7 Christmas markets which are worth the trip – enjoy the winter season with Leonardo Hotels
Berlin, 16 October 2024. The start of Advent heralds the best time of the year as far as many people are concerned. Christmas markets open for business as early as the end of November in numerous towns and cities, and their festive flair attracts hoards of visitors from home and abroad. Atmospherically decorated Leonardo Hotels offer comfortable and central overnight accommodation in cities with particularly attractive markets and thus provide a suitable environment for an all-round successful experience during brief trips inspired by the Christmas spirit.
Esslingen – medieval Christmas magic
The Christmas market in Esslingen on the River Neckar takes place from 26 November to 22 December. Traditional handicrafts and mulled wine stands are set up in the town’s pretty and tranquil old quarter, where there is also a unique and enticing medieval marketplace. Jugglers, fire eaters and artisan craftsmen are all on hand to transport visitors back to bygone times. The Leonardo Esslingen is located only a few minutes from the marketplace and provides a comfortable retreat after an eventful day. The hotel, which only opened at the start of 2024, boasts cosy rooms and a stylish restaurant. It is the perfect starting point from which to experience the magic of Christmas in Esslingen. Fabulous views of the historic old quarter of the town can also be enjoyed from the impressive rooftop bar if the weather is fine.
Augsburg – a fairytale of lights and angels
Augsburg’s Christmas market is one of Germany’s oldest and loveliest. It will once again be held on the City Hall Square from 25 November until 24 December this year and is ready to enchant its visitors with its seasonally decorated stands and its inimitable “Engelesspiel” or Angel Performance. This fairytale highlight occurs at 6 pm from Friday to Sundays and transforms the Renaissance-style City Hall into a radiant stage. The modern Leonardo Augsburg is only a short tram ride or winter walk away and provides an excellent base for those wishing to visit the Christmas market. It offers an open-design lounge and bar area and an exquisite restaurant, where Levantine-inspired dishes are served.
Nuremberg – the world-famous Christkindlesmarkt
No Christmas market is better known than the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt. From 29 November to 24 December, its quaint wooden booths will be displaying a multitude of handmade goods and Christmas treats for sale, including the famous Nuremberg gingerbread. The Leonardo Royal Nürnberg is situated right next to the city’s main railway station and is particularly convenient for the market. The outstanding LEVI Restaurant specialises in Eastern Mediterranean cuisine, which is especially suited to sharing or to dining in a larger group. The hotel’s bar is also a perfect place to relax after a visit to the Christmas market.
Munich – Christmas charm on Marienplatz
The Christkindlmarkt on Marienplatz, which this year will be staged from 25 November to 24 December, is Munich’s oldest Christmas market. It is famous for its huge Christmas tree and for stands which sell typical Bavarian specialities. One particular highlight is the “Kripperlmarkt” at St. Peter’s Church, where all kinds of accessories, stables and figures for nativity scenes are available. This is also a place where the very finest Bavarian woodcarving skills can be admired. There are no fewer than eleven Leonardo Hotels in Munich at which to spend a restful night after a stroll through the impressively bedecked city. All offer good public transport links. Particularly high levels of comfort and outstanding design can be found at the Leonardo Royal Munich and the NYX Hotel Munich.
Frankfurt – variety and tradition during Advent
Frankfurt’s Christmas market on the Römerberg is also one of the oldest and most attractive in Germany. Its historical charm, festively adorned stands and specialities such as “Ebbelwoi” cider and Frankfurt Brenten, a type of marzipan biscuit, all fire the enthusiasm. This year’s dates are from 25 November to 22 December. The market’s artistically decorated Christmas tree and the atmospheric lighting turn a visit into an unforgettable experience. The somewhat smaller-scale “Weihnachtsmarkt in Rosa” on Friedrich Stoltze Square is considered to be an insider tip for those seeking a more placid experience. This is a popular meeting point for the gay community and for anyone who appreciates openness and inclusivity. The Leonardo Royal Frankfurt, where the rooms have just undergone renovation, is the ideal stop-off point to savour the festive atmosphere of Frankfurt. And, after visiting the Christmas market, guests will be grateful to warm their bones in the sauna.
Hamburg – maritime Christmas charm
Hamburg’s historical Christmas market in front of City Hall will be offering a unique mixture of maritime tradition and Yuletide flair from 27 November to 23 December. Handmade gifts and culinary treats can be discovered at the market’s splendidly decorated stands. The Nikolai Hotel Hamburg, the first Leonardo Limited Edition in Germany which only opened its doors in April, is a good tip for anyone seeking overnight accommodation in Hamburg. This exclusive hotel is located in a former “Kontorhaus” and marries heritage with modern design. Situated in a central location only a brief walk from the Elbphilharmonie Concert Hall, its luxurious rooms and imposing glass-roofed atrium offer a unique way of getting into the Christmas mood.
Vienna – a feast for all the senses
Vienna’s Christkindlmarkt is a highlight of the Advent period in the city. Magnificent stands, delicious treats such as roast chestnuts and punch and impressive lighting will make the market an extraordinary experiences for all the senses when it opens between 16 November and 26 December. A large nativity scene with life-size figures is always placed in front of the Christmas tree. The roof of the crib reverberates with the sound of tower brass bands from all over Austria. The Leonardo Vienna City West occupies a central location right next to the central railway station and is an excellent option for anyone looking to stay overnight in the Austrian capital. An open lounge and an inviting bar create a pleasant atmosphere, whilst family rooms with sofa beds offer additional comfort. Excellent underground, rail and motorway connections and the hotel’s nearby parking facilities make the Leonardo Vienna City Hauptbahnhof the ideal choice for visitors. With a total of 14 Christmas markets, Vienna also offers a diverse selection beyond the well-known Christmas market in front of City Hall. For those who prefer the fairytale Christmas market at Schönbrunn Palace, for example, the Leonardo Vienna City West and the Leonardo Hotel Vienna Schönbrunn are ideal places to stay. Both hotels boast an excellent location, comfortable rooms and are just a few underground stations away from the impressive Schönbrunn Palace.