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Top Magical Festive Markets

‘Tis the season to be jolly... and there’s no better way to get into the seasonal spirit than by booking an atmospheric getaway to explore one of Europe’s most enchanting Christmas markets. And to enjoy the charms of the surrounding city when it’s all dressed up in its festive best. Swathes of sparkling fairy lights; spicy mulled wine; yummy street food - plus sack loads of unique gifts to buy - combine to create an unforgettable experience.  And, as darkness falls – with a possible flurry of seasonal snow - relax and enjoy even more magic moments in the stylish warmth of our hotels. Check out these handpicked suggestions of Europe’s 5 most unforgettable festive markets.

29 Nov 2022 5 min to read

Breath-taking Budapest: A Fair to Remember

Beautiful Budapest comes bursting to festive life around Christmas: a choice of enchanting winter markets pop up throughout the historic Hungarian capital – famed for its fairy-tale architecture, super-relaxing spas and the romantic River Danube. Twinkling beneath the magnificent St Stephen’s Basilica, the Advent Basilica is the 2022 winner of the prestigious Best Christmas Fair in Europe award. Spectacular St Stephen’s Square becomes the seasonal home to 120+ carefully chosen stalls offering an authentic taste of Hungary’s finest arts, crafts, food and drink. Shop for unique ceramics, leather or gold. Feast on traditional chimney-shaped Kurtos Kalacs pastries, goulash or mutton sandwiches, dripping with roasted paprika cream - all washed down with steaming punch, ladled from a cauldron.
 
Join in the fun of the candle lighting ceremonies, the musicians, the ice rink, the iconic advent wreath, the enormous twinkling Christmas tree and the dazzling 3-D light show. Or visit the interactive selfie-point - and send Christmas greetings in 48 languages! The elegant Radisson Blu Beke Hotel, Budapest is the perfect base from which to experience the delights of Advent Basilica – and other iconic attractions like Andrássy Street and Heroes' Square. Or opt to stay in Budapest’s newest buzzing business district in the friendly, modern Park Inn by Radisson Budapest.
Budapest Market - 5 Memorably Magical Festive Markets
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London: A Sparkling, Fun Filled Winter Wonderland

As one of the world’s most exciting capitals, London goes all out to impress throughout the festive season: its stylish main shopping areas compete to out-dazzle each other with the most fantastic displays of lights and inspirational decorations. The trendy South Bank riverside is transformed into an upscale Christmas Market, lined with wooden chalets packed with gorgeous artisan goodies and global foodie treats. (Nov 3 - Jan 8). Beautiful Covent Garden – ablaze with a zillion twinkling fairy lights and regular downfalls of 'snow' - is home to three atmospheric daily markets selling handmade crafts and unique gifts (Nov 15-Jan 8). And the fun factor shoots off the scale at the giant Hyde Park Winter Wonderland (Nov 18 – Jan 2). A selection of Christmas Markets nestles between a vast range of mega-attractions including a massive ice rink, two circuses, Santa Land and the Magical Ice Kingdom. Book tickets in advance. 
 
Base yourself at the stylish and centrally located Radisson Blu Edwardian Berkshire Hotel, London or the equally elegant and convenient Radisson Blu Edwardian Bloomsbury Hotel, London. Or opt to stay in a buzzing, local hotspot: London’s great selection of vibrant, modern Park Plazas hotels are all within easy reach of the capital’s wealth of amazing festive attractions.
London Christmas - 5 Memorably Magical Festive Markets

Charming Dresden: Germany’s Original Christmas Market

Lovely Dresden loudly and proudly claims to be the home of Germany’s oldest Christmas Market. Dating back to 1434, the Dresdner Striezelmarkt brings twinkling lights and a warm glow of festive feeling to the heart of the atmospheric old town in Altmarkt Square (Nov 23- Dec 24). The world’s tallest candle pyramid – topped by spinning ornaments - takes centre stage, surrounded by wooden Smoking Men who breathe out incense - and carved Tchaikovsky-style, Nutcracker Soldiers. Dresden’s mining folklore is reflected by the figures on the outsized, candlelit Christmas arch. The name Striezel comes from a local fruit cake sold throughout the market, now better known as Stollen – and well worth the calories! Other foodie treats include prune figurines, gingerbread and mulled wine, spiced with cloves and cinnamon.
 
The market is properly old-fashioned, with around 250 stalls selling good quality, traditional goods made by regional craftsmen. Local specialities, such as Ore Mountain wood carvings, Plauen lace, Freiberg pewter-ware. Lovely Lusatian blue-printed fabrics and Moravian stars, make unique Christmas gifts. Find a perfect place to stay and continue the Christmas magic at the fun and convenient Park Inn by Radisson Dresden - in the city's government quarter – or at the elegant Radisson Blu Park Hotel & Conference Centre, Dresden Radebeul – set in the lovely nearby Lössnitz vineyards.
Dresden Christmas - 5 Memorably Magical Festive Markets

Prague: Picture Postcard Perfect Festivities

Laid-back Prague, with its ancient castles, Gothic churches and iconic Astronomical Clock looks like the perfect setting for a traditional Christmas movie: at twilight each evening, the city lamplighter fires up the famous lanterns lining the old Charles Bridge. And the atmospheric Old Town square is magically transformed throughout the holiday season by the Czech Republic’s largest festive market, with a vast Christmas tree at its center (Nov 26 -Jan 6). A smaller, equally entrancing market springs up in Wenceslas Square.
 
The brightly decorated wooden huts offer a dazzling assortment of local shopping options, including ceramics, jewelry, glassware, lace, wooden toys, candles, ornaments, winter hats and gloves. Food naturally plays a major part of the whole experience. A traditional Czech Christmas carp and brandy soup (rybí polévka) - is cooked in vast cauldrons. Other local specialties include spicy hams and sausages, gooey-topped flatbreads, smoked meat – or sweet – dumplings and pancakes. Shop – and eat - till you drop – then stagger back to relax in festive style at the elegant Radisson Blu Hotel, Prague, brilliantly located between the Old and New Town.
Prague Christmas - 5 Memorably Magical Festive Markets

Paris: Christmas Chic and Glamorous Shopping

The City of Light shines even more brightly over the festive season – with a choice of Christmas markets bringing an added sparkle to the world’s most romantic capital. The villagy vibe around the Sacré Coeur makes it the perfect setting for a Christmas Market. And the charming little Marché de Noël à Montmartre (Dec 10 -31) on the Place des Abbesses pays homage to all things French.
 
Artisan producers offer a range of unusual gifts, including embroidered pashminas, lamps and Christmas decorations. The food stalls also tempt with regional specialties: honey from Paris, foie gras from Périgord, pretzels from Alsace, tapenades from Provence and cheeses from the Pyrenees: the market’s own magical mulled wine recipe is – in true French fashion – a well-kept secret! For an unforgettable Christmas shopping experience on a much grander scale, check out the windows of Paris’ most glamorous department stores: their super-chic annual Christmas displays are a highly anticipated event for all Parisians...The shopping on offer inside is pretty stylish too!
Paris Christmas - 5 Memorably Magical Festive Markets

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Radisson Blu B�ke Hotel, Budapest - Entrance

Radisson Blu Beke Hotel, Budapest

Terez Korut 43
sales.budapest@radissonblu.com
+36 1 889 3900
Built in 1913, the Radisson Blu Béke Hotel in Budapest invites you to step back in time.
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Radisson Blu Park Hotel and Conference Centre, Dresden Radebeul - Indoor pool in wellness area

Radisson Blu Park Hotel & Conference Centre, Dresden Radebeul

Nizzastrasse 55, Radebeul
info@parkhotel-radebeul.com
+49 351 8321-0
An upscale hotel set among the Lössnitz vineyards and verdant forests of Saxony, the Radisson Blu Park Hotel & Conference Center lies just 7 kilometers from the center of Dresden.
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Radisson Blu Hotel, Prague - Hotel exterior

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Zitna 561/8
info.prague@radissonblu.com
+420 225 999 999
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Park Inn by Radisson Budapest - Hotel Exterior

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Szekszárdi Utca 16–18
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reservations.bondstreet@radissonblu.com
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Radisson Blu Hotel, London Bloomsbury - Exterior

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