The atmospheric cities of Prague, Budapest and St Petersburg stage arguably the best Christmas markets in their main town squares, and each is a walk away from a luxurious Corinthia Hotel. The town squares are filled from November with stalls selling hand-made Christmas presents, Christmas tree decorations and local food and wine. You may even catch a glimpse of the Big Man himself and be able to ice skate in some cities. Corinthia is joining in the festive spirit by offering its own Christmas cheer:

Corinthia Hotel Budapest

The Hungarian capital comes alive from November when the main Christmas market on Vorosmarty Square opens with over 100 wooden stalls and two outdoor stages for live entertainment (9th November 2018 – 1st January 2019).

Corinthia Hotel Budapest is offering The Great Festive Getaway Package from £127.50 per night (two sharing) which includes accommodation, breakfast, free room upgrade (subject to availability), entrance to the Royal Spa, free WIFI and bottle of local champagne. Available for minimum two-night stays between 1st December 2018 to 31st January 2019. Rates are exclusive of VAT & City Tax.

Contact: Corinthia.com/Budapest 

Corinthia Hotel St Petersburg

St Petersburg is a fairy-tale Russian city, with its dusting of snow covering the city’s wide boulevards and beautiful buildings each winter. From the end of December 2018 to the beginning of January 2019, Moskovskaya Square is one of several squares in St Petersburg that stages a colourful Christmas market. Children can meet Santa Claus (Ded Moroz), marvel at ice sculptures and gingerbread houses, listen to Christmas carols and buy any number of gifts, sweets and toys from the stalls. The biggest market in the city kicks off earlier (19th December – 11th January) in Pionerskaya Square, with ice rink, live performances, plus candles, ceramics, handicrafts, tree decorations, hand-made chocolates and festive fare to buy.

In addition, the hotel stages its own Christmas market, in the lobby, selling home-made delicatessen and sweet treats amid an atmosphere of festive sounds, aromas and decorations.

Christmas in St Petersburg, valid 21st December 2018 to 8th January 2019, is priced from £84 per night (two sharing), including a three-night stay in double room at the Corinthia Hotel St Petersburg (minimum three-night stay), Christmas welcome drink upon arrival, buffet breakfast in the Imperial restaurant, complimentary 24-hour access to the gym with sauna and cardio equipment and free WIFI.

Contact Corinthia.com/Petersburg 

Corinthia Hotel Prague

Corinthia Hotel Prague is close to the historical city centre where the main Christmas markets are held between 1st December 2018 and 6th January 2019. Find them at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, five minutes from each other. A large, brightly-lit Christmas tree dominates both spaces, surrounded by coloured wooden huts selling traditional handicrafts, glassware, jewellery, embroidered lace, wooden toys, metal ware, ceramics, scented candles, Christmas tree ornaments, hats, gloves and scarves, puppets and dolls.

Visitors can watch traditional foods being made and sample them too, such as ham roasted on spits, barbecued sausages, cakes and pastries, plus locally-brewed Pilsner and Budvar Czech beer to wash it down with. The Old Town Square market has the additional magnet of an animal stable where children can stroke sheep, goats and a donkey. The city runs a festive programme of opera, ballet and concerts through December, including Swan Lake at the Hybernia Theatre, The Four Seasons at St Clement’s Cathedral and The Magic Flute at Estates Theatre.

Corinthia Hotel Prague offers a luxurious haven of relaxation in the shape of the Apollo Day Spa for when guests need to unwind from the bustle of the city. An overnight stay at Corinthia Hotel Prague costs from £97 per room per night (two sharing) including breakfast.

The hotel also has a Christmas Market Package from £123 per night including accommodation, breakfast, daily tickets for Prague’s transport system, map of Prague’s Christmas markets, traditional Czech treats, traditional Czech Christmas punch and access to the spa. Available 1st-28th December (minimum two-night stay)

Contact Corinthia.com/Prague