Agoda.com prepares great hotel deals for five of Europe’s top Christmas markets

SINGAPORE – Agoda.com, Asia’s leading hotel booking site and part of Nasdaq-listed Priceline Group (Nasdaq:PCLN), has set up great hotel deals in popular European cities to help travelers experience traditional European Christmas Markets, a winter tradition going back hundreds of years.

The annual Christmas market tradition started around the early 14^th century in Germany in the lead-up to December 25, the celebration of the birth of Jesus as told in the traditional Nativity story. Usually held in the town square – the center of the village or city most often used for various community events – the markets were places where people could stock up on food and winter supplies, meet with friends and catch up on the latest news and gossip. In that regard, they haven’t changed much in the ensuing centuries, although no one could have foreseen their emergence as a global tourist destination.

Although they originated in Germany, the tradition has spread to other European countries, and today can be found in most any big town or city throughout the region, usually beginning in late November.

No matter which market you visit, you can expect to see roughly the same thing – stalls set up selling local souvenirs, hot chocolate and mulled wine for sale, lights, music, carols, red cheeks and plenty of smiles and laughter. That being said, each market takes great pride in the individual touches and unique celebratory elements they’ve added over the years. For example, Nuremberg’s market is known for the Christkind, a girl chosen by a jury to represent the town during Christmas celebrations; Budapest’s market only allows objects handmade by local craftsmen to be sold at the event; and the market in UNESCO World Heritage Site Weimar is known for its unique Thuringian grilled sausages.

Below is a list of five of the most popular cities for Christmas markets in Europe, as well a few hotel specials that will place you close to the action. Don’t forget to bring your warm clothes!

Budapest

Zenit Budapest Hotel 4.5*

Stay for a minimum of 3 nights and enjoy 33% off. Expires March 31, 2014.

Kempinski Corvinus Hotel 5*

Book at least 7 days in advance and stay for a minimum of 3 nights and enjoy special Agoda.com prices from $120. Expires December 20, 2013.

Nuremberg

NH Nuremberg City 4*

Stay for at least 2 nights and enjoy special Agoda.com prices from USD $129.

A&O Hotel & Hostel Nuremberg Hauptbahnhof 2*

Enjoy special Agoda.com prices from $123.

Weimar

Hotel Dorint am Goethepark Weimar 4*

Book at least 10 days in advance and enjoy 15% off. Expires December 30, 2013.

Leonardo Hotel Weimar 4*

Enjoy special Agoda.com prices from $44.

Munich

Eurostars Book Hotel 4*

Enjoy 10% off your stay. Expires December 31, 2013.

Regent Hotel 4*

Enjoy 10% off your stay. Expires December 31, 2013.

Vienna

Hotel Am Stephansplatz 4*

Enjoy special Agoda.com prices from $202. Expires December 20, 2013.

Hotel Kummer 4*

Enjoy special Agoda.com prices from $85. Expires December 20, 2013.

To connect with Agoda.com for special deals on hotels worldwide, please visit www.agoda.com . Like Agoda.com on Facebook at www.facebook.com/agoda or follow Agoda.com on Google+ at http://plus.google.com/+agoda