What countries can I visit on a Christmas season voyage?

A Christmas season voyage along the Danube River will take you to the heart of Germany, Austria and Hungary—including stops in cities like Passau, Vienna and Budapest.\nA winter voyage along the Rhine River travels from Amsterdam to Basel (or in reverse), passing through the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland.\nAlong the Main and Moselle Rivers, you can visit festive destinations in France, Germany and the Czech Republic, while sailing along the Elbe River allows you to visit Christmas markets throughout Germany and the Czech Republic.\nA Christmastime cruise along the Seine allows you to visit some of France’s most scenic destinations, including Paris and Rouen, beautifully decorated for the season.

What should I pack for my Christmas season voyage?

Depending on your specific destination, wintertime in Europe can vary from cool to cold, with the possibility of snow. It is recommended to pack clothes that are easily layered, so you can adjust to changing conditions. A scarf, gloves, good walking shoes, sunglasses and a compact umbrella or light rain gear are also advisable. A reusable shopping tote or daypack can be especially useful when shopping at Christmas markets.

What are some activities that take place at Christmas markets?

While each Christmas market has its own unique character, they tend to share several common activities. You can browse colorful stalls brimming with handicrafts made by local artisans, view impressive displays of holiday decorations and sample regional treats, such as Hungarian chimney cake or Nürnberger Lebkuchen (spiced ginger cookies). Many visitors also enjoy sipping a warm mug of glühwein or cocoa while listening to musical performances, watching ice skaters or participating in other local traditions.

What are some food and wine highlights of a Christmas season voyage?

Thanks to cooler weather, a Christmas season voyage offers travelers the opportunity to sample many of Europe’s hearty, comforting dishes. For example, one beloved Swiss favorite is raclette—a warm cheese dish that embodies the spirit of togetherness and indulgence. Traditionally, a wheel of raclette cheese is heated with an open flame, and the melted part is poured over or near pieces of bread, meat or vegetables on diners’ plates.\nIn Germany, the city of Nuremberg is the capital of lebkuchen , a beloved gingerbread Christmas cookie whose trademark spiciness comes from ingredients like cinnamon, cloves, aniseed, ginger, cardamom, allspice, coriander and nutmeg. They are often decorated with colorful icing or monogrammed with good tidings.\nVisitors may also wish to try Dresden’s world-famous Christstollen , which is a highlight of the city’s annual Striezelmarkt. Dresdner Christstollen is a rich, fruit-filled holiday bread covered in powdered sugar. Its ingredients are strictly regulated. Butter, flour, water, yeast, raisins, two types of almonds, and candied citrus peel are legally mandated in order for the finished product to be eligible for the Stollen Association’s certified golden seal.\nOne of the hallmarks of Europe’s famed Christmas markets is the ubiquitous hot mulled wine known as glühwein . This warming beverage is traditionally made with red wine and a blend of festive spices including cinnamon, cloves, citrus and sugar. A spiked version, Glühwein mit Schuss (mulled wine with a shot), includes a shot of liquor, such as rum, amaretto or brandy. For a nonalcoholic option, kinderpunsch –made with fruit juice instead of wine—is also widely available at European Christmas markets and makes for a delightful treat.

What are the benefits of traveling in Europe in the winter?

During winter, travelers can enjoy fewer crowds, making it easier to discover iconic landmarks, uncover hidden gems and engage with locals at a more relaxed pace. Holiday markets also appear across the region, creating a festive atmosphere. Cities and villages glow with festive lights, and snow-covered castles, Alpine villages and medieval towns seem to be drawn straight from fairytales.\nA wintertime voyage also offers ample opportunities for curious travelers to partake in activities like ice skating, soaking in a thermal bath or attending a seasonal concert.

Experience the magic of Europe's Christmas markets

Delve into the captivating history, festive traditions and comforting cuisine that await you on a holiday river voyage through the heart of Europe. From local handicrafts to soaring carols, a wintertime journey offers a variety of delights for curious travelers. Read on to learn more about a popular seasonal snack, explore the legend of Santa Claus and discover the origins of some beloved Christmas customs.

Christmas Markets

Among Europe’s many holiday traditions, few are as beloved as the annual appearance of its festive Christmas markets. Replete with cozy stalls selling handmade crafts, delicious regional treats and authentic holiday decorations, each one of these charming markets boasts its own heritage and character. With a history spanning centuries, this treasured custom continues to stand the test of time.

Though forerunners of today’s European Christmas markets began during the Middle Ages, Dresden’s Striezelmarkt is the oldest. Originally held for one day only—December 23, 1434—this open-air event was authorized by Frederick II, Elector of Saxony, “for communal benefit and in the best interests of our city of Dresden.” Initially, the Striezelmarkt was a meat market, held so that the people of Dresden would have a wide selection of fresh food for the upcoming yuletide festivities. It proved so successful that it became an annual tradition. Over time, additional goods were introduced, and beginning in the early 1500s, the market’s duration was expanded to encompass the Monday before Christmas through December 24. While the location of the Striezelmarkt has changed many times over the centuries, today it is held in the same place as the original 1434 meat market: Dresden’s Altmarkt square.

Other Christmas markets began to spring up in the years following the introduction of the Striezelmarkt, but they truly flourished across the continent during the 16th century. Martin Luther, founder of the Protestant Reformation, claimed that seasonal gifts were best given on Christmas Eve rather than on days honoring other saints, as had been the custom. Soon thereafter, Christmas markets grew in popularity, and local vendors began to see them as convenient sites for selling their wares. These markets also appealed to busy townspeople, who appreciated that they could procure everything they needed for Christmas in one convenient location.

Today, Europe’s Christmas markets continue to enchant locals and visitors, bringing the season alive with festive charm. In addition to Dresden’s historic Striezelmarkt, here are several other notable markets that you may wish to explore:

Strasbourg's Christkindelsmärik
This historic Christmas market is the oldest in France, dating back to 1570. Be sure to try savory knacks (sausages) and sweet pain d’épices (gingerbread).
Vienna’s Schönbrunn Christmas Market
Held in front of the magnificent Hapsburg summer palace, this market boasts dozens of stalls displaying traditional crafts and unique gifts. You can also take a guided tour of the grand residence, adorned with holiday decorations.
Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt
Wander through one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world as you explore the heart of this medieval city. Here, you may wish to sample lebkuchen, a traditional German spiced cookie with warm, nutty flavors.
Breisach’s Weinachtsmarkt
Sip aromatic glühwein and keep warm as you browse market stalls for gifts and handicrafts. Nearby, the towering, snow-covered spruce trees of Germany's Black Forest resemble a winter wonderland.
Budapest’s Advent Basilika Market
Set against the backdrop of the impressive St. Stephen’s Basilica and an ice rink full of graceful skaters, this lively market offers delicious Hungarian chimney cakes and hearty bowls of paprika-infused goulash.
Prague’s Old Town Square Christmas Market
Explore Prague’s Old Town, a captivating blend of architectural styles and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Browse Bohemian tree ornaments while enjoying a warm cup of svařák, the Czech version of mulled wine.

Cuisine—Roasted chestnuts

For centuries, roasted chestnuts have held a special place in European Christmas traditions, particularly in countries like Italy, France and Germany. The practice of roasting chestnuts dates to ancient times when they were a vital source of sustenance during the winter months. Today, this humble yet heartwarming treat symbolizes warmth, comfort and the joy of sharing simple pleasures with loved ones.

Chestnuts were once a staple food for many European communities, especially during the winter months when other food sources were scarce. Their association with the Feast of Saint Martin, celebrated on November 11, further cemented their place in European holiday traditions. St. Martin of Tours is best known for a story in which he cut his cloak in half to share with a less fortunate individual during a cold winter. Handing out chestnuts became a charitable activity during the feast, offering essential nutrients to those in need.

With a water content of 50-60 percent, chestnuts are ideal for roasting since they become soft and chewy when cooked. Roasting them over an open flame imparts a sweet, smoky flavor that is both comforting and delicious.

In Italy, street vendors known as caldarroste set up their stalls in bustling piazzas, offering paper cones filled with piping hot chestnuts. Italians often enjoy them with a glass of vin brulé, or mulled wine, creating a perfect pairing for chilly winter evenings.

France also embraces the tradition of roasted chestnuts during the holiday season. In cities like Paris and Lyon, the scent of chestnuts roasting on street corners is a familiar and cherished part of the festive atmosphere. At home, French families gather around the fireplace, roasting chestnuts and sharing stories. A sprinkle of sea salt enhances their natural sweetness and adds a delightful crunch.

Roasted chestnuts are also a highlight of Germany’s renowned Christmas markets. From Nuremberg’s famed Christkindlesmarkt to Europe’s oldest yuletide market in Dresden, visitors can enjoy the warm, nutty flavor of chestnuts while strolling through stalls adorned with twinkling lights and hand-crafted items. The chestnuts are typically served in small paper bags, making them a convenient and satisfying snack to enjoy while exploring the market.
Culture—Jolly Old St. Nick

The idea of Santa Claus is rooted in the legend of St. Nicholas, a bishop believed to have been born in the 3rd century AD in present-day Turkey. Stories abound of his generosity, and over time he became widely revered across Europe for his kindness toward children.

The 16th-century Protestant Reformation tempered this veneration by discouraging followers from honoring saints. However, St. Nicholas continued to be celebrated in the Netherlands. Here, the Dutch version of his name (Sint Nikolaas) was eventually shortened to “Sinter Klaas,” which was later Anglicized to “Santa Claus.”

Elsewhere in Europe, darker tales emerged of threatening figures dressed in shaggy furs. While St. Nicholas delivered presents to well-behaved children, these ominous beings doled out punishment to those who were disobedient.

Beginning in the early 19th century, American authors began writing about Sinter Klaas. They described him as wearing furry clothing, but this version of the figure had a far more congenial disposition. By the end of the century, the modern image of Santa Claus had taken shape. This version gradually replaced the more traditional, frightening icons in Europe—a kind of “reverse migration” of the legend.

Today, the story of Santa Claus continues to delight children of all ages across the world.
History—Christmas trees & ornaments

The first Christmas tree is believed to have been erected in Freiburg, Germany in 1419 and was decorated with sweets and nuts. By the 16th century, German church plays often featured evergreen trees festooned with nuts, berries, apples and candles. This tradition soon spread to homes throughout Germany and across Europe. In the United States, German immigrants continued this custom, adorning their trees with popcorn, paper and metal foil alongside the usual trimmings.

Historically, Christians trimmed trees into triangles to represent the Trinity—referring to the Father, Son and Holy Ghost as one being. Pruning was part of the preparation process, and instead of wasting the trimmed branches, Europeans wove them into wreaths, which were originally used as Christmas tree ornaments.

During the latter half of the 16th century, the first known hand-blown glass ornaments, called baubles, were produced in Lauscha, Germany. Although these gained popularity during the 1800s, they were not seen as a commercially viable commodity until 1848, when an engraving was published featuring Queen Victoria and her German husband, Prince Albert, decorating a Christmas tree.

In response, American entrepreneur Frank Winfield Woolworth began importing lead and glass baubles from Germany to sell in his eponymous department stores. These ornaments became a massive hit, and over the ensuing decades they were mass-produced in regions such as Japan and Eastern Europe. Today, these decorations are an integral part of Christmas celebrations across the globe.

Christmas Markets Highlights

Known for their twinkling decor, charming handicrafts and delicious food, Europe’s storied Christmas markets offer visitors the opportunity to engage with vibrant cultural traditions. Here are some of the enchanting sights and activities you may experience on a wintertime voyage: