The promise of holidays, a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, and food for both the stomach and eyes… those are the main attractions of Brno’s Christmas markets. This year, the markets in náměstí Svobody and Dominikánské náměstí will run almost a week longer; they start on November 23 and end on December 28. Photo: Dominikánské náměstí. // Photo credit: @Brnodaily.
Brno, Nov 20 (BD) – In our previous article “Magical Highlights of the 2018 Christmas Markets in ‘Zelňák’ and ‘Moravák’”, we wrote about the Christmas markets in Zelný trh and Moravské náměstí. Today, we will explore the highlights of the markets in náměstí Svobody and Dominikánské náměstí.
Náměstí Svobody – Turbomošt and Virtual Reality
Christmas tree decorations, jewellery, tablecloths, ceramics, wooden toys and kitchen equipment, hand-crafted candles, handmade soap, and perhaps some cold-weather clothing… Some Christmas markets offer an amazing variety of local, handcrafted products, while others stick to “Made in China” kitsch. Luckily for us, Brno’s Christmas markets have moved from the second category to the first over the last few years.
The Christmas markets in Brno will start with a tree illumination ceremony at 5pm on November 23. The festive moment in náměstí Svobody will be accompanied by a unique thematic video projection created by Pixl-e studio. Last year, the ceremony was watched by an incredible 12,500 spectators.
The winter bar, hidden in the “white igloo”, will be offering a menu of punches this year. The oldest known cocktail, punch, goes well with the cold winter weather. Punch was invented in the 17th century to make the long sea journeys between Britain and India pass faster. If you prefer a local option, you shouldn’t miss the Turbomošt, that was created at Brno Christmas markets and is now a registered trademark. For those who have never tried it, Turbomošt [“Turbostum”] is an alcoholic drink of which the main ingredients are apple stum and apple brandy.
From December 4 to December 23, náměstí Svobody will play host to December Design Days, featuring products from local designers in two glass urban modules.
Another urban module will house a virtual reality studio, where visitors can experience a winter- and Christmas-themed adventure tale.
Every morning, children from Brno’s schools and kindergartens, choirs, theatre groups and various other artists will sing and perform at the main stage. The programme will also feature names such as VIDA! Center and Brno Zoo.
There will also be a special Christmas edition of memorial glass spheres, which will drop out of the Brno Astronomical clock more frequently than usual; from November 23, the Christmas spheres will drop every hour from 11am to 11pm.
Carp French Fries, Curry or Christmas Pizzas on Dominikánské Náměstí
The market on Dominikánské náměstí revolves around what almost everybody likes: great food! Gastronomic delicacies will be available at 12 stalls, run by businesses from Brno and its surroundings, especially fish and poultry specialities and sweets. Gastro delights on offer will include carp French fries, exotic curries, and Christmas pizzas, and drinks including traditional mead, mulled wine, the aforementioned Turbomošt, and a special cocktail entitled “Hot Strudel”.
The wood-carver Jiří Halouzka has created a nativity scene with hundreds of characters in the upper part of the square. Brno Zoo will set up a small petting area with sheep and goats.
During the last week of Advent, there will also be a stand with Bethlehem Light that people can take home.
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