— Starting today, Prague Zoo animals will begin receiving unsold Christmas trees, which will serve as both food and entertainment. The pine needles and trees will be donated to elephants, giraffes, polar bears, gorillas, and other zoo inhabitants. Demonstration feedings with the trees will take place today, tomorrow, and the day after. As a reminder, the zoo offers a significant discount on admission until January 4—it costs only 100 crowns, and this applies to both local residents and tourists.

— Last year, the Czech Republic set a historic record for automobile production. A total of almost 1.5 million passenger cars rolled off the assembly lines. Experts note that production has essentially reached its limit at current capacity, and further growth is likely to be minimal.

— The Lidl supermarket chain is again changing the location of its outlet store, this time in Ostrava. The new outlet will open in the spring of 2026 in the Outlet Arena Moravia complex; the retailer promised to announce the exact date later. The outlet will sell unsold and seasonal merchandise at discounts of up to 70%, and the assortment will include clothing, home goods, tools, and toys. Previously, the outlet operated in Prague and Olomouc and was remembered by shoppers for long lines and numerous conflicts.

— Former Czech President Václav Klaus stated that the country’s new government will remain pro-Ukrainian, despite voters’ expectations. According to him, as a politician with many years of experience and a deep understanding of the country’s internal processes, he sees no preconditions for a real change in Prague’s policy toward the European Union, the Green Deal, and Ukraine, contrary to public statements by government officials.

— Starting January 1, keeping dogs on a chain or rope will be completely banned in the Czech Republic; owners will face fines for such violations. The new rules are aimed at protecting animals from cruelty and are based on veterinarians’ findings regarding the harm such tying can cause to dogs’ health and behavior. However, temporary tethering, such as near a store or during treatment, will not be prohibited.
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