Brno was the first city in the Czech Republic to embrace the Christmas spirit. The Christmas markets opened in most places in the city centre on 14 November. Thousands of people attended the grand opening, accompanied by singer Sebastian at the Freedom Square (náměstí Svobody) and the band Slza at the Vegetable Market (Zelný trh).
Organised by the Brno-střed district, the Brno Christmas markets have long enjoyed an excellent reputation in the Czech Republic and abroad. This was confirmed by the recent award of the title of European Capital of Christmas 2024 by the European Commission. “Every year, Christmas in Brno attracts thousands of visitors to the city. We want them to enjoy the festive atmosphere for as long as possible, which is why we are opening the markets at a similar time to those in other European cities. We are following the example of nearby cities such as Vienna and Budapest, which also hold renowned Christmas markets,” said Ludmila Oulehlová (ANO political party), 1st Deputy Mayor of the Brno-střed district.
On the first day of the Christmas markets, crowds of people flocked to the Vegetable Market (Zelný trh), the park and the Jošt Statue at the Moravian Square (Moravské náměstí), the Bašta terrace near the train railway station and the Freedom Square (náměstí Svobody). The main programme took place at the FreedomSquare (náměstí Svobody), where visitors watched a parade of devils and attended a concert by the singer Sebastian. The event then moved to the Vegetable Market (Zelný trh), where the band Slza performed.
“From 4 December, the markets will expand to the so-called Roman Square (Římské náměstí). Our district has prepared this in collaboration with the artist Kateřina Šedá, who has created a number of public installations. The city centre will also feature popular attractions such as a Ferris wheel, the Children’s Village and the Light Trail inspired by the Czech fairy tale ‘Three Nuts for Cinderella’. There will also be more than 160 stands offering Christmas goods and refreshments,” said the Mayor of the Brno-střed District, Ing. Arch. Vojtěch Mencl (ODS political party).
Most of the stands can traditionally be found at the Vegetable Market (Zelný trh), where there are over 120. Half of these are used by craftsmen and bearers of folk traditions. Most of the sales area at the Jošt Statie is reserved free of charge for representatives of non-profit and charitable organisations. In total, the district will support more than 60 non-profit charitable projects. One of these is the Daruj kelímek (Donate the Cup) initiative, which enables people to support charitable organisations by returning cups from hot drinks.
“We bring interesting new features every year. This year, for example, there will be a stand with a public viewing platform at the Freedom Square (náměstí Svobody), an enhanced cultural programme, an open-air cinema and a wider selection of gifts. We also organise competitions with the chance to win a hot air balloon ride. At the same time, we adhere to the traditional Christmas concept with an emphasis on charity, crafts, and families with children. The entire cultural programme and most of the attractions are also free of charge,” said Deputy Mayor Ludmila Oulehlová.
A week after the grand opening, Brno will experience another highly anticipated event: the lighting of the Christmas trees. The remaining stands at the Freedom Square (náměstí Svobody), Dominican Square (Dominikánské náměstí) and in the courtyard of the Old Town Hall, that are organised by the Tourist Information Centre Brno, will also open at this time. Christmas in Brno, fully funded by stand rentals, will last until 31 December this year.
