The Christmas market in Strasbourg is the oldest market in France, dating back to 1570 so it’s no surprise that the city considers itself the 'Capital of Christmas'.

Strasbourg

Christmas Markets

December is one of the best times to visit Strasbourg. It’s a festive season full of holiday cheer that you can’t help but love.

Christmas Activities

Many of the best restaurants in Strasbourg specialise in Alsatian cuisine, which shares several characteristics with its German neighbour. During your culinary travels, you're bound to discover many dishes that are rarely heard of across the border, such as spaetzles (egg noodles), waedele (ham hock), and bredeles (biscuits). 

Restaurants

For Francophiles and Germanophiles, there’s no better convergence of cultures than that of Strasbourg – a fairytale city steeped in medieval history, straddling the border between the two countries. Take your pick of patisseries and delicatessens; lose yourself in one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe; or take in centuries of architecture during a stroll. Here, we round up the best hotels.

Where to Stay

Berlin

December is a magical month! And this is especially true for Germany, thanks to its Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte). Although today you can find these Weihnachtsmärkte across all of Europe, they are, in fact, an old German tradition. Their history can be traced back to the 14th-16th century.

Even though Berlin doesn’t get the same attention as other parts of Germany, I think it’s a fantastic choice for a Christmas market trip. So if you’ve decided to come to Berlin for Christmas markets, you’ve made a good choice. Now you have to decide where to stay in Berlin at Christmas to see the sights and enjoy the holiday cheer. Here’s a look at hotels near Berlin Christmas markets.

Mitte

Charlottenburg

Prenzlauer Berg

Friedrichshain

As winter’s chill sets in, there's no better place to warm your spirits than the German capital. As the snow starts to fall Berlin feels like a magical snow globe with twinkling lights, Christmas markets, Winter Wonderlands and seasonal delights lighting up the city’s short days and freezing nights, bringing festive cheer to tourists and locals alike.

Christmas Activities 

During the Advent stroll, you can discover numerous Christmas stalls in addition to the picturesque alleys and sights, which sell enchanting gift ideas in various places in the old town. Anyone looking for a sporting activity will find one of the most beautiful ice rinks in Germany with a view of the world-famous castle ruins on Karlsplatz.

Heidelberg

The warm wine fragrance of glühwein, the waft of woodsmoke and roast pork. The shouts of excitement from the children on the old fashioned carousel. The evening may be chill but the atmosphere is convivial, as families and friends enjoy time together at Christmas in Heidelberg.

With favorites like Wirtshaus zum Nepomuk, Restaurant zur Herrenmühle, and Weißer Bock Hotel & Restaurant and more, get ready to experience the best flavors around Heidelberg.

Heidelberg Germany is a beautiful destination that is a bit off the beaten path for travelers to Germany. Located on the River Neckar in southwest Germany, Heidelberg is famous as the home of Heidelberg University and Heidelberg Castle, as well as the world’s longest continuous shopping street.

Step into the joy of Christmas with the beautiful streets of Vienna as your backdrop. Punch and chestnut stands draw customers with seasonal treats and stallholders get shoppers in the Christmas spirit with handcrafted goods.

Vienna

Vienna is hugely popular for a Christmas trip. But what should you do when you’re there? Here are some recommendations.

Whether you’re looking to sip coffee in one of its cafés, get stuck into some authentic Austrian food, or have a go at some Michelin-star dining, let us help. Here’s the best places to eat in Vienna this year. 

Vienna, the city of Mozart and Strauss, is one of the most beautiful cities in Austria. It’s a gorgeous place with stunning architecture and imperial palaces. If you’re planning to visit the capital of Austria, there is one big question: What is the best place to stay in Vienna?

Most Popular

near St. Steph Cathedral

near Historic Centre

near Wien Mitte

near Praterstern

The annual Christmas Markets in Budapest are turning more and more popular, and starting earlier and earlier every year.

Budapest

Main Markets

Other Markets

Magical winter markets, hot thermal baths and cool Christmas events, there are lots of festive things to do in Budapest in December.

Budapest has made a name for itself as the home of ruin bars (derelict buildings made into poppin’ clubs), thermal spas and baths, admirable architecture and seriously affordable attractions. But whatever you’re in the Hungarian capital for, don’t sleep on its many and varied offerings for absolutely exquisite cuisine.

From its continentally-renowned clubbing scene and captivatingly quirky ruin bars to its dazzling selection of museums and, of course, its magnificent bathhouses, Budapest is a city packed with stuff to see and do – at all times of day and night. But no matter how hard you hit the Hungarian capital, one thing’s for sure: you’re going to need a good night’s sleep.

Go explore Christmas markets

Strasbourg

Berlin

Heidelberg

Vienna

Budapest

Experience more...

Go celebrate the new year

Go escape to a warm place