Journey with WorldHotels this joyous season for a holiday filled with gastronomical festive delights, the best Christmas markets. With a global offering of over 300 of the finest independent hotels and resorts, WorldHotels has curated a collection of six wonderful Christmas markets around the world to heighten the festive cheer.
It may be summer all year round, but the Christmas spirit is high at Winter Wonderland, Gardens by the Bay’s Christmas festival from 29 November to 26 December. Reminiscent of the German Christkindlmarkt but with a Singaporean twist, travellers can experience “snow” on the sunny island against a stunning backdrop of illuminated sculptures and supertrees.
Head to Orchard Road as it transforms into a magical Christmas paradise for six weeks. Bringing a festive, carnival-like atmosphere to the city’s busiest shopping district, look out for performances by local street buskers who will be belting out Christmas tunes all day long. The fun officially starts at the Light-Up Ceremony on 16 November, when the Christmas decorations are lit up for the first time.
Where to Stay: Carlton Hotel Singapore has one of the best locations among upper-upscale hotels on the island. Singapore’s largest underground shopping mall, convention centres, and the cultural heritage and entertainment zone are all less than a 15-minute walk away. Feast on traditional Christmas dishes and festive goodies at Café Mosaic, and marvel at the life-size gingerbread house handcrafted by the hotel’s pastry team. The hotel is also offering a Festive Holistay package for stays from 13- 27 December 2019.
In Melbourne, bask in the spirit of Christmas at the Big Design Market. The three-day artisan market features 250 stalls from independent designers around Australia and New Zealand. Visitors will find creative workshops, designer show bags, free kids activities and lots of delicious food and drinks from 6 to 8 December at the Royal Exhibition Building.
Where to Stay: Stamford Plaza Melbourne is located in the fashionable ‘Parisian end’ of Little Collins Street. This ideal location means that the hotel is close to many of Melbourne’s stylish restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as iconic theatres and the city’s famous sports grounds. The food at Stamford Plaza Melbourne is served at Harry’s Restaurant, Café and Bar, showcasing the finest local produce and wines.
London’s Zero Waste Christmas Market will be back for its second year, this time doubling in size and scope. Over 44 zero-waste brands catering to food, drink, fashion, luxury items, homeware, personal care, fitness and health. The market opens only for one day, 7 December, at the trendy Boiler House, close to the heart of Shoreditch and right on Brick Lane.
Where to Stay: Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch is one of the most stylish hotels in Shoreditch. Housed in the former Old Street Magistrates Court and police station, this boutique haven mixes modern luxury with a historic twist and is just a short stroll from Hoxton’s trendy restaurants, bars and shops. A restaurant is set up in the former main courtroom, while prison cells have become quirky VIP booths in the refined bar.
Christmas markets originated in Germany in the Middle Ages, where the first winter markets were held in front of local churches. In Hamburg, an unusual Christmas market that has nothing to do with the original German “Weihnachtsmarkt” can be found on Spielbudenplatz in the St. Pauli district.
Hamburg’s adults-only erotic Christmas market is a colourful event traditionally opened by drag queen Olivia Jones. The Santa Pauli Christmas market includes nightly strip shows and burlesque dances as well as unorthodox Christmas presents and sexy seasonal treats. The market is open seven days a week, from 18 November to 23 December.
Where to Stay: The Madison Hotel Hamburg is a stylish hotel ideally located between the St Michaelis Church, the harbour, and the city centre. It is close to many of the city’s sights, including the Speicherstadt, HafenCity, and the shopping district. It is also a wellness and fitness oasis offering spa facilities, a sauna, a pool, a Japanese garden, movement classes, and a gym.
Every year dog lovers and their furry four-legged friends gather in Berlin for the Christmas market for dogs. From colourful dog collars to festive dog biscuits, visitors can buy everything the dog’s heart desires. The show program includes dog dancing, man trailing and other fun shows for dogs and owners alike.
The market takes place on 30 November and 1 December in the garden of the 12 Apostoli in Berlin’s Grunewald district. After enjoying the Christmas market, visitors and their pooches can walk back through the forest to the city.
Where to Stay: Hotel Berlin, Berlin is a 15-minute walk away from famous sights such as the Kurfrstendamm shopping boulevard, the Berliner Zoo, Tiergarten and Potsdamer Platz. Hotel Berlin, Berlin also boasts of a high-class lounge bar Berlin, Berlin that serves up exotic cocktails and international music. The hotel’s 701 uniquely designed rooms offer guests maximum style and comfort.
Chicago’s Christkindlmarket is inspired by the world-famous Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany, which began in 1545. Now, the Christkindlmarket in the windy city is no longer just a German tradition – it has become a Chicago institution. Visitors will find various German goodies such as cuckoo clocks, nutcrackers and beer steins.
This is also a fantastic opportunity to try some mouth-watering sauerkraut, sausages, pretzels and potato pancakes at the food and drink stalls. Chicago’s largest open-air Christmas festival takes place at Daley Plaza on Washington Street from 15 November to 24 December.
Where to Stay: ACME Hotel Company Chicago unites an artful eye for whimsical style and a penchant for high-tech toys for both work and play. It is located just off Michigan Avenue in the vibrant River North neighbourhood of Chicago. If guests would like to loosen up after a day exploring the windy city, they can book a spot at the Bunny Slope, Chicago’s most talked-about Hot Tub bar to hit the nightlife scene.
What’s your top pick? Visit at least one of these Christmas markets and make this year your best home-away-from-home celebration with loved ones yet.
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