Day, or a wedding, finding the perfect gift is an art.

These gifts from Czechia are sure to make a lasting impression. And as a bonus, we have also included tips on the best places where Czech design and fashion come together, making your gift-shopping experience even more memorable.

Bohéma: Fashion with a Czech Footprint

The Bohéma brand merges fashion with Czech history and culture, Czech icons, symbols, and personalities (including President Václav Havel, filmmaker Miloš Forman, and writer Franz Kafka). The brand produces stylish T-shirts, sweatshirts, books, and other accessories. A notable feature is their commitment to donating part of the proceeds to charitable and cultural projects.

Where to buy: You can buy the products in the shop in the heart of Prague (Palackého 7) or shop online at the e-shop.

Smetana Q and Hrzánská Arcade, a Hut for Czech Design

Two must-visit locations in Prague where Czech design and Czech fashion, jewellery, and cosmetic brands are concentrated made it into our selection of places to go not only for Christmas shopping. The first is SmetanaQ, a unique venue combining a gallery, shop, and café in a historic building on the Vltava river waterfront, just around the corner from the Slávie café or the National Theatre.

The other option is the newly renovated Hrzánská arcade in the historical centre of Prague near Old Town Square. You can shop there for designer leather accessories, jewellery, Czech fashion, or luxury cosmetics. Enjoy a coffee as you soak in the charming atmosphere of central Prague.

Where to buy: At the Deelive Design Store on the ground floor of SmetanaQ. The Hrzánská Arcade is a short walk from the Prague Astronomical Clock or the cubist café in the House of the Black Mother of God, with one entrance from Celetná Street 12 and another from Kamzíková Street 8.

The Silky Gang

Czech brand Silky Gang specializes in the production of luxury fashion accessories—scarves, handbags, jewellery, and gloves. They use organic quality silk twill and cashmere for their scarf collections, while gloves and handbags are made from fine leather—lambskin. Various Czech illustrators are involved in the scarf patterns. The Silky Gang scarf collections are typically inspired by well-known stories, where the illustration on the silk square is conceived as a work of art. The scarves come with numbered certificates as they are limited art editions.

Where to buy: At the showroom in Prague, at 1 Navrátilova Street, or online via the e-shop.

Czech Caviar: The Elixir of Youth

The cosmetics brand Czech Caviar is exceptional in its ecological approach—the raw materials come from so-called “sturgeon-friendly” caviar, which means that the roe is obtained without killing the sturgeon. This technology was developed in cooperation with the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, which guarantees the top quality of the nutrient-rich extracts.

Where to buy: Find their products online in the e-shop and in stores in Prague (Myslbek Shopping Gallery).

Manufaktura: Czech-Inspired Natural Cosmetics

With over 30 years of tradition, Manufaktura offers natural cosmetics rooted in Czech heritage that focuses on local ingredients and Czech traditions. Their iconic products include beer cosmetics, a range of rose and spring salts, and herbal elixirs from Czech and Slovak meadows. Manufaktura proudly carries the international Leaping Bunny certificate for non-animal testing and is regularly ranked among the top brands for its quality.

Where to buy: Their stores are conveniently located throughout Czechia, including Prague, Český Krumlov, Brno, Zlín, Olomouc, or Karlovy Vary. You can also purchase products via the e-shop.

Smyssly: Luxury Cosmetics

Smyssly epitomizes premium Czech luxury cosmetics, combining natural ingredients with sleek, minimalist design. Their highly praised pearl serum is a must-have for skincare enthusiasts. Each product reflects a commitment to sustainability and elegance.

Where to buy: You can buy online or in many shops with Czech design and fashion. Smyssly also has a brick-and-mortar store in Hrzánská Arcade, and you can also buy their products at Václav Havel Airport.

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