Berlin, Germany
Germany may be dotted with traditional Christmas markets but one of the capital’s hippest retail enclaves, contained in the 1950s Bikinihaus, has reinvented festive shopping with a contemporary Christmas market.
Over the weekends of December 3, 10, 17, this self-styled concept shopping mall will be hosting more than 30 retailers and their updated spin on traditional Christmas shopping. There will be limited edition products and clothing by some of the city’s most happening designers and artists, including interior store Fundamental, handmade children’s clothing by Little Happy Man and novel cakes and pastries by Tausendsuend.
Thankfully one of German tradition remains intact, with a chalet serving gluhwein throughout proceedings.
Florence, Italy
It might seem counter-intuitive to book a flight to the Tuscan capital in the depths of winter but in festive spirit Florence will be festooned with twinkling lights and decorations in the run-up to Christmas. What’s more, if you need a cultural antidote, the scaffolding recently came down in front of the Duomo to reveal the 45 million euro renovation of the Opera del Duomo Museum.
Until December 19 the Uffizi, Accademia and Bargello museums are all open until 11pm every Saturday night to all visitors to appreciate their treasures in less busy ambience.
Florence’s compact centre is also full of luxury brands in a concentrated space radiating around the Via Tornabuoni, or you can cross the River Arno to explore the artisans’ workshops, or botteghe, the dot the narrow streets of the Oltrarno district for more original gifts.
Marrakech, Morocco
If you want an antidote to the homogeny of the high street this year, head for the colourful cacophony of souks in Marrakech. This bewildering cobweb of lanes selling everything from rugs to slippers, lanterns and clothing is sure to deliver some novel Christmas gifts.
The Red City has also been experiencing its own mini shopping revolution with a growing number of boutiques catering to more contemporary tastes. The lastest is the new concept store that opened on November 15 inside El Fenn, the modish riad hotel in the heart of the medina, co-owned by Vanessa Branson, sister of Richard.
The hotel enlisted the help of ex-model Paula Roland and Alessandra Mirri, who used to work at Vogue Italia, to choose the shop’s wares including vintage clothing, kaftans, accessories, hand-woven, kilims, pottery and woven blankets specially commissioned in Fez.
Another new address is 33 Rue Majorelle, a sleek store also offering a cherry-picked collection of Moroccan-made items with a modish twist including clothes, kitchen utensils, food and jewellery.
Lyon, France
There are several advantage of new, direct Eurostar train service on Saturday between London and Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France. As well as making hopping to this French city easier (this route can be paired with daily service via Lille or Paris), taking the train means your bounty will be easier to haul back home.
Stock up on edible gifts at the city’s landmark gourmet addresses, including Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse and the countless gourmet shops dotted around the city, many of which have been plying their trade for generations. Open since the fifties, Bernachon, is one example and makes all its bean-to-bear chocolate on the premises.
Don’t miss sampling traditional Lyonnaise cuisine, such as quenelles and Lyonnais salad in one of the old town’s authentic bouchons. The red and white gingham table-clothed Cafe des Federations is a top choice.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
If the idea of Christmas shopping brings you out in rash, then the Dylan might be just the place to check in. The hotel has devised a novel way to tick everyone of your Christmas list without having to leave your room. Guest can access a special shopping app and in-room brochure of curated, stylish presents from a number of boutiques in Amsterdam’s most fashionable shopping district, the 9 Streets, then buy them via smartphone.
The goods are beautifully wrapped and delivered by bike on the same day, leaving guests more time to soak up the city’s Christmas atmosphere, from a light festival to concerts and markets. Double rooms at the Dylan start from 349 euro including breakfast, the shopping experience and a 25 euro shopping voucher.
Brooklyn, New York
Ticking off your festive shopping list in New York is hardly a new idea. But to leave the crowded streets and jammed department stores of Manhattan and head over the Brooklyn or Williamburg bridges, where fertile present-buying grounds abound. There is even another Fifth Avenue to browse, only this is the infinitely hipper Park Slope incarnation. Brooklyn’s thoroughfare is lined with restaurants, bars and boutiques with cater to the well-heeled crowds that populate the elegant brownstones neighbouring Prospect Park (laid out by the same designer as Central Park).
In the younger hipster haven of Williamburg, the mile-long stretch of Bedford Avenue is a trove of vintage retailers, coffee shops and trendy bars. Even the boutique of the Wythe Hotel, a converted factory on the Williamburg waterfront, is full of covetable gifts