insideKENT Magazine Issue 56 - November 2016 | Page 130

CHRISTMAS
CHRISTMAS MARKETS cont.

incredible cathedral. You’ll be in good company
here, with over two million other visitors thronging
the streets for the duration of the market. And
with over 300 different stalls to browse, you can
take your time knowing that you will find
something for even the hardest person to
buy for.
The Ibis Strasbourg Centre Gare is, as the name
suggests, not only just over half a mile from the
Christmas market, but also close to the main
train station, giving you unfettered access to all
the Christmassy delights on offer, and an easy
route home after you’re done.
Brussels Christmas Market, Belgium
25th November – 1st January 2017
Make sure you pack your walking shoes when
visiting the Brussels Christmas Market! This is a
two-kilometre stretch of stalls, rides, and games,
right in the middle of the city centre. Along with
a giant wheel, a superb ice rink, merry-go-rounds,
and dozens of fantastic stalls selling one of a
kind gifts and local food and drink, you will be
treated to a magical illuminations display in the
air above. Take a moment to enjoy and be
enthralled in the crisp wintery air.

There are over 500 different hotels within a few
miles of this incredible Christmas market, so it
shouldn’t be hard to find a room. The Hotel
Metropole is a beautiful art deco building located
just 0.2 miles from the market. It dates back to
1895 and includes ma gnificent marble staircases
and impressively decorated rooms. Alternatively,
the Grand Central Apartments offer self-catering
accommodation close to all the festive comings
and goings.
Stockholm Christmas Market, Sweden
19th November – 23rd December
Open from 19th November all the way through
until 23rd December – giving you ample time to
find and buy the perfect and most unique gifts
– the Stockholm Christmas Market is totally
traditional. All the stalls are red, giving it a one of
a kind appearance that matches the goods on
offer, which range from Swedish arts and crafts,
decorations, and food such as reindeer and elk
meat! And of course there is the wonderfully
named glogg (similar to mulled wine, this drink
is spicy and hot)!
The Scenic Grand Central is a gorgeously
appointed and located hotel in Stockholm with
plenty to keep you occupied (including a
restaurant and bar, shop, and gym) when you’re
not out grabbing festive bargains and enjoying
some sweet treats. As for the chic and stylish

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Scandic Victoria Tower, it might not be in the
centre of Stockholm (it’s about 18 minutes on
the Metro), but what it lacks in closeness to
Christmas, it more than makes up for in amenities.
Union Square Holiday Market, New York, USA
17th November – 24th December
New York in the run up to Christmas is certainly
something special, and if you’re there you’ll want
to visit the Union Square Holiday Market. Artisanal
woodwork, unique knitted clothing, plenty of
delicious homemade food, and you can even
blow your own glass Christmas tree ornament!
There are around 150 different stalls, and
approximately one million people attend this
market each year.
Downtown Holiday Market,
Washington DC, USA
25th November – 23rd December
For foodies everywhere, this market is pure
heaven. But this is not just any food – there are
some truly exciting things to be found here
including the unique and tempting ice cream
made with liquid nitrogen. This market can be
found in front of the Smithsonian American Art
Museum and National Portrait Gallery, so many
of the stall holders are artists too. Everything is
handmade and one of a kind and includes pottery,
paintings, prints and textiles.