Rescue a tree or rent ornaments for a thrifty Christmas in Prague

The Christmas season is often marked by extra consumption and discarded items, but it doesn’t have to be that way. This year in Prague, two unique solutions have emerged for those wanting to embrace the holiday spirit without having a negative impact on the environment.

Whether renting Christmas ornaments or purchasing a tree that was saved during forest management efforts in South Bohemia, these two initiatives offer sustainable alternatives for the season.

One eco-friendly option gaining traction in Prague is the use of "saved" Christmas trees. These trees, which would otherwise have been destroyed during forest thinning operations, are instead given a second chance to brighten up people's homes during the festive season.

Organized by Prague's Holešovice Market and Šetrné stromky, this initiative offers customers the chance to purchase trees that were removed as part of forest management efforts in southern Bohemia. The trees, typically spruces ranging from 100 to 250 cm, are distinctive due to their unique shapes and slightly wild appearance, as they grow freely in the forest instead of at tree farms.

For those interested in purchasing one of these rescued trees, they can choose from available options at Holešovice Market in Prague 7, the Dvůr Kobylisy market in Prague 8, and Potrvá in Prague 6 on Dec. 6-7, 12-14, and 20-21. Customers are only asked to fill out an online order form in advance.

Trees are priced at a flat rate of CZK 449 (cash only), significantly less than most trees purchased from Prague stalls during the holiday season, and buyers can pick their favorite at the time of pick-up. More info can be found at the Šetrné stromky website.

For those who enjoy festive decorations but prefer not to purchase and store ornaments year after year, Czech glass manufacturer Koulier has introduced a rental service for Christmas tree decorations. Offering a variety of handcrafted glass ornaments, the service allows individuals and businesses to rent decorations for the holiday season.

Started in 2023, the Koulier service caters primarily to businesses such as hotels that require changing decor each year or those seeking modern designs. Prices start at CZK 50 per ornament, and clients can even hire a decorator to install up to 200 ornaments on their tree.

The benefits are clear: renters do not have to worry about storing decorations once the holidays are over, nor do they have to purchase new ornaments to keep up with trends. For larger corporate clients, the option to rent an entire set of decorations ensures that even big venues can have festive decor that aligns with the latest trends.

"It’s perfect for people still shaping their home’s aesthetic or those who just want something new each year," Kateřina Šrámková, co-owner of Koulier, states through a press release.

"People are becoming more mindful of the environmental impact of mass production. Renting instead of buying allows people to enjoy beautiful decorations without the unnecessary waste that comes from buying new items each season."

Both of these initiatives highlight the growing interest in sustainable holiday traditions in Prague. Whether you're renting ornaments or purchasing a saved tree, these options offer a way to enjoy the season while being mindful of the environment.