As the end of the year approaches, shoppers across Czechia often face uncertainty about when stores are open. While New Year’s Eve remains a regular working day, New Year’s Day is governed by strict legal limits that affect most large retailers. In practical terms, the difference between the two dates is clear. On Wednesday, December 31, 2025, shops are legally allowed to operate without restrictions. Czech law does not impose mandatory closures or shortened hours on New Year’s Eve. However, many retail chains voluntarily reduce their opening times, citing internal policies and employee considerations. Most major supermarkets typically close earlier than usual on the final day of the year. Large chains such as Albert, Kaufland, Globus, Tesco, and MAKRO usually shut their doors around 6 p.m., while Billa, Lidl, and Penny tend to close at approximately 5 p.m. Customers are therefore advised to check individual store schedules in advance, as hours may vary by location. The situation changes completely on Thursday, January 1, 2026. New Year’s Day is a public holiday officially known as the Restoration Day of the Independent Czech State and New Year’s Day. Under Czech law, retail outlets with a sales area exceeding 200 square meters must...
The Czech Republic is shaping up for another strong concert season in 2026, with international stars, major festivals, and arena shows already confirmed. From heavy metal icons to singer-songwriters and pop acts, the calendar suggests a year that will keep both Prague and regional venues busy. One of the most anticipated appearances of the year will take place in Moravia. Marilyn Manson is scheduled to perform at the Masters of Rock festival in Vizovice, held from July 16 to 19, 2026, at the Rudolf Jelínek distillery. The artist will headline the Ronnie James Dio Stage, marking his return to the Czech festival circuit. Manson, the sole permanent member of his band, has released twelve studio albums to date, most recently One Assassination Under God – Chapter 1 in 2024. The Rock for People festival in Hradec Králové will also play a central role in the 2026 season. Running from June 10 to 14, the five-day event will feature Iron Maiden as a headliner on the final day. The British band’s appearance adds further weight to a lineup that traditionally mixes established names with newer acts, alongside late-night programming and themed stages. Another major development is the relocation of Metronome Prague....
Prague will welcome the first day of 2026 with reduced admission to several major cultural and leisure venues, offering residents and visitors an alternative to the city’s former New Year’s fireworks. On Thursday, January 1, nine institutions across the capital will take part in the city-backed initiative known as the New Year’s Gift for residents, making museums, galleries, and popular attractions more accessible on the public holiday. One of the strongest draws is Prague Zoo, which will open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a flat admission fee of 100 CZK for all visitors. The offer applies throughout the day and does not require proof of permanent residence. The zoo’s participation continues a tradition that has made New Year’s Day one of its busiest winter dates. A similar price applies at the Museum of Public Transport in Střešovice, where entry will cost 100 CZK during opening hours from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum, housed in historic tram depots, documents the development of Prague’s public transport network and is a frequent choice for families with children. Nature lovers can head to the Botanical Garden in Troja, which will offer a 50 percent discount on standard admission when tickets...
Prague will once again invite residents to stay active during the holiday period with the 17th edition of Free Sports Week. The event will run from Thursday, December 25 to Wednesday, December 31, 2025, offering free access to dozens of sports facilities across the capital. The initiative is aimed at encouraging people to spend the final days of the year moving rather than sitting at home. Swimming pools, ice rinks, gyms and outdoor sports grounds throughout Prague will open their doors to the public, allowing visitors to try a broad range of activities without paying an entrance fee. A detailed and regularly updated overview of venues, dates and conditions is available at prahasportovni.cz. More than 40 different sports are expected to be available during the week. In Prague 4, the Podolí Swimming Stadium will offer free access to both indoor and outdoor pools, while the HAMR sports complex in Braník will open its football pitches. Baseball and softball activities will be available at Eagles Park, and public skating will take place at the HC Kobra Prague rink. Prague 5 will join with free swimming at the newly renovated SK Motorlet swimming pool. In Prague 6, residents can use beach volleyball...
A late-night helicopter crash on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro has claimed the lives of five people, including two tourists from Czechia, Tanzanian authorities confirmed on Thursday. The aircraft went down shortly before midnight on Wednesday during a rescue operation in the high-altitude zone between Barafu Camp and the summit of Kibo, at more than 4,000 meters above sea level. The rugged terrain and thin air in this section of Africa’s highest mountain are known to complicate both flight operations and emergency responses. According to information reported by international and local media, the victims included two Czech citizens, a Tanzanian mountain guide, a medical doctor, and a pilot from Zimbabwe. All five people on board died at the scene. The helicopter was conducting a medical evacuation when the accident occurred. The Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs later confirmed the deaths. A spokesperson said the Czech embassy in Tanzania is working closely with local officials but declined to release further details. “Unfortunately, we can confirm that two Czech citizens died near Mount Kilimanjaro,” Czech Foreign Ministry spokesman Daniel Drake said. “Our embassy is in contact with the local authorities. Out of respect for the families, no additional information will be provided...
Most shops across Czechia will close on December 25 under national retail regulations. The law affects all large stores and many online services, leaving only a limited number of places where people can still buy food, essentials, or last-minute items. While the law targets large retail chains, several exceptions remain in place. Smaller shops are allowed to open without restrictions, and the decision is left to individual owners. In practice, many convenience stores stay open, while others choose to close for the holiday. Retail outlets located at transport hubs are also exempt. Shops at railway stations and airports can operate, although those inside metro stations are not covered by the exception. Gas stations are permitted to stay open as well, including those selling food and groceries. Some major chains operate under these exemptions Selected Tesco stores at petrol stations will open on December 25, typically between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., according to company representatives. At Prague’s main railway station, Albert will close completely for both December 25 and 26, while Billa will remain open until 5 p.m. The same applies to Billa at Brno’s main station. At Václav Havel Airport in Prague, Billa will operate until 9 p.m. Pharmacies...
Plans for new football stadiums are gathering pace across the Czech Republic, with several clubs either preparing full rebuilds or outlining long-term construction projects. Brno One of the most ambitious projects is taking shape in Brno. After years of uncertainty, Zbrojovka Brno’s prospects changed following the arrival of new owner Vojtěch Kačina. The club is now openly working toward a new stadium with a capacity of roughly 25,000 to 30,000 seats. The preferred location is the area behind Lužánky, where the club played its home matches until 2001. In November, Brno city councillors approved the basic terms for a concession process linked to the stadium’s construction. Under the proposed model, a private investor would purchase the required land, finance the build, and operate the venue. The city plans to launch the concession procedure in August 2026, a timeline that has drawn criticism from civic groups advocating a faster return to the historic site. Ostrava In Ostrava, attention has turned to the planned New Bazaly stadium. Early designs were unveiled in November, sparking interest among supporters who have long relied on the municipal stadium in Vítkovice. The proposed arena would hold around 20,000 spectators and is expected to cost...
The Czech government is preparing to end its military support for Ukraine. Tomio Okamura, chairman of the SPD party and speaker of parliament, announced after a nearly three-hour meeting that the Ministry of Defense has been instructed to prepare documentation to terminate the Czech Republic’s participation in the ammunition supply program for Ukraine. Okamura emphasized that the Czech state budget will no longer finance Ukraine’s military efforts. The prepared documents are scheduled for discussion first at a coalition council meeting and then at the cabinet level. The SPD leader also reported that Defense Minister Jaromír Zuna, representing SPD in the government, declined an invitation to visit Ukraine, reversing his earlier announcement to journalists regarding such a trip. Budget allocations for purchasing ammunition and weapons for Ukraine will cease, Okamura confirmed. He stressed that any remaining support should aim to expedite the conflict’s resolution and contribute to a peaceful settlement, which, in his view, should proceed through negotiations with Russia based on a plan associated with former US President Donald Trump. The Czech government has not yet reached a decision regarding the acquisition of American F-35 fighter jets. Okamura reiterated SPD’s stance that the purchase is unsuitable and prohibitively expensive. He...
The calendar for 2026 is shaping up to be unusually kind to workers in Czechia. With several public holidays falling on Mondays and Fridays, the year offers repeated chances to enjoy long weekends without using much vacation time. Easter, May, late summer, and the year-end holidays all align in ways that make planning time off easier than usual. The year opens with a public holiday on Thursday, January 1, which marks both New Year’s Day and the Day of the Restoration of the Independent Czech State. Easter once again brings an extended break. In 2026, Good Friday falls on April 3 and Easter Monday on April 6, creating a four-day weekend from Friday to Monday. As in recent years, Easter remains one of the most reliable opportunities for a longer spring break without taking extra leave. May is particularly generous. Both Labor Day on May 1 and Victory Day on May 8 fall on Fridays, resulting in two separate three-day weekends in a single month. For many employees, May will be the most convenient period of the year for short trips or rest without touching their annual leave balance. The summer holidays are less evenly spread. The Day of Saints...
Deciding where to celebrate New Year’s Eve? Prague offers a variety of spots, from lively themed parties to cozy restaurants, perfect for enjoying fireworks, food, and festive drinks. Whether you’re looking for a high-energy celebration or an intimate evening with great food, Prague has an option to suit every taste. 1. W Hotel New Year’s Eve at W Prague usually means a chic, modern celebration with multi-course dining, champagne, and DJ-led parties in the hotel’s signature stylish setting. The New Year’s Eve dinner features a three-course sharing menu served with oysters and a glass of bubbles to start the night. Price: 7,500 CZK per person* Time: 6 PM – 11 PM 2. Night Jungle NYE Party – Falkensteiner Hotel Step into a lush, jungle-themed setting at the Falkensteiner Hotel Prague and celebrate New Year’s Eve in style. Hosted by The Monkey Bar, guests can look forward to: Duo DJs, Laser Shows, Masquerade, live cooking stations, rich buffet, bottomless drinks, cocktails, bubbles, and more. The main party runs from 7 PM to 12 AM, followed by an afterparty from 12 AM to 3 AM. 3. Agave Restaurant Located at Masná 620/2 Staré Město, Avage Restaurant brings the vibrant flavors...
A short video filmed in central Prague late on Sunday night has led to a criminal investigation and could send a young woman to prison. Police say a 26-year-old damaged a police car on Vodičkova Street, just outside the Lucerna arcade, after climbing onto the vehicle and posing for a camera held by her friend. The incident happened between 3 and 4 a.m. According to police, the woman climbed onto the hood of the parked car and began performing explicit poses while her companion filmed and encouraged her. The footage was later shared online and quickly drew attention. In the recording, the woman can be seen kneeling on the hood, turning toward the camera, and later lying across the vehicle. As the situation escalates, a police officer approaches and warns her to get off the car. By that point, however, damage had already been done. Police spokesman Jan Daněk said the woman caused damage estimated at around 20,000 crowns. Officers later confirmed that she is already known to police and has several previous entries in the criminal register. Because of her prior record, the case is being treated as damage to another person’s property, a criminal offense under Czech law....
As Christmas approaches, charitable organisations in Prague are once again preparing special events for people living on the streets. Several organisations are stepping in to offer food, shelter, and a sense of shared celebration. One of the organisations involved is Naděje, which plans to distribute meals at selected locations on December 24. According to the organisation’s director, Aleš Strnad, Christmas is often marked by loneliness for people experiencing homelessness. “For most people, these days mean meeting with family. That is usually not the case for homeless people,” he says. Naděje aims to ease that burden by creating a modest Christmas atmosphere through shared meals and contact with staff and volunteers. The organisation also prepares a traditional Christmas Eve dinner for its clients. The menu includes soup, potato salad, and schnitzel, followed by Christmas cookies. Some of the sweets are donated, while others are baked by clients themselves within Naděje’s residential services. For Strnad, the gesture is simple but important: helping people feel that the holidays have not passed them by entirely. Another major Christmas event is organised by the Archdiocese of Prague, which hosts around 200 people facing difficult life situations on Christmas Eve each year. Guests are served duck...
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