Czech Christmas is a magical time steeped in centuries-old traditions that bring warmth and joy to the long winter nights. For expats, understanding these customs offers a unique glimpse into Czech culture, making the season even more special. We have prepared your very own guide to the most enchanting Czech Christmas traditions, from St. Barbara’s Day to the visit of the Three Kings.
December 4: St. Barbara’s Day (Barborky)
St. Barbara’s Day marks the start of Czech Christmas festivities. On this day, young women traditionally cut branches from cherry trees (known as barborky) and place them in water indoors. If the branches bloom by Christmas Eve, it is believed the woman will marry in the coming year. Expats can join in by picking their own barborky and adding this charming custom to their holiday decorations. Learn more about the holiday in our special blog.
December 5-6: St. Nicholas Day (Mikuláš)
On the evening of December 5, Czech children await a visit from St. Nicholas (Mikuláš), who is often accompanied by an angel and a devil. The trio visits homes and public squares, where children perform songs or recite poems in exchange for small gifts. Naughty children may receive a lump of coal instead of treats. This lively tradition is a wonderful spectacle for expats, especially families with children. In Prague the celebration starts at 4pm and lasts as long as you will be willing to walk alongside devils and angels.
December 24: Christmas Eve (Štědrý den)
Christmas Eve is the highlight of the Czech Christmas season. The day revolves around preparations for a festive dinner, which traditionally features fried carp and potato salad. Families often fast during the day, with the belief that they might see a “golden pig” (zlaté prasátko) as a reward for their abstinence.
Other traditions on Christmas Eve include:
- Floating walnut shells. Small candles are placed in empty walnut shells and floated in a bowl of water. Their movement predicts the year ahead.
- Pouring molten lead. People pour melted lead into water to interpret the shapes as omens for the future.
- Carp scales. Kept in wallets, carp scales are said to bring financial luck in the new year.
You are welcome to try these traditions or attend a Czech Christmas market to enjoy festive food and mulled wine (svařák). Read more about what to do on Christmas in the Czech Republic in our very special Christmas guide.
December 25: Christmas Day (Boží hod vánoční)
Unlike in many Western countries, December 25 in the Czech Republic is a quiet day spent with family. Churches hold special services, and it’s an opportunity to reflect on the spiritual side of the holiday. Expats might enjoy visiting a local church to experience Czech Christmas carols.
December 26: St. Stephen’s Day (Štěpán)
St. Stephen’s Day is another holiday for family gatherings and relaxation. In some regions, traditional folk dances or hunts are part of the celebration.
January 6: Epiphany (Three Kings’ Day / Tři králové)
Christmas officially ends with the visit of the Three Kings, who symbolize the biblical Magi. Children dress as the kings and go caroling to collect money for charity. You’ll also notice chalk inscriptions, “K+M+B,” written above doorways, symbolizing a blessing for the household. Expats can contribute to these charitable efforts or join in the festive spirit. If you are interested in the meaning of K+M+B, this is a tradition with a legend: epiphany, celebrated worldwide, commemorates the biblical story of the three wise men arriving in Bethlehem to present gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to baby Jesus.
In the Czech Republic, this tradition comes to life with children dressing as kings and caroling from January 1 onward. They sing festive songs like “My tři králové jdeme k Vám, štěstí, zdraví vinšujeme Vám” (“We three kings are coming to you, wishing you health and happiness”). After their visit, homes are marked with the letters “K + M + B”, symbolizing either the names of the Magi—Kašpar, Melichar, and Baltazar—or the Latin blessing Christus mansionem benedicat (“May Christ bless this house”), with crosses representing the Holy Trinity.
