Explore the best Christmas markets with a winter city break

Paris

Where better to get into the Christmas spirit than in Paris? With decorations on every corner and grand Christmas markets, this city break is a popular choice for those who want to explore magical light displays, discover the finest festive foods and wander up and down the Seine on a romantic break.

For the finest Christmas markets, the beautiful Tuileries Garden is located close to The Louvre and is the ideal spot for a festive day. Known as “La Magie de Noël” market, this is a large and lively market that covers an area of around half a mile, with a mix of both traditional market paired with fairground attractions, including a large ferris wheel that delivers fantastic views across the city.

One great part of a French Christmas market is the tasty treats on offer, and visitors will find hot crêpes, raclette cheese, vin chaud and, of course, Champagne.

For other Christmas markets in Paris, make sure to head to Square Viviani on the left bank for the Marché de Noel Notre Dame, as well as the Place des Abbesses market in Montmartre.

Where to stay:

Musée d’Orsay, Paris – 8 guests, 3 bedrooms

Located close to the main sights of Paris, this apartment is found across the river from the beautiful Tuileries Garden, where you will find the most spectacular Christmas market.

With three large bedrooms and spacious living areas, this luxury apartment is found on the 4th floor of a classic early 1900s building and situated near to many restaurants, cafés and shops.

Rome

Steeped in thousands of years of history, Rome is a stunning city to visit in November and December. While their Christmas markets resemble more of a selection of interesting stalls and similar to a flea market, visitors will certainly still feel festive.

One of the most famous Christmas markets can be found at Piazza Navona, where local sellers have a range of traditional toys and items for sale, as well as fairground rides and street musicians, all set in front of the iconic Fountain of the Four Rivers.

Other Christmas markets can be found at the central Piazza Mazzini in the Della Vittoria area, and another with an ice skating rink at the Auditorium Parco della Musica in the Olympic village.

Top tip: On the 8th December each year, it is traditional to decorate the Christmas tree with the whole family, and this is usually when the first trees will also be found around the city and by popular monuments and tourist attractions. Additionally, the large nativity scene at St Peter’s Square in Vatican City is well worth a visit.

Where to stay:

Campo dei Fiori Loft, Rome – 6 guests, 3 bedrooms

Centrally located to Rome’s most iconic sights and close to the Piazza Navona with its traditional Roman Christmas market, this unique apartment offers standout views across Rome from its rooftop terrace – the ideal outdoor spot to relax after exploring the city.

Including two wine cellars, large light-filled spaces and an array of art and design, this is the perfect place to take in all of Rome’s festive celebrations. 

London

While London is an incredible city break at any time of year, Christmas is an ideal time to explore all that London has to offer. One Christmas market to explore is that along the Southbank, an area situated alongside the Thames. Transformed into a winter wonderland, many of the wooden stalls sell traditional gifts, while visitors can find roasted nuts and mulled wine aplenty.

Another popular area to discover in Covent Garden’s Christmas market and another in nearby Leicester Square. With an array of huts selling a range of goods, the twinkling lights and great atmosphere make this a great choice.

Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is another option, with many fairground rides, small bars and craft stalls, while also having the UK’s biggest outdoor ice rink – the perfect place to feel festive!

Where to stay:

Henry’s Townhouse, London 14 Guests, 7 bedrooms

Searching for a Great British Christmas? This large London town house sleeps up to 14 guests and is close to all the major sights, making this the perfect location for groups of friends and family.

With a variety of festive markets dotted across the city, the former home of Jane Austen’s favourite brother Henry includes a full team of staff and chef, outside terrace area, large living spaces and is decorated with beautiful artwork and antique furniture.

Barcelona

While Barcelona is a magnificent city break all year round, the city is a fantastic choice for a pre-Christmas getaway. With many streets and squares transformed with twinkling lights, the city’s shops and promenades also have an incredible festive atmosphere. Simply wandering around the city’s many areas will see a variety of nativity scenes, stalls selling handmade goods and much more.

Held since 1786, the market of Saint Lucia is Barcelona’s oldest Christmas market and can be found in front of Barcelona Cathedral. With many stalls, look out for exquisite handmade decorations as well as warm drinks and delicious snacks.

Another firm favourite is the Christmas market found in the park beside the Sagrada Família. Slightly smaller than the Fira de Santa Llucia, there are a range of traditional decorations but also delicious churros with hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts – ideal after a long day of walking around Barcelona’s many streets.

Where to stay:

Calle Comercial, Barcelona – 8 guests, 4 bedrooms

Found in the El Born area of Barcelona, this third floor apartment is full of large windows and bright open spaces. With three balconies to relax with a glass of Spanish wine, guests will find themselves just moments away from the city’s various Christmas markets and the traditional Gothic Quarter, while being conveniently located to many bars, restaurants and must-see hotspots.