As Christmas approaches, fans of Christmas markets and holiday fairs eagerly count the days to the holidays. These European hotels join in the festive spirit by offering their own Christmas cheer with these hotels close to the best Christmas markets.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click through and buy, TravelingInHeels.com will get a commission. Thanks for helping support TravelingInHeels.
Best Hotels Near Christmas Markets in Europe
Table of Contents
As Christmas approaches, festive fairs and Christmas Markets pop up at the heart of some of the most atmospheric cities in the world. Historic city squares in Budapest, Prague, and St Petersburg are transformed into traditional winter wonderlands brimming with festive sights, sounds and smells. Join in the festive spirit by booking a room at these hotels close to the best Christmas markets.
Add more destinations to your bucket list with our 9 favorite destinations for travel over 50.
Budapest Christmas Fair and Winter Festival
From early November to the end of December each year, the Budapest Christmas Fair and Winter Festival takes place at Vörösmarty Square in the center of the city. As the oldest festive market in the Hungarian capital with over 100 wooden stalls, visitors enjoy Christmas-themed gifts, traditional Hungarian food and mulled wine. Outdoor stages feature light shows, folk dancing, and live music.
Don’t miss the famous Gerbeaud Coffee House on Vörösmarty Square – its exterior is converted into a giant advent calendar, with a new magical window display opening every day from December 1st to 23rd.
Best Hotels Near Budapest Christmas Market
Here is a complete list of the best hotels near St Stephen’s Basilica and the Budapest Christmas Market. Can’t make a decision?
Consider a stay at the 5-star Corinthia Budapest on the Grand Boulevard (including free WiFi in all rooms. Rates from $176.
Splurge with a stay at the elegant and luxurious Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest. The river-facing rooms are delightful, the architecture of the building (interior and exterior) grand, and the location – cannot be beaten. Rates from $350
For convenience to the Budapest Christmas Market, a stay in the heart of the city at the Hotel Memories Budapest also offers access to the Astoria Metro Station only a 3-minute walk. Rates from $183.
Prague Christmas Markets
Prague has two main Christmas markets, Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, just five minutes’ walk from each other. At the heart of the festivities, a large twinkling Christmas tree is surrounded by colorful wooden huts.
Browse the displays of Czech treats which include wooden toys, embroidered lace and traditional Christmas decorations (such as Czech glass baubles). Visitors can watch traditional foods being made and sample them too, try with klobása (barbecued sausages), trdelník (sugar-coated dough, roasted over hot coals), and medovina (hot honey wine and locally brewed Pilsner and Budvar Czech beer. Both markets are open every day from November 30 until January 6 (including Christmas Day).
Best Hotels near Prague Christmas Markets
Here is a complete list of the best hotels near the Prague Christmas Markets. Can’t make a decision?
The upscale Corinthia Hotel Prague stands on top of one of Prague’s hills, 2 from the center. It offers panoramic city and a top-floor spa with a . Free WiFi is available in the entire hotel. Rates from $110.
Art Nouveau Palace Hotel is a centrally located property set in the historic ambiance of the original Viennese Art Nouveau building from 1909, just a few steps from Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square, shopping areas and the State Opera. Rates from $86
St. Petersburg Christmas Markets
The fairy tale Russian city of St. Petersburg looks especially magical with its dusting of snow that covers the city’s wide boulevards and beautiful buildings each winter. From 12th December 2019 till January 13, 2020, the biggest Christmas market in the city will be staged at Manezhnaya Square and Malaya Sadovaya Street.
In the historical city center get into the holiday mood with an ice rink, live performances, plus candles, ceramics, handicrafts, tree decorations, hand-made chocolates and festive fare for sale. Children can meet Santa Claus (Ded Moroz), marvel at ice sculptures and gingerbread houses, listen to Christmas carols and buy gifts, sweets, and toys from the stalls.
Best Hotels Near the St. Petersburg Christmas Markets
Here is a complete list of the best hotels near the St. Petersburg Christmas Markets. Can’t make a decision?
Not only will you experience the city’s markets, but the Corinthia St. Petersburg holds its own Christmas market in the hotel, selling home-made delicatessen and sweet treats amid an atmosphere of festive sounds, aromas, and decorations. Stay at Corinthia St. Petersburg from $97.
One of our top picks, the Renaissance St. Petersburg Baltic is an elegant hotel located next to St. Isaac’s Cathedral, steps from the Hermitage Museum, and less than a 10-minute walk from Nevsky Prospekt.