If you're tired of traditional Christmas markets or want to avoid the crowds, we have ideas for unique experiences in Prague. Exhibitions by world-class artists, a crystal garden, or a magical light show – Prague has much to offer during Advent beyond the usual Christmas clichés.
World-Class Art
École de Paris at the National Gallery
Before Christmas, visit the National Galle´s École de Paris – Artists from Bohemia and the Interwar Parisian School, showcasing the so-called Paris School in fine arts. It runs until early March 2025 at the Wallenstein Riding School in Malá Strana, Prague. The exhibition features around 250 works loaned from prestigious European museums, leading Czech galleries, and private collections. The highlight is the painting Woman with Blue Eyes by the legendary Amedeo Modigliani, on loan from the Musée d’Art moderne de Paris.
Orhan Pamuk at DOX
DOX Centre for Contemporary Art in Prague has prepared something extraordinary. Until April 2025, you can visit the exhibition Orhan Pamuk: The Consolation of Objects. The literary work of this Turkish Nobel laureate is globally acclaimed, but his visual art remains largely unknown to the public. Come and explore it!
Bruce Weber at the House at the Stone Bell
Don't miss the exhibition of world-renowned American photographer Bruce Weber at the Gallery of the City of Prague in the House at the Stone Bell, running until January 26, 2025. Known for his work in Vogue, GQ, and Vanity Fair, this is Weber's first major European retrospective, covering five decades of his remarkable career.
When It's Advent, It's Like Crystal
Prague´s Botanical Garden has blossomed during the cold months thanks to glass artist Jiří Pačinek and his fascinating installation Cristal Garden. Until February 2, 2025, you can marvel at this exhibition featuring extraordinary plants and animals made of glass. The exhibition is also accessible during evening tours.
Winter Evenings Full of Lights
Prague offers countless experiences in every season, including the year's end. The long evenings highlight the festive illumination of the city and its landmarks.Scenic Ride on the Christmas Tram
How about a ride on a festively decorated tram? It travels through Prague´s most beautiful spots from the first Sunday of Advent until Epiphany. Bonus? The ticket includes a discount on entry to Prague's historic towers, offering a bird’s-eye view of the city.
Prague Zoo and Light Show
Don’t hesitate to visit Prague Zoo this season! Not only can you warm up in the tropical pavilions, but you can also purchase a special ticket to see the Light Zoo exhibition. Featuring over 100 illuminated lanterns in the shapes of animals and plants from the African continent, the display runs until February 16, 2025.
Light Parks in Prague
Opening at dusk, these parks offer colourful light displays until nightfall. At Žluté lázně along the Vltava River, you'll encounter a fascinating world of the universe. The Džbán Reservoir immerses you in historical epochs, and magical installations from the realm of fantasy await you in Letňany. Set out for an adventure!
The Lamplighter on Charles Bridge
Each year, the Advent atmosphere in Prague's historic centre is enhanced by the “Old Prague” lamplighter. It is a person that lights the gas lamps using a long pole. You can see the old Prague lamp lighter in a historical uniform during the Advent manually lighting 46 gas lamps along the Charles Bridge and at the Křížovnické Square. He starts in the Old Town around 4 p.m. until 23 December, so do not miss him!
