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Embrace the magic of a traditional holiday season aboard a European Christmas market river cruise.
Experience charming Christmas markets brimming with colour and lights, indulge in flavors and aromas of hot mulled wine and gingerbread along the Rhine and Danube rivers visiting grand cities like Vienna, Budapest, Strasbourg and Cologne.
Stroll down cobblestone streets illuminated by holiday lights unique gifts of hand-carved toys and ornaments from Christmases past while listening to angelic songs of strolling carolers.
Here are just a few of our favourite Christkindlesmarkt (Christmas markets) and the joyous experiences and treasures you will find there.
The most famous of Germany’s Christmas markets, this one overflows with authentic holiday spirit rooted in tradition that dates back to the mid 1600’s. The market itself takes on the appearance of a candy cane, with more than 180 shopkeepers and vendors housed in closely-knit red-and-white-roofed stalls. Glühwein (German mulled wine), gingerbread, dozens of varieties of Bavarian sausages and other savory treats are abundant.
This stunning city’s Christkindlmarkt takes place in the Rathausplatz, a main city square, is a mecca for intricate glass works, candied and cream-filled pastries and hand-crafted wooden decorations. Vienna’s holiday traditions are steeped in history and authenticity, banning virtually any plastic toys and imagery of Santa Claus – considered the epitome of commercialized Christmas by locals – in favor of the joys of old and visits from the Christkindl. Of course, Vienna’s Christkindlmarkt boasts all the quintessential joy one would expect, from an ice rink to hot spiced Weihnachtspunsch, or “Christmas punch” made of wine, brandy or fruit juices. BONUS: A second Christmas market in front of the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace adds to the enchanting spectacle in Vienna.
Cologne Christmas Market Weihnachtsmarkt at Roncalliplatz in front of Cologne’s glorious cathedral (a UNESCO-designated Gothic cathedral) is perhaps the most famous of the city’s seven Christmas markets, with the tallest Christmas tree in the Rhineland (a Nordmann fir) illuminated by 50,000 LED lights. More than 150 artisan stalls offering the handmade specialties of the region while games and activities for all ages entertain visitors.
Itineraries run from late November through December on classic routes along the Rhine and Danube. Because the timeframe is limited, Christmas market cruises are in high demand.
We offer years of experience and knowledge in River cruise sailing and would love to help you find the right Christmas Market cruise itinerary that meets your wishes and needs! Contact Vacations for Canadians today!
`~ by Melissa Erskine
Vacations for Canadians
102 Lovers Lane, Ancaster, ON, L9G 1G7
289-812-2355
TICO #50027364
