Helsinki, Finland

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Helsinki may be a small city but when it comes to design, it's big. So it's no wonder that even the Christmas market is a stylish affair here. It takes place every year at Senate Square and attracts around 300,000 visitors every year. More than almost any other Christmas market in Europe, it focuses primarily on sustainability. Efforts range from biodegradable take-away dishes to powering the lights with energy from renewable resources.

Date: 1. to 22. December 2023
Info: tuomaanmarkkinat.fi
Tip: Looking for sustainable Christmas gifts? The Helsinki Christmas market is the best address!

Where to Stay

© Hotel St. George

The Hotel St. George is located in a fascinating ensemble of buildings. Its oldest part dates back to 1840, and after it has been the home of the Literary Society SKS and printing house of the first Finnish newspaper, it now houses a luxury hotel. 148 rooms and suites are available. They are all inspired by the history of the hotel.

Hotel St. George
Yrjönkatu 13 C, 00120 Helsinki, Finland
Tel: +358 9 42460011
Web: stgeorgehelsinki.com
Price: Doubles from € 240

London, United Kingdom

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Some of the most beautiful and charming Christmas markets in Europe can be found in the Thames-metropolis. There are about 20 of them. And, of course, there are the lush Christmas lights too and they're to be found in even in the smallest streets of the city. While large establishments like the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland are aimed primarily at tourists, there are also smaller, more intimate Christmas markets in the city. But the Southbank Centre Winter Festival is particularly atmospheric. Located on the south bank of the Thames, you can stroll between wooden stalls, drink hot toddies and listen to live performances.

Date: 28 October 2023 to 7 January 2024
Web: southbankcentre.co.uk
Tip: If you're looking for romance, you should go to Somerset House after visiting the Christmas markets. Here you can ice skate in a traditional setting.

Where to Stay

© Oetker Collection

In the immediate vicinity of the Mall, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square and the Golden Jubilee Bridge lies the traditional and luxurious Hotel Corinthia. This means that it's only a few steps away from the most important sights. Exceptional service, Afternoon Tea to dream about and a spa with a focus on longevity are just a few of the details that make the hotel an exceptional place to stay in London.

Corinthia London
Whitehall Place, London SW1A 2 BD, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7930 8181
Web: corinthia.com
Price: Doubles incl. breakfast from € 900

Nuremberg, Germany

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It is not only one of the most famous, but also one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe: the Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg. Its roots go back to the 17th century. Since 1981, the city of Nuremberg has awarded prizes to the most attractive stalls every year. Accordingly, a lot of effort is made to make the wooden stalls with the iconic red and white roofs to look extra-special.

Date: December 1 to December 24, 2024
Information: christkindlesmarkt.de
Tip: The Christkindlesmarkt is opened every year on the Friday before the first Advent with a solemn prologue by the previously selected Christkind.

Where to Stay

© Marriott

The Sheraton Carlton Nuremberg is the only 5-star hotel in the city. It's located just a few minutes' walk from the famous Christkindlesmarkt. The romantic alleys of the old town are also worth exploring. Pool, spa and gym are located above the rooftops of the city.

Sheraton Carlton Hotel Nuremberg
Eilgutstraße 15, 90443 Nuremberg, Germany
Tel: +49 911 20030
Web: marriott.com
Price: Doubles from € 150.

Vienna, Austria

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The Austrian capital shines all year round with historical charm. But when the pre-Christmas season comes around, the city pulls out all the stops. Because then more than 20 official Christmas markets invite you to stroll from stand to stand, snack on hot chestnuts and buy a souvenir or two. It starts already on November 10. Then the first Advent markets welcome their visitors. If you are looking for smaller markets away from the classics in front of the Schoenbrunn Palace, the City Hall or on the Spittelberg, should consider the Palais Freiluft Winter Edition. Because this year, the garden of Palais Auersperg is transformed for the first time into a hip hotspot even in winter.

Date: 10 November to 23 December 2023
Info: weihnachtsdorf.at
Tip: Many different Christmas markets spread across the city; if one is too crowded, there are many alternative options.

Where to Stay

© The Amauris

The Amauris on Vienna's Ringstrasse is a beautiful boutique hotel with an in-house art collection. Thanks to its central location, it's only a few steps to the Christmas markets in the city center. One look out the window is enough to admire the lit Ringstrasse . The modern rooms and suites are cozy hideaways; an additional feature is the pool with a view of the starry sky.

The Amauris Vienna
Kärntner Ring 8, 1010 Vienna, Austria
Tel: +43 1 22122
Web: theamauris.com
Price: Doubles incl. breakfast from € 450

Salzburg, Austria

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Although one cannot speak of an insider tip, the Salzburg Christmas market should nevertheless be on the bucket list. Because where else can you enjoy Christmas spirit in a UNESCO World Heritage Site? The winding alleys of Salzburg's old town simply invite you to forget about time. On Domplatz and Residenzplatz, you can buy handmade glass baubles, honey candles and souvenirs between kitsch and art.

Date: November 23, 2023 to January 1, 2024
Information: christkindlmarkt.co.at
Tip: Daily program with choirs and musical performances!

Where to Stay

© Arthotel Blaue Gans

The Arthotel Blaue Gans is located directly in Salzburg's Getreidegasse and is therefore in the middle of the action. Two of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe are only a stone's throw away. In addition, the hotel can boast a remarkably long history and is - just like the Amauris in Vienna - in principle an inhabitable art collection. Excellent cuisine in the city's oldest inn!

Arthotel Blaue Gans
Herbert-von-Karajan-Platz 3, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
Tel: +43 662 842491
Web: blauegans.at
Price: Doubles from € 250.

Bolzano, Italy

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It seems as if you can stroll endlessly at the Bolzano Christmas Market. The impression isn't deceiving. In fact, it's the largest Christmas market in all of Italy! For 20 years, it has been delighting visitors from late November to early January at Waltherplatz in the center. If it then also begins to snow, a particularly magical ambience is created at the foot of the Bolzano Cathedral.

Date: November 24, 2023 to January 6, 2024
Information: weihnachtsmaerkte.it
Tip: Bolzano is home to one of the most famous museums in Europe: the Archeology Museum. Here you can admire the oldest mummy in the world.

Where to Stay

© Hotel Weinegg

Just 20 minutes from the center of Bolzano, the Hotel Weinegg awaits its guests surrounded by idyllic vineyards and imposing peaks. In the 1,700-square-meter Wellviva Spa, you automatically relax. With a noble drop of the South Tyrolean Wine Road, you can end every evening in style.

Weinegg Wellviva Resort
Lammweg 22, 39057 Girlan/Eppan, Italy
Tel: +39 0471 66 3151
Web: weinegg.com
Price: Doubles from € 454

Budapest, Hungary

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With around 150 different stalls, the Christmas market in front of St. Stephen's Basilica is one of the largest in the Hungarian capital. It's also one of the most popular. Because here, there's besides the traditional Flodnialso a lot of handmade products to be found. A special feature are also the light projections, with which one gives the facade of the basilica a festive dress. There are many christmas markets in Europe. But this one is pleasantly far from kitsch.

Date: Mid-November 2023 to January 1, 2024
Info: adventbazilika.hu
Tip: The windows of the legendary Café Gerbeaud transform every year into a giant Advent calendar.

Where to Stay

© Four Seasons

The Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace is located right on the Chain Bridge and is one of the city's most beautiful properties. Elegant design, the excellent Múzsa Bar and the immediate vicinity of many sights make the 179-room and suite hotel a hotspot in Budapest. It's best to choose a Danube Room with a river view.

Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace
Széchenyi István tér 5-6, 1051, Budapest, Hungary
Tel: +36 1 268 6000
Web: fourseasons.com
Price: Doubles from € 460

Prague, Czech Republic

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In addition to several smaller Advent markets, for example in front of the Palladium Shopping Center or Prague Castle, there are two larger Christmas markets on Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square. The two are only about five minutes walk from each other. Both are open every day. Also on December 24, 25 and 31, as well as on January 1, 2024. Every year, they go to particularly great lengths to illuminate the huge Christmas tree. Typical handicraft items are offered for sale. For example, lace, glassware, ceramics and dolls.

Date: December 2, 2023 to January 6, 2024
Info: tryhypraha.cz
Tip: The St. Wenceslas Vineyard on the way up to the castle offers hot drinks in an atmospheric ambience and has a view of the city.

Where to Stay

© Mandarin Oriental

The Mandarin Oriental Prague is located directly on the Vltava River, opposite the Old Town and below Prague Castle. Fully committed to the brand, the restaurant serves cuisine with Asian influences. In addition, one attaches importance to make-less service. It's located in a renovated monastery from the 14th century.

Mandarin Oriental, Prague
Nebovidská 459/1, 118 00 Malá Strana, Czech Republic
Tel: +420 233 088 888
Web: mandarinoriental.com
Price: Doubles from € 445.