The holiday season is drawing near and the European Christmas Markets are about to open for the season. While Germany is traditionally known for the markets, there's also time-honored markets in France, Switzerland, and Austria. In this edition of Featured Journeys, we're featuring three European cities: Strasbourg, Stuttgart, and Salzburg, which can easily be visited as part of a multi-destination European vacation, or choose one for a festive holiday-themed getaway. From traditional decor to handcrafted toys, as well as live Nativity scenes, choir concerts, ice skating, European Christmas Markets provide a one-of-a-kind setting for sipping mulled wine, enjoying gingerbread, and enjoying the local traditions of the season.
Strasbourg
Nestled in the Alsace region along the border of France and Germany, the first Christmas Markets in Strasbourg began in 1570. Referred to as the Capital of Christmas, Strasbourg's markets are considered to be the best in France. Open daily from November 24 to December 30, 2017, visitors to the city can visit multiple markets, including the original which is located in the heart of the city's Grand Ile quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll amidst more than 300 chalets offering local arts and crafts, sip hot wine from boot shaped mugs, and try Flammekeuche - a thin pizza with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon. While at the markets, visitors can watch Nativity plays, listen to carolers, and look for the city's mascot--stuffed white storks in Le Petite France set along a canal in the city center.
Chateau de l'Ile
Situated within a historic 19th century castle, Chateau de l'Ile offers 62 guest rooms and suites inspired by the 19th century bourgeois houses. There's traditional Alsatian dining in the Winstub, a spa with an indoor pool, fitness room, whirlpool, and hammam, as well as bicyles, ping-pong, billiards, and the Heydt bar.
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Sofitel Strasbourg Grande Ile
Situated in the medieval quarter, Sofitel Strasbourg Grande Ile offers a recently renovated contemporary setting close to the Cathedral, Opera, and Petite France District. The Terroir & Co. Restaurant serves chef-prepared modern cuisine, there's a compact vineyard on-site, as well as a wine cellar with fine Alsatian wines.
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Stuttgart
Set amidst historic city squares, the sprawling Stuttgart Christmas Market dates back to the 17th century. Featuring more than 280 stalls set between the Gothic cathedral and the city's ivy-clad castle, visitors can find glass creations, wooden toys, handmade nutcrackers, and sheepskin clothing. The Kinderland has a mini steam railway, carousel, and Ferris wheel for children, while there are daily concerts in the castle's courtyard. Open from November 29 to December 23, 2017, there are illuminations, fir branches, and angels hanging between the city's gabled houses, and the smell of Glühpunsch wine infused with vanilla and cinnamon fills the air. For food, visitors can nibble roasted almonds, graze on sheep sausages, or try sweet favorites like waffles, gingerbread, and fruitcake (known as Hutzelbrot). In addition to the the city's market, the Esslingen Medieval Christmas Market and the Ludwigsburg Baroque Christmas Market can be reached via a 15-minute ride on the S-Bahn light rail system.
Althoff Hotel am Schlossgarten
Surrounded by castle gardens, the Althoff Hotel am Schlossgarten offers a city center location close to the Köngistrasse shopping street and the city's cultural mile. There are four restaurants within the hotel, including the Michelin-starred Restaurant Die Zirbelstube, bistro, and an American-style bar. The Weinwirtschaft Franz Keller is bistro and wine shop combined, serving regional cuisine with regional wine tastings.
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DORMERO Hotel Stuttgart
Featuring panoramic city views, DORMERO Hotel Stuttgart offers contemporary accommodations in the heart of Stuttgart. Connected to the SI Center entertainment complex, the property offers easy access to musical theaters and the Stuttgart Casino. The Whitelounge offers 360-degree light and sound shows in the evenings, and there's multiple dining options including Tapas Y Vino, The Dubliner, and Red Black Burger.
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Salzburg
In the midst of the Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Salzburg Christkindlmarkt is one of the oldest in Europe. Open each year from the Thursday preceding the first Sunday in Advent to December 26, the market is held in the Cathedral Square, under avant-garde glass casings with about 100 traditional huts selling traditional decor, local folk customs, and holiday treats like sweet mulled wine, roasted almonds and chestnuts, locally cured sausages, and Lebkuchen. The nearby Schloss Hellbrun features one of the world's largest Advent calendars and a living Nativity.
Hotel Sacher Salzburg
Built in 1832, Hotel Sacher Salzburg is located along the banks of the river Salzach. Featuring views of the Old Town and the Hohensalzburg Fortress, the property offers historic elegance with fine dining at the Restaurant Zirbelzimmer with traditional cuisine, and guests can enjoy the Original Sacher-Torte with coffee in the Cafe Sacher Salzburg, a classic Austrian coffee house within the hotel.
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Hotel Goldener Hirsch
Set along the Getreidegasse Road in the city's Old Town, the Hotel Goldener Hirsch is a historic hotel that originally opened in 1407. Today, the property mixes original antiques and handcrafted furniture with modern amenities and Austrian traditions. The Restaurant Goldener Hirsch and Restaurant s'Herzel both serve Austrian cuisine in historic settings, and the Bar Goldener Hirsch is located within the hotel's original inner courtyard where horses once waited. Today, it is considered one of the best outfitted Bauernstil rooms with arched entrances, white walls, and stags on the walls.
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