Christmas fairs and markets abound at this time of year, from Europe’s major cities to the Big Apple.
Portugal
There are always loads of yuletide fairs throughout Portugal at this time of year, offering a heady mix of carousels and lights, local food and regional sweets, local customs and different ways of enjoying the festive season, to the delight of both kids and adults. Short car journeys around the country mean you can easily experience other festivities and discover a variety of traditions. Choose the right destination for you and book a hotel in the city centre.
New York
If you’re abroad, there’s no shortage of great options. One is undoubtedly New York, whose popularity seems to be entwined with the imagery of classic movies. In the “city that never sleeps”, Christmas fairs pitch their tents in major spots in Manhattan, starting with Central Park, with the Columbus Circle market. Other favourites are the Union Square Holiday Market (Union Square with 14th Street) and Bryant Park market (an entire block between 40th and 42nd streets and 5th and 6th avenues). Another must is the well-known Christmas tree at Rockefeller Plaza. Book a hotel in the city centre and visit the main attractions on foot.
Madrid
If your Christmas travel doesn’t include transatlantic flights, Europe’s major cities provide many other options, starting with neighbouring Spain. In Madrid, Plaza Mayor plays host to one of the capital’s main Christmas markets, while Plaza de España is home to the Mercado de Artesanía de la Comunidad de Madrid, a great spot to browse and buy handicraft. Another city-centre market is the Mercadillo del Gato, which is located at the junction of Gran Via and Plaza de las Cortes.
London
The route in London is situated in the central triangle of Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square and Covent Garden, where you’ll find three of the city’s main Christmas markets. Nearby, we also find the Winter by the River festival, at London Bridge City. Even so, the best thing to do is wander around and explore the countless options available, not only in the centre, but also in the more distant neighbourhoods of Greenwich and Kingston.
Berlin
Berlin is a city with a long tradition and variety of Christmas markets. Landsberger Allee, Gendarmenmarkt de Bebelplatz, Breitscheidplatz, Spandau, and Charlottenburg Palace are just a few examples of what there is to enjoy in the German capital.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam really comes to life during the festive season. For fans of more traditional fare, there’s the Christmas Village and Amsterdam Winter Paradise, which offer a variety of classic festive scenarios. For those in search of more alternative ways of celebrating, the Funky Xmas Market is bursting with creative and unique gifts, while the Pure Markt Wintermarkt attracts foodies with its seasonal goodies. And for the ecologically aware, the Sustainable Christmas Market combines festive cheer with social causes.
Wherever your Christmas getaway may be, choose your hotel in the city centre from Pestana Hotel Group’s selection.
