Discover Europe’s top Christmas markets this winter with IHG®

Planning a festive break this winter? The team from IHG® (Intercontinental Hotel Group) have rounded up their top picks for some of Europe’s best Christmas markets to explore this year, all within walking distance of an IHG® hotel, where you can find comfort and get a great night’s sleep at the end of a festive evening.

STRASBOURG, FRANCE

Christmas highlights: Opening at the end of November, this festive market remains a favourite for Christmas lovers with its four Advent concerts and its Living Nativity, along with authentic live music and cultural events. Having first launched back in 1570, travellers come from around the world to visit this magical place and experience what it has on offer, with its famous Christmas tree, scenic wooden chalets and mulled wine to add to the occasion.

Where to stay: Holiday Inn Express® Strasbourg – Centre is located in the city centre, only a short stroll away from the Christmas market. The hotel is the perfect place for travellers seeking a spot of Christmas magic in Europe within easy reach of the market. An Express Start™ Breakfast is included in the room rate with free Wi-Fi on offer. Being only 13km away from the airport, Strasbourg is a great place for on the move explorers, who are visiting the town during the busy festive period.

Room rates: From £108 or €121*

WARSAW, POLAND

Christmas highlights: The famous festive market within Warsaw’s Old Town walls boasts over 60 traditional wooden huts nestled among the snow, selling traditional mulled wine and delicious snacks. This is the perfect market for those looking to buy a few trinkets and gifts. If you are looking for a ‘white Christmas’, it is almost guaranteed in Warsaw!

Where to stay: Holiday Inn® Warsaw City Centre, which opened at the beginning of this year, makes a great base for exploring the city of Warsaw and the markets it has on offer with the family. With the offer of kids aged 12 and under eating and staying for free, the hotel is affordable for those travelling with a family, and is just a stone’s throw away from the city’s shops, cultural venues and amazing restaurants and bars. The hotel has 256 stylish rooms including 12 superior and 14 suites and is conveniently located near the Christmas market.

Room rates: From £64 or ‎zł 308.00*

MUNICH, GERMANY

Christmas highlights: This Christmas market is held in the heart of the city in Marienplatz square, with plenty of delicious foods, carol singers and a nativity display. The traditional German Christmas cuisine is a must and be sure to check out one of Germany’s most famous attractions, the Hofbräuhaus Brewery to get you in the festive jolly spirit.

Where to stay: Holiday Inn® Munich – City Centre Hotel is only a short walk away from the iconic Marienplatz, in the quiet and enchanting atmosphere of Haidhausen, a quarter close to the Isar river. Families can mingle in the hotel’s Open Lobby where kids can play games whilst parents can unwind and grab a drink. The property boasts 582 rooms, offering a beautiful view of Munich’s skyline. A pillow menu and blackout curtains are provided for every room with central heating for a restful night Kids aged under 12 eat and stay for free too so this is a great choice for those wishing to escape on a budget this Christmas.

Room rates: From £120 or €135*

LONDON, ENGLAND

Christmas highlights: Running for over a decade, London’s Winter Wonderland exudes Christmas spirit during the winter. The attraction hosts Christmas-themed activities, including an enormous ice skating rink, roller coaster rides, street food stalls, a Ferris wheel, Bavarian-themed beer halls with live music and a huge Christmas market. Winter Wonderland is the perfect place for families and friends to spend time with loved ones this Christmas.

Where to stay: Crowne Plaza® London – Kensington makes for a perfect base for travellers wishing to discover the city’s culture and heritage in a short amount of time, being only a twenty-minute walk away from Winter Wonderland. The hotel is only a five-minute taxi ride from the elegant shops and restaurants of Mayfair and Knightsbridge, allowing guests to quickly navigate around the city and experience everything London has to offer. This is a desirable destination for those who want space in an intimate setting and offers a stylish Umami restaurant and cocktail bar to dine at after exploring the festivities of the city.

Room rates: From £183 or €205*

LEEDS, ENGLAND

Christmas highlights: Running from 9th November until 22nd December 2018 the Leeds Christmas Market boasts over 40 traditional wooden chalet style stalls, filled with everything from Christmas decorations to gifts and food, with various European eateries offering traditional festive treats. The market takes place annually on Millennium Square and on Victoria Gardens, with Briggate also holding a few stalls to promote the event. The main pull is the Bavarian food and drink hall with German delicacies including; bratwurst sausages, gluhwein, stollen, goulash and more which are enjoyed alongside live music and a great atmosphere.

Where to stay: Crowne Plaza® Leeds, Wellington Street. Just a 15 minute walk into the city, and 15 minutes to the Christmas Market, this is a prime location to be based from in the city of Leeds.

Room rates from £76.63 or €85.33*, however with the dynamic rates prices can vary. Saturday 1st December the price per night starts from £113.05 or €125.88* for IHG Rewards Club members or for non-members it is £119 or €132.51*.

Guests can earn IHG® Rewards Club points with every stay. Points can then be redeemed for future Reward Night stays at any IHG hotel worldwide. Guests will get the lowest rate available – Your Rate- by booking direct through IHG® Rewards Club.

*Price per room, based on two people sharing for one night on 01.12.18.
Images sourced from Google and UnSplash.
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Author

A veteran in global travel, Rachel also loves to explore hidden gems on home turf. She’s a writing connoisseur of Britain’s best hotels, luxury beauty products, and UK food and drink launches.

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