Brno, the hidden gem of the Czech Republic, shines with a special glow during the Christmas season. With its rich history, stunning architecture and vibrant culture, this city transforms into a winter wonderland full of charm and magic. In 2024, Brno is proud to be named the European Capital of Christmas, a recognition that celebrates its unique festive traditions and warm hospitality.

1. Must see places

There are queues for sights all over the world. In Brno you just walk by.

In Brno, there’s no need to rush around. The center is 2 km2 and so everything’s within a 15-minute leisurely walk. You’ll also find a sea of gardens ruled over by a never-ending feeling of chill. Brno has also been known for its cafes since the First Republic.

What not to miss?

Water Tanks Brno: Mysterious underground cathedrals from the years 1874, 1894, and 1917.

Two brick and one concrete water tank, unparalleled in Europe, whose visit will take your breath away! This Brno «must-see» is located under the unassuming grassy area of a revitalized park on Žlutý kopec and offers an experience akin to that of another world from a long-lost civilizations. Three colossal underground tanks are a unique architectural monument and a testament to exceptional technical industrial architecture in its pristine form.

Church of St James: One of the country’s most valuable late Gothic buildings.

Visit the attic space below its mammoth four-storey roof trusses, hosting a modern audiovisual light show about the history of Brno and the church. In 2001, an underground ossuary was discovered and is now open to the public. After Paris, Brno has the second-largest ossuary in Europe and the number of skeletal remains found here exceeds 50,000.

Villa Tugendhat: The Tugendhat Villa is on the UNESCO list of World Cultural Heritage sites.

The villa of Greta and Fritz Tugendhat was designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and was constructed between 1929 and 1930. It was the first private house of its kind in Czechoslovakia which employed a steel load-bearing structure with columns on a cruciform floor plan. Onyx from Northern Morocco, Italian travertine, and veneer from exotic woods such as rosewood, zebrawood, and Makassar ebony decorate the interior. The technology used in the house, such as hot-air heating or electrically-operated windows make it absolutely unique.

2. Christmas attractions

Christmas markets: Freedom Square (Náměstí Svobody)

The dynamic and lively náměstí Svobody (Freedom square) is a place to meet, have fun and make new friends, and this is no different during the Brno Christmas. In addition to Christmas tree with a collection box and a wish bell you’ll see the Christmas tram go by here. A popular centerpiece of the local Christmas market is the Winter bar offering punches, cider and ginger drinks.

The offerings at the other stalls will also be diverse. At the Christmas market you can taste a variety of specialties, excellent gastronomy is one of the attractions of Brno Christmas. There will also be stalls with products suitable as gifts under the Christmas tree for your loved ones. In total, you will find on náměstí Svobody (Freedom square) 62 stalls.

Daily cultural and musical programme will play on the entire square – Brno will thus live up to its title of UNESCO European Creative City of Music even in winter.

Dominican Square ( Dominikánské náměstí)

Thanks to its peaceful atmosphere, this square is the obvious choice if you are going to Brno Christmas with children or grandchildren. The dominant feature is a large Halouzek’s wooden nativity scene. One of the largest handmade nativity scenes in Central Europe, with hundreds of figures and the backdrop of the New Town Hall and St. Michael’s Church, it is a truly breathtaking sight.

Old Town Hall courtyard (Nádvoří Staré radnice)

Visit a paradise for all gourmets in the cozy courtyard of the Old Town Hall, near the Brno dragon. The best of the Brno gastronomic scene. The companies that have been selected for the Gourmet Brno guide work together here.

If you want to enjoy unusual treats for Christmas markets, head here. There are 9 stalls with specialties prepared by 9 top Brno companies, so we recommend you come at least 9 times to enjoy their offer. The gourmet feast will be complemented not only by a breathtaking view of the Town Hall Tower.

Vegetable Market (Zelný trh)

Advent at Vegetable Market will be traditional, artisanal, quiet, with a Christmas tree dominating the scene, just like in previous years. The stage will be open from Monday to Sunday live music programme, always from 17.00 to 22.00 hours. In order to promote a family atmosphere, children and pupils from kindergartens, primary schools and art schools will be given the stage.

At the Vegetable Market you will find more than 100 stands in which they will be handicraft products, such as ceramics, bath salts, Christmas decorations, and you will meet blacksmiths, candle makers, soap makers, bell makers and also bookbinders, whose products will certainly be a nice gift under the tree. Food and drink stalls will round off the offer.

Moravian square (Moravské náměstí)

Advent at Moravian square invites you to Jošt’s, where you will find again this year stands of non-profit organizations, where you can donate to a good cause. There will also be craftsmen, children can enjoy historical carousel and adults for alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

In the park on Moravian square you can ride on sightseeing lap, which offers an unusual view of Christmas Brno. After the break, the popular ice rink, which can be found in the park instead of the water feature.

3. Unique Christmas experience

The daily music program on the Freedom square and Vegetable market reflects Brno’s title as a UNESCO Creative City of Music. The program begins in the afternoon and continues into the evening, when the square comes alive with concerts featuring a variety of genres, from swing, jazz, and pop to folk, folklore or Christmas music. The lineup mostly showcases local bands and artists.

Christmas in Brno also provides opportunities to give back through various charity events and activities. Many of the markets host charity stalls, where visitors can support local causes by purchasing handmade gifts or donating to organizations helping those in need. Under the Christmas tree in the main square, there is traditionally a donation box for the Czech Red Cross, with the proceeds going to those in need. A special initiative is the charity collection «Donate Your Cup.» (Daruj kelímek) After enjoying a drink purchased at the markets, you can donate the refundable deposit for the cup at special stalls to support one of the selected charitable projects.

4. Christmas Food and Drinks

Brno has its own unique drink called Turbomošt, that is sold on all Christmas markets. This drink typically combines hot apple cider with a shot of alcohol, such as rum or slivovice (a traditional Czech plum brandy) and spices, making it a warming drink ideal for cold winter days.

If you want to experience the best of Brno gastronomy, the markets in the cozy courtyard of the Old Town Hall are the place for you.

On Brno Christmas markets, a variety of foods and treats traditionally associated with Czech Christmas and the winter season are served. Typical dishes and drinks you can enjoy at the markets include:

Trdelník (sweet pastry shaped like a cylinder, coated in sugar and cinnamon, sometimes with nuts or coconut), Mulled wine (A hot drink made from red wine and spiced with cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and orange. It’s one of the most popular beverages at the markets.) or Bramboráky (savory potato pancakes made from a potato batter with garlic and marjoram).

5. Christmas Lighting and Decoration

This year in Brno, we have prepared numerous new light installations created by local artists. In addition to the dragon in a sweater who visited us last year, you can look forward to a dragoness and a dragon egg. The Christmas market’s light decorations will be significantly enhanced and complemented by new colorful elements. The city will feature classic light sculptures as well as original signs, along with new cozy rest areas that create a welcoming atmosphere with their light installations. At Špilberk Castle, visitors will also have the chance to explore an original light park.

The Christmas tram or so-called šalina isn’t just a favorite mode of transportation in Brno. It’s an icon, without which Brno’s Christmas festivities wouldn’t be complete. It’s the only means of transport that can regularly make its way through the crowds in the city center without causing any annoyance. Its festive decoration brings smiles to people’s faces, and everyone wants to snap a photo of it. And of course, who wouldn’t want to take a ride on it?

6. Cultural Tourism at Christmas

Beyond shopping, the cultural scene in Brno during the advent season is rich and diverse, catering to all tastes. Whether you’re into theater, concerts, exhibitions, or a quiet sit-down at a discussion, there’s something for everyone. The city’s theaters, such as the National Theatre Brno, Brno City Theatre, HaDivadlo, and Husa na provázku, present special Christmas-themed performances, as well as classics ranging from drama and ballet to opera and musicals.

Music lovers are in for a treat with the abundance of Christmas concerts held across the city. Besední dům, Janáček Theatre, and the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul host performances filled with festive, enchanting melodies.

For a unique holiday experience, visit the largest nativity scene in Brno, displayed at the Minorite Church of St. John. This impressive work, which took 40 years to complete, measures over 19 meters long and 4 meters high, featuring around 50 human and animal figures. It’s on display from three days before Christmas until Candlemas.

Don’t miss the Christmas exhibitions at Špilberk Castle, or advent events at the Moravian Museum, Technical Museum, Museum of Romani Culture, and Moravian Art Gallery. Brno during the holidays offers a blend of history, tradition, and festive joy for everyone to enjoy!

7. Excursions around Brno

There is a lot of places that you can visit around Brno from well known caves to amazing vineyards. For the best inspiration visit https://gofrombrno.cz/en

8. Unique Christmas atmosphere of Brno

Brno offers a unique Christmas atmosphere where old-world charm meets modern celebration. The city’s Christmas markets showcase this blend, with traditional wooden stalls selling handcrafted gifts and local treats alongside contemporary light displays and modern music performances. Visitors can enjoy the warmth of Moravian traditions, such as carol singing and beautifully decorated trees, while also experiencing the fresh energy of modern holiday festivities.

Unlike busier European cities, Brno’s Advent season feels more relaxed and intimate. With fewer crowds, you can leisurely explore the city center’s markets, cafés, and illuminated streets without feeling rushed. The compact city layout allows for easy exploration, making it the perfect place to slow down and truly savor the festive spirit.