The recently concluded Brno Christmas markets, organised by the Brno-střed municipal district, were characterised by high visitor numbers, record profits unprecedented generosity, and above all, an unforgettable atmosphere.
The Brno-střed district has been the main organiser of the traditional Christmas markets in the centre of Brno since 1993. Operating under the brand name “Vánoce Brno” (Christmas Brno), the district organises markets at the Vegetable Market (Zelný trh), near the Jošt Statue, and in the park at the Moravian Square (Moravské náměstí), at the Bašty terrace, at the Roman Square (Římské náměstí), and in part of the Freedom Square (náměstí Svobody). In total, it provided over 160 sales stands.
As in many European cities, Christmas in Brno began on 14 November and lasted until the end of 2025, culminating in New Year’s Eve celebrations at the Vegetable Market (Zelný trh). “Christmas in Brno was a success in every way. From start to finish, the markets enjoyed high attendance, which was already very strong in the first two weeks. Visitors showed unprecedented support for the Daruj kelímek (Donate the Cup) charity collection, raising over CZK 5 million for a total of 60 non-profit organisations,” said Ludmila Oulehlová (ANO political party), the first deputy mayor of the Brno-střed district.
The district operated a returnable system for the entire Christmas market and purchased cups for hot drinks at its own expense. A total of 350,000 cups were in circulation. These were decorated with twenty original designs featuring the Brno dragon. Thousands of people kept the cups as souvenirs. In total, the returnable system earned the district approximately CZK 5 million.
“The white cups featuring Kometa ice-hockey team motifs and the black ones bearing a Christmas tram design were the most popular with visitors. There was also great interest in gift items. Enamel mugs were the most popular item, with over 5,000 sold,” said Deputy Mayor Ludmila Oulehlová, adding that there had been a significant increase in traffic on social networks and the Vánoce Brno website. This represented an almost twofold year-on-year increase. One of the most successful communication channels is the Facebook profile, which currently has over 30,000 followers.
The Christmas markets organised by the city district are primarily financed by vendor rental fees. Revenues amounted to CZK 56 million, while expenses totalled just under CZK 36 million. “We significantly strengthened the cultural programme, with over 160 concerts, performances and accompanying events taking place. The main attractions were the bands Monkey Business, No Name, and Slza. Kateřina Šedá’s installation at the Roman Square (Římské náměstí) and hot air balloon flights, which carried almost a thousand people, including dozens of children from children’s homes and foster care, were a great success. The Christmas markets were also extremely successful economically. The profit amounted to over CZK 20 million, which is approximately CZK 6 million more than last year. We will primarily use the money from the Christmas markets in the area of culture and the organisation of cultural events for the public,” summarised Ing. arch. Vojtěch Mencl (ODS political party), Mayor of the Brno-střed District.
In recent days, workers have dismantled most of the market stands and attractions in the city centre. However, the Light Trail on Bašty Street, the Ferris wheel and the ice rink at the Moravian Square (Moravské náměstí) will remain open until the end of January, with the ice rink staying open until spring. Over the next few weeks, the city district will meet with vendors to discuss the form of the next Christmas markets. It will also focus on preparations for cultural events from the Brno Festivities series. The first of these is the Easter Festival, which will take place at the Freedom Square (náměstí Svobody) from 27 March to 5 April.
