Christmas Day

Christmas Day in Czechia, known as "Vánoce," is one of the most cherished and widely celebrated holidays in the country. It is a time of family gatherings, festive traditions, and religious significance. Celebrated on December 25th, Christmas Day marks the culmination of the Advent season, which begins four weeks before Christmas. In Czechia, Christmas Eve (Štědrý den) is the main day of celebration, often considered more important than Christmas Day itself. Families come together to enjoy a festive dinner, which typically includes traditional dishes such as fried carp, potato salad, and Christmas cookies like "vánočka" (a sweet braided bread) and "cukroví" (decorative cookies). A unique Czech tradition is the practice of fasting until the evening meal, with the belief that seeing a "golden pig" will bring good luck. Gift-giving takes place on Christmas Eve, often attributed to "Ježíšek" (Baby Jesus), who is said to bring presents to children. Families gather around the Christmas tree, which is decorated with ornaments, lights, and sometimes straw or handmade decorations. Carol singing and attending midnight Mass are also common traditions. Christmas Day itself is a quieter, more reflective time, often spent visiting relatives or enjoying the festive atmosphere. The holiday season extends through December 26th, known as St. Stephen's Day (Svátek svatého Štěpána), which is also a public holiday in Czechia. Overall, Christmas in Czechia is a blend of religious customs, family warmth, and cultural traditions, making it a deeply meaningful and joyous time for the people of the country.