Prague's top 10 weekend events: Light shows, castle concerts, and advent markets

Peruse and gather seasonal gifts at a weekend-long market extravaganza being held at Prague’s Exhibition Center from Dec. 14 to 15. The Dyzajn Market will be selling natural cosmetics, fashion pieces, porcelain and ceramic homeware, candles, paper products, and more from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Italy, Ukraine, and beyond. With over 200 local brands and designers, you’ll be sure to snag a unique gift for a loved one. 

Join in on some festive revelry at the New Town Hall on Dec. 15, a stroll away from the bustling Christmas markets, for a one-day fair that will elevate your seasonal cheer. At the Nové Město Advent 2024, Advent goods, handicrafts, snacks, toys, and creative workshops will be running all day, along with theater and choir performances, and a popular drum show by Petr Šušor which allows adults and children to participate in. If weather permits, visitors can climb to the observation deck of the hall and enjoy a wintery view of Prague for the last time before the tower closes from Dec. 15 until next spring. Get your mittens on some drinks and delicacies in the courtyard of the hall to warm the soul.

Every Advent Sunday, music fills the third courtyard of Prague Castle in front of St. Vitus Cathedral, and this weekend will be your second-last opportunity. Students from Prague’s elementary schools will perform a Christmas program, accompanied by members of the Castle Guard Music. Stop by the Golden Gate of the courtyard to catch a musical symphony on Dec. 15.

Though Signal Festival ran its packed program back in October, they are now joining forces with The Gallery of the Capital City of Prague (GHMP) for another stunning light event to celebrate the feast of Saint Lucy, and the longest night of the year, on Dec. 13. From 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., Troja castle will be lit up with video mapping by Ondřej Rakušan, David Böhm, and Jiří Franta, accompanied by music from Aid Kid. In addition, the underground gallery will showcase other light installations from the GHMP collections. Admission is free.

Don’t let the light go out just yet; this weekend, Story of WOW at the Broadway Theatre in Old Town invites visitors into a dynamic world of art, technology, and storytelling. The immersive exhibition explores the intersection of digital innovation and creative expression, showcasing cutting-edge works that blur the lines between the physical and virtual realms with modern black light theatre and 4D effects. Witness a spectacular story about a hero who saves a child, magically lit and designed for the entire family.

If you’re in for a thrilling show of freestyle motocross of gladiatorial proportions, an incredible show full of fire, danger, and breathtaking stunts on Dec. 14 will give any adrenaline junkie their fix. The FMX Gladiator Games are the oldest in Europe, and this year will be even bigger and better. The world’s best riders will stun you with front flips, double somersaults, and whips at the O2 Arena this Saturday.

If you still haven’t had a chance to visit the elaborately decorated, Christmas-themed Sunset Cinema, the program continues to be stacked with wintery classics this weekend. Pick from Home Alone, Love Actually, The Grinch, Ratatouille and more this weekend in the cozy venue in Holešovice—complete with a secret entrance, Christmas drinks from the food bar, letters to Santa, elves, and more.

On Dec. 13, Bruce Weber’s Oscar-nominated documentary Let’s Get Lost will have an exclusive premiere in Prague at Kino Lucerna. This beautifully restored black-and-white film captures the final chapter of jazz icon Chet Baker’s life, offering a poignant mix of personal narrative and breathtaking imagery. In conjunction with the screening, Weber’s photography exhibition My Education will be on display at U Kamenného zvonu, running through Jan. 19, 2025.

This weekend, the Czech International AI Film Festival (CIAIFF) kicks off at Kino Atlas, celebrating the intersection of artificial intelligence and filmmaking. Building on last year’s AI Klapka, this year’s expanded festival promises to showcase cutting-edge AI-generated films from around the globe. The event on Dec. 14, organized by the Czech Artificial Intelligence Association and the YDEAL agency, is a bold step towards establishing Prague as a hub for AI innovation in the arts. Films are English-friendly and will be accompanied by panel discussions and workshops exploring the future of AI in film.

A fresh take on The Nutcracker will premiere at ARCHA+ on Dec. 14. Following the success of last year's sold-out shows, choreographer Jana Burkiewiczová’s reimagined version combines stunning choreography, immersive 3D visuals, and a live orchestra to bring the beloved holiday tale to life in a whole new way. The production runs until Dec. 27.