Christmas in Brno: Best Markets & Festive Highlights
Did you know that Brno in the Czech Republic was named the European Capital of Christmas 2024? Just this fact alone makes the city a must-add to your Christmas bucket list!
Of course, it hasn’t earned this title without reason — the city’s festive markets, twinkling lights, and cosy winter atmosphere make it a truly magical destination during the holiday season.
I visited Brno just a few months ago and was honestly surprised by how much there is to see and do. So when Christmas came around, I couldn’t resist going back.
Good for me that the city is only three hours by car, so I recently spent a weekend seeing for myself how magically it transforms for Christmas.
In this post, I’ll take you through all the magical Christmas markets we visited, other festive highlights, and a spot I recommend for staying in Brno, plus some tips to make the most of your visit.
(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking.)
Where to Find The Best Christmas Markets in Brno
In 2025, all Christmas markets in Brno will be open from November 21 to December 23.
Freedom Square
Freedom Square (Náměstí Svobody) hosts Brno’s largest and liveliest Christmas market. Most stalls here focus on food and drinks, so it’s a great spot to try local snacks or warm up with mulled wine, punch, or hot mead.
Plus, the prices are super affordable — at least compared to Austria. A mulled wine costs just around CZK 75 (about €3), with a CZK 50 (€2) cup deposit.
One fun highlight is the Brno sign, which includes a live camera link to a similar spot in Poznań, Poland. You can wave at people there, see them on the screen, and they see you too — a really cute idea to connect people from different places around the world!
There’s also a large stage with live music from Czech bands throughout the season, a sparkling Christmas tree that sets the perfect festive mood, and a big “Dragon’s Egg” made of recycled materials that references Brno’s dragon symbol.
Last but not least, don’t miss the stall with a viewing platform on top, from where you have a beautiful panoramic view of the entire square.
Vegetable Market
The Christmas Market at the Vegetable Market (Zelný trh) quickly became one of our favorites.
During the festive season, the square comes alive with more than 100 stalls, over half of which offer traditional handicrafts, including ceramics, candles, soaps, and Christmas décor, made by local artisans.
Of course, there’s plenty of food and drink to enjoy while you browse, and a daily programme of live music on the market’s own stage.
The decorated Christmas tree and the glowing Parnas fountain give the market a lovely festive vibe, making it perfect for strolling around and browsing for gifts.
Moravian Square & Park
Moravian Square (Moravské náměstí) offers a slightly different vibe from Brno’s other Christmas markets — it’s a bit more activity-focused and great if you’re looking for more than just stalls.
In the park here, you’ll find a 33-meter Ferris wheel that gives panoramic views over the city and the festive lights, as well as an ice skating rink where you can skate or just watch others glide around.
There are also a few festive stalls and seasonal attractions around the square, including a lit-up Christmas tree, a small stage, and a cute carousel for kids.
Dominican Square
The Christmas market at Dominican Square may be smaller than the others, but we actually enjoyed it a lot.
The focus here is more on international cuisine, with stalls serving dishes from Brazil, Indonesia, Africa, and a few other places.
I tried deep-fried tofu stuffed with vegetables and peanut sauce and a sweet, bright-green crêpe filled with coconut shreds and sugar from the Indonesian stall — it looked a bit wild, but it tasted incredibly delicious!
The square also features a huge wooden nativity scene and a small train for kids.
Courtyard of Old City Hall
The Christmas market in the courtyard of the Old City Hall is even a touch smaller and more intimate.
Known as Gourmet Christmas, this market brings together top restaurants and food-and-drink spots featured in the city’s official Gourmet Brno guide, offering creative seasonal dishes, artisanal punches, desserts, and premium mulled wines.
Set against the historic arcades and illuminated facades of the Old Town Hall, it makes the perfect spot to enjoy some delicious seasonal treats in a relaxed, festive setting.
Other Festive Highlights in Brno During Christmas
Besides the Christmas markets, you’ll also find festive highlights scattered across the city. These are the ones we visited personally and think are definitely worth seeing.
Light Trail on Bašty Street
The Light Trail on Bašty Street is a beautifully lit promenade with glowing animal figures, illuminated gates, decorated trees, and more.
This year it’s themed around the Czech fairytale Three Nuts for Cinderella, so you’ll see installations inspired by the story along the route.
There are a handful of stalls where you can grab a hot drink as you stroll, and the trail leads toward Denisovy sady park, offering lovely views over the city once it gets dark.
We visited on a Saturday evening, and it was extremely busy since the trail isn’t very wide and people were lining up to take photos of the installations. I’d recommend visiting during the week for a more relaxed experience.
Castle of Light at Špilberk Castle
The Castle of Light at Špilberk Castle is another really cool Christmas highlight in Brno.
This light exhibition runs daily from November 12, 2025 to January 11, 2026, starting at 5:30 pm, and combines hundreds of handcrafted light installations, glowing sculptures, and interactive displays set in the castle’s courtyards and walls.
Unlike many other attractions, this one is not free to visit. Tickets cost about CZK 230 (€9.50) online on weekdays and around CZK 260 (€11) on weekends for adults.
They can be bought online or at the ticket office — though buying online is cheaper and, judging by the long queue we saw, much quicker.
We didn’t end up going inside, unfortunately, because we didn’t have enough time to fully enjoy the exhibition – our dinner reservation came up too soon after it opened.
There are still a few light installations outside the castle grounds you can see without a ticket, and we also visited the castle by day the next day, so we could imagine how magical it must look at night.
Brno Dragon
Something that’s here all year round but gets a special festive touch during Christmas is the Brno Dragon.
During the Christmas season, it’s dressed in a bright red‑and‑white “Christmas sweater” made from recycled PE tubes.
We actually saw the Brno Dragon back in October when it was undecorated, so it was cool coming back at Christmastime and seeing it all dressed up in its seasonal sweater!
Where to Stay in Brno: Hotel International
If you’re looking for a great place to stay in Brno, I can highly recommend Hotel International Brno. We actually stayed here during our trip in October, and since we enjoyed all the perks back then, we decided to choose it again for our Christmas weekend.
The hotel is perfectly located right in the city center, just a short walk from the Old Town Hall, St. Peter and Paul Cathedral, and Špilberk Castle.
It also has its own parking, which is a big plus in the city. The rooms are modern and spacious, with many offering stunning views of Špilberk Castle.
There’s a free fitness center open daily, so you can stay active while travelling. The hotel also has three restaurants with different offerings, plus the Siesta Lobby Bar.
In addition, there’s a Christmas outdoor kiosk that opens every year during Advent, offering a cozy atmosphere, traditional seasonal drinks, and small snacks.
One of the highlights is the private mini spa on the highest floor, where you can relax and enjoy a breathtaking view over Brno. The hotel also features conference halls, ideal for business meetings and events.
And then there’s the breakfast — probably one of the best in Brno! Huge, varied, and even with a vegan corner, it’s a perfect way to start the day before heading out to explore the city or the Christmas markets.
Final Tips For Visiting Brno During Christmas
Visit During The Week (If You Can)
While the Christmas markets didn’t feel too crowded (definitely nothing like Vienna or similar destinations), the light installations were definitely busier.
If you go during the week, you’ll have more space to stroll, take photos, and enjoy the festive atmosphere without feeling rushed.
Dress For Winter
December in Brno can be chilly, so layers are a must. Bring a warm coat, hat, gloves, a scarf, and comfy shoes for walking around the city and between markets.
Take Your Time
The markets are spread across the city, from Freedom Square to the Vegetable Market, Moravian Square, Dominican Square, and the Old City Hall courtyard.
While the city centre isn’t very big, I recommend setting aside at least 1–2 full days to explore all the markets properly.
Plan For Evening Highlights
Some of the best festive sights, like the Castle of Light at Špilberk Castle or the Light Trail on Bašty Street, are magical after dark.
Check opening hours, book tickets in advance where needed, and allow enough time to really enjoy the illuminated displays.
Stay Central
Picking a hotel in the city center, like Hotel International, means you’re close to all the markets and sights. Plus, you can enjoy extras like a fitness center, restaurants, a mini spa with a view, and even parking.
Check out: Top 10 Things to Do in Brno on Your First Visit
This blog post was written in cooperation with Hotel International Brno and is based on my personal experience.
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