Czech Christmas Traditions

Christmas in the Czech Republic blends centuries-old traditions with warm family customs, turning December’s chilly, humid days into a season of wonder.

The festivities begin on December 5th with St. Nicholas Day, when children wait for a visit from St. Nicholas, an Angel, and a Devil who asks whether they’ve been good. After a bell rings, the trio enters the home: well-behaved children receive sweets and fruit, while the naughty get coal or potatoes; playful, and sometimes a little spooky, but always in good fun.

Advent brings the glow of Christmas markets across Prague and every major town. The air fills with the scent of trdelník (a sweet pastry - check the Crowsnest Connect Blog for the recipe), mulled wine, and roasted chestnuts as families browse handmade ornaments and gifts. Town squares light up their giant Christmas trees, and it’s also the time when households begin baking a wide variety of traditional Christmas cookies.

Christmas Eve—Štědrý večer, or Generous Evening—is the heart of the celebration. Many families fast during the day, hoping to spot a “golden pig” on the wall before dinner, a sign of luck and abundance. The day is spent visiting family, watching classic fairytales, and preparing the festive table: candles lit, everyone dressed up, and carols filling the house.

Dinner traditionally features fried carp and potato salad, with the carp often kept in the family bathtub beforehand. In the Moravskoslezský region, a special “Black Sauce” made of plums, raisins, almonds, and rum is served, a nod to local mining history. Christmas Eve is usually intimate, with larger visits saved for the next two days.

After dinner, Baby Jesus (Ježíšek) magically brings the presents. A little bell rings to announce the moment, and gifts are opened one by one so everyone can share the joy. Even pets receive their own surprises.

Czechs also enjoy charming fortune-telling traditions: cutting apples to reveal a lucky star, floating walnut shells with candles, pouring molten lead into water to predict the year ahead, and unmarried girls tossing shoes to see if marriage is coming. At midnight, many gather at church for Christmas Mass.

The celebration lasts through December 26th, after which preparations begin for New Year’s Eve, Silvestr Day on Dec. 31st.

These beloved customs connect modern Czechs to generations before them, making Christmas a magical and meaningful time. If you ever have the chance to visit during the holidays, don’t hesitate, you’ll be stepping into a living fairytale.

Written by Sarka Huber

Vital Living with Sarka

403.966.0484 • @vitallivingwithsarka