Christmas is the most magical time to be in Europe. The festive lights, sparkling decorations, the lingering scent of mulled wine and the array of traditional cuisine, brings the jolly season to life!
You can visit one or more Christmas markets, as they all have their unique characteristics and charm.
We have put together ALL the information you need to plan your trip, from the best luxury hotels to budget friendly hotels near the Christmas markets, the opening dates, times and more!
1
Frankfurt, Germany
The Financial Capital of Germany, transforms into a magical wonderland in December. This is one of the oldest “Christkindchesmarkets” in Germany and dates back to 1393!
⭐Dates: 26 November 2018 – 22 December 2018
🕑Times: Monday to Saturday 10:00 am – 9:00 pm & Sunday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
🔷Comfy & Affordable Hotel: We love the Miramar hotel because it’s literally at the entrance to the Christmas Market. The rooms are standard, the breakfast is delicious and the staff are friendly and helpful. A big plus is the location! The hotel gets booked out pretty fast during December, click here to check for availability.
🔶Best Luxury Hotel: Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof is a plush hotel in Old Town. It has a Turkish bath, limousine service, full-service spa and all the amenities you would need. After an eventful day, you can relax and unwind in absolute luxury. Book your room now!
🎅 Click to access the Best Tours, City Passes & more!
💚Have to eat: Schokokuss, there are so many varieties to choose from! It’s also known as Chocolate kisses. It’s freshly made and has a light & fluffy texture…..not your normal Sweetie Pie 😋
🎄To find out more about the Frankfurt Christmas market, click here to visit their website.
2
Colmar, France
An enchanting town that forms part of the Alsace region in north-eastern France. This is what fairy tales are made of ……cobblestone streets, medieval houses and plenty of charm!
The whole town is decorated with the most beautiful Christmas lights, the atmosphere brims of festive cheer and it’s a shoppers paradise with many Christmas huts selling unique and extraordinary crafts.
⭐Dates: 23 November 2018 – 30 December 2018
🕑Times: Monday to Thursday 10:00am to 7:00 pm & Friday to Sunday 10:00am – 8:00 pm.
*The market is open on Christmas Eve, 24 December from 10:00am – 5:00pm and even on Christmas Day from 2:00pm – 07:00pm.
🔷Comfy & Affordable Hotel: Hotel Saint Martin is situated in heart of Old Town, the Christmas market starts at the doorstep. The hotel is actually an old mansion house dating back to 1361. The dainty rooms reflect that old world charm. This hotel is very popular during the Festive season, check for availability now.
🔶The Best Luxury Hotel: La Maison des Têtes is a grandeur hotel. It has 21 lavish rooms, so you have to book early to secure a room at this exquisite hotel. Book now!
🎅 Click to access the Best Tours, City Passes & more!
💚Have to eat: Traditional Nougat
🎄To find out more about the Colmar Christmas market, click here to visit their website.
3
Zurich, Switzerland
There are 2 Christmas markets we absolutely love, the quaint Christmas market in Old Town and the larger market outside the magnificent Opera House.
Dine at the Fondue Chalet, have fun on the ice rink, sip on mulled wine and revel in the shopping spirit with over 100 Christmas stalls.
⭐Dates: 22 November 2018 – 23 December 2018
🕑Times: Monday to Saturday 11:00 am to 10:00 pm & Sunday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm.
🔷Comfy & Affordable Hotel: In Old Town, Hotel Adler is a perfect place to stay, not only because it’s in the center of everything but they have the best Fondue restaurant! In the evenings, you can enjoy your fondue outside with snug blankets and outdoor heaters, while you gaze at the Christmas markets. Check now for availability.
🔶Best Luxury Hotel: Modern style yet still very traditional, the Storchen Zürich Hotel is a 5 star hotel in Old Town. It boasts 66 newly designed rooms with all the grand amenities. Have the best of both worlds! Book your room!
🎅 Click to access the Best Tours, City passes & more!
💚Have to eat: Traditional Gourmet Swiss Fondue! It’s a MUST!
🎄To find out more about the Zurich Christmas markets, click here to visit their website.
4
Rome, Italy
Piazza Navona comes to life during the Festive season. There are plenty of stunning Christmas huts selling Italian crafts, leather goods, gifts & delicious Italian food of course!
⭐Dates: 8 December 2018 – 6 January 2019
🕑Times: Weekdays 10:00 am to 1:00am & weekends 10:00am – 2:00am
🔷Comfy & Affordable Hotel: Relais Navona 71 is in the heart of Piazza Navona. This is a beautiful B&B with 6 guest rooms. Only 4 have views of the Piazza Navona, so make sure to request a room with a view. Book now before it’s taken!
🔶Best Luxury Hotel: Grand Hotel de la Minerve is splendiferous! Housed in a 17th century mansion, central location and offers a lap of luxury! Check for availability!
🎅 Click to access the Best Tours, City Passes & more!
💚Have to eat: It is never too cold to indulge in Classic Italian Gelato!
🎄To find out more about the Rome Christmas markets, click here to go to their website.
5
Prague, Czech Republic
The Christmas markets in Prague are truly majestic, it lights up the city.
Soak up the festive atmosphere while you browse the glitzy Christmas huts in Old Town Square. There is so much to see and do in this grand city, also known as the Heart of Europe!
⭐Dates: 1 December 2018 – 6 January 2019 including Christmas Eve, Christmas day & New Years Eve.
🕑Times: 10:00am – 10:00pm
🔷Comfy & Affordable Hotel: Melantrich Hotel …… location! location! location! Situated in the heart of Old Town with many restaurants and cafes along the same street. The rooms are standard, neat and does the job. They also offer a delightful buffet breakfast. Get booking now!
🔶Best Luxury Hotel: Four Seasons Hotel Prague is in a central location alongside the Charles Bridge on the Vtava River. It is a short walk to Old Town Square & has all the comforts one can imagine. Check for availability!
🎅 Click to access the Best Tours, City Passes & more!
💚Have to eat: Trdelnik – Traditional Czech pastry made with rolled dough on an open fire, once cooked, it’s coated with a sugar and walnut mix.
🎄To find out more about the Prague Christmas markets, click here to go to their website.
6
Cologne, Germany
There are 6 main Christmas markets in Cologne, all of them have their own special charm and host a wide variety of food stalls, offering authentic German cuisine. If you want to visit most of the markets, then hop on the Christmas Express Train! Check out the city map to see where all the markets are located!
⭐Dates: 26 November 2018 – 23 December 2018
🕑Times: Daily 11:00am – 5:00pm
🔷Comfy & Affordable Hotel: Eden Früh am Dom is located in Old Town and in the center of the Christmas festivities. It’s right across from the magnificent Cologne Cathedral. Check now for availability!
🔶Best Luxury Hotel: Timeless elegance can best describe Excelsior Hotel Ernst, located in Cologne Old Town. It’s a short walk to the Christmas markets and major attractions. The hotel is one of the finest in Cologne. See why & book now!
🎅 Click to access the Best Tours, City Passes & more!
💚Have to eat: A strudel filled with Sauerkraut and bacon, served with melted butter, grated cheese and topped with chives. #Yum
🎄To find out more about the Cologne Christmas markets, click here to go to their website.
7
Zagreb, Croatia
Voted the Best European Christmas Market for the past 3 years!
Zagreb Christmas Markets have a lot in store for you, from musical shows to surprise events and the Ice Park is absolutely phenomenal. They go all out during the Festive season! Don’t miss it!
⭐Dates: 1 December 2018 – 6 January 2019
🕑Times: 10:00am – 10:00pm
🔷Comfy & Affordable Hotel: Art Hotel Like, is a retro cool hotel that has the perfect location. It is a 5 minute walk from the Zagreb Main Square, the tram is close by and it’s surrounded by cafes, grocers & restaurants.Check if you lucky to get a booking.
🔶Best Luxury Hotel: Esplanade Zagreb is the epitome of luxury. It’s a peaceful haven after a day in the busy city centre. Book now!
🎅Click to access the Best Tours, City Passes & more!
💚Have to eat: Vanilin kiflice, crescent shaped vanilla biscuits with ground walnuts and sprinkled with icing sugar.
🎄To find out more about the Zagreb Christmas markets, click here to go to their website.
8
Lucerne, Switzerland
The gateway to central Switzerland, where Old world charm meets Contemporary style. Christmas is the most beautiful time to spend in this elegant city. There is so much to see and do. It is also a perfect base to travel to the different cities in Switzerland.
⭐Dates: 22 November 2018 to 24 December 2018
🕑Times: Monday to Sunday 10:00am – 9:00pm
🔷Comfy & Affordable Hotel: Ameron Hotel Flora is not just comfy & affordable, it is stunning! It is situated in a perfect location, close to the train station, restaurants and a short walk into Old Town. It does get booked quite quickly so check for availability now.
🔶Best Luxury Hotel: Grand Hotel National is a step away from Old Town & along the scenic Lake Luzern. We have no words to describe the beauty of this hotel, so take a look for yourself, image brochure. Impressed? Book now!
🎅Click to access the Best Tours, City Passes & more!
💚Have to eat: Mulled wine & roasted chestnuts.
🎄To find out more about the Lucerne Christmas markets, click here to go to their website.
9
Brussels, Belgium
The Winter Wonders event and Christmas Markets takes place at Grand-Place in Brussels. Browse over 200 Christmas huts offering unique Christmas gifts and delicious Belgium food. There is also a covered ice rink at Place de la Monnaie.
If you love Art and history then you must not miss Van Gogh – The Immersive Experience!
⭐Dates: 30 November 2018 – 6 January 2019
🕑Times: Monday to Sunday 12:00pm – 10:00pm including Christmas day! On Christmas eve & New years eve 12:00pm – 6:00pm
🔷Comfy & Affordable Hotel: EasyHotel Brussels City Centre, is basically “sleep, shower and go” kind of hotel. With that said, it is neat, clean and an incredible city centre location at a great price! Book now if you are the mover & shaker traveller!
🔶Best Luxury Hotel: This one is a toss up between Hotel Metropole & Hotel Amigo! Both hotels are close to Grand Place and are 5 star all the way! Check out Hotel Metropole here & Hotel Amigo over here! Whichever you decide on, you will be treated like royalty!
🎅Click to access the Best Tours, City Passes & more!
💚Have to eat: Belgium waffles of course! #DoubleYum
🎄To find out more on the Brussels Christmas markets, click here to go to their website.
10
Amsterdam, Netherlands
The highlight of the Festive season in Amsterdam, is the Lights Festival which is held every year.
Thousands of Artists, Designers and Architects around the world apply to showcase their beautiful creations at the Lights Festival, only 35 artworks get chosen making this an exclusive attraction to put on your bucket list.
⭐Dates: 29 November 2018 – 20 January 2019
🕑Times: Canal tours daily every ± 20 minutes, from 5:00pm – 10:20pm.
🔷Comfy & Affordable Hotel: ibis Amsterdam Centre Hotel is situated near the train station and walking distance to most of the major attractions! Check now for availability!
🔶Best Luxury Hotel: Tripadvisor Traveller’s choice Winner 2018, Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam! All the Dutch history mixed with all the modern luxuries one could desire. Indoor pool, full-service spa, hot tub and a 3-Michelin star restaurant De Librije, serving the finest wines & sensational culinary cuisine. Go ahead and spoil yourself this festive season, book your luxurious room now!
🎅Click to access the Best Tours, City Passes & more!
💚Have to eat: Poffertjes, mini Dutch fluffy pancakes served with a dusting of icing sugar and a dollop of butter!
🎄To find out more about the Amsterdam Lights Festival, click here to go to their website.
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