Despite a general decline in restaurant visits, festive Christmas Eve meals in the Czech Republic are becoming increasingly popular. In particular, high-end restaurants have seen a significant rise in demand in recent years, leading to early bookings at many establishments. This trend suggests that people are eager to enjoy a luxurious evening, especially on special occasions such as Christmas.
Although overall restaurant visits are down, the Christmas Eve feast at restaurants is growing in popularity among Czechs. Many establishments are already fully booked weeks ahead of the holidays.
According to Václav Stárek, president of the Czech Association of Hotels and Restaurants, the desire to celebrate special occasions with a touch of luxury remains strong. “Interest in festive dinners is increasing, particularly in high-end restaurants,” he told news channel ČT24. While many restaurants are currently grappling with declining guest numbers for lunch offerings, Christmas Eve remains a reliable way to fill tables. “On such occasions, people tend to indulge more, and special events are often very successful,” Stárek added.
Despite an overall price increase of around ten percent this year, many restaurants do not plan to raise prices for their Christmas menus.
Not only restaurants but also delivery services are feeling the surge in demand during the Christmas season. Jana Jarošová, spokesperson for the delivery service Wolt, confirmed an increase in orders for traditional dishes on December 23 and 24. However, Czech dishes like potato salad, breaded schnitzels, and carp account for only about six percent of orders. “Although around one hundred restaurants in Prague offer traditional menus, many customers prefer international cuisine,” she explained. This trend is also evident at Foodora, where, although there is some demand for traditional dishes, it is overshadowed by the popularity of fast food, kebabs, and Asian cuisine.
