Cruise the Danube/Rhine Rivers for Easy Access to European Christmas Markets
Europeans know how to celebrate Christmas! Christmas markets all across the continent are decorated in fairyland splendor – lights, music, food and entertainment – each market with its own twist on the season. Cruising the Danube or Rhine rivers, your ship docks right in the heart of holiday ports, within walking distance to the markets and all the festivities. What could be more convenient?
Typical ports of call on Danube Christmas cruises:
-
- Nuremberg’s iconic Christkindlesmarkt dates back centuries, featuring traditional wooden stalls selling unusual “plum people figurines,” delectable Nuremberger gingerbread, and mulled wine in collectible mugs.
- Regensburg’s medieval market is set in romantic Old Town at Thurn and Taxis Castle. Shop its colorful stalls for handcrafted Christmas candles and pottery, and share a gigantic (½ meter!) Feuerwurst spicy sausage on a crusty bun.
- Passau is a smaller, less crowded market in St. Stephen Cathedral Square. Over 70 vendors sell unique hand-carved nativity scenes and handpainted ornaments. Try some Sengzelten (a Bavarian style pizza) baked on wood fired rye flatbread washed down with some hot honey mead. Organ concerts and other musical events are a special event here.
- Vienna’s market is a fairyland of sparkling light displays, colorful arches and festive Christmas trees. Live performances of Vienna’s famous choirs and orchestras fill the air with Christmas carols and classic favorites. Ice skate on the square amid all the festivities and warm up with freshly roasted chestnuts, crusty raclette bread and cheese, and Lamumba (hot chocolate with rum).
Typical ports of call on Rhine Christmas cruises:
-
- Cologne’s main market is set beside the architectural masterpiece, Cologne Cathedral and features a gigantic Christmas tree. Other smaller markets in the city include Markt der Engel, Harbour Market and Old Town Market each with its own unique charm. Blown glass ornaments and intricate wood carvings make lovely souvenirs or gifts. Cologne’s Kolsch beer, warm apple strudel, and flame grilled salmon are popular treats.
- Strasbourg, (Europe’s “Capital of Christmas”) features a blend of Alsatian and German traditions. Its massive Christmas tree towers over 300 rustic stalls and themed villages. A brightly lit trail connects Strasbourg’s picturesque, historic neighborhoods adorned with seasonal lights and decorations. Traditional Alsatian linens, earthenware and pastry baking molds are some of the unique items for sale. You’ll want to try Strasbourg foie gras, Kugelhopf (bundt cake), and bredele (spice flavored butter Christmas cookies.)
- Heidelberg, a delightful university town, is one of the prettiest ports of call in Europe. Like Cologne, it has several different markets, one with a children’s carousel, another with an ice rink overlooking the castle ruins, and the largest, Marktplatz, with a gigantic 120,000 liter wine barrel which serves as a trendy bar! Stalls sell traditional holiday decorations, handmade candles, and beautiful hand-knit woolen clothing. Do try the German potato pancakes with applesauce and the Feuerzangenbowle (mulled wine with a flaming rum-soaked sugar cube.)
- Basel, Switzerland is the last port on many Rhine River cruises, and a great place to plan a cruise extension to take in Lucerne or Zurich. Fun to visit in the daytime, Basel’s markets are enchanting at night with festive lights, decorated trees and illuminated buildings. Stop at the Basel City Hall Courtyard to set down your wish for the new year in the Basel Wish Book. Basel’s historic Old Town markets feature over 150 rustic “chalets” selling exquisite glassware, personalized ornaments and unique jewelry items. Visit the Barfusserplatz market’s giant pyramid for some spiced mulled wine, Chasbangel (a fondue filled bread roll), or Opfelchuchli (a fried apple donut.)
Make your next Christmas celebration super special by cruising Europe’s Christmas markets. Many first-time Christmas market cruise travelers come back year after year, bringing friends and family to make the holiday season a real occasion! Call Travel Leaders to get your Christmas party started!
