Shop Europe's best Christmas markets with Rocco Forte Hotels

London – September 2011 - If another season shopping for uninspired gifts on a crowded high street leaves you feeling less than festive, then consider a more authentic approach with Rocco Forte Hotels’ guide to Europe’s best Christmas markets. Take full advantage of the ‘Christmas Markets & Magic Experience’ and receive up to a third off when booking two consecutive nights or more; an offer bound to reignite your Christmas spirit.

Frankfurt is considered one of the most important of the 2,500 Christmas markets in Germany, dating back to 1393.  In the striking surroundings of Römerberg and Paulsplatz, the market is one of the most elaborately decorated, and centers on a huge Christmas tree. Traditionally known for the handicrafts, toys, and wooden hobbyhorses, in the late 19th century, it was common practice for Frankfurt parents to buy toys at the Christmas market and nowhere else. Stay at Villa Kennedy and indulge in the locals’ love of marzipan-filled Bethmaennchen and other Frankfurt biscuits.

In Munich, ‘Christkindl Markt’ is celebrated at Marienplatz, in the Old Town and is the highlight of the city’s holiday season. Historically known for gingerbread, manger figurines, and chimney sweeps made out of plums and almonds, today visitors flock there for Bavarian woodcarvings, traditional toys, and glass crystals with the soundtrack of traditional Christmas from the balcony of the town hall. Families staying at The Charles Hotel, should head to the ‘Heavenly Workshop’ at the Town Hall, offering arts and crafts and cookie baking for little market visitors.

To experience the Czech festive magic at the Augustine Hotel, don’t miss Prague’s ‘Vanocni trh’, held in the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. With a patron saint immortalized in a Christmas carol, Good King Wenceslas, it’s no surprise that the city is a real life winter wonderland.  The brightly decorated wooden huts sell stocking fillers such as Bohemian Crystal, jewellery, ceramics, puppets and tree ornaments. Children will be saucer-eyed meeting sheeps, donkeys and goats at the nativity scenes in the Old Town Square.

The Manchester Christmas market has become a firm fixture in the local yuletide countdown. One of the largest in the UK, this award-winning market has a mind-boggling array of stalls offering mouth-watering delicacies and handmade crafts from across Europe. First sample Hungarian goulash, Spanish paella or French profiteroles. Then spread the cheer with beautiful gifts, from leather bags to Dutch cheeses, or amber jewellery. With stallholders coming from all over the continent, guests at The Lowry Hotel should brush up on their pleasantries in many languages to secure the best prices.
 
In the run up to Christmas, a visit to St Petersburg almost always guarantees snow. Markets are dotted throughout the city center and with the holiday officially being celebrated on 7 January in Russia, there is plenty of time to get those essential gifts. Guests at Hotel Astoria will find almost anything on sale here, from traditional Russian handicrafts and Soviet artifacts to tasty local treats.  While prices may seem steep, stall holders expect everyone to bargain and you’ll often be able to pick up a gift at half its original price. 

In Rome, the Christmas Market or Mercatino di Natale can be found on one of the city’s most beautiful squares, the Piazza Navona. Stalls here are packed with trinkets, ornaments and mouth-watering foods. With the Italians priding themselves on their elaborate nativity scenes, guests at Hotel de Russie should head to St Peter’s Square to witness Rome’s most gargantuan ‘presepe’ or nativity scene.

In Florence, small markets are doted around the city while the Piazza Santa Croce plays host to the largest of its traditional Christmas Markets. Here, guests at Hotel Savoy will find vast array of seasonal gifts, traditional crib displays and an abundance of Tuscan delicacies on sale. During this time of year, many of the city’s churches also see countless choral performances while the adventurous can have a go at ice skating at Paterre.

Stay: This festive season, stay two nights or more at Rocco Forte Hotels and save up to a third off with the Christmas Markets & Magic Experience.
For more information, or to book visit www.roccofortehotels.com

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Notes to Editors

Christmas Markets & Magic Experience
The offer is available for arrivals between the 19th November and 16th December 2011 and is subject to availability and room category. Available at Villa Kennedy, Frankfurt; The Charles Hotel, Munich; Augustine Hotel, Prague; The Lowry Hotel, Manchester; Hotel Astoria, St Petersburg; Hotel de Russie, Rome and Hotel Savoy, Florence. 

Rocco Forte Hotels

Rocco Forte Hotels is a family of 12 individual hotels and resorts. Each property has a unique style, reflecting its nationality and location, but all share Rocco Forte Hotels’ trademark attention to detail, high quality and immaculate service.
 
Established by Sir Rocco Forte in 1996, Rocco Forte Hotels comprises: Hotel de Russie, Rome; Hotel Savoy, Florence; The Balmoral, Edinburgh; The Lowry Hotel, Manchester; Hotel Astoria, St Petersburg; Hotel Amigo, Brussels; Brown’s Hotel, London; Villa Kennedy, Frankfurt; Hotel de Rome, Berlin; The Charles Hotel, Munich; Augustine Hotel, Prague; Verdura Golf & Spa Resort, Sicily. Future openings: Abu Dhabi 2011; Jeddah 2013; Marrakech 2014; Cairo 2014; Luxor 2014.
www.roccofortehotels.com

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Rocco Forte Hotels
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