Holiday programme 23.12.2022 – 1.1.2023
The most magical time of the year is upon us, so you can probably guess what the programme will include. A week full of food, presents, visits, and fairy tales is waiting for us, all of which will then be topped off with lively New Year’s Eve celebrations. If you’d like to do more than just sit around at home, watching TV and stuffing yourself on potato salad and Christmas cookies, then we’ve got a few tips for you on places to visit in Pilsen during the holidays.
The Light of Bethlehem
Every year before Christmas, the flame of Bethlehem symbolising peace flies to Austria, where it then spreads all across Europe with the help of volunteer scouts. The flame is located in the majority of Pilsen’s churches. As per tradition, the flame can be found at St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral and in the Church of the Assumption on Františkánská Street.
Concert from the Tower
On Christmas day, head over to Republic Square by 16h to enjoy the Christmas melodies and classic carols. The young musicians from František Kuban’s BAND will perform their Concert from the Tower, for you out of the 102 m tall church tower of St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral. This concert has been beloved by locals now for over thirty years.
Christmas presents for animals
Presents are an inherent part of Christmas, but you shouldn’t only enjoy this tradition with your loved ones but also with the animals at Pilsen Zoo. Between 10:00-12:30 on Christmas day, you can feed the sheep in the Nativity scene nuts and baked goods. And in return, the zoo has prepared a rich accompanying programme, including entertaining contests.
Live Nativity scene in front of St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral and in Starý Plzenec
The Starý Plzenec Live Nativity Scene will play its 31st season from 11h on Christmas day in front of St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral in Pilsen and from 14h in the Church of St. John the Baptist in Starý Plzenec. The story of baby Jesus’ birth in the faraway town of Bethlehem returns its original purpose and atmosphere to the Christmas holidays. The event will also include musical performances and carols sung by the entire collective, to be led primarily by local musicians and singers.
Tip on a day trip: Christmas at Radyně
Radyně Castle is closed to the public from November to the end of March, however, on 25 and 26 December, starting at 14h, it opens its doors to visitors for a special Christmas event. Admission costs 70 CZK for adults and 30 CZK for children, and it includes a small holiday snack and mulled wine.
Year’s end at the Zoo
On the final day of the year, head over to Pilsen Zoo between 10:00 and 13:30, where the government will be symbolically welcoming in the new year. Expect to participate in competitions, take a stroll along the New Year’s educational trail, and attempt to catch the golden fish. The Zoo is also open to visitors on New Year’s Day, where the first people in line will receive a discount on admission.
Tips on places to celebrate New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve is celebrated pretty much all over the world. After loads of carp steaks, potato salad, and Christmas cookies, we can then expect to enjoy cheese plates, open-faced sandwiches, canape, drinks, and a celebratory glass of champagne. There are a number of places you can go that have arranged special activities for welcoming in the new year. Hospoda Na Spilce has prepared fun competitions with moderators, where you can win interesting prizes while the band Orion plays. At Potrefená Husá, you’ll enjoy a welcome drink and a DJ, while Restaurace Roští invites you to try its amazing food and extended opening hours. And last but not least, head over to Kozlovna na Doubravce for a retro-style New Year’s experience.
New Year’s walk from Bolevec to Bolevec
After a night of partying, it’s best to head outside for some fresh air. The 48th walk from Bolevec to Bolevec will once again be held on New Year’s Day by the Czech Tourist Club. For those who aren’t quite feeling up to the task, two shorter routes have been prepared (7 km and 12 km), however, walking enthusiasts can also try their hand at the 21 km trail that leads all the way to Třemošná. The walk begins from 9-11h at Ranč Šídlovák, and along the journey, you’ll come across a snowman, a water sprite, and many other surprises. The starting fee is 30 CZK.
New Year’s fireworks
The traditional Pilsen New Year’s fireworks will go off on the evening of the last day of the year. The whole event will start on Republic Square at 16h with a dance party for children, where everyone can then wait to see the magnificent fireworks show 2 hours later.
Whether you’re planning to attend any one of the mentioned events, or you’d rather stay home during the holidays, we wish you a wonderful Christmas season, and we’re looking forward to loads of regular weekend activities for us all to enjoy in the new year!
