Experience the Magic of Europe's Christmas Markets

The holiday season is a magical time to visit Europe. From late November through December, cities across the continent transform into winter wonderlands, with charming Christmas markets filled with holiday cheer. Sipping mulled wine and browsing crafts and gifts among festive lights is a quintessential part of the European Christmas tradition.

In this blog post, we'll highlight some of the best Christmas markets across Germany and Austria, along with top sightseeing activities, tours, and our favorite restaurant recommendations for each destination. We'll focus on three cities that truly capture the spirit of the season - Berlin, Nuremberg, and Salzburg. Read on for an inside look at how to experience these iconic Christmas markets in style.

Berlin: Historical Christmas Ambiance

Begin your Christmas market adventure in Berlin, Germany's capital and largest city. Stay at the Hotel de Rome, a Rocco Forte Hotel, situated right in the historic core. This luxurious 5-star property occupies a historic bank building from the late 19th century, providing a convenient and central base. Expect modern elegant rooms, a spa and pool, and refined dining options like the seasonal Italian restaurant Chiaro.

Berlin has some of Germany's most beloved and traditional Christmas markets. The market at Charlottenburg Palace stretches along the palace gardens, with over 100 wooden stalls offering handmade crafts, toys, and ornaments. Sip hot spiced wine in the illuminated courtyard. The Gendarmenmarkt hosts one of the most scenic markets, surrounded by the grand architecture of the Konzerthaus and French and German cathedrals.

For 2023, the Gendarmenmarkt market will be held at the nearby Bebelplatz due to construction. The good news is that this location is right by your hotel! Don't miss the Lucia Christmas Market at Kulturbrauerei, illuminating the courtyard of a former brewery with Scandinavian flair and crafts. Most markets are open daily from noon until 8 or 9pm.

In addition to markets, Berlin has many festive activities. Wander through the Christmas Garden at the Botanical Garden, lit up with sparkling light sculptures and installations. Or opt for a chilling history lesson with a tour of the Sachsenhausen concentration camp memorial. Get to know Berlin's neighborhoods and history better via walking tours; private guides can create customized tours based on your interests, whether general city highlights or specific topics like WWII and Cold War history.

Top nearby dining options steps from the Hotel de Rome include Chiaro for refined Italian, Grill Royal for riverside fine dining, and Restaurant Wilhelm for German classics in the historic Berlin Palace.

Nuremberg: Bavaria's Christmas Capital

Next, head to Nuremberg in the Bavarian region of Germany. Known for its pivotal role in World War II, Nuremberg has a historic Old Town and the largest and most famous Christmas market in Germany. With over 180 wooden stalls, the sprawling Christkindlesmarkt fills the central Hauptmarkt square.

Check into the cozy and central Hotel Drei Raben. Then get ready to browse for wooden toys, holiday decorations, and local gingerbread at the market. Dating back to 1628, the Nuremberg market has official opening ceremonies like the Christkind prologue. Go beyond browsing with Christmassy activities like a culinary walking tour to taste sausages, baked goods, and glühwein. Or learn about Germany's difficult 20th century history with tours of Nazi rally grounds and the Nuremberg Trials memorial.

Savor the tastes of Bavaria at restaurants like Goldenes Posthorn for sausage plates, or Casual for creative regional cuisine. For an excursion, take a guided tour of nearby Franconia Switzerland, home to some of Germany's oldest breweries and beer halls. Private guides can craft half or full day tours based on your interests in Nuremberg's history, food scene and holiday allure.

Salzburg: Austrian Christmas Charm

Complete your Christmas market itinerary in Salzburg, Austria - birthplace of Mozart and backdrop for The Sound of Music. Salzburg's atmospheric Old Town comes alive with twinkling lights and festive Alpine flair during Advent season. Stay at the luxurious Hotel Sacher Salzburg overlooking the quaint Getreidegasse shopping lane. Enjoy Austrian cuisine at the hotel's restaurants like The Glass Garden.

The main Christmas market surrounds the Cathedral and Mozart Square at the center of the Altstadt. Stroll through over 100 festive stalls selling handicrafts, sweets and warming drinks. Nearby Hellbrunn Palace also hosts a market with nativity scenes and caroling in its courtyard.

In addition to browsing and sipping, get into the Austrian Christmas spirit with activities like:

• A Sound of Music tour visiting filming locations like the Mirabell Gardens

• A private guided tour of Salzburg's historic sights and charming squares

• A trip to picturesque Hallstatt village on the shimmering Lake District

• A Mozart dinner concert at St. Peter's, featuring a chamber performance

Top dining in Salzburg ranges from cozy traditional spots like Zum Fidelen Affen to fine dining at Esszimmer Salzburg and The Glass Garden. Private guides can arrange activities and reservations for a customized trip focused on Salzburg's culture, scenery and holiday magic.

Travel in Luxury with Empress Travel Club

At Empress Travel Club, we provide exclusive luxury travel experiences. Our dedicated travel team handles every detail for seamless trips to Europe's magical Christmas markets and beyond. Reach out to get started planning your custom Christmas market getaway, with private guides, drivers, tours, restaurant reservations and 5-star accommodations.

As an Empress Travel Club member, you get exclusive access to our boutique-style concierge services. We act as your advocate, taking care of transfers, itinerary logistics, and reservations so you can simply soak up the festive ambiance. Contact us today to learn more about our luxury member trips and custom European Christmas vacations. The holidays are a wonderful time to explore new destinations in comfort and style.

Witness the Ring of Fire Solar Eclipse in Unparalleled Luxury

On October 14, 2023, a rare celestial event will take place: a ring of fire solar eclipse. This phenomenon occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth but is too far away to completely cover the sun, leaving a fiery ring visible around the moon.

The path of annularity, where the full ring of fire will be visible, crosses a thin strip of North and South America this October. Empress Travel Club is offering our clients the opportunity to experience this amazing event in style, with luxury accommodations and exclusive viewing experiences.

Here are our favorite hotels with availability and that are in the path of annularity:

• Bishop's Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection in Santa Fe, New Mexico is offering a "Ring of Fire Eclipse Weekend" package with a full weekend of fun, family-friendly activities to celebrate the event.

• Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe has nearly two minutes of annularity on October 14th. During this amazing lunar event the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (from October 7 -15) where more than 500 hot air balloons float through the sky in the Land of Enchantment. The resort is located about one hour north of this weeklong event.

• La Cantera Resort and Spa in San Antonio, Texas is the highest point in the city and offers stunning views of the surrounding area, making it a great place to watch the eclipse. We can arrange private viewing experiences for you.

Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway for two or a fun-filled adventure for the whole family, Empress Travel Club can help you plan the perfect trip to experience the ring of fire solar eclipse. Contact us today to learn more and book your stay!

Ready to experience the ring of fire solar eclipse in style? Click and book any of these hotels and you will enjoy exclusive Virtuoso amenities, including:

• Book your hotel with Empress Travel Club today and enjoy exclusive Virtuoso amenities, including:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

• Daily Full Breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom

• $100 USD Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)

• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability

• Complimentary Wi-Fi

Don't miss out on these amazing amenities! Book your hotel today!