Giant three-dimensional BRNO sign (Tamala Malerk)
While Germany is no doubt the most famous home of renown Christmas markets, Czechia isn’t too far behind. I was impressed with the grand spectacle of a market that Pilsen fit in one Market Square. I was then blown away by the several Christmas Market areas occurring in Brno, Czechia’s second largest city.
It is as if the entire central town area has been taken over by Christmas. You can simply walk down a hall and find yourself illuminated by white Christmas umbrellas or turn a corner and run into a group of vendors selling homemade treats and crafts or a small carousel waiting to spin children around. Nearby in Moravian Square, you will also find a large skating area where, if there isn’t a performance going on, you can take part in skating or ride the large Ferris Wheel next to the rink and see if you can spot all the market areas from the top of the wheel.
There are also two stages in the different market areas where local choirs, artists and bands perform. I stumbled upon groups of students rehearsing Czech carols for a later performance and a local band, Dandy’s Company, that was covering one of my favorite Red Hot Chili Peppers songs, “Otherside.”
BRNO “Dragon” hanging up at Town Hall (Tamala Malerk)
While you are navigating the market areas, you will definitely spot some crocodiles that represent the creature that has become the town’s unofficial mascot. What you need to know is that this is not a crocodile. Yes, the taxidermized crocodile hanging from the town hall is a crocodile, but not really — it’s a dragon. Legend has it that the dragon once ravaged the citizens and livestock of Brno until a visiting butcher tricked the dragon into consuming caustic lime covered in animal hide. Today, the “dragon” hangs in the town hall, but can also be found walking around and greeting people at the Christmas market, on t-shirts and other merchandise and as the subject of numerous photo spots. Make sure to get a selfie with one at the market.
In 2025, the Brno Christmas Market runs from Nov. 21- Dec. 23. There are also special events and exhibitions taking place in town during the market’s duration. Check out the website for a digital program and other information. You can also find a great interactive map here.
