A Different Kind of Christmas
Six Whimsical and Wonderful Christmas Markets Around the World
Frankfurt, 7 November 2019 – Why not get your Christmas shopping done while travelling overseas? In Germany, Austria and Switzerland seasonal markets are a tradition and not to be missed during the festive season. Christmas markets, however, have spread to cities across the world, from Singapore to Chicago hosting their own variation. WorldHotels™ presents six whimsical and wonderful Christmas markets around the world, from a Zero Waste Christmas Market to a market just for dogs.
Zero Waste Christmas Market, London, United Kingdom
London’s Zero Waste Christmas Market is back for its second year, doubling in size and scope. The market brings together the best of London’s sustainability scene. Here you can find everything for green gifting this festive season. Over 44 zero waste brands catering to food, drink, fashion, luxury items, homeware, personal care, fitness and health, as well as wreaths and décor will be joining the market. The market opens only for one day, December 7 at the trendy Boiler House, close to the heart of Shoreditch and right on Brick Lane.
Hotel Tip: The Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch is one of the most stylish hotels in Shoreditch. Housed in the former Old Street Magistrates Court and police station, this boutique haven mixes modern luxury with a historic twist and is just a short stroll from Hoxton’s trendy restaurants, bars and shops. In keeping with its former use, the Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch blends original features with contemporary styling. A restaurant is set in the former main courtroom, while prison cells have become quirky VIP booths in the refined bar.
Santa Pauli, Hamburg, Germany
Christmas markets play an important role in Germany’s holiday season. They originated in Germany in the Middle ages, where the first winter markets were held in front of local churches. In Hamburg, you find an unusual Christmas market, that has nothing to do with the original German “Weihnachtsmarkt”: Hamburg's adults-only erotic Christmas market is a colorful event, which is traditionally opened by drag queen Olivia Jones. The Santa Pauli Christmas market includes nightly strip shows and burlesque dances, as well as unusual Christmas presents and sexy seasonal treats. This unorthodox Christmas market can be found on Spielbudenplatz in the St. Pauli district. This Christmas market is not one for the kids, but worth a visit. The market is open seven days a week, from 18 November to 23 December.
Hotel Tip: The Madison Hamburg is a stylish Hamburg hotel, ideally located between the St. Michaelis Church, the harbor, and the city center, close to many of the city's sights including the Speicherstadt, HafenCity, and the shopping district. The Madison Hamburg is a wellness and fitness oasis offering spa facilities, a sauna, pool, Japanese garden, movement classes and a gym.
Sirius - The Christmas Market for Dogs, Berlin, Germany
Every year dog lovers and their four-legged friends gather in Berlin for the Christmas market for dogs. Sightseeing, sniffing, shopping, from colorful dog collars to festive dog biscuits, visitors can buy everything the dog heart desires. The show program includes dog dancing, man trailing and other fun shows for dogs and owners alike. The market takes place on 30 November and 1 December in the garden of the 12 Apostoli in Berlin’s district Grunewald. After enjoying the Christmas market, visitors and their pooches can walk back through the forest to the city. Admission fee is 2,50 EUR.
Hotel Tip: Hotel Berlin is a 15-minute walk away from famous sights such as Kurfürstendamm shopping boulevard with iconic attractions, the Berliner Zoo, Tiergarten and Potsdamer Platz. Hotel Berlin also boasts the high-class lounge Bar Berlin, with exotic cocktails and international music. Hotel Berlin's 701 rooms with unique personalities offer maximum comfort.
Christkindlmarket, Chicago, United States
The United States have a high number of German settlers who brought over their Christmas traditions with them. Chicago’s Christkindlmarket is inspired by the world famous Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany, which began in 1545. The Christkindlmarket in the windy city is no longer just a German tradition, it has also become a Chicago institution. You will find various German goodies such as cuckoo clocks, nutcrackers, and beer steins. Try some sauerkraut, sausages, pretzels and potato pancakes at the many food and drink stalls. Chicago's largest open-air Christmas festival takes place at Daley Plaza on Washington Street, from 15 November to 24 December. Admission is free.
Hotel Tip: With its chill vibe, ACME Hotel Chicago unites an artful eye for whimsical style and a penchant for high-tech toys for both work and play, making it the city's most approachable lifestyle hotel. Recently named #1 by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler survey of the best hotels in Chicago, ACME is located just off Michigan Avenue in the vibrant River North neighborhood. ACME is all about self-expression and its tagline, "Do Your Thing" is a celebration of guests' individuality. If guests need to heat up after a day exploring the windy city, they can book a spot at the Bunny Slope, Chicago's most talked-about hot tub bar to hit the nightlife scene.
The Big Design Market, Melbourne, Australia
A Christmas market in summer? In Melbourne, you can enjoy breathing in the spirit of Christmas at the Big Design Market. The three-day artisan market features 250 stalls from independent designers around Australia and New Zealand. Visitors will find creative workshops, classy design, free kid’s activities and lots of delicious food and drinks from 6 to 8 December at the Royal Exhibition Building. Admission is 5 AUD.
Christmas Wonderland and Carnival, Singapore
Do not let the heat and humidity stop you from indulging in some frosty fun at Singapore’s Winter Wonderland. It may be summer all year round, but Christmas spirits are in full swing at Garden By the Bay’s Christmas festival from 29 November to 26 December. The Christmas Market is reminiscent of the German Christkindlmarktbut with a Singaporean twist. Here you can even experience “snow” against a stunning backdrop of illuminated sculptures and supertrees. But there are even more festivities in Singapore: Every year for six weeks, the Orchard Road’s transforms into a magical Christmas paradise at “Christmas On A Great Street.” It brings a festive, carnival-like atmosphere to the city’s busiest shopping district. Christmas music is played from speakers and performances by musicians, Christmas carol singers and jazz bands provide the soundtrack to get you in the festive mood. The fun officially starts at the Light-Up Ceremony on 16 November, when the Christmas decorations are lit up for the first time.
