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Just like Christmas is not just about the Vienna Christmas Market, Czechia is not all about Prague, especially at Christmas time. The Brno Christmas Market takes place in the country’s second city from 22 November. Apparently Brno has even been declared European Capital of Christmas 2024.
Brno had the very first lit Christmas tree in the country, in 1924 on Freedom Square (Náměstí Svobody). Three years ago, the city was also the first in the Czech Republic to introduce returnable cups at all its Christmas markets. You can buy these from individual stores and then swap for a clean one at a following store. At the end of the fair you can take the cup home with you as a memento or return it to reclaim your deposit. There are also souvenir mugs.
The festival has two centres. The first is around Freedom Square which has a very modern vibe, focusing on virtual reality displays as well as live gigs and even a designer market. Sample special city drinks from a white cupola while resting at the Winter Bar.
Whereas the Dominican Square has a far more traditional take to proceedings and is ideal for families. And expect a musical tone to be adopted throughout – after all Brno is a UNESCO Creative City of Music.
There is also a Cabbage Market, as well as the usual retailers of handicrafts and purveyors of Moravian delicacies and Christmas treats.
Brno has its own spiked apple cider, Turbomošt, to warm you up. Introduced in 2009, it consists of apple juice, mixed with apple brandy and spices.
There will be live music performances each day at the central square.
Brno Christmas Market Dates?
The festivities start on 22 November when the Christmas tree is lit up. It continues to 23 December. There are many Christmas markets Brno, with details here.
Getting to the Brno Christmas Market 2024
To get to the fair take either 3, 5, 6, 11, or 12 lines and get off at Česká.
Hotels in Brno
If you are looking for hotels in Brno, make sure you book well in advance.
Flights to Brno from UK
Ryanair has direct flights from London Stansted to Brno-Turany Airport. Lufthansa flies from Heathrow via Munich.
