What is Silvestr and why don’t Czechs say New Year’s Eve?
Before you go to celebrate the new year in Prague, you should know one interesting fact. In the Czech Republic, the last day of the year is not called New Year’s Eve, but Silvestr. Therefore, do not be surprised to see invitations to Silvestrovské parties on the menu of various restaurants, bars and clubs.
In the Czech Republic, we celebrate name days, which means that each day in the calendar a name or several names celebrate a holiday. On this day, people with the given name receive small gifts and congratulations. December 31st is dedicated to the name Silvestr and that’s why we also call it the celebration of the arrival of the new year.
We refer to the following day, i.e. January 1st, as the New Year. This is also a national holiday when we celebrate the Day of the Restoration of the Independent Czech State, as the original Czechoslovakia was divided on January 1st, 1993. All shops are closed on this day.
Where to see the fireworks during New Year’s Eve in Prague?
Although New Year’s Eve fireworks have always been an integral part of New Year’s celebrations, in recent years Prague and other cities of the Czech Republic have been giving up on them. The official fireworks display organized by the city management was last held in 2019. The reason for the cancellation of large fireworks displays is to protect animals, especially waterfowl, that live on the Vltava River and to reduce the risk of dangerous situations.
Even though the city authorities appeal to residents and tourists not to use pyrotechnics during New Year’s Eve celebrations, you can still see several private fireworks across the city.
You will see the most fireworks in the city center on Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square. Other popular places to view these light shows are:
- Charles Bridge
- Kampa Island
- Petřín Hill
- Summer Park
- Vítkov Hill
- Vyšehrad
- Žižkov Tower
If you want to avoid crowds and drunk people, we recommend not spending New Year’s Eve on Wenceslas Square, which tends to be very wild and dangerous.
Alternatively, skip the fireworks altogether and choose a different way to welcome the New Year. Instead of the noise and chaos, why not escape to nature? For those who want a peaceful yet memorable start to the year, a day trip to Bohemian Switzerland with Northern Hikes is an excellent choice.
We will take you on serene trails to breathtaking views and stunning nature beauties. After all, what better way to begin a new year than by reconnecting with yourself and the great outdoors?
Eating, drinking and having fun – the best things to do in Prague on New Year’s Eve
Gourmets and foodies will be here in seventh heaven. Prague restaurants and bars do not sleep even on New Year’s Eve. For Czech people, with a dry and empty stomach it is almost impossible to start a happy New Year. For this reason, one of the favorite New Year’s Eve activities in Prague is fine dining, which is offered by almost every good restaurant.
The menu usually includes several courses, unlimited drinks, and also live music or a celebration after the midnight toast.
Here is a list of some Prague restaurants for New Year’s Eve:
- U Kalicha
- U Modré kachničky
- Obecní dům
- U Pinkasů
- Mincovna
- Augustine
- Mlýnec
- Paloma
Don’t forget to make a reservation to be sure there will be a place for you.
Where to go to the New Year’s Eve party in Prague?
There are spectacular parties and whole night dancing taking place all over the city. Whether you’re looking for an 80’s & 90’s style, karaoke, radio night or a proper rave, Prague’s bars and clubs have something for everyone. You just have to choose.
The most famous New Year’s Eve parties are organized in Prague by:
- Hard Rock Cafe
- The Monkey Bar
- Kotelna
- Epic Prague
- Lucerna Music Bar
- Duplex
- Bukanyr Boat
Welcome the New Year in Prague from the deck and enjoy the stunning views on the city
Are you looking for a romantic event where you and your significant other could welcome another year together? Buy tickets for the New Year’s Eve boat. Cruising along the Vltava River on a decorated steamboat is one of the unforgettable experiences that will be appreciated not just by couples but also by larger groups.
A heated cabin, delicious food and drinks, live music, and extraordinary views of the castle, Charles Bridge, and, of course, fireworks. Expect all of this if you decide to welcome the New Year on the waves of the Vltava River.
Tips for cultural New Year’s Eve Events in Prague
Would you like to experience a more peaceful New Year’s Eve celebration? Take part in one of the cultural New Year’s Eve events in Prague.
New Year’s Eve concerts are organized by:
- Municipal House
- Clementine
- Grand Hotel Bohemia
- Liechtenstein Palace
- Rudolfinum
- and others
Another option is to visit some of Prague’s theaters which will play their best shows on New Year’s Eve:
- Studio Dva
- Kalich Theatre
- Metro Theatre
- Karlín Musical Theater
- Bez zábradlí Theater
- Na Fidlovačce Theater
- and others
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