Visions of Sugarplums Come True: Sailing Europe’s Festive Rivers
By Dionne Roberts
Christmas Markets always held a sort of ethereal appeal for me—like snow globes come to life. I’d seen the photos, heard the carols, imagined the scent of roasting chestnuts drifting through lantern-lit town squares. But they never seemed quite real… until I experienced them myself.
It turned out that the twinkling lights, cinnamon-scented air, and centuries-old holiday traditions (not to mention the food!) were even more magical than I’d dreamed. Even better, I didn’t have to brave icy train platforms or unpack at a new hotel every night. Instead, we floated from one storybook setting to the next, glühwein in hand, and the soft sounds of carols echoing through the ship.
Here are just three of Europe’s most enchanting Christmas markets, made even more magical when reached by river:
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Vienna, Austria doesn’t just do Christmas—it curates it. The Christkindlmarkt in front of City Hall is the city’s glittering centerpiece, framed by Gothic spires and the sound of choir music. Elegant stalls offer hand-blown glass, embroidered linens, roasted chestnuts, and every imaginable variety of holiday confection.
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The Nürnberger (Germany) Christkindlesmarkt is as traditional as they come. Each year, the Christkind—a young woman dressed as an angel—opens the festivities from the balcony of the Church of Our Lady. Beneath her, nearly 200 stalls fill the square with the scent of grilled sausages, spiced lebkuchen (gingerbread), and glühwein. The market dates back to the 16th century, and you can feel it in every detail.
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Strasbourg, France proudly calls itself the Capital of Christmas, and once you arrive, it’s easy to see why. With its half-timbered houses, canal-lined old town, and a towering tree in the city center, Strasbourg feels like a fairytale. The main market at Place Broglie, established in 1570, boasts over 300 stalls offering Alsatian crafts, kugelhopf pastries, and that unmistakable scent of orange and spice.
For those seeking an effortless way to embrace the season, Europe makes it simple, one magical market at a time.
Dionne Roberts, MCC, VTA
Foster Perry Travel
888-878-5863
(888-TRVLTME)
