Europe's Magical Christmas Markets
With the holidays upon us, we have our sights set on an unforgettable holiday travel experience – the Christmas Market river cruise.
A river cruise offers incredible food, access to destinations and experiences unavailable to larger cruise vessels, fewer guests, onboard enrichment, and much more. Combine those perks with a stunning array of festivities during the holidays, and you have a truly magical vacation.
Traditional Christmas Markets can be found throughout much of Europe, with ports of call along the Danube and Rhine rivers offering a stunning array of holiday festivities to travelers. The markets open in late November and run through late December or early January, here are five river cruise destinations to add to your list of must-see Christmas Markets.
Prague, Czech Republic
The Christmas Markets in Prague are the most festive and impressive in the Czech Republic, beckoning locals and tourists alike to enjoy the magical ‘winter wonderland' setting. Brightly decorated storefronts featuring local crafts and traditional Christmas goodies welcome visitors, and include ceramics, jewelry, lace, wooden toys, candles, ornaments, hats, gloves, puppets and dolls dressed in traditional costume.
St. Stephen’s Basilica Market, Hungary
The most prestigious church of the country lends a fitting backdrop for this spectacular Christmas market. combined with a gorgeous tree and ice-skating rink lend picture perfect backdrop for this spectacular Christmas market. Unique to this market is the custom-designed light show displayed on the façade of St. Stephens. You will also enjoy traditional folk dancing and Hungarian food favorites including warm chestnuts, hollow funnel cakes and outstanding sausages.
Viennese Dream Christmas Market, Austria
Austria's capital city, Vienna, hosts multiple Christmas markets each year but the Viennese Dream Christmas Market on the square by City Hall is the most impressive. As you visit the market’s 150 stalls, your senses will be delighted: by the sound of carolers and choir music, by the smell of waffles and sizzling sausages, and by the oh-so-festive sights. If you are traveling with children, they will be delighted by activities including candle making and cookie decorating.
Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, Germany
Nuremberg’s Christmas Market is one of the largest and most popular in all of Europe and has been celebrated for over 400 years. It is the market, the small-but-mighty sausages, the gingerbread, and the famous Christkind – a gift-giving angel with historic roots - that make the city of Nuremberg world-famous! Take time to climb the stairs to the top of the Church of Our Lady for stunning views of the market festivities below!
Marché de Noël de Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg’s Christmas Market scene is world-famous. Dubbed the “Capital of Christmas.” Strasbourg is home to the oldest, largest, and most famous Christmas market in France, with its origins dating back to 1570. Marché de Noël celebrates its German and French heritage with concerts, Christmas food favorites such as Bredele cake and mulled wine. With over 300 stalls to explore, visitors will want to take their time, stroll through the streets lined with thousands of twinkling lights.
How to experience it for yourself
Christmas Market cruises book out far in advance, and now is the perfect time to look to your 2022 holiday plans! Picture yourself sipping hot mulled wine or hot cocoa, shopping for locally handmade gifts, sampling delicious treats, listening to live music, and admiring the festive
decorations - and get in touch now to learn more about how you can add this to next year’s travel plans – or even give this as a holiday gift to someone special in your life!
