Brno provides a harmonious blend of Czech traditions and contemporary festivities during the Christmas period.
The city is renowned for its architectural landmarks like Spilberk Castle and the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, which serve as stunning backdrops to the Brno Christmas Market.
In this article, you’ll find essential information for your visit, such as unconfirmed 2024 dates, opening times, and local specialties to try.
Brno brings a unique blend of Czech traditions and modern festivities to Christmas celebrations.
While many places focus solely on commercial aspects, this city preserves local customs such as bonfires’ ceremonial lighting and handmade wooden toy making.
Brno Christmas Market 2024
Experience the authentic Advent atmosphere at the Christmas market in Brno, which is located at Liberty Square, Cabbage Market, Moravian Square, and Radnická Street.
Here, you’ll find an array of handicrafts, sweet treats, grilled specialties, and hot drinks, including punch and mead.
Liberty Square serves as a hub for socialising and culture, featuring a diverse daily music programme recognised by UNESCO and the Winter Bar serving original Brno drinks.
You can also enjoy the family-friendly setting of Dominican Square, which hosts a life-size nativity scene, a petting zoo, and a variety of food stalls.
As a noteworthy historical element, the Christmas tree at Liberty Square stands where the very first Christmas tree in Czech lands was placed nearly a century ago.
Another highlight is the ice rink set up in Moravian Square, adding a touch of winter fun to the festive atmosphere.
Dates and Location
Brno Christmas Market dates: 23rd November to 23rd December 2024 (unconfirmed).
Location: Liberty Square. Also at Cabbage Market, Moravian Square and Radnická Street.
Opening times: 12pm to 10pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free.
Christmas lights: Yes, switch on date: 23rd November (unconfirmed). The illuminated Christmas star is located at Brno Town Hall courtyard.
Santa: No.
Ice skating: Yes, at Moravian Square.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended during busy periods.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: Distinctive blend of tradition, local crafts, Czech delicacies, lively squares, winter sports fun.
Specialities: Trdelník pastries, svařené víno, klobása sausages, medovina mead, oplatky wafers.
Where to stay: Grandezza Hotel is a popular hotel, 5 minutes from Liberty Square.
Convenient Hotels
The ideal location to stay in Brno for easy access to the Christmas market is near Liberty Square. This area puts you right in the heart of the city and the Advent activities.
I recommend Grandezza Hotel, which is conveniently located close to the Christmas market and offers a popular choice for visitors.
Event Location
Christmas in Brno
Food Specialties
Brněnský punč: A local take on hot punch, Brněnský punč combines various fruit juices with spices and sometimes rum. It’s a favourite among both locals and visitors seeking to warm up in the chilly winter air. Served in souvenir mugs, this drink adds to the authentic experience of Brno Christmas Market.
Vanilla Crescents: These small, crescent-shaped cookies have a subtle vanilla flavour. Originating from Czechia, these cookies are often sprinkled with powdered sugar and are particularly popular during Christmas.
Trdelník: While not strictly local to Brno, this Czech pastry is omnipresent in Christmas markets around the country. Made by wrapping dough around a stick and roasting it over an open flame, trdelník is then coated with sugar and cinnamon for a sweet finish.
Czech Sausages: Grilled to perfection, these sausages delight meat lovers. Various types of sausages are available, some spiced more heavily than others, all designed to keep you full as you explore the market.
Ovocné knedlíky: These are fruit dumplings, a typical Czech dish, but are more commonly found during the winter months. Usually filled with seasonal fruits like plums or cherries, they’re boiled and then often topped with a dusting of sugar.
Gingerbread: A universal Christmas treat, gingerbread cookies are available in various shapes and sizes. Often elaborately decorated, these cookies add a touch of sweetness to your Christmas market experience.
Mulled Wine: Known locally as “svařák,” this hot wine is spiced and sweetened to taste. It’s a common way to fend off the winter chill and adds an aromatic note to the market’s atmosphere.
Mead: A drink made from fermented honey, water, and occasionally added spices or fruits. Mead is a traditional Czech beverage that has experienced a resurgence in popularity and can often be found at the Christmas market.
Apple Strudel: A nod to the Austrian influence in the region, apple strudel is a pastry filled with tart cooking apples, sugar, and cinnamon. It’s baked until golden and crisp, usually enjoyed warm, often with a dollop of whipped cream.
Potato Pancakes: Known in Czech as “bramboráky,” these are grated potatoes mixed with flour and seasonings, then fried until crispy. They make for a hearty snack as you wander through the market stalls.
Interesting Gifts
Handmade Christmas Decorations: The Brno Christmas Market is an excellent place to find unique, handmade Christmas ornaments. You’ll find delicate glass baubles, intricately carved wooden figures, and fabric-based decorations carrying a distinctive Czech charm.
Bohemian Crystal: Renowned worldwide for its exceptional quality and craftsmanship, Bohemian crystal makes for an elegant gift. At the market, you can find a range of items from jewellery to decorative glassware crafted in this style.
Czech Pottery: Known as ‘bunzlau’, this pottery has a distinctive blue and white design and is a unique memento to take home. It’s available in a variety of forms, from mugs and plates to ornate vases and serving dishes.
Traditional Czech Slippers: These woollen slippers, often adorned with vibrant patterns, is a typical product in the Czech Republic. Comfortable and warm, they’re an ideal purchase for the cold winter months.
Wooden Toys: An enduring tradition in the Czech Republic, wooden toys make for wonderful gifts, particularly for children. From puzzles to intricately carved figurines, these toys not only provide entertainment but also serve as charming keepsakes.
Spices for Svařené víno: A practical and unique gift to the region, you’ll find pre-packaged spices for making your own mulled wine at home. Each pack usually contains a mix of cinnamon, star anise, cloves, and other warming spices.
Traditional Gingerbread (Perníčky): Packaged in beautifully decorated boxes or bags, traditional Czech gingerbread cookies are an edible gift that anyone would appreciate. They’re typically adorned with white icing, creating intricate designs that add to their appeal.
Things to Do in Winter
I recommend checking out Go to Brno, the city’s official website, for up-to-date information on winter activities and the latest events. Here’s a list of the top things to do in Brno to get you started with your trip planning.
Sustainable Travel Tips
Here are a few tips on how we can travel more responsibly in Brno at Christmas.
Use Public Transport or Walk: With its extensive network of trams and buses, Brno has an efficient public transport system that can help reduce your carbon footprint. The city centre, where the Christmas market is located, is easily navigable on foot, promoting further sustainability.
Patronise Ethical Traders: Choose to buy from stalls selling local artisan products. By doing this, you are supporting local businesses and reducing the environmental impact of long-distance product shipping. For example, purchasing traditional Czech handicrafts at the Christmas market is eco-friendly.
Reduce Food Waste: Be mindful of your food consumption at the market. Aim to only buy what you can finish, reducing unnecessary waste. Many stalls in Brno’s Christmas market sell their delicacies in small, manageable portions, making this easier.
Opt for Plant-based Options: Among the traditional Czech food available at the market, there are many vegetarian dishes. Foods like ‘svařák’, a kind of mulled wine, and ‘trdelník’, a sweet pastry, are delicious and more sustainable choices.
If you would like to leave a review of Brno Xmas Market, comment below.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels and tours in Brno, Czech. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.
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