Christmas beer

’Tis the season to be jolly, and nothing does the trick better than a strong, dark, hearty brew to warm your bones and belly. Most Czech brewers make a beer just for the season. Some breweries we’ve enjoyed in the past and are looking forward to trying this year are: Klínec Katz (last year’s ‘Oh Tannenbaum’ was delicious), Clock (they make some stellar stouts to knock your socks off), and we’re hoping Albrecht, a brewery we’ve really come to enjoy, has something festive for the season.

The best places to sample some Christmas beers are in Prague’s multi-tap pubs and speciality beer shops. Zlý Časy, Kulový Blesk, or Beer Geek will no doubt have a few on tap. Beer shops like Pivoteka Beer Geek, Base Camp, Pivní Rozmanitost, Pivní Mozaika and Galerie Piva, all have rotating taps and well stocked fridges. A few bottles of some good Czech beer make for a great present or stocking stuffer.

Beer Spas

What better way to unwind from holiday stress than in a warm bubbling tub of beer, with unlimited mugs of lager within an arm’s reach? For more info, have a look at Bohemian Brews Beer Tasting Tours. We have to be honest- this is our beer tour company. However, we chose to work with this particular beer spa because of three important things. First, you bath in and drink Bernard beer, one of the best Czech lagers that comes from an admirable Czech company. Secondly, the staff are always professional and friendly. Lastly, after sampling many beer spas around the country, this is the best Beer Spa experience you can have in Prague. Our customers are continually satisfied with their experience.

Have a Meal in a Microbrewery

Here’s another good place to sample a seasonal beer or two. Most all Prague microbreweries are brewing a special beer for Christmas. Vinohradský Pivovar has excellent food and good beer, and they’re working on a Christmas Ale. Pivovar Strahov makes a nice goulash, and they usually brew a deliciously strong holiday beer. One of Prague’s newer microbreweries, Pivovar Národní, also has excellent cuisine.

Visit a Christmas Market

Prague’s Christmas Markets are open from now till January 1st. Some markets are better than others, and in recent years, a few markets improved the variety of food, drinks, and goods for sale. But some markets remain, in our opinion, very unimaginative and ordinary. Staroměstské Náměstí boasts the biggest Christmas market, centred around the gigantic Christmas tree. In general, most Christmas markets don’t have good beer, as most people are in the mood for hot wine. The Farmer’s markets also turn into Christmas markets, usually selling less touristy arts and crafts that make nice presents. Try the Farmer’s Market at Jiřího z Poděbrad or Náplavka for a more local experience.