Prague Traditional Christmas Celebrations Loved By Expats

Being away from family and friends in the home country can be tough at any time of year, but at Christmas it can lead to severe homesickness.

Many expats prioritise going home for Christmas for at least a few years after their relocation, but those working in professions such as medicine and tech may not get the chance. Especially in predominately Christian Europe, most expat hubs pull out all the stops during the festive season, giving the expat community a vast choice of both religious and secular events and treats.

Over many years, the Czech capital of Prague has opened its traditional Christmas offerings to increasing numbers of resident expat professionals, ensuring they have a great choice of ways to enjoy Christmas week. Old Town Square is the major hub, with the traditional Christmas dish of carp soup available from 11p.m, following concerts and ending with the Czech Christmas Mass.

Prague’s street markets are a real don’t miss for both tourists and expats, and are open and busy all over the festive season. For residents, another must-do is a visit to the crowd-free alternatives of hidden markets in venues such as rooftops, breweries and original Art Nouveau buildings. Another Christmas Mass is held at the city’s main rail station and features Christmas carols from students, professional musicians and singers.

On Boxing Day at 11 a.m. the 73rd annual Czech swimming contest takes place between Strelcky and Slavonic Islands, close by the National Theatre, and on the 27th expats can enjoy a showing of the 1941 movie musical Sun Valley Serenade, featuring the Glenn Miller Orchestra in a nostalgic blast from the past. For expats who’ve celebrated rather too enthusiastically, a forest bathing detox based on the Japanese traditional Shinrin-Yoku wellbeing walks takes place on the 29th, allowing those taking part to bask in the energy of the forest.