If you’re a Christmas fanatic (and lots of people are), you have to visit the European Christmas markets. Just about every country in Europe has its own “take” on Christmas customs. Local decorations, entertainment, treats, ornaments and music each have their own traditional flair.
One of the best ways to experience these markets is on a cruise or a guided tour since the logistics of actually getting to the markets is in the capable hands of an experienced tour guide. Braving the holiday crowds on your own can be daunting, and having guides to provide historical context, anecdotes about holiday traditions, and suggestions for Christmas shoppers is a valuable resource.
Christmas cruises will get you in the holiday mood before you even begin your voyage as the ships are all decked out for the season, and holiday dining and entertainment aboard follow suit.
Choose a nine day cruise on the Danube with Avalon Waterways and visit Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic where you’ll spend two nights in Prague to experience both of its iconic market scenes. Avalon’s small ships dock right in the center of ports on the itinerary – usually within walking distance of the markets. You’ll also enjoy private tours of Nuremberg’s medieval castle among other historic sites, all decorated for the season. The ships welcome local carolers aboard, adding to the festive atmosphere on the ship.
An eight day cruise on AmaWaterways takes you along the Rhine River from Basel, Switzerland to the canals of Amsterdam. Tour markets in picturesque Lake Lucerne, Strasbourg, France, and Rudesheim and Cologne, Germany before experiencing Amsterdam’s magically decorated canals and bridges. Imagine the beauty of the medieval castles along the Rhine decorated with Christmas lights!
A ten day cruise with Viking adds three charming cities along the Moselle River before (or after) joining the Rhine. Christmas markets in Cochem, Winningen and Coblentz are located on the Moselle in Germany’s picturesque wine region between terraced hills of vineyards, forests and towering limestone cliffs. You board the cruise ship before (or after) a motorcoach tour from Paris and Reims, both of which boast impressive Christmas markets, cathedrals and other historic sites.
Guided European Christmas Tours have an added benefit of a bit more flexibility in terms of free time at the markets and other attractions as guests are not tied to a ship’s timetable. These tours dive much deeper into each location, visiting other attractions besides the Christmas markets.
Enjoy a seven day journey through Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia on Globus Tours’s Baltic Christmas Market Escape. This tour begins in historic Vilnius/Riga with comprehensive tours of both cities, highlighted by stops at Vilnius’ Gediminus Tower castle and Riga’s town square. Legend has it that the first public Christmas tree was displayed there in 1510! Estonia is the northernmost Baltic country and Tallin is a blend of medieval architecture and old-world charm combined with flourishing technological businesses, earning it the title of “Silicon Valley of Europe.”
Visit France, Germany and Austria on a nine day Insight Vacations Christmas Market tour. With Insight’s Choice program, you have options for side tours in each destination. In Munich, for example, you can choose a walking tour of the city or a visit to a Bavarian royal palace along with time on your own at the Christkindlmarkt. In Salzburg you’ll be entertained with Mozart’s music and visit the Swarovski Crystal World. In Innsbruck enjoy a wintry horse and carriage ride before continuing to the scenic Black Forest region. Visiting Strasbourg’s Christmas Market is like stepping into a fairytale, a fitting conclusion before traveling to Zurich where the tour ends.
Kensington Tours prides itself on offering customized itineraries to enhance your travel experience. An eight day tour of the Swiss Christmas markets takes you from Geneva to Montreux via the scenic Golden Pass Railway. Say “Hello” to Santa Claus at the summit of Rochers-de-Nye. Ski or hike the snowy wonderland at Interlaken Take photos at the beautifully decorated Chateau de Chillon in Lake Geneva where you can enjoy traditional fondue and mulled wine. Your Kensington hosts will do their utmost to make sure your trip exceeds expectations.
Guide to European Christmas Shopping
Below are listed a few of the European markets that sell unusual Christmas items
- Vienna, Austria – exquisite handcrafted glass ornaments
- Nuremberg, Germany – gold foil angels and intricate tin lanterns
- Tallinn, Estonia – elaborate filigreed jewelry and handcrafted woven textiles.
- Marseilles – elegant scented soaps
- Provence – lavender scented candles
- Alsace region – hand painted ornaments and carved nutcrackers
Typical Christmas Market Delicacies
- Vienna, Austria – Vanillekipferl – fancy cookies dusted with powdered sugar
- Regensberg, Germany – lebkuchen – German gingerbread)
- Milan, Italy – Panettone Farcito – sweet bread stuffed with mascarpone, fruit and nuts
- London, England – mini mince pies and Yorkshire pudding wraps
- Warsaw, Poland – Oscypek – smoked, grilled goat cheese topped with cranberry sauce
- Strasbourg, France – Pain d’Epices – cake-like gingerbread flavored with honey and anise
- Madrid, Spain – Churros con chocolate – dough sticks dipped in thick hot chocolate
