NH Collection Hotels & Resorts, part of Minor Hotels, proposes an itinerary beyond the traditional Christmas markets. Flavours, crafts and urban landscapes offer opportunities to be surprised and experience the festive season from a different perspective.
Heidelberg, Germany: Christmas beneath the castle
Away from Germany’s biggest and busiest Christmas markets, Heidelberg offers an intimate atmosphere combining the authenticity of the old town’s cobbled streets with the appeal of Heidelberg Castle. From 23 November to 22 December 2026, its Christmas market extends across six old-town locations, including Winter Woodland in Kornmarkt and the ice rink in Karlsplatz beneath the castle.
For a winter weekend exploring the city, NH Collection Heidelberg combines historic character with contemporary comfort, providing a base for discovering the centre and enjoying its festive atmosphere.
Dresden, Germany: deep roots in Christmas market traditions
In Dresden, Christmas is a heritage renewed each winter. Founded in 1434, the Striezelmarkt brings more than 200 exhibitors to Altmarkt, introducing Saxon customs from Ore Mountains crafts to the city’s celebrated Christstollen. Distinctive features include the monumental Erzgebirge Christmas pyramid and the large Schwibbogen candle arch, in a setting closely connected with German Christmas culture.
Overlooking the square, NH Collection Dresden Altmarkt offers a privileged position for experiencing this tradition. Just outside the hotel, lights, flavours and local crafts invite guests to explore Dresden’s connection with Christmas.
Olomouc, Czech Republic: a Christmas flavoured with punch
Monumental squares and the aroma of punch introduce an unexpected side of Christmas in the Czech Republic. An alternative to Prague, Olomouc hosts markets in Horní náměstí and Dolní náměstí, among historic architecture and views of the UNESCO-listed Holy Trinity Column. Local punch culture gives the festivities a particular character: prepared in a wide variety of recipes, this warming winter drink becomes a seasonal ritual and a way to explore the city’s traditions through the flavours and atmosphere of its illuminated squares.
With contemporary interiors and a convenient location for reaching the historic centre, NH Collection Olomouc Congress provides a base for a winter break among markets and architectural treasures. Back at the hotel, guests can complete the day with relaxation and comfort.
Antwerp, Belgium: Christmas in Flanders beyond Brussels
In Antwerp, festive charm meets the energy of a contemporary city, offering an alternative to Christmas breaks in Brussels or Bruges. From 4 December 2026 to 3 January 2027, the winter market brings life to landmarks including Grote Markt, Groenplaats, Handschoenmarkt, Suikerrui and Hendrik Conscienceplein. The celebrations create a route through the historic centre, encouraging visitors to discover the city as they walk between illuminated streets and squares.
NH Collection Antwerp Centre, in the Diamond Quarter opposite Central Station, welcomes guests to carefully designed interiors in a convenient location for exploring Antwerp. Its green inner courtyard offers a quiet place to pause away from the city’s bustle.
Amsterdam, the Netherlands: Christmas with a creative spirit
Independent design, art and fashion show that a Christmas market does not need wooden chalets and centuries-old traditions to capture the festive spirit. On 20 December 2026, the Westergas cultural park will host the Funky Xmas Market, the Christmas edition of Sunday Market, bringing together designers, artists and makers alongside food specialities and live music. Set within Amsterdam’s former gasworks complex, the market offers a distinctly contemporary vision of Christmas.
NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon Palace provides a base for exploring the city’s different sides during the holidays, combining canal-side walks with creative discoveries.
NH Collection Hotels & Resorts
NH Collection Hotels & Resorts is a premium hospitality brand with more than 100 properties in Europe and the Americas and a growing global presence in countries including the United Arab Emirates, the Maldives and Sri Lanka. NH Collection combines comfort, innovation, personalised service, an elegant atmosphere and distinctive flavours while reflecting local identity. It is part of the global Minor Hotels group and the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme.
Minor Hotels
Minor Hotels is a global hospitality group managing more than 640 hotels, resorts and residences, including operating properties and projects in development, across 67 countries. Its brands - Anantara, Elewana Collection, The Wolseley Hotels, Tivoli, Minor Reserve Collection, NH Collection, nhow, Avani, Colbert Collection, NH, Oaks and iStay - create innovative and memorable experiences alongside a broad portfolio of restaurants and bars, travel experiences and wellness and spa brands. With more than forty years of experience, Minor Hotels builds strong brands, develops lasting partnerships and supports business success through an approach focused on what matters to guests, team members and partners. Minor Hotels belongs to the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) and recognises guests through a single loyalty programme, Minor DISCOVERY, part of GHA DISCOVERY.
Sources and images: Full press release from the Minor Hotels newsroom, shared by Hopscotch. Photo credits: see individual captions. All image rights are reserved to their respective rights holders.
