Prague’s top 10 weekend events: Christmas markets, comic art, and Italian film

It’s Christmas galore this weekend in Prague, with a seemingly endless lineup of festive activities taking place across the city. On Nov. 30, Prague Castle opens its doors for a festive Open Day, offering free access to its normally restricted rooms, including those where President Petr Pavel hosts official meetings. You’ll also be able to explore the iconic Cathedral of St. Vitus, the Old Royal Palace, and the Golden Lane, along with permanent exhibitions such as the Prague Castle Picture Gallery. Enjoy Christmas magic at the Castle with festive workshops, exhibitions, and concerts, including a Bethlehem Yurt by the Forman Brothers Theater and a display of traditional Czech Christmas ornaments.

The Kulaťák Advent Markets at Vítězné náměstí on Nov. 30 and every following Saturday leading up to Christmas offer a delightful array of festive treats and seasonal goods to get you into the holiday spirit. Wander through the market stalls to discover a rich selection of snacks, mulled wine, hot cider, excellent coffee, roasted chestnuts, and a variety of festive foods like sausages, cheeses, pastries, and gluten-free sweets. You’ll also find beautifully crafted Christmas decorations, Advent wreaths, mistletoe, and a range of unique gifts.

If you’re seeking locally-made gifts for the holiday season, the Christmas MINT Market at Holešovická Market from Nov. 30 to Dec. 1 features over 90 carefully selected creators offering fresh fashion, jewelry, design, cosmetics, delicacies, and more. Alongside the market, peruse an exhibition of large-scale photos taken by refugee children from Ukraine, conveying how they perceive their new life in the Czech Republic.

Celebrate the beginning of Advent with an afternoon in the gorgeous Chateau Veleslavín on Dec. 1, where the spirit of Christmas will come alive through musical concerts, an author’s reading of the children’s book Amazing Christmas by Matyáš Kotrba, and a fun-filled outdoor adventure trail for children, complete with a treasure hunt. There will also be creative Christmas workshops, carol singing, and a ceremonial lighting of the Christmas tree, accompanied by plenty of refreshments.

On Dec. 1, the Prague Zoo invites you to a Ceremonial Tree Lighting at Veselovského meadow. The festivities begin at 4:15 p.m. with a procession from the Education Center to the Christmas tree, accompanied by carols from the Osmikvítek children's choir. The highlight of the evening will be the lighting of the Christmas tree at 5 p.m., followed by more carols to keep the festive spirit alive.

Watch and clockwork admirers should head to Fantův sál on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 for free entry to the Micro Watch Festival, where a wide range of independent micro brands from Switzerland, the U.S., Canada, and Czechia itself will be on display. Attendees can try on exclusive timepieces, make purchases, and enter a raffle, while discovering watches not commonly found in the Czech market.

From Nov. 30 to Dec. 2, Divadlo X10 hosts the Frame Prague Comics Art Festival, an international exhibition celebrating contemporary comics, illustrations, and game art. This year’s festival highlights the vibrant Spanish comics scene and explores the theme of ‘Home’ through a rich program of lectures, exhibitions, and workshops. Meet global creators and publishers, discover unique publications at the festival market, and enjoy exhibitions such as the 'Safe Place' showcase of Ukrainian authors, along with works by notable guests like María Medem and Gerardo Vilches.

Five renowned butchers will showcase the art of butchery on Dec. 1 at Vinárna Bokovka for Butcher’s Day with a live meat cutting competition hosted by Mirek Panuška and Monika Remeš, culminating in an auction with the prepared specialties. Local butchers include MASOLOGY.cz, Kloud's Meat, and Branická Butcher Shop.

MittelCinemaFest returns to Prague Nov. 30 to Dec. 3, showcasing the best of contemporary Italian cinema. This year's festival features a curated selection of new films including Oscar winner Paolo Sorrentino’s Parthenope, alongside an iconic fashion showcase highlighting Italy’s renowned style. The festival runs at Prague’s timeless Kino Lucerna.

Join fellow fans at the Municipal Library of Prague on Saturday for a day-long celebration marking the 70th anniversary of The Fellowship of the Ring. The event will feature podcasts Back and Forth and Wanderings with Tolkien, an art exhibition by Matěj Čadil, and a screening of the fan film Horn of Gondor. Throughout the day, you can enjoy Lord of the Rings-themed board games, meet cosplayers, and immerse yourself in the world of Tolkien, with the program culminating in a special presentation on the legacy of J.R.R. Tolkien by Nerdopolis and other Tolkien experts. The event is free and open to all from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.