The 10 best things to do in Prague this weekend: December 15–17, 2023

Meet people from all over the world at the Christmas Multicultural Market on Dec. 16 at Letohradská 10. In addition to a Christmas market, the event includes music performances, workshops in English, and opportunities to network. On a similar note, the first Ukrainian-Czech Christmas market organized by the Refugee Aid Organization, which is on Dec. 17 at Holešovická tržnice, offers a mix of culture, art, tradition, and modern design, with proceedings that go toward helping Ukrainian refugees. 

On Dec. 15 and 16, Kino Světozor presents KVIFF Classics, a selection of films that won accolades at past editions of the Karlovy Vary Film Festival (with English subtitles), such as Cinema Paradiso, Grave of the Fireflies, The Apartment, Lawrence of Arabia, and more. Timothée Chalamet in Oko is a series of films starring the French-American actor at Bio Oko, including Call Me by Your Name and Beautiful Boy on Dec. 15.

Inspired by the history of the Czech cabaret scene of the early 20th century, Jatka78’s RIE - Rest in Euphoria explores what beloved Czech actors Jiří Voskovec and Jan  Werich have in common with cabarets such as La Clique, Moulin Rouge or Blanc de Blanc in a show on Dec. 16 and 17 at Jatka78. 

A winter wonderland born out of artistic skill, Ice Magic Prague is the largest ice exhibition in Czechia, open to the public at Riegrovy Sady every day until April 15. Meet Diego the tiger and the Adams family as ice sculptures, and ride down a castle inspired by Prague and the fairy tales of Frozen, The Lion King, Maya the Bee, and more. 

Although the Czech playwright and polymath Jára Cimrman didn’t exist, this didn’t keep him from being an integral part of Czech popular culture. Learn more about his appeal at The Conquest of the North Pole (in English), which is at Žižkovské divadlo Járy Cimrmana on Dec. 15. 

Catch a glimpse of the Cold War era at the nuclear shelter Kryt Folimanka, which is open on Aug. 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The large complex, which can hold up to 1,300 people, sprawls under the hillside at Folimanka park. Visitors can wander around freely and address questions to Prague District Office employees or any volunteer workers inside, who speak Czech, Slovak, English, and Russian. The entrance is free of charge.

Best-selling Canadian artist Bryan Adams is at O2 Arena on Dec. 16. On a different note, a group of musicians and DJs influenced by world music, Transglobal Underground with Natacha Atlas are at Lucerna Music Bar on Dec. 16. Israeli singer-songwriter Asaf Avidan is at Palác Akropolis on Dec. 16 [sold out at the moment].

Get in the holiday spirit with Christmas classics and feel-good movies. At Christmas Story, catch The Polar Express and Home Alone on Dec. 15, and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York on Dec. 16, while the newly released fantasy/musical Wish is at Kino Lucerna on Dec. 16.

Leona's Choice, an exhibition of paintings by Czech-German artist Jiří George Dokoupil, opens at DSK Gallery on Dec. 15. The exhibition showcases Dokoupil's unique experimental techniques and styles, with a focus on his soap bubble paintings, which, in his words, capture the volatility of the moment and the transience of life. 

A work of Czech-born U.S. composer Jaromír Weinberger, the Schwanda the Bagpiper folksy opera is at The National Theater on Dec. 16 (with English surtitles). A classic of the holiday season, The Nutcracker comes to life on screen on Dec. 17 at Kino Světozor, which airs a performance from The Royal Ballet company.