Steaming mugs of Glühwein, sizzling Bratwurst sausages and traditional wooden stalls, Germany is famous for its atmospheric (and aromatic) Christmas markets. But Berlin, being Berlin, has carved out a more unusual take on the festive stereotype. Whether it’s an eco-conscious affair or a Christmas-themed takeover in a disused industrial tower, get ready to explore the German capital’s quirky alternatives to the traditional Christmas market.
For Acrophiles: Christmas market at Klunkerkranich
Berlin’s highest Christmas market, set atop a shopping arcade, locals and visitors flock here as much for the panoramic views as the enchanting handmade items on offer. Located in the hip district of Neukölln, this sky-high destination is a great choice for families, and from 4pm onwards, there’s a line-up of live music and entertainment, too.
1st – 16th December 2019, Klunkerkranich
For Hipsters: Weihnachtsrodeo
This offbeat extravaganza takes place in the towering Kühlhaus, a cavernous industrial space once used for cold storage. Visitors can explore five floors of independent designer stalls offering everything from hand-knitted socks to locally made spirits, alongside mouth-watering street food and plenty to drink. Don’t miss creative workshops either, from screen printing to sewing. You might even be inspired to make your own presents this year.
1st – 2nd, 8th – 9th, 15th – 16th December 2018, Kühlhaus Berlin
For Tree Huggers: Eco Christmas Market
Make it a green Christmas at Mitte’s Eco Christmas Market, which brings together Berlin’s finest ethically-minded artists and designers alongside an array of seasonal organic and vegan food stalls. Tuck into an organic Bratwurst as you browse the impressive array of Fairtrade and handmade gifts.
1st – 2nd, 8th – 9th, 15th – 16th, 22nd – 23rd December 2018, Sophienstrasse
Experience the magic and fun of Christmas in Berlin at Hotel de Rome. For reservations please contact +49 (0) 30 / 460 60 914 30 or email reservations.derome@roccofortehotels.com
Vivacious, glamorous, powerful. Few figures encapsulate the effortless grandeur of the Belle Époque quite like Donna Franca, our Sicilian muse. Famed for her petite frame, thick dark hair and an exquisite fashion sense that has endured for over a century, Franca was the epitome of an era that placed beauty and high fashion at its forefront.
The festive season brings its own kind of sparkle - a flurry of celebrations, feasts, and time with those who matter most. To make gifting simple, we’ve curated a selection of bespoke experiences to delight everyone on your list. From candlelit dinners and Italian wine tastings to tranquil spa escapes and moments devoted to yourself, each experience thoughtfully crafted to offer moments of joy.
In a time when beauty shaped every facet of life — from the curve of a staircase to the vivid bloom of a painted iris — Italy’s Stile Liberty captured the optimism of a new century. Across Europe in the late 19th century, the Belle Époque blurred the line between art and the everyday, celebrating craftsmanship, elegance, and expressive freedom. Now, a new cultural itinerary, From Mucha to Florio, traces that movement between Hotel de la Ville in Rome and Villa Igiea in Palermo, two different cities, two glorious expressions of the same artistic impulse.
