Berlin, 27 November 2025. Fairy lights illuminate city centres whilst the aroma of mulled wine fills the air to herald what is probably the most enjoyable time of the year. Many German cities stage inviting Christmas markets for visitors to stroll around and marvel at. The Advent season will soon be in full swing in Vienna and Prague too. Leonardo Hotels is a stylish option for those seeking to take in the festive atmosphere in a relaxed way. Their central locations, comfortable facilities and warm hospitality make them ideal starting points for city trips during the winter season.
Christ Child the gift bringer and nativity scenes – Munich displays its festive side
The Bavarian capital will be transformed into a sea of lights until 24 December. The “Christkindlmarkt” on Marienplatz is Munich’s oldest Christmas market. Dominated by a huge tree and by the smell of baked apples, it also includes the famous “Kripperlmarkt” at St. Peter's Church, where the very finest woodcarving skills can be admired. Winter specialities and lovingly decorated stands exuding the authentic flair of Munich can be found on the “Viktualienmarkt”, the city’s food market. The area surrounding the Chinese Tower in the English Garden is a particularly atmospheric part of the Christkindlmarkt. Traditional music, handicrafts and Bavarian cordiality go hand in hand here under sparkling lights. The medieval market at Wittelsbacherplatz, the Märchenbazar (“Fairy Tale Bazaar”) and the Winterzauber (“Winter Magic”) fair in the Werksviertel district are all alternatives which demonstrate Munich’s diversity. Leonardo Hotels has no fewer than eleven hotels in Munich. Such a large selection offers something to suit every taste. The Leonardo Royal Munich boasts an impressive modern design, light-flooded spaces and superb connections to the city centre. Urban art, DJ sounds at the bar and a relaxed lifestyle combine to make the NYX Hotel Munich an enticing choice. Guests looking for a quieter stay may prefer the Leonardo Munich City East or the Leonardo Hotel & Residenz München.
Advent in Berlin – just as colourful as the city itself
Berlin during Advent is as vibrant as its visitors. The Scandinavian-inspired Lucia Christmas Market is held at the “Kulturbrauerei”, a former brewery in the Prenzlauer Berg district, and runs until 22 December. Swedish torches are provided to enable visitors to warm their hands, and the predominant scents pervading the air are cinnamon, moose sausage, meatballs, Finnish waffles and glögg. The medieval Christmas market staged at the RAW, a former railway site in Friedrichshain, transports its guests back in time to an age of jugglers, blacksmiths and fire artists. The Christmas magic presented at the Gendarmenmarkt will this year once again feature traditional craftsmanship, acrobatics and musical performances. The event’s festively lit pagoda tents will remain in place until 31 December. The Baroque square in front of Charlottenburg Palace will be home to a romantic sea of lights until 28 December. Traditional culinary treats from right across Germany will be available too. Berlin has seven Leonardo Hotels in both central and in quiet locations. They range in style from classical to creative and form a perfect selection for winter visitors to the city. The Leonardo Royal Berlin Alexanderplatz is situated just a few minutes from Alexanderplatz and combines historical charm with modern design. The Leonardo Berlin Mitte can be found right on Friedrichstraße in the immediate vicinity of the Gendarmenmarkt. Berlin’s most popular Christmas markets can easily be accessed on foot. The Posthouse Berlin – Leonardo Limited Edition is a stylish hotel which offers a harmonious synthesis of history and contemporary living for those wishing to enjoy their Advent trip in an exceptional setting. The NYX Hotel Berlin Köpenick, set directly on the River Spree, delivers a creative combination of art, design and urban lifestyle for trend-conscious travellers. This is the ideal option for visitors looking to tap into Berlin’s inspirational side.
Ulm – Christmas spirit against a historical backdrop
Ulm’s festive decorations and charming Christmas market around the city’s Minster fire people’s enthusiasm every single year. Visitors will be able to stroll around 130 stalls and sample festive food and drink until 22 December. One particularly popular attraction is a hand-crafted nativity scene. Tempting regional specialities such as Dinnete, sweet chestnuts and apple cake are also served up. The Leonardo Royal Ulm is located only a few minutes’ walk from the city’s historic old quarter. Housed in an elegant building, it offers bright and generously proportioned rooms, a modern restaurant, a spa complete with a sauna and gym and superb views of the Minster. A perfect mix of tradition and comfort.
Frankfurt – a Christmas contrast between skyscrapers and half-timbered houses
Frankfurt’s Christmas market is one of Germany’s oldest. Festively decorated stalls will line the area between the Römerberg and Paulsplatz squares until 22 December. The prevailing aroma here is of “Ebbelwoi” (cider) and “Bethmännchen” (almond pastries). The smaller “Rosa Weihnachtsmarkt” on Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz is a colourful, inclusive and friendly alternative which is well worth exploring. The Leonardo Royal Frankfurt underwent extensive renovation works a year ago and offers spectacular views of Frankfurt’s skyline. After a stroll though the city to check out the Christmas market, guests are able to relax in the spa or enjoy winter-themed cocktails in the cosy atmosphere of the hotel bar.
Cologne & Düsseldorf – Christmas magic on the Rhine
The two Rhine metropolises of Cologne and Düsseldorf are only around 30 minutes apart by public transport – ideal for Christmas market enthusiasts who wish to experience the best of both cities. Cologne’s Christmas market is open until 23 December. The highlights here are the magnificent Gothic architecture of the cathedral, sparkling fairy lights and regional delicacies. The “Heinzels Wintermärchen” Christmas market on the “Alter Markt”, where the focus is on hand-crafted items and traditional flair, will continue until 4 January 2026. The Leonardo Köln, a modern city hotel with 165 rooms, a restaurant, a bar and a gym and sauna area, is the place to seek out a comfortable stay in Cologne. The Leonardo Royal Köln Am Stadtwald, which is in a somewhat quieter location on the edge of Cologne’s city forest, is an excellent choice too. The city centre is easily accessible via public transport, and the peaceful setting allows guests to unwind after an eventful day.
Düsseldorf’s festive markets are concentrated on Königsallee, on Heinrich-Heine-Platz (Engelchenmarkt) and across the city’s old quarter. All exude a genuine Rhine charm. The Leonardo Royal Düsseldorf Königsallee occupies a central location in the Carlstadt district, only a stone’s throw from the famous “Kö” Boulevard. It offers a stylish design, a bar, a restaurant, 253 rooms and a sauna. The Leonardo Düsseldorf City Center is an attractive option for guests who prefer to stay a the heart of things. Both the Rheinpromenade and the old quarter are just a few minutes’ walk away.
Urban chic & Christmas cheer in abundance – Advent in Vienna
The Austrian capital is transformed into a sparkling sea of lights during the Advent period. The magnificent stands at the Christkindlmarkt on Rathausplatz, which also features an illuminated ice skating path, will be welcoming visitors until 26 December. The Christmas market at Schönbrunn Place is open until 6 January. The main draws here are the Baroque backdrop, regional cuisine and attractions which include a big wheel, a carousel and an ice skating rink. An adjacent garden of light marks out a magical circular route through Schönbrunn Palace Park and transports visitors back to the era of the Emperors. The charming Art Advent market on Karlsplatz offers unique artwork and is also highly recommended (runs until 23 December). Vienna’s four Leonardo Hotels are all centrally situated. Outstanding transport connections allow guests to explore all of the city’s Christmas markets, which number approximately 14. Modern facilities and an inviting atmosphere are further elements which will help ensure a relaxing stay in the city.
Golden Glow & mulled wine – Christmas time in Prague
The Christmas market on Prague’s Old Town Square is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Europe. Lights, choirs singing traditional songs and craftsmen showing off their skills will all be in evidence against the backdrop of Týn Church between 29 November and 6 January. A walk over the Charles Bridge, resplendent with its festive illuminations, is bound to prove a particularly romantic experience. The NYX Hotel Prague is located in the very heart of the city and brings together avant-garde design, art and urban lifestyle. Local artists have fashioned spaces which radiate creativity and personality – an ideal setting for art and culture lovers who want to discover Prague at Christmas.