The holiday season evokes fond memories, often based on traditions passed down from generation to generation. Europe’s Christmas markets, many of which have been around since the Middle Ages, are magical places to embrace the holiday spirit and celebrate these age-old traditions. Minor Hotels, which operates a diverse portfolio of hotels, resorts, and residences across six continents, offers a vast selection of properties in Europe’s top Christmas market destinations, including Vienna, Prague, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and Lisbon. From former palaces to historic bank buildings, the hotels bring their own history, style, and romance to the festive winter season, making for bucket-list-worthy stays at all budget levels.
VIENNA
Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna, the newest hotel addition to the luxurious Anantara brand, embodies a rich history. It was originally designed for the 1873 World’s Fair by revered Austrian architect Theophil Hansen. Previously home to the Police Headquarters and several other municipal offices in Vienna, Anantara is bringing the Palais Hansen back to its true luster after a significant renovation. A short fifteen-minute walk from the hotel is the Chriskindlmarkt, the famous Viennese Christmas Market, which extends throughout City Hall Square and features a pop-up ice rink winding through the trees. Attendees enter through a picturesque archway, where they are greeted with a sea of twinkling lights, decorated gift booths and the welcoming smells of mulled wine and freshly baked bread—perfect for a chilly winter night.
PRAGUE
Next stop: Prague, where the Christmas Markets are steeped in tradition and often hailed as the best in the world, mulled wine, gingerbread, and local handmade gifts included! True magic awaits a short 15-minute walk from NH Collection Prague Carlo IV at the Christmas Market in Old Town Square, taking place from November 30-January 6. Fit for a storybook, this classic Neo-Renaissance building was designed by famed Viennese architect Achille Wölf in the 1890s for the Czech Mortgage Bank. Many of the bank’s unique features were preserved or restored, including the original treasury room, which is now The Vault Bar, a cozy nook to enjoy a festive cocktail and warm up after the market.
FRANKFURT
The Christmas Markets in Frankfurt offer a true sense of royal history and tradition, dating back to 1393 when they were accompanied by ecclesiastical mystery plays on the Römerberg. Today, the market stalls offer modern merriment—like pretzels the size of a globe—and handcrafted gifts steeped in Germanic tradition. nhow Frankfurt, located just a short distance from the Christmas Markets, is an artistic and inspiring hotel with an “art of money” theme. Guests can prepare for success by enjoying quirky touches, Instagram-friendly furnishings, and an Insider Lounge for VIPs. The NFT SKYBAR & RESTAURANT, Germany’s highest rooftop bar, is a hip and happening spot to sip a festive cocktail and savor the twinkling holiday lights of the bustling city below.
Another nearby option is the Avani Frankfurt City Hotel, ideally situated in the central business district and just a 15-minute stroll from the Christmas Markets. This modern hotel combines contemporary comfort with innovative techno-inspired experiences, making it a perfect base for enjoying the festive atmosphere while also exploring the cultural vibrancy of Frankfurt.
AMSTERDAM
The recently opened Avani Museum Quarter Amsterdam, and the historic Tivoli Doelen Amsterdam, are both centrally located in Amsterdam, making them idyllic respites for visitors seeking art and culture in one of Europe’s most exciting winter wonderlands. Celebrating its 8th anniversary, the magical Christmas Village is located in Museumplein (a quick walk from the hotels) and features an amazing array of culinary delights and shopping from December 12-16. Travelers can top off the night with a canal cruise that showcases the city’s infamous Christmas light displays.
NEW YORK CITY
If staying on “this side of the pond” is more realistic for the holiday season, the NH Collection New York Madison Avenue is a must-stay during any festive trip to New York City. Just a seven-minute walk, the open-air Bryant Park Holiday Market is inspired by the European century-old traditions, complete with local crafts, artisan provisions, and exquisite gifts from around the world. The Rockefeller Christmas Tree and ice rink, decorated windows of Fifth Avenue, and world-class shopping are also an easy walk from the hotel. After a chilly day, guests can warm up with a hot toddy and live jazz next to the fireplace at the hotel’s MAD Bar & Lounge. And, those lucky enough to snag the Empire Suite will enjoy views of the lights on the Empire State Building from their own private veranda.
Other Christmas Markets paired perfectly with a dreamy hotel for the holidays include:
The Basilica of Budapest Christmas Market (ranked the best in 2020, 2022, and 2023) is just two kilometers from the beautiful Anantara New York Palace Budapest.In the city center of Brussels, the Winter Wonders is a lively Christmas Market and events at the Grand-Place. Guests reach the NH Collection Brussels Grand Sablon within a short ten-minute walk.
Located in Senate Square in Helsinki, the oldest and most popular Christmas market is just under a kilometer away from the newly unveiled five-star NH Collection Helsinki Grand Hansa.The Fair of Santa Llúcia at the Barcelona Cathedral is celebrating its 237th anniversary. Conveniently, the NH Collection Gran Hotel Calderon in Barcelona is only a sixteen-minute walk from the Cathedral.The Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa, Avani Avenida Liberdade Lisbon Hotel, and NH Collection Lisboa Liberdade are a brisk walk to the Rossio Christmas Market in Lisbon.
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