From New York to Mallorca The magic of Christmas markets
Seven different destinations to embrace the Christmas spirit as a couple or a family
The spirit of Budapest and its Christmas markets
Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. And Christmas is even more so, thanks to the unique charm of its Christmas markets.
From November onwards, families come together around the small market stalls of the Vörösmarty square market, a real temptation due both to the traditional dishes they serve, including classic warm wine and the inevitable goulash, and the curated selection of articles and gifts created by small, local craftsmen.
The creations that you will be able to admire and purchase in the stalls of the Saint Stephen square market are equally delicate. Leather pieces, crafted figurines and typical, local liqueurs such as unicum and palinka stand out.
A walk by the Christmas light-lit Danube, with its snowy white pavement, is a memory that you will cherish for your whole life despite the intense cold.
However, if you want to get rid of the cold, what better feeling than experimenting the delightful warmth of a steam bath or a hydromassage circuit in a spa just two steps away from the main Christmas markets?
From Plaza Mayor to Recoletos, Christmas in Madrid is full of letters and colors
Madrid is an excellent option to live Christmas while enjoying an infinite array of features and special attention.
The most traditional Christmas market in Madrid, open from the end of November, is in Plaza Mayor. Here, you will be able to walk around more than one-hundred stalls with traditional Christmas products while enjoying some delicious roasted chestnuts or some classic barquillos (crispy rolled wafers), which are typical in the capital.
Other options are the artisanal stalls at the central Paseo Recoletos. Or the Christmas market located in Jacinto Benavente square, that recreates an authentic medieval market.
Christmas in Lisbon: wooden stalls and ice-skating
With its classic wooden stalls, the Alvalade Christmas market is one of the locals’ favorites. As well as the typical festive objects, this market includes children’s entertainment. Therefore, if you are travelling with kids, here you will be able to pay a visit to Father Christmas’ home!
Admiring the illuminated tree in Praça do Comércio is an all-time classic of Christmas in Lisbon, with firework shows around it taking place. Skating on the Campo Pequeno ice-rink is also a must.
A short walk away from all these places, Iberostar Selection Lisboa offers a spa with wet and massage areas. Moreover, its restaurant, Luz, is the ideal place to discover the most traditional recipes from the delicious Portuguese cuisine.
Puerto Portals Christmas Market: a Christmas market in Mallorca by the sea
Chosen as one of the five best Christmas markets in Europe by the German newspaper Die Welt, at the Puerto Portals Christmas Market you can celebrate Yuletide by the sea, walking among colorful stalls on the most luxurious marina in Mallorca.
Here, you will find decorative items, accessories, hand-painted ceramics, aromatic candles, natural cosmetics, as well as a great gastronomic offer, where you can taste typical dishes from all kinds of countries: German, Japanese, Spanish or Italian, eco-friendly dishes, French boulangeries, Christmas treats from Austria and, of course, Glühwein (‘warm wine’), with waffles and typical Christmas cookies.
Staying at the Iberostar Waves Cristina Playa de Palma hotel, less than 25 minutes away from Puerto Portals by car, you will enjoy the best sea views, as well as very special premium services and the best Majorcan gastronomy.
Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey hotel: a 5-star Christmas market in Tenerife
The 30th November and the 1st December are two very special dates in Santa Cruz de Tenerife: the Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey hosts its traditional Christmas market, with more than 50 exquisitely decorated stalls in which you can purchase typical gifts and Christmas décor.
Moreover, you will also be able to enjoy live music, ballet shows, fun workshops… Even Father Christmas is present at this market to jot down all the gifts for the kids!
Since its opening in 1950, this hotel in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is one of the symbols of the city. The elegance, calmness and respect for history define the atmosphere of this grand luxury hotel, that has five top-category restaurants.
In its spa you will be able to complete a thermal circuit with swan-neck fountains, a waterfall, a great hydromassage bath, floatarium, sauna and Turkish bath. If you prefer, take a massage in one of its 14 cabins prepared for your wellness in this unique 5-star hotel in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Christmas in Miami: illuminated yachts and Santa Claus in a tropical forest
Tropical Park is one of the most spectacular theme parks in the United States. But when Christmas arrives, it turns into Santa’s Enchanted Forest, for the fascination of the smallest in the house, offering activities, games, stalls and children’s workshops decorated especially for Christmas.
And if you are planning your holidays in Miami around the 15th December, you cannot miss the Christmas boat show, a great display that has been taking place for more than 40 years. During this show you can see great yachts all decorated from top to bottom with lights and Christmas designs, parading one after the other on the Miami coast. Moreover, during this day you will be able to enjoy some activities within these boats, such as taking a cocktail or having a romantic dinner.
A Christmas Carol in New York
Is there anything more magical and traditional than living Christmas in New York once in your lifetime? The Christmas spirit in the Big Apple will leave you in awe with its amazing lights and colors, with streets, parks shops and buildings profusely decorated for the occasion and carols playing everywhere, in a pure American style!
If you decide to stay at a hotel in Manhattan during your stay in New York this Christmas, you will have doubly hit the spot. Want to know why?
First of all, because the heart of this district is where you will find all the Christmas markets in the city.
If you visit the Christmas market in Union Square, you will surely take home one of its craft-made figurines. They are charming and are all handmade!
The jewelry and accessories at the Artists and Fleas in Chelsea market are also handmade, an unbeatable idea to find bits and bobs and very special gifts.
On the other hand, at the Bryant Park market you will also be able to slide on ice on its ice-rink and taste some delicious dishes in its food stalls.
MAKE IT REAL