Chase The Cheer

When it comes to exploring the world’s top holiday markets, book your airfare to Europe stat, as no other destination comes close to capturing the wonder of Christmas traditions. Whether in search of traditional holiday décor in Vienna or the famous ice kingdom in London’s Hyde Park, get prepped for the ultimate in holiday inspiration.

VIENNA, AUSTRIA 

The Market: While there are numerous Vienna holiday markets, the most famous is Christkindlmarkt on the Rathausplatz. Located in the city’s main square, this longstanding holiday tradition and advent market features a whopping 100 booths, with an eco-conscious perspective and plenty of fun for the kids. Held from November 16 - December 26, 2024, the yuletide market’s origins date back to the late 18th century. Culinary entices include seasonal cuisine, with booths selling everything from pastries to potatoes, buchteln (sweet rolls) to baumkuchen (cake), and sausages to spätzle (noodles).  

The Stay: Experience the city’s holiday cheer from your stylish one-bedroom suite at Rosewood Vienna. Deluxe Junior Suites showcase a contemporary design aesthetic, featuring a tastefully furnished sitting area, bright and airy bedrooms, and luxurious bathrooms. 

LONDON, ENGLAND  

The Market: One of the largest Christmas markets in Europe (November 21 - January 5, 2025), Hyde Park Winter Wonderland stages non-stop entertainment, including activities, attractions, and holiday cuisine. Highlights include Bar Ice, an après ski themed ice bar with artisan cocktails and live DJs; the family friendly Zippos Christmas Circus, with acrobats and comedy; and ice skating on the UK’s largest open-air ice rink.  

The Stay: The Club features five two-bedroom residences at Taj 51 Buckingham Gate. The luxury suites are steps from Buckingham Palace and are staffed with trained butlers. Dine at the Michelin-starred Quilon and unwind at the award-winning Jiva Spa. Prefer The Peninsula? Situated alongside Hyde Park Corner and Wellington Arch, The Peninsula London occupies one of the city’s most prestigious addresses. Newly built and impeccably designed to harmonize with the surrounding heritage buildings, the hotel is just steps away from Kensington Gardens.  

PARIS, FRANCE 

The Market: You’ll find many Marchés de Noel — festive street markets — in Paris, but one of the best and biggest is La Magie de Noël aux Tuileries (The Magic of Christmas). Located in Tuileries Garden next to the Louvre (and formerly named the Champs-Élysées Christmas Market), peruse more than 100 wooden style chalets, and discover amusement rides, shopping, festive culinary delights, and beverages ranging from hot chocolate to Champagne.  

The Stay: Take your stylish pick, from three Club suites at The Residences at Peninsula Paris, two-bedroom private suites at Hotel Raphael, the chic Majestic Hotel-Spa, or Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel, which overlooks the Place de la Concorde. 

ROME, ITALY  

The Market: Held from the beginning of December through the first week of January 2025, Rome’s Christmas Fair and Market in Piazza Navona features carnival-esque games, nativity scenes, puppet shows, holiday carousel rides, holiday cuisine, and endless Christmas gifts and souvenirs. Stalls are known for sweet treats, and your kiddos will feel as if they’ve stepped into a real-life rendition of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.   

The Stay: Two Junior Suites at Hotel de La Ville showcase the best of the Eternal City.  

TUSCANY, ITALY  

The Market: Come December, nearly every enchanting Tuscan hillside village hosts a local holiday market, but don’t miss the Mercato nel Campo celebration in beautiful Siena, which is traditionally held during the first weekend in December. You’ll find authentic Sianese gifts and cuisine at 140-plus holiday themed stalls.  

The Stay: With five exquisite four-bedroom Club residences at Casali di Casole, each villa graces a remote estate set among acres of olive groves and vineyards. Each vacation home features a classic Italian kitchen and a traditional forno for baking pizza.

BARCELONA, SPAIN 

The Market: Barcelona loves a festive celebration, no matter the time of year, but come December, the Fira de Santa Llúcia is the most well-known holiday market. Held since 1786 and located next to Barcelona's Cathedral, the city’s oldest fair features elaborate nativity scenes, handmade holiday crafts, sweet and savory holiday treats, plus a labyrinth of local stalls and vendors.  

The Stay: Celebrating Catalan modernism, The Club’s three-bedroom Casa Oller Barcelona Apartments offer stunning views of Barcelona's renowned Gran Via.

MADRID, SPAIN 

The Market: Considered one of the most beautiful and bright holiday traditions in all of Europe, Madrid’s Plaza Mayor Christmas Market is held in the city’s festive Main Square. Expect 104-plus stalls at this 100-year-old fair, known for gorgeous nativity scenes plus celebratory live music.  

The Stay: Your one-bedroom Suite at Rosewood Villa Magna features a separate sitting area, spacious walk-in closet, large marble bathroom, and a chic Madrid aesthetic.

+ Pre or Post Holiday Cheer 

Private Journeys > A Gourmet Ski Safari in the Dolomites: After (or before!) you’ve had your fill of Christmas markets, work up or work off your appetite with a bucket-list ski safari experience in the Dolomites. Journey between luxury accommodations by the power of your own two skis, taking in sights and on-piste lunches along the way (and you don’t need to be an expert skier to participate!).  

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