Prague shopping center serves up Christmas dinner for those in need

People around the Czech Republic will be enjoying Christmas dinner with family this evening, but not all have someone to celebrate with. For those who would be alone at the dinner table this evening, Prague's Westfield Chodov shopping center is cooking up a traditional Christmas meal with warm company.

Senior citizens, people with disabilities, single mothers and their children, the homeless, and others who aren't able to celebrate with loved ones are among those who will be enjoying Christmas dinner at the shopping center this evening.

Westfield Chodov has been organizing the Christmas dinner for those in need for the past five years. This year, 120 people had confirmed their participation in the event as of last weekend. 

"Christmas Eve in Chodov is a very nice and important tradition for us, when we can spread some Christmas cheer for everyone who might feel lonely for various reasons," Westfield Chodov marketing manager Kateřina Kleslová says in a press release.

"Thanks to long-term cooperation with non-profit organizations and local communities, as well as the support of partners, we have managed to increase the number of guests every year. In the five years that we have been organizing the Christmas community gathering, this is the first year that more than one hundred people are expected to arrive."

Guests at Westfield Chodov today will be treated to a traditional three-course Christmas dinner that includes fish soup, fried carp, and potato salad. An accompanying program will also provide some festive entertainment.

The Czech National Symphony Orchestra will be on hand to play some Christmas favorites, and famous faces are also expected to participate. Past editions of the event have included guests such as Monkey Business frontman Matěj Ruppert.

"A big thank you goes to everyone who is involved in the organization of the charity event, whether they are non-profit organizations, partners, or volunteers and colleagues from [Westfield Chodov]," says Kleslová.

"Many of them are physically with us at the shopping center on Christmas Day, and help serve the festive menu or handing out Christmas gifts. Thanks to them, Christmas Eve at Chodov is a truly an unforgettable experience for the participants."

The shops at Westfield Chodov (and most other commercial locations in the Czech Republic) closed at around noon today for the three-day Christmas holiday, and will reopen on Tuesday, December 27.

More information about the Christmas dinner at the shopping center, and photos from previous years, can be found at the official website.