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!
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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.