Travel on December 5^th and your Prague airport shuttle driver might just be dressed as St. Nicholas.  Santa Claus may be busy working all year round to deliver presents to the good girls and boys, but on December 5th he takes a break to parade the streets of Prague with an angel and a devil, dispensing material goods to the children of the city.

Throughout continental Europe, the 6^th December is celebrated as St. Nicholas Day. This is the day when children receive their gifts from Old Saint Nick, which serves as a reminder that Christmas will soon be on its way. On the eve of Saint Nicholas, Angels lower Santa down from heaven with a gold cord. They then further bribe him down with gifts of apples, nuts and candles.

Santa is accompanied by two friends an Angel and a Devil. The Devil traditionally comes to take the bad children away, whilst the Angel pleads on their behalf.  This trio forms a procession along the main street and en-route young children are quizzed about their behavior during the past year. Those deemed naughty are handed pieces of coal, while the good girls and boys receive sweets and small toys.

The streets of Prague are filled with a mixture of devils in rattling chains, angels and St. Nicholases, with an annual prize given out for the best mask. It is also customary for the parents of the city to give St. Nicholas a little gift of their own, which may be hidden so the children must hunt to find it. After the procession ends, Santa joins the parents in a toast, which for many marks the start of the Christmas season.

How do I get there?

The main celebrations take place in the Old Town Square, which is located in the centre of Prague. The closest airport is Ruzyne, which is located 15 minutes away from the city centre. Once there, you can book a Prague airport shuttle direct from the airport to your hotel.  Shuttle Direct offers airport taxis and shuttle buses from most airports in Europe from as little as £7!

When is it on?

St Nicholas Eve is an annual festival and takes place every year on December 5.

Brilliant, tell me more?

For further information, visit www.pragueexperience.com

Štěpán Stich is a Prague airport shuttle driver for Shuttle Direct. They provide pre-booked shuttles to major destinations all over Europe. Wherever you travel, Shuttle Direct can make sure that you don’t miss your car on your holiday abroad.