The complete guide to spending New Year’s Eve in Prague

If you thought Prague was beautiful in the spring and summer, wait until you see its medieval buildings and narrow streets lit by string lights in winter. New Year’s Eve in Prague promises a fun experience, with epic shows, classical music concerts, chill evening walks along scenic vantage points like Charles Bridge, and, of course, delicious food like potato dumplings. Although fireworks are no longer a part of the celebrations following a recent change in the law, there is still no shortage of things to do in Prague to ring in the new year. Here’s how to spend New Year’s Eve in Prague in style.

Everything you need to know about New Year’s Eve in Prague

New Year’s Eve fireworks: Over-the-counter fireworks are banned in Prague city center, waterfronts, parks, and near hospitals, retirement homes, and animal care facilities. Instead of fireworks, a projection mapping show with visual displays and music is held at Wenceslas Square on New Year’s Day.
Average temperature: Winter in Prague is cold, with an average temperature of around 39 F (4 C).
How to prepare for New Year’s Eve in Prague: Plan accommodation and transportation early. If you’re using taxis or public transportation, buy tickets or book early, and make sure to dress warm and in layers.

1. Join a medieval-themed New Year’s Eve Feast

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a memorable medieval-themed experience in one of Prague’s most historic theatre restaurants, Krčma U Pavouka. No detail is overlooked in creating an atmosphere that engages all the senses — there’s always something to see, hear, and taste. You will be entertained by skilled swordsmen, jugglers, and enchanting belly dancers, all accompanied by live period music and traditional Czech meals like goulash (a meat and vegetable soup or stew) and potato dumplings.

Insider tip

Consider booking a full dinner package in Prague for unlimited drinks and convenient transport back to your hotel.

Address

Krčma U Pavouka, Celetná 595/17, 110 00 Staré Město.

Opening hours

The feast typically begins around 8:00 PM and continues into the early hours.

2. Spend the night on an all-hours bar crawl

The clubs are open throughout the night on New Year’s Eve in Prague. This is usually where the locals and tourists converge, either by spending the whole night with a pub crawl and bar tours or by ending it at one of the city’s busiest venues like Le Clan and Anonymous Bar. Some clubs have ticketed events but tickets sell out quickly, so get them as soon as they become available.

Insider tip

The SaSaZu New Year's party is famous for hosting top DJs in an impressively large club, drawing over 2,000 attendees each year. If you're not a fan of large crowds but still want to experience the excitement, consider booking VIP tickets, and book in advance, as they tend to sell out quickly.

Address

SaSaZu, 306/13, Holešovice, Bubenské nábř., 170 00 Praha 7.

3. Experience a more traditional New Year’s Eve in Prague

Conventional NYE experiences take place across the city on the night, including at the authentic Czech restaurant, Restaurace U Marčanů. Enjoy folk music and dancing from troupes wearing traditional attire while sampling food such as goulash, roast sirloin, potato pancakes, or fruit dumplings.

Insider tip

For the best night out without worrying about transport, book Prague’s NYE activities that provide pick-up and drop-off services.

Address

Restaurace, U Marčanů, Veleslavínská 14/25, 162 00 Praha 6-Veleslavín.

Opening hours

Open Monday to Thursday, 11:00 AM – 03:30 PM, Friday and Saturday, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM, closed Sundays. A folklore party happens daily from 07:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

4. Celebrate in style at one of Prague’s lavish hotels

Looking for more elegant things to do in Prague on New Year’s Eve? Prague’s best nightlife bars and hotels are a good place to start. Try The Grand Mark, a 5-star hotel located a short trek from both Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square. The Four Seasons Hotel welcomes guests with a Champagne toast followed by dinner and a party, and at the Marriott Hotel there’s live music throughout the night.

Insider tip

If you‘re heading to The Grand Mark Hotel, make sure to explore the grand interiors that reflect its history as a former grand palace. The public areas feature abstract statues by Czech artists.

Address

The Grand Mark Prague, Hybernská 12, 110 00 Nové Město.

5. Ring in the New Year with a classical concert

Experience New Year’s Eve alongside the finest musical talent by attending a classical concert at one of Prague’s renowned venues, like the Rudolfinum or the Smetana Hall at the Municipal House. These concerts often feature music by Czech composers, as well as other classical masterpieces. The rich acoustics and stunning architecture make for an evening to remember.

Insider tip

Opt for the Prague Symphony Orchestra’s New Year's Eve concert at the Municipal House, a grand Art Nouveau venue with enchanting decor and acoustics worthy of the best musicians.

Address

Municipal House, Obecní dům, náměstí Republiky 5, 111 21 Prague 1.

Opening hours

The box office is open daily from 10:00 AM–07:00 PM.

6. Take a dinner cruise on the Vltava

Dinner cruises in Prague combine restaurant-quality food, drinks, and seating with scenic views of the city from the Vltava River. Many of these cruises stop near Charles Bridge to provide a different perspective of the city. Each cruise typically lasts for several hours and will return you to your point of departure.

Insider tip

For the best experience, choose a cruise with a glass-roofed boat to maximize your views of Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and the city’s skyline.

FAQs

1. Is Prague good for New Year?

There are many things to do in Prague on New Year’s Eve, making it an excellent choice for a trip. The city’s nightlife includes events ranging from intimate jazz clubs to grand parties in historic venues like palaces and theatres. And you can still catch some of the markets that open during Christmas in Prague.

2. Is everything open on New Year’s Day in Prague?

Most tourist attractions operate as usual on New Year’s Day. For instance, you can catch a show at one of the local theatres or concerts, an ideal activity in Prague at night when it’s cold out.

3. What is the weather like on New Year’s Eve in Prague?

Temperatures typically range from 35 F (2 C) during the day to 28 F (-2 C) at night. Snowfall is possible but not guaranteed.

4. Is Prague worth visiting in January?

Even without the New Year’s celebrations, there’s still a lot to see and do, including visiting the best museums in Prague, taking in the historical landmarks, and experiencing its busy nightlife.

5. Can you use public transport in Prague on New Year’s Eve?

Yes, you can use public transport to get around Prague on NYE, as the city’s public transport system extends its operating hours on New Year’s Eve. Metro runs until 2:30 AM, with extra trams and buses from 10 PM until approximately 7:00 AM.