Every family and country has its own Christmas traditions. In Europe, one of my favorite ones is visiting the European Christmas markets where I can eat all the goodies, drink mulled wine, and shop like an elf at the market! Just remember to bundle up since it is the Christmas season.
How to do it best!
There are several ways to see the Christmas markets, but my favorite, and in my opinion the most efficient, is by river cruise. River cruises provide you with a floating hotel, meals, beverages, and a great place to rest your head as sugar plums dance around your head. You can cruise the Danube River or the Rhine River and really get to see some of the best markets Europe has to offer. My preferred itinerary is on the Rhine River and starts in Nuremberg and ends in Budapest. This way you’ll get to hit some of the most iconic Christmas markets in Europe.
Where you will go?
Nuremberg is one of the largest and will definitely get you into the Christmas Spirit. On the itinerary you will also get to hit Regensburg’s Thurn and Taxis Christmas market, you’ll dock in Passau, and visit the Salzburg Christmas market, Vienna’s Schönbrunn illuminated market, and finally Budapest for the Vörösmarty Square Christmas market.
You’ll also pass stunning medieval castles and you cruise in style. You’ll also get the opportunity to see and experience UNESCO World Heritage sites along the way.
In the end, you’ll walk away with a once-in-a-lifetime experience, most of your Christmas shopping done, and Christmas cheer!