Christmas is right around the corner and what better way to get into the holiday spirit than at one of these celebratory markets around the world? It's said that Holiday markets originated in Germany in the Middle Ages and have since become popular throughout Europe and all over the world. Many Christmas Markets begin mid-to-late-November and last until Christmas Eve and sometimes even continue into early January.
paris, france
There's nothing quite like a visit to the City of Light during Christmas time. Paris Christmas Markets featured speciality traditional dishes like Alsation sausages, crepes, spice bread, French cheeses, oysters, and bûche de Noël (a pastry Yule log).
Where to Stay: La Reserve Paris
To celebrate Christmas in style, La Réserve Paris – Hotel and Spa has designed a week of fairytale festivities. A luxurious escapade from Paris to the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, a prestigious gift reserved for just a lucky few and unprecedented opportunity that fans of exceptional experiences will swiftly claim for themselves.
From December 20-23, 2018
A magnificent cruise on the Seine; an official visit to the Eiffel Tower in complete privacy – such as those usually organized for presidents; a tour of the Louvre Museum exclusively privatized for the occasion; a shopping experience in the most tempting boutiques the capital has to offer... Not to mention the pleasure of staying at the most intimate and beautiful of all Parisian palace hotels.
December 24, 2018
For the first time in its history and at the initiative of La Réserve Paris, for Christmas, the Château de Vaux-Le-Vicomte will open its doors to just 15 people. Arrival by helicopter, festive decorations, a carriage ride through the gardens designed by Le Nôtre, a sumptuous dinner by Jérôme Banctel, Executive Chef of the two Michelin-starred Le Gabriel Restaurant, accompanied by a unique selection of wines from the Château Cos d’Estournel, and an incredible firework display… The ultimate in 17thcentury French sophistication revealed in all its glory for just one mind-blowing Christmas Eve.
December 25, 2018
In Paris, the Christmas lights are more magical than ever the day after an unforgettable party.
Geneva, Switzerland
With its dramatic views of the Alps, its cobblestone streets lined with luxury boutiques and chocolate shops, and its restaurants serving fondue and foie gras, Geneva is the perfect spot for a festive foodie escape. “For the best fondue in the city, head to Au Vieux Carouge, or try a traditional raclette [hard cow’s-milk cheese heated under a grill and scraped over boiled potatoes as it melts] at Les Armures in the Old Town,” says Mina Bayat, Chief Concierge at Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva.
In addition to the Christmas light displays along Rue du Rhône and Rue du Marché, don’t miss the Geneva Lux festival, when modern light sculptures are placed on city streets for the holiday season. If you’re feeling ambitious, hop on the train to stunning Montreux – it’s barely an hour’s ride and so gorgeous you could be on the Polar Express. Explore the spectacular Christmas market there, and perhaps the quirky Charlie Chaplin Museum.
Where to Stay: Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva
Back in Geneva, a meal at Auberge du Lion d’Or provides uninterrupted views of the city’s namesake lake, as well as the gold standard of modern French cuisine. If you want the classic Genevan dish, look to Café du Port and its filet de perche. Afterwards, Yvette de Marseille or Bottle Brothers, on Rue Henri-Blanvalet, can provide the perfect digestif and the cheery atmosphere in which to enjoy it.
As a preferred Partner of Four Seasons Resorts we can provide our clients with unmatched customer service and special VIP benefits.
Where to Stay: La Reserve Geneva
A fairytale décor, a warm atmosphere, a delicious Christmas’s Eve, an irresistible Christmas tree and a spectacular open-air skating-rink… celebrating Christmas at La Réserve Genève is a magical experience!
The Magic Christmas offer is valid for your stay at La Réserve Genève from 24th to 25th December 2018 and includes:
- In-room Christmas welcome
- Upgrade to a superior category of room or suite, guaranteed at the time of booking
- Daily breakfasts
- Christmas dinner for 2 persons at the Loti restaurant > Discover the menu
- Santa Claus will distribute gifts to children from noon to 5 pm on December 25th, alongside a buffet filled with tasty treats
- A Complimentary one-hour treatment*.
- Free access to our 2,500 sqm Spa** with indoor pool, sauna, hammam...
- Free access to La Petite Réserve for children from 6 months to 13 years old, daily from 9 am to 6 pm
- Free admission to the rink and complimentary skate loan
- Complimentary soft drinks from the mini-bar
- Complimentary WiFi
bath, england
The World Heritage city of Bath is a joy to visit at Christmas. Explore the city's historic attractions or head straight to the traditional Christmas Market to shop for festive treats. Over 170 wooden chalets offer beautiful and unusual gifts, with tempting food and piping hot drinks. The nearby streets are line with stylish boutiques and quirky independent shops should you wish to explore further.
Where to Stay: Belmond Brishish Pullman
Bath is especially enchanting in the run-up to Christmas. Make the most of the festive season with an indulgent day excursion aboard the Belmond British Pullman luxury train.
On the outward journey a delicious brunch is served in your beautiful art deco carriage, at a table set with pristine white linen and bespoke glassware. Sit back as liveried stewards take care of your every need. Marvel at the ever-changing views through your picture window as the train courses towards the West Country.
On arrival in Bath head straight to the Christmas Market for gifts and foodie treats before browsing the city’s eclectic shopping scene. After a delightful afternoon, return to the train for a champagne reception. The highlight of the journey home is a gastronomic four-course dinner accompanied by our sommelier’s choice of wine. Sip champagne, relax, and take time to admire the design flourishes that make this vintage train truly unique.
Our Belmond Bellini Club membership means you'll recieve exclusive, VIP benefits to make your travel experience unique and satisfying, from planning throughout your entire trip. With sensational enhancements, the Belmond Bellini Club amenities are available across the entire Belmond Hotel and Resort portfolio.
Shanghai, China
Experience a bustling Christmas Market in the heart of Lujiazui and shop for live Christmas trees, crafts and ornaments while delighting in traditional treats. With special Santa appearances, this is the perfect opportunity for all to come together and enjoy a wonderful evening of shopping, great food, drinks and company.
Where to Stay: Pudong Shanghri-La, East Shanghai
new york, united states
Come and experience the “NEW” New York for a taste of pure holiday magic. Celebrate at the annual Seaport District Tree Lighting Ceremony, complete with celebrity music performances, themed delicacies, signature window displays and the official opening of the seasonal Seaport holiday market. And of course, no winter season is ever complete without an ice skating excursion, so be sure to visit The Rink at Brookfield Place, overlooking the city’s serene North Cove Marina waterfront.
Following a day of skating, guests will find themselves ready for holiday retail therapy at Brookfield Place’s luxury stores and Westfield World Trade Center at the Santiago Calatrava-designed Oculus. When it’s time to head back inside, get cosy at CUT by Wolfgang Puck surrounded by good friends and family, specialty holiday cocktails and warm dark chocolate soufflés on repeat.
Where to Stay: Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown
At the crossroads of Tribeca and the Financial District, just a block from the World Trade Center, Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown adds its classic architectural profile to the world’s most famous skyline. Discover a New York luxury hotel with Downtown’s creativity and confidence, surrounded by the non-stop, dynamic scenes of the new New York.
*Rates for the Holiday Getaway Third Night Free offer at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown begin at $565 for a Premier King.
Budapest, Hungary
Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market - November 9 – December 29 , 2018
The Vörösmarty Square Christmas Fair is a truly beautiful market in the heart of the city. It is a delightful sensory experience, full of colours, festive sounds, wonderful handcrafted goods and traditional, freshly prepared dishes that will keep the body and soul warm. Don’t miss to taste the all-time winter favourite, chimney cake.
Advent Fair By St. Stephen’s Basilica
Another must-see place is the Advent Fair in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica, only a few minutes walk from The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest. It awaits with handcraft- and gastro stalls, a free ice rink for kids, and 3D light shows painted onto the basilicain the evenings to enhance the festive spirit.
Budapest Winter Activities
Treat your family to unforgettable memories while staying in Budapest. Give in fully to the magic of holiday season by seeing the all-time favourite Nutcracker Ballet at the beautiful Erkel Theatre or visit the City Park Ice Rink in a picturesque setting for a magical winter experience.
Where to Stay: The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest
The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest is the ideal setting to celebrate the magic and wonder of the festive season. We invite you to indulge in exquisite gastronomic experiences, as our carefully curated, exciting happenings are guaranteed to create long-lasting memories for you and your loved ones. Prepare to fill your heart with festive warmth and a sprinkle of magic as you embark on some of the most spectacular seasonal celebrations.
Our partnership with Ritz-Carlton allows us to offer you exclusive benefits like room upgrades and complimentary breakfasts for two. Click here to find out more.
prague, czech republic
In the wintertime, Prague’s hilltop castle, narrow cobbled streets and towering spires put on their winter charms. Guests of Four Seasons Hotel Prague can embark on a horse-drawn carriage ride to the traditional Christmas market stalls in Old Town Square, enjoying mulled wine and roasted chestnuts along the way. Chief Concierge Petr Zezula also recommends visiting the markets in the Vinohrady district for an authentic local experience. He advises those with an appetite to sample a trdelnik, “a delicious pastry made from fluffy dough and coated with cinnamon and sugar.”
Locals rave about Café NG Kinsky as the perfect spot to look out on Old Town Square over perfect pastries or perhaps a Pilsner. And not only does Prague have some of the most beautiful and storied churches in all of Europe, the recently reopened Museum of Decorative Arts has an unrivalled collection of glass objects, collected over centuries, to put a twinkle in your eye.
Where to Stay: Four Seasons Hotel Prague
Celebrate the festive season in style at Four Seasons Hotel Prague, where the magical programme of seasonal feasts, festive activities and special touches is designed to create lasting memories.
Workshop with Preciosa
Four Seasons Hotel Prague invites you to join the craftsmen from the renowned Czech glassmaker Preciosa each Friday afternoon from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm in the Hotel lobby, where they will demonstrate how to create the company’s signature snowflake decoration. Watch or participate in the process and take one home as a keepsake.
St. Petersburg, russia
St. Petersburg is particularly lovely when snow swirls across the city’s canals and settles on its palaces and onion-domed cathedrals. Although many Russians celebrate Orthodox Christmas on January 7, the festive buildup starts in early December, when you’ll see dazzling lights flanking Nevsky Prospect and a shimmering tree in Palace Square.
The Winter Palace is straight out of a storybook – and a wonderful place to tour. For something more contemporary, head to the newly remodelled island of New Holland in the city’s centre. Here, you can strap on a pair of ice skates and view the city as you twirl. In case you get a little dizzy, or a little hungry, the island is packed with contemporary restaurants, cafés and bars.
“One of the city’s most iconic events is The Nutcracker at the Hermitage Theatre or Mikhailovsky Theatre,” says Olga Kachalova, Chief Concierge at Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg. “I’d also recommend shopping the traditional market stalls on New Holland Island for Russian gifts like valenki [felt boots] and varezhki [woollen mittens].”
Where to Stay: Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg
WINCHESTER, ENGLAND
Historic Wnchester is always a delight to visit, but even more so at Christmas when the festive market is set up in the superb setting of Cathedral Close. Browse a variety of stalls and be enticed by the aromas of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. If time, visit the gothic catherdral. It houses a number of ancient and contemporary treasures, including Antony Gormley's famous sculpture of a man who is submerged whenever the crypt floods.
Where to Stay: Belmond British Pullman
Celebrate the festive season with a luxurious train journey aboard the Belmond British Pullman to Winchester’s famous Christmas Market.
On the outward leg of your gastronomic journey a delicious brunch is served in your stunning art deco carriage. Your table is set with fine linen, bespoke china and sparkling cut glassware. Liveried stewards take care of your every need as you relax and admire the changing views through your window. On arrival you will be met by coaches and transferred to Winchester’s city centre, where you can visit the magnificent cathedral.
Alternatively you can head straight to the Christmas Market, it’s the perfect place for a spot of seasonal shopping and yuletide cheer. On return to the train you are greeted with an effervescent champagne reception. The culinary delights continue with a four-course dinner, complemented by our sommelier’s choice of wine. Sit back in your plush seat, observe the passing scenery, and take time to appreciate the design details that put this vintage train in a class of its own.
