Prague's fleet of Christmas trams and buses lights up the city's streets

Prague’s Public Transport Company (DPP) is once again bringing festive cheer to the city’s streets with its annual display of illuminated trams and buses. From Nov. 30 through Jan. 6, a fleet of nine seasonally decorated vehicles will light up the city through the Christmas holidays.

This year's initiative also incorporates a charitable dimension, featuring children’s wishes from orphanages displayed on the vehicles, inviting the public to fulfill them. In addition to the festive fleet, DPP is also debuting new decorations at Křižíkova metro station and hosting a variety of holiday-themed events.

This year, DPP will unveil nine decorated vehicles, including seven trams and two buses, adorned in a wintery design of white and icy blue. The decoration features iconic Prague landmarks like the Dancing House and Týn Church, accompanied by nearly 32,000 twinkling lights.

For the first time, two T3R.P trams from the Žižkov depot will join the fleet. Enhancing the holiday experience, the trams will play Czech Christmas carols during rides this year.

A special feature this year is the inclusion of wishes from children in Czech orphanages displayed on the vehicle wraps. These wishes—ranging from toys to heartfelt hopes for family time—can be fulfilled by members of the public by contacting DPP’s charity partner at jezisek@dpp.cz.

“This year’s decorations also carry a charitable dimension, bringing joy to children who may not experience Christmas in a family setting,” Ladislav Urbánek, CEO of DPP, stated through a press release.

The Christmas fleet launches with a parade beginning at the Královka tram loop at 4:45 p.m. on Nov. 30, passing landmarks like Prague Castle and Letenské náměstí. Recommended photo spots include Milady Horákové Street and Štefánikův Bridge.

Passengers are welcome to hop aboard for the inaugural ride at the Královka loop, but are advised to arrive early as capacity is limited. After the parade, these festive vehicles will operate on various public transit routes until Jan. 6, 2025, with specific schedules available on the DPP website.

In addition the the holiday fleet, DPP has also prepared some other seasonal festivities this year. The vestibule of Křižíkova metro station has been adorned with Christmas decorations for the first time, highlighting the contributions of the station's namesake, František Křižík, who was a pioneer of electric tramways in Prague.

DPP will also offer a lineup of holiday-themed events throughout next month, including rides on a historic metro train on Dec. 1, Christmas concerts in the Metro Museum on Dec. 11-12, and the annual distribution of the Bethlehem Light by a historic tram on Dec. 21.