Restrictions in the vicinity of Charles Bridge
Due to the fireworks, if necessary the police might close Charles Bridge. Ideal places to watch the fireworks display are on both river banks between Legií Bridge and Mánesův Bridge, as well as Petřín Hill. Car traffic in the city centre will be regulated so it is advisable to make use of public transport instead.
Children’s New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve celebrations will start in the Old Town Square at half past three in the afternoon with a big children’s show. There will be three hours of entertainment, presents, a magic show and merry masks. Celebrations for adults will start at half past six. “In the course of the evening, the Old Town Square will for the first time present the group called Pub Animals which got the Anděl Award in the category of reggae and ska. Visitors can also look forward to the band called Pangea – The Beatles revival band or a travesti show,” said Henri Morstyn, programme manager of the markets. The highlight of the evening will be a Las Vegas band with well-known hits, both Czech and foreign. The performance will finish with a New Year’s toast.
Classical music on New Year’s Day
The last date of this year’s Christmas markets will take place on the first day of 2012. Between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., visitors can listen to the soloists of the National Theatre and the State Opera Prague with arias from Czech operas, such as The Kiss, The Nartered Bride or Rusalka.
Police, fire brigade and emergency medical services
Hundreds of policemen will be out in the streets to guard the city centre. There will also be Prague Emergency Medical Services vehicles and fire brigade. There will be no entry for motor vehicles to Wenceslas from 4 p.m. The Taiko Company which organizes the celebrations has also increased the number of security guards, especially in the Old Town Square, the centre of New Year’s celebrations. Market stalls will be open until 10 p.m., bigger refreshment spots will be open until half past twelve in the night.
No glass
“New Year’s Eve is, beside the lighting up of the tree and St. Nicola’s celebrations, the third day when we increase the security measures for the visitors to the markets. Naturally, mulled wine is sold in plastic cups and sparkling wine is not sold at all. No firecrackers or bangers can be bought in our markets. All steps are co-ordinated with the police, EMS and the fire brigade,” said Milan Heidler from the Taiko Company. The Old Town Square market ends on 1st January 2012. The one in Wenceslas Square will remain open one week longer.
