insideSUSSEX Magazine Issue 21 - November 2016 | Page 82

CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS MARKETS cont. …and beyond Cologne, Germany 21st November – 23rd December Cologne Cathedral is the central location for the city’s biggest market, and it is a beacon for all who want to indulge in a little Christmas cheer whilst browsing the beautiful items on sale. Here you will see the largest Christmas tree in the Rhineland, as well as wreath makers, pewter pourers, glassblowers, and all manner of other artisans at work. Plus you can sample freshly made gingerbread – deliciously festive! Why not stay at the stunning Savoy Hotel, just half a mile from the Christmas market – you can even see the cathedral from some of the rooms (and you can definitely see it from the fabulous rooftop bar). Hamburg, Germany 21st November – 23rd December Hamburg is a fun place to visit, and its superb Christmas market follows that trend. The city looks like a fairytale land when all the lights are switched on and the Buden (the little wooden huts that the sellers use) are in place. Along with all the usual excitement such as mulled wine, hot chocolate, and gifts galore, there is the famous Schrottwichteln. Roughly translated as ‘bad secret Santa’, any unwanted Christmas gifts can be exchanged for something a little better, and the money charged goes to charity. The best part is, no one will ever know! The magnificent 5-star Steigenberger Hotel Hamburg is just a five-minute stroll from the marketplace, and it has a relaxing spa and sumptuous treatments that guests can enjoy whilst staying there. The Hotel Baseler Hof is another option. It’s half a mile from the Christmas market but if you’d rather not walk it is situated right next to a Metro station. Perfect for lugging your beautiful buys back home! Champs Elysees, Paris, France 11 November – 8 January 2017 Although Germany does have the most Christmas markets (and, some would say, the most authentic Christmas markets), France is right up there as well, and the one that is held annually on the legendary Champs Elysees (and stretching right up to the Place de la Concord) is something to behold. The entire street is lit up in glorious twinkling splendour, marking the biggest and brightest Christmas market in France. If you want to stay right in the heart of the action, the Hotel Beauchamps is located in what is known as the ‘golden triangle’ in Paris (the area between the Champs Elysees, Avenue Montaigne, and Avenue George V). Magnificently decorated in the art deco style, this is a real treat. The Rochester Champs Elysees is also lovely, and with a spa to relax in at the end of a long day’s shopping, nothing could be better! 82 Prague Christmas Market, Czech Republic 3rd-23rd December Prague, capital city of the Czech Republic, is a gorgeous place to visit, and never more so than during the festive period when its winter wonderland of a Christmas market is up and running. The huts here surround a huge Christmas tree which, at its base, has an authentic nativity scene. It’s authentic because the animals within it are all real, and you are encouraged to get up close to them for magical memories and super snaps. As well as some lovely decorative items and locally made lace, and a fun traditional puppet show, you can also experience some Czech delicacies including vosi hnizda (rum and nut biscuits). There are a plethora of hotels to choose from in Prague, but the one closest to the action (meaning the main Christmas tree and nativity scene) has to be the Hotel Rott. At just 0.1 miles from the main attraction, right in the middle of Prague Old Town, this is an excellent base for your Christmas shopping. If you don’t mind being a little further away why not try the Art Nouveau Palace Hotel? It’s right next door to the famous Wenceslas Square, and less than half a mile from the Christmas market.