Enchanting Christmas Tales: Your Ultimate Escape from Boredom!

Lovers of fairy tales are particularly delighted with Czech Television. Every Christmas Eve since 1993, they air a new fairy tale. Occasionally, the story is a hit, while at other times it’s not well-received, but there’s always at least one fairy tale that captures the audience’s attention like no other. You probably have one particular title in your mind. The portal Kudy z z boredy invites you to the grand fairy tale Christmas ride!So how did we pick our selection of fairy tales? We based our choices on several lists and surveys from previous years, along with audience ratings. We aimed to feature a mix of both classic and modern tales while making sure to represent all the renowned fairy tale directors. To keep things organized, we arranged the tales chronologically by their release year.

1. The Proud Princess (1952)

“Flourish, little bud, fairest of flowers, from morning till night, you shall be fragrant to the world…” This beautiful line is from one of the oldest fairy tales we will discuss. Directed by Bořivoj Zeman, The Proud Princess reflects the era it was made in and contains traces of socialist ideals, yet it’s still regarded as one of the treasures of Christmas fairy tales. Filmed at magical locations like Hluboká, Telč, Panská skála, and Dolský mlýn, the lead actors even tied the knot after filming (though they later divorced, but that’s a different story). The character Princess Krasomila, played by Alena Vránová, was even voted the most beloved fairy tale princess during a poll at the Karlovy Vary film festival in 1997. When The Proud Princess premiered in theaters, over eight million people went to see it, but it wasn’t shown on television until after thirteen years. And what’s the famous line? Naturally, it’s “I retract what I retract, I promise what I promise!” CSFD 82%

2. Playing with the Devil (1956)

This film is based on a fairy-tale play by Jan Drda, which he wrote during the Nazi occupation in 1942. Following the war, Hrátky s čertem was adapted into a radio play featuring the same actors from that time’s National Theatre in Prague. The costumes and sets were designed by the artist Josef Lada. At the time of filming, Vladimír Ráž and Alena Vránová, who also starred in The Proud Princess, were already married—though their roles were not quite romantic in Playing with the Devil. Vránová played princess Dyšperanda while Ráž took on the demonic character Dr. Solfern. CSFD 78%

3. Dařbuján and Pandrhola (1959)

A few years later, director Martin Frič made a fabulous comedy based on another story by Jan Drda, which featured actors like Jiří Sovák and Rudolf Hrušínský, along with a memorable role for Václav Lohninský as the Grim Reaper. The film is known in Czech as the mysterious disease “moribundus” and shared sets with Playing with the Devil. CSFD 82%

4. The Princess with the Golden Star on Her Forehead (1959)

This fairy tale features a stunning Princess Lada, who has a golden star on her forehead (Marie Kyselková), a rather weak King (František Smolík), a caring nanny (Jarmila Kurandová), and the noble Prince Radovan (Josef Zima), along with a villainous character King Casisvetus played by Martin Růžek. Directed by Martin Fritz, much of the film was shot in studios, but you’ll at least catch glimpses of Průhonice and Kokořín Castles. Thankfully, the King avoided losing an eye while filming—Princess Lada almost gouged it out with her crown! ČSFD 76%

5. Once Upon a Time There Was a King (1959)

This movie features the catchphrase: “I’m a secret agent? You’re a secret!”. It’s a classic inspired by the fairy tale Salt Over Gold written by Božena Němcová, showcasing two top-notch comedians, Jan Werich (as the King) and Vlasta Burian (as the mentor of the Atacdale)—making this one of those fairy tales we can count on for Christmas entertainment. Filming was enjoyable for actors like Miroslav Horníček (Prince Charming), Miloš Kopecký (the clever prince), and Lubomir Lipsky (the valiant prince). During one scene’s shooting, director Bořivoj Zeman insisted the princes should only drink wine instead of water. After five bottles of wine were consumed, the director finally requested tea instead! When reporters later asked Horníček how he managed to play such a handsome prince, he humorously replied: “…if Miloš Kopecký can play a clever prince…?” The stone bridge featured in the film, where salt is sprinkled, is actually located in the Třeboń region near a place known as Old Clay—where a couple of decades later, the fairy tale From the Hell of Happiness was also filmed. CSFD 87%

6. The Madly Sad Princess (1968)

“…I know an old garden, where the grass is silken, with a gate five doors to the west, and I dream of it. There lives a beautiful princess, with tanned skin…” Do you recognize this? It’s from the famous fairy tale The Mad, Sad Princess. In this film, the prince, portrayed by Václav Neckar, sings this to the princess played by Helena Vondráčková while they row a boat through the beautiful castle park in Blatná. Directed by Bořivoj Zeman, this enchanting musical fairy tale is filled with delightful songs composed by Jan Hammer the Younger, and the witty dialogue among the royal advisors is memorable too, especially from Darek Vostrel and Josef Kemer. Interestingly, this fairy tale is one of the rare ones without any magic or supernatural elements. “Wow! And this is the family I’m supposed to marry into. Daddy can’t see the blood, so he’s holding executions.” Yes, let’s forge pikes! CSFD 83%

7. Three Nuts for Cinderella (1973)

This Christmas classic, directed by Vaclav Vorlicek with music from Karel Svoboda and featuring the lovely Libushka Safrankova, is adored not just in the Czech Republic but also in Scandinavian countries. In Norway, they took such a liking to Cinderella that they made their own version called Three Wishes for Cinderella. Key scenes from Vorlíček’s iconic film were shot at the German Moritzburg Castle, and segments of Švihov Castle were transformed into the stepmother’s farm. There’s even a fairy tale trail leading to various filming locations, including the pond where the stepmother and Dorinka had their unfortunate encounter. By the way, a notable error occurred in one scene where, during winter, a power line pole becomes visible in the snowy background while Vincek (Vladimír Menšík) is trimming branches in an orchard. And the memorable line is: “Come on down! Come on up!” CSFD 86%

8. Long Live the Ghosts (1977)

For many young boys, Leontine became their first great movie crush, with many saying this fairy tale filled with laughter, joy, and a carefree spirit is the best one they know. Plus, it features some fantastic tricks with the dwarfs! Even though Jiří Sovák, who plays Knight Brtník of Brtník, supposedly had a disdain for children and often drank vodka instead of the usual Alpa Francovka during filming. Locations like Baba’s Grove, where the ” lord of the forest” resides, are found southwest of Prague in Malé Chlumec, while Mníšek pod Brdy was the site for the self-service scenes, the filming also took place in Jiřího z Poděbrad Square in Nový Knín and at Krakovec Castle. Directed by Oldřich Lipský, with a script by Zdeněk Svěrák and Jiří Melíšek, and music by Jaroslav Uhlíř. CSFD 81%

9. The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (1977)

This film blends elements of both horror and fairy tales. It’s an animated film made by director Karel Zeman, who created it for West German television. The story is inspired by a Lusatian-Serbian legend from the late 17th and early 18th centuries and was created using flat animation techniques. Zeman enriched the animation with real-life shots of a mill wheel, fire, and water. You can explore both the film and its creator at the Karel Zeman Museum in Prague. CSFD 86%

10. How the Princesses Wake Up (1977)

This fairy tale, following the iconic Three Nuts for Cinderella, was also directed by Vaclav Vorlicek. Based on a version of Sleeping Beauty and featuring music by Karel Svoboda, it stars many celebrated actors, including Vladimír Menšík. Filming took place at several majestic locations including Roštejn Castle, Pernštejn, Orlík near Humpolec, Křivoklát, and Konopiště Castle. Interestingly, there’s even a nod to Cinderella as one of the characters wears the same cloak as the one sported by Libuše Šafránková a few years earlier. CSFD 77%

11. The Prince and the Evening Star (1978)

Right after the modern adaptation of Sleeping Beauty, Václav Vorlíček directed another fairy tale based on Božena Němcová‘s story About the Monthly, the Sun, and the Pinwheel. The King, played again by Vladimír Menšík, is joined by František Filipovský in the role of the jester, with Libuše Šafránková also starring, although overshadowed by the villainous Clouds played by Radoslav Brzobohatý. Much of the action transpires at Krakovec Castle ruins, while the climactic duel between the prince and one of the most wicked villains in Czech fairy tale history was shot at Trosky in Czech Paradise. The team also filmed at Ploskovice Castle, Hrádek near Nechanice, the rocky region of Adršpach, on Kopic’s farm, and in the then-ruined “moon” landscape around Most. CSFD 76%

12. Three Veterans (1983)

The tale revolves around artilleryman Pankrác, dragoon Bimbác, and cook Servác, inspired by a novel by Jan Werich. Full of memorable lines from Zdeněk Svěrák and directed by Oldřich Lipský, it features music by Jaroslav Uhlíř, with the catchphrase being “…it is not necessary, it is not necessary to be directly cheerful…”. The film has become a poetic classic in Czech cinema. Various locations such as the village of Dobrovíz, along with scenes shot in the pond at Průhonice Castle Park, and the mountains of Slovak Roháče, contributed to its charm. Notably, the princess’s nose was a significant prop, with Jan Švankmajer’s longer version traveling through various places including German Quedlinburg, Průhonice, and across Střelecký island to Charles Bridge in Prague. The three veterans reunited in filming again two years later during the Snowdrop Festival, and also appeared together in the film My Little Village. CSFD 84%

13. The Devils Are No Jokes (1984)

This charming fairy tale comedy explores the consequences of a major error involving two pals and three punished souls. It’s based on fairy tales by Božena Němcová‘s The Devil’s Brother-in-Law and accompanied by music by Jaroslav Uhlír. It aired on Christmas Eve in 1986. Filming took place at a timbered mill in Střehoma and in the Pekelné Mines. Director Hynek Bočan later recounted how the “devils” were an entirely new experience for him as a filmmaker. He recalled the first day of shooting when he said “camera,” and an actor, Karl Heřmánek, burst into chaos. He described how he was taken aback by this unpredictable energy. The famous line from this film is: “Machal, you dropped it again! It must be the wind!” or “He’s a rebel! During the arrest, he seriously wounded three soldiers, bruised two, and mocked one.” CSFD 89%

14. Seven Ravens (1993)

In a fascinating start to the recent tradition of Christmas Eve fairy tales, Czech Television debuted its first original fairy tale in 1993. The Seven Ravens, directed by Ludvík Ráza, is a dark and suspenseful story with almost horror-like elements. It’s not frequently shown on TV, but it’s absolutely worth a watch; the tale of the raven brothers takes place in the ruins of Boskovice Castle, with additional filming done in the enchanting Lednice-Valtice area, Jan’s Castle, Pernštejn Castle, and an open-air museum at Veselý Kopec. CSFD 56%

15. Immortal Aunt (1993)

Based on Karel Jaromír Erben’s old fairy tale about Reason and Happiness, this film was directed by Zdeněk Zelenka and was one of the most expensive Czech films at that time, costing 45 million crowns. By the time Immortal Aunt made its Christmas debut, it had already attracted nearly six hundred thousand viewers. Zelenka customized the role of Envy specifically for Jiřina Bohdalová, with filming locations including Sychrov and Vranov nad Dyjí castles, Kopic’s farm in the Czech Paradise, the Kouřim open-air museum, and Horšovský Týn castle. And the memorable line from the film? “I had a nice talk with the king today for the young man’s gallows…” CSFD 62%

16. Princess of the Mill (1994)

On Christmas Eve in 1994, audiences were taken to South Bohemia in a tale directed by Zdeněk Troška. It tells the story of a waterman and a devil, a prince and a wandering boy, who together fight for the hand of the miller’s daughter, Eliška, with the help of a fox and some ants. If you’re looking for any real-life mills, unfortunately, the picturesque mill depicted in the movie was constructed solely for the film. One man commented that after visiting the area for forty years to collect mushrooms, he had never noticed it before! A memorable line from the film is: “Could you brush my back? I want to look good tomorrow because I’m going to propose to Eliza.” CSFD 64%

17. Lotrando and Zubeida (1997)

This modern fairy tale is loosely based on Čapek’s tales, specifically The Robber and the Doctor. Directed by Karel Smyczek and written by Zdeněk Svěrák, it entertained viewers on Christmas Eve in 1998. It beautifully blends life lessons with humor, featuring locations like Valečov Castle, the Veselý Kopec open-air museum, Zvíkov Castle, and several Bulgarian towns. If you’re curious about the real Lotrand the Robber, inspired by Karel Čapek’s work, you’ll need to visit the Jestřebí Mountains, where his cave allegedly is located. A memorable line is: “And he’s a dumb doctor. He’s Dr. Nec and Dr. Beard!” CSFD 78%

18. Angel of the Lord (2005)

Another delightful snowy fairy tale, this one crafted by director Jiří Strach, features a charming duo: the confused angel Petronel (Ivan Trojan) and the devil Uriah (Jiří Dvořák). The story was filmed in the stunning Šumava region, primarily at Kašperk Castle and Mouřenec, with scenes in the Church of St. Moritz, while the marketplace scenes were recorded at Křivoklát, and various interiors were captured at Český Šternberk Castle. Notably, the fairytale’s heavenly realm populated with saints is voiced by actors sharing the same names, such as Josef Abrham as St. Joseph, Veronika Žilková as St. Veronica, and so forth—an amusing touch! Only Jiří Bartoska and Klára Issová portray the Lord God and the Virgin Mary, respectively. Their dialogue includes a humorous exchange: “My God, what are you doing here?” – “Kind of a pointless question since you’re omniscient, right? And don’t take your name in vain!” CSFD 76%

19. Seven Ravens (2015)

Another rendition of the “raven” tale from Božena Němcová, this version offers a quite different perspective compared to Ludvík Ráža’s take, exploring this dark story selected by director Alice Nellis twenty years later, and featuring Martha Issa as a lead. This fantasy fairy tale includes stunning costumes, witty dialogues, and breathtaking nature as its backdrop, filmed in Zvíkov, Slovakia, and the Museum of Orava Heritage in Zuberec, as well as in the Moravian Karst. CSFD 75%

20. Angel of the Lord 2 (2016)

Featuring the same lead characters as in the Angel of the Lord movie, this sequel presents a different story but with just as many enchanting scenes. Many beautiful moments were set in places like Český Krumlov and Ledeč nad Sázavou. Excited for a third installment? Word is, Ivan Trojan (as Petronel) hinted that if a million people watch the film, he would agree to appear in “Angel of the Lord 3. It appears that around three million viewers enjoyed the film in its Czech cinema release, and the fairy tale graced our screens on Christmas Eve 2017. So when will it come out? CSFD 77%

21. About the Poinsettia (2020)

According to the filmmakers, a Christmas Eve fairy tale should be filled with kindness, twinkle with humor, and showcase the victory of good over evil. Additionally, as Václav Vorlíček mentioned, it should ideally be filmed during wintertime in the snow. This sentiment is echoed in the 2020 fairy tale About the Poinsettia, directed by Karel Janák. With stunning costumes and a fascinating theme centered on stars recharging with love, accompanied by delightful characters such as Tereza Ramba and Anya Geisler, and others like the Hádek brothers, Vojtěch Kotek, and Ondřej Sokol, the film also features princesses like Leonie Brill from Germany. Filming transpired in Slovakia at the Museum of Orava Heritage in Zuberec, along with scenes at the castles of Karlova Koruna, Kačina, and Žleby. CSFD 64%

22. The Secret of the Old Bambitka 2 (2022)

The Christmas Eve fairy tale of 2022 is a follow-up to The Mystery of the Old Bambit from 2011. It brings back characters from the initial story, such as Tomáš Klus as King James, Kamila Janovic as Queen Anna, and Ondřej Vetchý as her father, the former robber Karaba, along with Miroslav Vladyka and Jiří Lábus portraying the villainous mentors Ferenc and Lorenc. The filming happened at the castle in Jindřichův Hradec and the Mníšek pod Brdy castle, as well as in open-air museums at Kouřim and Přerov nad Labem. CSFD 54%

23. Krakonoš’s Secret (2022)

A new fairy tale directed by Peter Bebjak made its debut on Christmas Day in 2022, featuring actors like David Švehlík, along with Jakub Prachař, Ondřej Sokol, and Leona Skleničková. This version of the mythical ruler of the Krkonoše Mountains is quite distinct compared to previous adaptations in older Krkonoše fairy tales from Večerníček. Interestingly, the actor Jakub Prachař is the grandson of Ilya Prachar, who played the character Trautenberk in those earlier Krkonoše tales. The filming took place in locations such as the Veselý Kopec open-air museum, Hrádek u Nechanic, and Doudleby nad Orlicí castles, as well as the Kost and Sovinec castles. A cottage for Krakonoš was built for the exterior scenes at White Rock near Příchovice, while the interiors were filmed at the Czech Television studio in Brno. CSFD 66%

24. The Key of St. Peter (2023)

The upcoming fairy tale from Czech Television for Christmas 2023 is titled The Key of St. Peter, created by director Karel Janák. Starring actors like Lukáš Příkazký, Berenika Kohoutová, Petr Nárožný, Sabina Remundová, and David Novotný, the plot revolves around a stolen key to Heaven’s Gate, a waterman in love with a princess, and a couple of overburdened chancellors. Filming has taken place at Sychrov Castle, Zvíkov Castle, in Slavonice, and in studios located in the Kavčí Hory Mountains around Prague. CSFD 55%

25. Three Princesses (2024)

In this tale, Princesses Sophie, Leona, and Flora are not damsels in distress waiting to be saved. Instead, they are strong, active heroines who face numerous challenges together to rescue their kingdom from the dark danger posed by Queen Mortana. Directed by Tomáš Pavlíček, this adventurous fantasy film will introduce new actresses such as Josefina Marková, Dorota Šlajerová, and Sara Cernochová, alongside familiar faces Josef Trojan, Klára Melíšková, Martin Pechlát, Cyril Dobrý, Anna Šišková, Vojtěch Vondráček, and Michl Istenik. Remarkably, the film uses the transformed burned landscape of Bohemian Switzerland, showcasing unique settings like the Tight Walls, Skrysky Lakes, Hrubý Rohozec Chateau, Bouzov Castle, Homolák quarry, and Little and Great America. CSFD 27%

26. The Mystery of the Haunted Castle (2025)

Czech Television has an exciting new fairy tale called The Mystery of the Haunted Castle, directed by Ivo Macharáček, set to premiere for Christmas 2025. The tale features a royal budget featuring ghost tours led by the clever Princess Elvira at Strašperk Castle, but controlling magical beings proves tricky. The theme emphasizes that challenges are easier when faced together. The hidden message, crafted by screenwriter and author Tomáš Syrováka, reflects on how people often prefer to believe in lies rather than recognize the truth right in front of them.
Starring in the film are Oskar Hes, who is the son of choreographer Richard Hess, and Sofie Anna Švehlíková, a successor of the famed Švehlík acting lineage. Her grandfather was Alois Švehlík, while her father is David Švehlík, and her mother Jitka Schneider, with her uncle being Martin Pechlát. The film was shot at Chyše Castle, turning it into the enchanted Strašperk, and locations like Český Krumlov and the rococo Dobříš Castle are also highlighted.