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The arrival of the New Year is an occasion celebrated with fervour across the globe but although some cities may have more expensive and extensive festivities, nothing can compare to the sheer sense of excitement that pervades Prague on the 31st December.

Prague’s boat parties offer the chance to celebrate the New Year on a leisurely cruise down the River Vltava and experience the city’s electric atmosphere from inside its very heart. Beautiful riverside architecture illuminated against the night sky provides the backdrop as a selection of impressive landmarks pass by including Prague Castle, Parliament, the National Theatre and Vysehrad Fortress. The boats approach Charles Bridge at midnight to take advantage of the excellent vantage point for the city’s spectacular firework displays. Most boats offer a generous buffet dinner, included in the ticket price. Bars are stocked with a great selection of drinks, but generally do not accept credit card so be sure to take cash. The entertainment offered on different boat parties varies and as a consequence so does the atmosphere and clientele. The ‘Party Boat’ caters for fans of pop and dance music, offering a DJ who spins hits from the 80s up to the present day. For those who prefer a more relaxed affair, the ‘Jazz Cruise’ is an excellent alternative.

Prague is nothing if not cultured and the city’s theatrical offerings are no exception. Those who prefer a slow start to their New Year’s Eve could book tickets for one of the many performances scheduled for the 31st December. ‘Black light theatre’ is a curious speciality of Czech theatre, which uses a black background, fluorescent costumes and intricate lighting effects to create visual illusions while actors use dance and mime to convey the story. Black light shows are ideal for visitors who do not speak Czech as they convey their messages entirely by visual means and contain no dialogue whatsoever. The All Colours Theatre are staging a production of ‘Faust’ by J.W Goethe on New Years Eve (5pm) which uses state of the art technology and some puppetry to convey the legendary tale of one man’s search for knowledge, power and immortality. Alternatively book tickets for ‘Life is Life’ at the Metro Theatre (also 5pm), which depicts the story of one man’s life condensed into a series of isolated scenes. Black light theatre techniques are mixed with astounding physical theatre and audience interaction to bring to life the humorous, heartfelt and horrific moments that make up a lifetime.

Czech theatre companies are known for their master of sophisticated puppetry and a trip to the National Marionette Theatre offers an excellent opportunity to see them practice the craft. A performance of Mozart’s opera ‘Don Giovanni’ is scheduled for New Year’s Eve (5pm), using elaborate costumed puppets to perform the classical masterpiece often referred to as the ‘Opera of Operas’. The show’s history is intertwined with that of the city, as it was originally composed for a premiere in Prague at the Estates Theatre is 1787. The National Marionette Theatre is situated in an area that has a good selection of high quality hotels.

Those who appreciate classical music should not miss the Prague New Year’s Concert 2011, which will be held on New Year’s Day (4pm). The concert will be held in the Grand Hall of the Rudolfinum, Prague’s beautiful Neo-Renaissance concert hall and will feature the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra performing under Maestro Friedemann Riehle. The Orchestra, who are famous for their performances on Hollywood blockbusters, will play a selection of pieces by composers connected to Prague including Strauss, Smetana and Tchaikovsky. The Rudolfinum is helpfully located close to a handful of excellent Prague hotels.

Although the Czechs celebrate the passing of midnight on New Years Eve in the same way as most other countries, it is New Years Day that they consider to have a greater significance. Aside from marking the beginning of a new calendar year, it also commemorates the creation of the Czech Republic, which was formed on January 1st 1993. For this reason the celebrations in Prague continue through to New Year’s Day when a second round of parties and fireworks displays bring he city back to life.

Those seeking a wild New Year’s party should head to Old Town Square where the fun-filled atmosphere is hard to rival. The square itself comprises magnificent historic buildings and churches which date back to the late 12th century. The combination of Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic styles of architecture create a breathtaking scene, which provides the setting for a New Year’s celebration unlike any other. Partygoers gather in the picturesque surroundings throughout the evening, causing the anticipation to slowly build. By the time midnight arrives the atmosphere in the square is highly charged and the crowd erupts with an enthusiasm like no other. The Czechs are fond of fireworks and in addition to the huge state-funded displays, many revellers let off their own as the clock strikes twelve.

Those who want to avoid crowds, or who are taking children, may prefer to spend midnight by the river where the atmosphere is more relaxed. Restaurants and bars close to Charles Bridge have terraces that afford a clear view of the extravagant pyrotechnic displays.