As Christmas approaches, festive fairs pop up at the heart of some of the most atmospheric cities in the world. Historic city squares in Budapest, Prague and St Petersburg are transformed into traditional winter wonderlands brimming with festive sights, sounds and smells. Corinthia Hotels is joining in the festive spirit by offering its own Christmas cheer close to the markets:
Budapest Christmas Fair and Winter Festival
From early November to the end of December each year, the Budapest Christmas Fair and Winter Festival takes place at Vörösmarty Square in the centre of the city. It’s the oldest festive market in the Hungarian capital and, with over 100 wooden stalls, visitors enjoy Christmas-themed gifts, traditional Hungarian food and mulled wine. Outdoor stages will be home to light shows, folk dancing and live music. Don’t miss the famous Gerbeaud Coffee House on Vörösmarty Square – its exterior is converted into a giant advent calendar, with a new magical window display opening every day from 1 to 23 December. Stay at Corinthia Budapest from €159/£136 per room per night (two adults sharing). The Great Festive Getaway includes breakfast, sparkling wine and spa access. Valid from 22 November 2019 – 31 January 2020. For more information, visit corinthia.com/budapest or call +36 1 479 4000.
Czech Christmas shopping in Prague
Prague has two main Christmas markets, Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, just five minutes’ walk from each other. At the heart of the festivities, a large twinkling Christmas tree is surrounded by colourful wooden huts. Browse the displays of Czech treats which includes wooden toys, embroidered lace and traditional Christmas decorations (such as Czech glass baubles). Visitors can watch traditional foods being made and sample them too, try with klobása (barbecued sausages), trdelník (sugar coated dough, roasted over hot coals), and medovina (hot honey wine and locally brewed Pilsner and Budvar Czech beer. Both markets are open every day from 30 November until 6 January (including Christmas Day). Stay at Corinthia Prague from €100/£86 per room per night (two adults sharing) and relax after shopping in the 25th-floor spa. The Great Festive Getaway includes spa access, daily breakfast and a welcome drink. Valid from 22 November 2019 – 31 January 2020. For more information, visit corinthia.com/prague or call +420 261 191 111.
Snow-dusted St Petersburg
The fairy tale Russian city of St Petersburg looks especially magical with its dusting of snow that covers the city’s wide boulevards and beautiful buildings each winter. From 12th December 2019 till 13th January 2020, the biggest Christmas market in the city will be staged at Manezhnaya Square and Malaya Sadovaya Street in the historical city centre with ice rink, live performances, plus candles, ceramics, handicrafts, tree decorations, hand-made chocolates and festive fare for sale. Children can meet Santa Claus (Ded Moroz), marvel at ice sculptures and gingerbread houses, listen to Christmas carols and buy gifts, sweets and toys from the stalls. In addition, the Corinthia St Petersburg holds its own Christmas market in the hotel, selling home-made delicatessen and sweet treats amid an atmosphere of festive sounds, aromas and decorations. Stay at Corinthia St Petersburg from €143/£123 per room per night (two adults sharing). The Great Festive Getaway includes sparkling wine, breakfast and a special Christmas gift. Valid from 22 November 2019 – 31 January 2020. For more information, visit corinthia.com/stpetersburg or call +7 812 380 2001.
For further information on Corinthia Hotels, please see corinthia.com