European Christmas Markets: A Magical River Cruise
(425 Reviews)
99% Recommended
Pam MacIntyre
Maple Grove, MN
Australia & New Zealand Specialist
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic ...
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic part of the world?
I was fortunate enough to visit both the North and South Islands, and what I love about New Zealand is that it offers the perfect blend of laid-back charm and action-packed adventure, all while being nothing short of epic.
The country is home to endless national parks, a rich Maori culture, and unforgettable experiences like sailing through the sounds while dolphins playfully follow your yacht. And let’s not forget the awe-inspiring moment of witnessing a sperm whale off the coast of Kaikoura—talk about jaw-dropping beauty!
Oh, and did I mention wine? If you’re a fan of great wine (and who isn’t?), New Zealand is a must-visit for its world-class Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and more. How do I know? Because I couldn’t resist visiting a winery or two during my travels!
Honestly, I could go on and on about the magic of New Zealand, but if you’re reading this, you already know you want to explore this incredible part of the world. Let’s work together to create your perfect New Zealand adventure!
Australia
Let me start by saying, I’ve wanted to visit Australia since I was a child. Why, you ask? Well, to pet a kangaroo, of course! And yes, I did! Not only did I pet a kangaroo, but I actually fed FOUR at the same time. Childhood dream come true, right? And I can’t wait to go back for round two.
While I was in Sydney, I had the chance to experience the spectacular Vivid Sydney Festival, celebrating its 10th year. It was honestly WOW! Never in my wildest dreams did I think Australia would be so perfect to visit during their winter season. But coming from Minnesota, their “winter” felt more like our fall—absolutely ideal! Seeing the Sydney Opera House light up during the festival was something I’ll never forget.
And then there’s the Blue Mountains region—so lovely to explore on foot. From there, we ventured to Hunter Valley (known to the locals as "The Hunter"), where wine flowed freely, and every glass was more delicious than the last.
Australia’s size is truly hard to grasp until you’ve experienced it firsthand. To put it in perspective: Sydney would be in Florida, Cairns (home of the Great Barrier Reef) would be in Maine, Uluru (Ayers Rock) would be in Kansas, Melbourne would be in New Orleans, and Perth would be in Los Angeles.
Whether you're dreaming of visiting the world’s largest Great Barrier Reef, immersing yourself in Aboriginal culture, swimming with whale sharks, or gazing upon the majestic Uluru, Australia has endless possibilities waiting for you.
Let’s make your dream trip to Australia a reality—one that you’ll remember for the rest of your life!
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Frankfurt Christmas Market, Frankfurt Germany
Christmas Markets: A Magical Holiday Tradition
Christmas Markets truly capture the magic of the season, typically set in charming town squares where you’ll find everything from delicious seasonal foods and drinks to handcrafted Christmas decorations, wooden toys, and sweet treats. As you wander through open-air stalls, the sound of traditional carols and the sight of locals dancing in celebration will add to the festive atmosphere.
The moment you arrive, your senses will be overwhelmed by the irresistible aromas of grilled sausages, freshly baked gingerbread, roasted chestnuts, and spiced mulled wine. Take your time to explore the unique handicrafts, nutcrackers, ornaments, and other special finds that make perfect gifts to bring home. And of course, be sure to sip on a cup of hot mulled wine—there are endless delicious flavors to try, from peach, orange, apple, apricot, blackberry, cherry, boysenberry, blueberry, to the classic traditional blend. If you’re in Germany, you won’t want to miss out on trying Glühwein, the signature local version of mulled wine, spiced to perfection.
Popular Christmas Market Destinations
Germany: Augsburg, Dresden, Erfurt, Frankfurt, Nuremberg, Dortmund, Cologne, Regensburg, Gengenbach, Stuttgart
Austria: Vienna (over 20 markets!), Salzburg, Innsbruck, Linz, Graz
France: Riquewihr & Strasbourg (Alsace region)
Denmark: Copenhagen
Switzerland: Basel, Lucerne, Zurich
Slovakia: Bratislava
These are just a handful—Christmas Markets pop up all over Europe from early November through the third week of December and often run until early January.
For first-timers, the Danube and Rhine rivers are two of the most popular routes to experience the markets on a river cruise.
Highlights & Special Mentions
Dresden, Germany, is home to one of the oldest and most beautiful Christmas Markets—not just in Germany, but all over Europe. Located on the Elbe River, it’s worth noting that some river cruise lines avoid this route due to low water levels.
Amsterdam doesn’t have a traditional Christmas Market, but from November 28 to January 19, the city hosts a spectacular Light Festival. The canal houses are lit up in stunning colors, and the whole city feels festive. Lyon, France, also offers a beautiful Light Festival during the holidays.
When in Zurich, I highly recommend trying the traditional Swiss cheese fondue served in a cozy Swiss chalet—it’s a delicious and authentic experience alongside the locals. And if you’re a fan of The Sound of Music, a visit to Salzburg lets you explore the Austrian Lake District, including the church in Mondsee where the movie was filmed.
Regensburg, Germany, hosts a very special Medieval Christmas Market in a castle, giving you a glimpse into holiday celebrations from the 13th and 14th centuries.
Winter in Europe Feels Like a Fairytale
Traveling in winter is like stepping into a storybook: white snow-capped landscapes, bright blue skies, and crisp sunshine. Besides visiting Christmas Markets, you’ll find plenty of tours and activities to choose from—even bike tours when the weather cooperates.
When temperatures hover around 0°C (about 30°F), you might spot ice along the river edges, with birds pecking at the ice trying to reach the fish below. If you’re coming from the Midwest, you’ll appreciate how enjoyable this chilly weather can be for sightseeing. If you’re from the South, just be sure to pack an extra layer!
Packing Tips for a Christmas Market River Cruise
- A warm coat (long if possible), scarves, gloves, and hats
- Thermal leggings and tops—layering is key
- Comfortable, well-padded walking shoes or waterproof winter boots
- Portable phone chargers (your phone is your camera!)
- One elegant outfit, but mostly casual, comfortable clothes to adapt to indoor and outdoor temps
- A fold-up tote bag for all those wonderful souvenirs
- Some local currency is a must—while many vendors accept credit cards, some prefer or only take cash. You don’t want to miss out on that perfect Christmas gift because you didn’t have cash on hand! Don’t worry, ATMs are widely available.
Each Market Has Its Own Magic
At first glance, Christmas Markets might look similar, but every town’s market has its own personality, songs, local specialties, and atmosphere. Many travelers love collecting the unique “Christmas mugs” from each market as keepsakes for enjoying their hot drinks.
Why a River Cruise is the Best Way to Experience Christmas Markets
If you want to truly immerse yourself in the holiday spirit, there’s no better way than a river cruise. You’ll visit multiple markets across different countries, from Amsterdam to Budapest or even from the North Sea down to the Black Sea. Imagine walking through storybook towns full of history and beautiful architecture, all decked out for the holidays.
These magical holiday river cruises fill up fast, so planning early is key for the best pricing and availability. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, solo, or with family, this is an unforgettable way to create lasting holiday memories.