Vienna: Delicious delights and Christmas markets

Arriving in Austria’s capital in December, one look reveals that Christkind (or Christ Child – the traditional festive gift-bringer) has already visited. Vienna is wreathed in beautiful twinkling lights, setting the scene for a cosy stay. 

The most characteristically festive Viennese experience is the Christmas market, and though you’re spoilt for choice, the most iconic is the Christkindlmarkt on Rathausplatz, overlooked by the Town Hall with its vast Christmas tree and nativity scene. You’ll find classic Austrian fare like baumkuchen (log cake), sausages and spätzle (chewy pasta dumplings), roast chestnuts and warming Christmas punch, plus crafts and charming gifts. Suitably fuelled, take a magical stroll through neighbouring Rathaus Park with its fairy-lit trees and ice-skating rink.

 

Alternatively, Karlsplatz is a great choice for locally made souvenirs and art. A little further afield, Schönbrunn Park is worth a visit if only to see the magnificent Habsburg palace lit up.

Speaking of palaces, at Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna Hotel, you can sip tea or bubbles beneath a sparkling chandelier in the grand lobby, dine at Michelin-starred EDVARD and stay in festive luxury, just 15 minutes’ walk from Stephansplatz, where St. Stephen’s cathedral hosts atmospheric Advent concerts.

Budapest: Winter wonderland on the Danube

If you’ve behaved very well this year, perhaps you’ll be visited by Mikulás. The Hungarian St. Nicholas usually leaves oranges and lemons in the polished boots of good children on 6 December. But perhaps he’ll reward you with a festive visit to beautiful Budapest.

The city’s streets ring with regölés as locals travel from house to house singing Christmas wishes to their neighbours, and there are endless seasonal delights to discover. Visit the Christmas Market in Vörösmarty Square to sample kürtöskalács (chimney cakes), lángos (the country’s ubiquitous flatbread), poppy seed strudel and mulled wine.

If Budapest’s chilly temperatures penetrate your winter-wear, warm up at Rudas Thermal Baths on Gellért Hill, where you can slip into the rooftop jacuzzi for steamily stunning views of the city.

Travel along the Pest side of the river aboard a Christmas tram, cruise down the Danube to see Budapest’s most iconic landmarks lit up, and make a stop on Margaret Island to explore Lumina Christmas Park. It’s fairy-lit festive scene in one of the best cities at Christmas in Europe.

Immerse in it all with a Unique Christmas Stay at Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel,which includes delicious daily delights in the Deepwater Breakfast Room, access to Anantara Spa, and transfers to the Christmas Market.

Dublin: Festive entertainment on the Emerald Isle

Nollaig Shona Duit! That’s “Happy Christmas” in Gaeilge, and a very happy Christmas awaits in Dublin, where the windows of local homes are lit with candles to show a warm welcome to Mary, Joseph and visitors to the fair city.

Festive fun abounds in the grounds of historic Dublin Castle, where the Christmas market promises local comfort food, drinks and lively folk music. A traditional Christmas pantomime combines magic for the kids and saucy jokes for the grown-ups. This year, you can see Peter Pan at The Gaiety Theatre.

Catch world-famous Irish music stars singing for charity while you finish your last-minute Christmas shopping on 24 December as ever-popular Grafton Street comes alive with its annual Christmas Eve Busking extravaganza.

When you’re ready to warm your cockles, Anantara The Marker Dublin awaits with a masterclass in Irish coffee making, an eucalyptus-infused steam room at Anantara Spa and classic Irish Christmas dishes at Forbes Street by Gareth Mullins.

Rome: Authentic religious rituals and traditions

Fall in love with the Eternal City all over again as you stroll the festively lit Via del Corso, browse charming souvenirs in Campo de’ Fiori, and surrender to the magic at the Befana Christmas Market in the Piazza Navona, where the choirs fill the air with festive music.

At this time of year, Villa Borghese Park is unmissable with its art installations, activities and performances. Across the Tiber, the Botanical Gardens host festive treasure hunts among the winter blooms.

As the spiritual home of the Catholic church, Rome celebrates Christmas with enthusiasm and attention to detail. Everywhere you look, the Christmas story comes to life through beautiful nativity scenes known locally as presepi. You’ll find tiny versions in bakery windows, impressive installations in churches like the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and a life-size display in St Peter’s Square next to the Christmas tree.

Of course, St Peter’s Basilica is the setting for Christmas Eve Mass, and the Urbi et Orbi blessing on Christmas Day, both led by the Pope himself. The expert guides at Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel are on hand to arrange exclusive experiences like these, as well as an exclusive tour of the Vatican with a private guide.

Stay at this majestic hotel in one of the best cities at Christmas in Europe, within walking distance from the Piazza della Repubblica, Fori Imperiali, Via Veneto, Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and all the festive magic of Rome.

Amsterdam: Winter Paradise awaits

The festive magic begins early in Amsterdam, with activities throughout November, leading up to Sinterklaasavond on 5 December, when Sinterklaas arrives by steamship; from there, it’s non-stop wonder.

Head to the RAI, where the Winter Paradise festival takes over the convention centre indoors and out with ice skating, curling, beer gardens and plenty of delicious delicacies. Venture to the Museumsplein for the Ice Village Christmas Market and take a cruise down the city’s world-famous canals at night to enjoy Amsterdam’s Light Festival.

At Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam, you’re located right on Dam Square with its giant Christmas tree, overlooking the Royal Palace. Throughout the season, you can savour a festive afternoon tea at Grand Café Krasnapolsky, Christmassy cocktails at Bar The Tailor and special dinners at Michelin-starred restaurant The White Room on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. There’s even an Amsterdam-themed advent calendar to get you in the festive spirit.

Sample it all with the Christmas Wonderland package, including daily breakfasts in the Wintergarden and a delectable Christmas dinner at Grand Café Krasnapolsky.

Nice: Seasonal sparkle en Provence

For a less chilly Christmas, escape to the French Riviera’s favourite winter resort town and spend a chic season in Nice. Arrive mid-December in time to catch the Baie des Anges Rowing Race, which, while not strictly festive, is certainly a celebration. From there, the city gets into the spirit with spectacular lights along the Promenade des Anglais and in the Place de Massena, Christmas flowers on Cours Saleya, nativity scenes on Place Rossetti and carol concerts at many of the city’s churches.

A stay at Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel places you just steps from Jardin Albert 1er and its “Village de Noel”, complete with ferris wheel and ice rink. Browse the market’s charming alpine chalets for Nicoise delicacies and look out for Papa Noel.

Return to the hotel to immerse in Belle Epoque luxury and enjoy panoramic views of all the delights from the rooftop bar, SEEN by Olivier.

From Viennese Christmas charm to Mediterranean festive elegance, there’s endless magic to unwrap in these best cities at Christmas in Europe this December. Wherever you choose, let us help you make it utterly unforgettable at Anantara.