The best things to do in Prague this weekend: New Year's Eve edition

From low-key to high-end, our last-minute tips for ringing in 2024 in the Czech capital span boats and buffets, musical entertainment, and more.

Expats.cz Staff

Written by Expats.cz Staff Published on 28.12.2023 17:00:00 (updated on 29.12.2023) Reading time: 4 minutes

Sing in the new year

Ring in the new year singing with artists from around the world. Acclaimed Israeli and Ukrainian vocalists Victoria Hanna and Marianna Sadovska will lead workshops at the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague on Dec. 30-31, teaching songs and sharing musical traditions from their homelands. Participants can experience music from different cultures and sing together as 2023 arrives.

Cruise into 2024

Mikro and Gram Records transform two decks into a booming party space with a club-level sound system and fully stocked bar below deck. Above, the open-air deck equipped with heaters offers views of Prague's skyline alongside hot drinks and food. After previous sold-out events in unconventional venues, this unique New Year's Eve river rave promises an iconic setting to usher in the new year.

Start the new year on a river cruise with stunning views. Prague Boat Trips offers a variety of cruises that allow passengers to warm up on board with drinks and appetizers as iconic Prague slips by. A one-of-a-kind steamer celebration promises to make the last moments of 2023 truly unforgettable from the scenic waters of the Vltava.

Celebrate in the square in the open air

Welcome 2024 with music and magic at Prague's iconic Old Town Square. The city's largest New Year's Eve celebration starts at 4:30 p.m. with a children's program before pop rockers So Fine take the stage at 7 p.m. When midnight strikes, DJ Daniel Kraus will spin tunes as thousands gather to toast the arrival of the new year in the stunning historical heart of Prague.

Christmas market in Old Town Square. Photo via Facebook/Trhy Praha/Prague Markets.

Do dinner, cocktails, or both

Pruts Bar, newly opened in the architecturally stunning Drn Palace, invites revelers to shine on New Year's Eve. The "Shine Shine" party calls for flashy attire adorned with glitter. The lavish new venue serves theatrical libations like the signature La Vie en Rose gin drink as well as rare whiskeys and champagnes to ring in 2024.

Point Dining Bar's festive soiree in Prague's historic city center has an elegant prix-fixe menu planned for Dec. 31 featuring quail, beef, and seasonal flavors supplemented with natural wines. After dining, descend for a glamorous New Year's Eve party with DJs. Say goodbye to 2023 in a landmark venue, known as Franz Kafka's birthplace.

Ring in 2024 at Monkey Bar's glittering NYE celebration. From 7 p.m., revelers can choose between a five-course tasting menu or tapas buffet as part of the Glamour and Gold packages. All include a welcome toast and unlimited drinks. After dining, dance the night away to an Afro House DJ set.

MONKEY BAR MonkeyBar Juje 2022 The Monkey Bar Prague (2)

The NH Collection Prague Carlo IV's refurbished restaurant and bar reopened earlier this year. Its New Year’s Eve gala is an ideal way to see rediscover the venue. Beginning at 7 p.m. guests can look forward to a gourmet buffet, live cooking demonstrations, a swing band, and a midnight DJ and dancers. Make your reservations at the stylish 1890 Restaurant & Bar here.

Celebrate 2023 Las Vegas-style at the Hilton Prague. Indulge in buffet dining, unlimited drinks, and Vegas-themed musical entertainment, including an Elvis show, followed by an after-party at the hotel's rooftop venue, Cloud 9. See full package details here.

Stage the perfect New Year's Eve

Classical music lovers can ring in the new year in supreme style at Prague's famed Rudolfinum. The Czech Philharmonic Orchestra will perform works by Czech composers fittingly as the Year of Czech Music begins. Conducted by Jakub Hrůša, the program also features acclaimed soloists Jiří Vodička and Olga Kern. A performance of Gershwin's iconic Rhapsody in Blue promises to send audiences into 2023 on a high note.

Ring in the new year with a night of musical magic at the State Opera House in Prague. Celebrate the last day of 2023 by taking in the crazy comedy and dances of Ball im Savoy from 5 p.m. Transporting audiences to the French Riviera with its classic dances and jazz rhythms, it's the perfect high-society production to toast 2024 among the historic opera house's stylish halls and sparkling company (plus a champagne toast included in the price).

Ball im Savoy. Photo used with permission.
Ball im Savoy. Photo used with permission.

Abandon everyday worries and immerse yourself in euphoria at the extravagant new R.I.E. Rest in Euphoria cabaret at Jatka 78. Stars from the circus world and musician Katarzia will ignite the senses through nature, nudity, rhythm, and humor at this multidimensional spectacle inspired by the decadent Czech cabaret tradition. Audiences are invited to journey without limits at this one-of-a-kind experience promising intimate encounters and performances beyond imagination.

Celebrate the new year at Jazz Dock. Circus Submarine and the Jazz Dock House Band featuring Jonathan Ramirez Garcia will perform until dawn. Enjoy acoustic folk-soul plus neo-funk, jazz fusion, and pop/rock covers.

Spend 'silvestr' with the silver screen

Grab your sweater and bowling ball and join Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, and pals at Aero Cinema for their annual screening of the cult classic The Big Lebowski. This 4 p.m. screening of the Coen Brothers' 1998 comedy gem is the perfect pre-party warm-up. Aero and Světozor both have an English-friendly line-up for Dec. 31. The horror-comedy She Came at Night is also playing at the Kino Pilotů as well as several other English-friendly titles including Flying for Beginners.

Hit the clubs

Underground electronic fans can celebrate for over 12 hours at Fuchs 2 with acts from Ute Records and Berlin mixing alongside local talents. Elsewhere, the Ankali crew is hosting a special party with a stellar lineup including River Yarra and Psj & Yan spinning at their popular venue. Over at the iconic Roxy, the bass is sure to be pounding from 10 p.m. as Dan Cooley, Chris Sadler, and Biodan take turns behind the decks.

Take the family

Say goodbye to 2023 at one of Prague's most entertaining museums. The Museum of Fantastic Illusions offers a fascinating world of 150 optical illusions and interactive exhibits guaranteed to delight visitors of all ages. On New Year's Eve, children under 15 will receive a free magic wand.

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