If you’re one of those people counting the days until you can unpack the holiday ornaments, a tour of European Christmas Markets is not to be missed. You can’t help but get caught up in the holiday spirit in the bustling ambiance of traditional Christmas Markets. Stalls brim with handmade ornaments and the aromas of seasonal treats fill the air. Host cities come alive with Christmas magic—twinkling lights and festive charm at every turn.
One of the best ways to explore European Christmas Markets is on a river cruise—you can enjoy different markets in several cities, and relax in your suite onboard while you sail to the next stop. While onboard, special festive activities and décor immerse you in the holiday spirit. Seasonal onboard activities such as live music performances, tree trimming and interactive cooking demonstrations add to your experience.
A Danube River cruise passes by cities with some of the most celebrated Christmas Markets and special holiday events. Here are some of our favourite highlights of a European Christmas Market cruise along the Danube.
Home to the city’s largest and longest-running Christmas Market, visit Vörösmarty Square for vendor stalls filled with handmade items. Located in the heart of Budapest, the square is transformed with lights and traditional decorations. Be sure to a try a mug of mulled wine, and taste the sweet Chimney Cakes, a traditional holiday treat spiced with cinnamon and coated with sugar.
St. Stephen’s Square is host to another popular Christmas Market in Budapest. Home to St. Stephen’s Basilica (the city’s stunning neoclassical cathedral and one of Hungary’s biggest churches) an LED light painting show illuminates the church’s facade each holiday season.
The Christmas markets of Vienna transform the already beautiful city into a yuletide delight. Lights sparkle in the Old Town, and markets are staged in front of the spectacular Hapsburg summer palace and in town hall square.
Visit Schönbrunn Palace and immerse yourself in its grand traditional festivities. The stunning decor of the palace dazzles even more with its holiday decor, and dozens of stalls display traditional crafts, handmade by local artisans. Shop for unique gifts, sample a yuletide treat, and enjoy a guided tour of the grandly furnished rooms, adorned with decorations for the holiday season.
Make sure to stop by the Christkindlmarkt, located on Stephansplatz, the square in front of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Enjoy the lights and try a glühwein (mulled wine).
Passau is home to Europe’s largest pipe organ at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the charming market stalls of the Christkindlmarkt are setup around the cathedral. Here you’ll find an array of handmade goods, tasty treats, ornaments and gifts from unique woolens and delicate glass ornaments to traditional wooden toys. Sample some spiced gingerbread, grilled sausages and roasted almonds from the vendors. You may be lucky enough to attend on a day the cathedral is hosting a yuletide concert, the sound of choirs singing can be heard through the courtyard.
The medieval city of Regensburg is transformed for the holiday season. Follow the narrow cobblestone streets to hidden courtyards with stalls brimming with festive cheer. Here you’ll find handcrafted gifts including dolls, pottery and silk paintings and the fragrance of home-baked spiced gingerbread, cinnamon and glühwein fills the air.
The city is one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop at the Christmas Market in front of the gothic-style St. Peter’s Cathedral. With the cathedral’s superb stained-glass windows as backdrop, browse the wares at the market and enjoy an organ concert.
Can’t wait to discover the magic of Christmas in Europe? Visit the grand cities, medieval towns and quaint villages along the “Blue Danube,” with Viking. Stroll among the stalls at Budapest’s Christmas market and immerse yourself in the cheerful atmosphere of Vienna as you shop for handmade decorations. Visit the fairy-tale village of Regensburg and delight in the city’s joyful festivities.
Join Matt Houtby from Vacations for Canadians on a journey along the Danube River to visit some of the most iconic European Christmas Markets. Enjoy holiday magic aboard Viking’s award-winning Viking Var on this exclusive festive-themed hosted sailing.
“As cruise host, my wife and I look forward to enjoying this incredible itinerary and festive experience with our guests and like-minded cruisers. We enjoy entertaining our guests and organizing exclusive onboard events,” says Matt. “We had a poll on our Facebook page and it was an overwhelming result that our guests loved the thought of a river cruise along the Danube River with Viking River Cruises to see the Christmas Markets. Plus, we are very excited that we can offer this exciting hosted river cruise opportunity for thousands less than booking direct with Viking.“
Want to know more about Matt’s Hosted Holiday River Cruise on the Viking Var?
