Holidays

Christmas Eve

In the Czech Republic, Christmas (Vánoce) is celebrated on what is considered Christmas Eve (Štědrý ve�?er – December 24) in the United States. Traditionally Czechs fast all day until they sit down for the meal of carp, potato salad, and special Christmas cookies. Once everyone has finished eating, a bell is rung to announce that Baby Jesus (Ježíšek) has come and gone and left presents underneath the tree.

December 25 (první váno�?ní svátek) and December 26 (druhý váno�?ní svátek) are respectively the first and second Christmas holidays. They are traditionally spent at home with families.