It's almost the time of year to celebrate the joy and the lights, so now is the time to book these holiday deals! Among the many destinations where Christmas markets are held Booking.com he picked some great places outside of the usual locations that draw crowds.
A visit to the Christmas market is an ideal extended weekend activity where travelers can explore different traditions, including sampling local food and drink, browsing handmade products or shopping for personalized gifts to surprise friends and family. Since more than a third (38%)* of Croatian travelers would be happy to spend a day shopping during their next trip, a visit to the Christmas market is an ideal solution for opening the season of entertainment and holiday shopping.
Trento, Italija
Nicknamed “Città del Natale” or “City of Christmas”, with the snow-capped peaks of the surrounding Dolomites peeking out from behind the great Romanesque-Gothic cathedral, Trento is magical at any time of the year, but especially at Christmas. The Christmas market itself offers a lively atmosphere with wooden houses all over the place decorated with colorful lights. It is ideal for strolling around and finding the perfect gifts and souvenirs, and offers a wide selection of local products, including handicrafts, Christmas decorations, candles and nativity scenes.
Visitors should try local specialties, such as Tortel de Patate, a famous dish of the local cuisine, which contains only three ingredients: potatoes, oil and salt. Wash down delicious light meals with mulled wine, hot chocolate or parampampoli, a traditional Italian winter drink made from coffee, wine and honey. Real food lovers can attend pasta and tiramisu making course in small groups and learn how to manually roll 'sfoglia' (fresh pasta) and how to prepare two simple types of pasta (stuffed pasta and fresh pasta) by yourself.
Where to stay: Casa Trentini – Atemporary Art Apartments it is a picturesque base for exploring Trento with views of the city and mountains. The property has a spacious one-bedroom apartment where guests can retreat after a busy day exploring the great sights and fairs, and close by are the must-see attractions of Piazza Duomo, Buonconsiglio Castle and the Torre Civica bell tower.
Vilnius, Lithuania
This city is a hidden gem all year round, but during the holidays Vilnius really shines with its magnificent Christmas tree nestled between the cathedral bell tower and Gediminas Tower. The capital of Lithuania is known for organizing city festivities, and during December there are numerous Christmas markets offering traditional food, handicrafts and entertainment for visitors. Those who want to give something unique as a gift can find beautiful handmade gifts at the fair located in the former prison yard and once again at the Designer Square. In addition to shopping, travelers can also enjoy the stunning lights and displays in the Glass District, which includes lavish installations and strings of lights, while a Christmas train runs from Cathedral Square to City Hall. In the midst of this revelry, enjoy the sights during this cycling tour, which offers a combination of must-see sights along with the hottest spots of the moment.
Where to stay: Luxury Panoramic Vilnius Apartment it's great as a base. This apartment has one bedroom and a terrace with a view of the Neris river, it is modernly decorated and allows guests to feel at home. The facility is located near popular points of interest, including the Museum of Occupations and the Struggle for Freedom, the Vilna Gaon State Jewish Museum, the Church of St. Michael and Constantine in Vilnius and, of course, the city's popular Christmas markets.
Singapore, Singapore,
The best entertainment in Singapore can be found at Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay, which offers an unmissable experience in an unexpected festive atmosphere. Like Singapore itself, the celebrations include talked-about installations, attractions and activities designed to bring people together. There's plenty to see, do and eat en route from Mistletoe Alley to the Gingerbread Grove location thanks to a fantastic array of food and gift stalls under twinkling Christmas lights.
It's a great place to soak up the festive atmosphere, but don't forget to make the most of other great sights and attractions, such as Singapore Flyer, a Ferris wheel with great views of the city, and the Singapore Zoo, where the Forest Lodge location serves a Christmas menu during the festive season. After exploring the city's Christmas events, head to the Marina Bay Sands complex to find some Christmas gifts for your loved ones in the many shops!
Where to stay: Hotel Park Royal Collection Marina Bay it is great for rest and relaxation and an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy the winter sun after walking around the fairs. This hotel has it all: elegant rooms with stunning views of the city, a wide variety of dining options, from fresh seafood buffets to international delicacies served at the halal-certified Peppermint restaurant, and a luxurious mineral water pool. The facility is in a great location, so it's a short walk to the Gardens by the Bay park, where the Christmas market is held.
Solving, California
Solvang is the center of Danish culture in America, and while it's an unexpected combination in California, it's a must-see for Christmas. Solvang hosts a spectacular month-long event called Julefest, a Christmas celebration where the beginning of this time of year is marked by the lighting of the Christmas tree, followed by a parade where visitors can watch vehicles, bands and horses parade through the streets. Learn about Danish customs and the history of Solvang as you sing Christmas carols on a candlelit walk. The main event, Christmas shopping, takes place at the Maker's Market, where you can find unique gifts and treats under the open sky of Solvang Park.
If travelers stay long enough, they can witness the lighting of the Christmas tree, a fire safety demonstration that marks the end of Julefest. Also take time to explore the beauty of this piece of Denmark in California, from the Danish architecture represented by the four wooden mills, to the authentic local bakeries where you can taste delicious products. For those who want a break from all the Christmas activities, this treasure hunt called Solvang Showdown Scavenger Hunt is an interactive adventure where travelers can discover an alternate reality, including interesting locations recommended by locals that are off the beaten track, and creatively interpret fun clues from the fields of art, history and culture to earn points.
Where to stay: Californian boutique hotel The Landsby it is located in the heart of Solvang, so you can walk from it to the city's shops and restaurants. The facility has rooms decorated in Scandinavian style with handmade furniture. Guests can relax in the hotel's courtyard after a long day spent exploring the fairs, and for an additional feeling of warmth and comfort, they can sit next to the fireplace. After short drives from the hotel you can reach a number of vineyards and wineries in the area, which are part of the wine-growing area of Santa Barbara.
Cusco, Peru
In the southeast of Peru lies Cusco, the country's historic capital with its many museums, cathedrals and narrow cobbled streets that attract travelers from all over the world. The charm of the city is further enhanced at Christmas, when celebrations take place for most of December and the streets are decorated with scenes from a living nativity scene. The main square fills with locals drawn to the colorful Santurantikuy fair, which is usually held on December 24 to mark the start of the city's festive season. At the fair, artisans sell top-quality handicrafts and homemade food, from stunning figurines to traditional delicacies such as ponche, hot rum punch, and the wintry combination of panettone and hot chocolate, a favorite among locals.
Other highlights of this historic city include the Plaza de Armas, the central square in the old city, where visitors can admire carved wooden balconies and remnants of Inca walls, while the Baroque Monastery of Santo Domingo, built above the Incan Temple of the Sun, also contains remains of Incan stonework. While you're there, don't miss this one one-day adventure tour of the colorful Rainbow Mountain. Travelers can spot the special and rare mineral streaks that give the mountain its name, nestled among snowy peaks and beautiful Peruvian landscapes.
Where to stay: enjoy the merry time of the year by staying in the facility Old San Blas House. In this elegant family boutique hotel, guests can enjoy a homely atmosphere. This Travel Proud the property offers magnificent rooms with feather bedding, a private spa for total relaxation, and an on-site restaurant and bar, and is just a few steps from Cusco's main square, meaning guests can easily discover the nearby fairs.
*This independent survey was commissioned by Booking.com and was conducted on a sample of 32.300 respondents from 32 different markets (2000 from the USA, 800 from Canada, 1800 from Australia, 500 from New Zealand, 800 from Spain, 800 from Italy, 1800 from France, 1800 from the United Kingdom, 1800 from Germany, 800 from Netherlands, 500 from Denmark, 500 from Sweden, 400 from Croatia, 800 from Switzerland, 800 from Belgium, 800 from Ireland, 500 from Austria, 1800 from Mexico, 800 from Colombia, 1800 from Brazil, 800 from Argentina, 1800 from India, 800 from China, 500 from Hong Kong, 800 from Thailand, 800 from Singapore, 500 from Taiwan, 800 from Vietnam, 800 from South Korea, 1800 from Japan and 500 from the United Arab Emirates).
To participate in this survey, respondents had to be 18 years of age or older, have experienced leisure travel in the past 12 months, including an overnight stay, plan a leisure trip during 2024, and be involved in travel planning. The survey was conducted online in January and February 2024.
