Christmas in Prague During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Christmas decorations and the Tyn Church on Old Town Square in Prague.

Greetings from Prague as we move into the Holiday Season!

Another Spike in the Autumn

In Prague and throughout the Czech Republic, we had another outbreak of the Coronavirus when children returned to school (and locals returned from their summer travels elsewhere in Europe). This caused the government to again enact strict measures to contain the virus, with eventually everything closed except for grocery stores, pharmacies and medical facilities. This time around we even had a curfew imposed from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., and unlike the first shutdown in March, ALL shops were closed on Sundays.

Even though most shops in the malls are closed, Christmas (decorations, at least), came anyway, just like in the Dr. Seuss classic.

The Grinch Couldn’t Steal Christmas, and Neither can the Coronavirus

While the famous Christmas market on Prague’s Old Town Square has been cancelled this year, we do at least have a tree, and around the outer neighborhoods, Christmas decorations began to appear at shops last week.

Christmas lights at a bakery in Prague's Zizkov neighborhood.

But fortunately, our case numbers have fallen dramatically in recent weeks, and the numbers in Prague are particularly encouraging.  And as a result, the authorities have decided to ease restrictions – just a bit – beginning on December 3rd.

Shops will be allowed to open – even on Sundays – but with strictly limited numbers of shoppers inside.  And based on a trip to the mall today, shops are getting ready – and it seems that one-way traffic within shops might be one of the requirements, too.  The ones I saw today had clearly roped-off “lanes” with signs saying “Entrance Only” and “Exit Only.” See the photos below.

Eat, Drink and Be Merry!

Cafés and restaurants will also be allowed to open, again with very limited numbers of patrons and with prescribed spacing between groups.  Groups in limited numbers will also be allowed to gather in public and privately.  Masks will still be required in all public areas except when eating and drinking.

Prague's Christmas Market from years past.

I will certainly welcome the return of some of the hustle and bustle of city life, especially the special hustle and bustle of the Holidays.  And it will be nice to be able to sit in a café again or to go out for a meal or a drink with friends.  But I must also admit to some hesitation about gathering indoors given the recent spike and all we know about the way the virus spreads. For now I wish you and yours safety and health as we kick off the Holiday Season!

P.S. My Prague Guidebooks make great stocking stuffers, and if you're planning a trip to Prague next year, contact me for bookings and trip planning!