Come late November, the streets of Europe fill with twinkling lights. The faint sound of carolers beckons around each corner, the scents of roasting chestnuts and sweet-spiced gingerbread waft through the air, and towns across the continent begin erecting their wooden stall markets. The atmosphere is pure magic, made more special by its rarity—the Christmas markets are only around for a few short weeks a year. That’s why we love experiencing them the way we do. On our Holiday Season Cruises, we visit several markets in a variety of towns on one cruise. It’s the perfect tasting menu of European holiday traditions.
NUREMBERG, Germany
One of the oldest and most traditional Christmas markets in the world, Nuremberg’s annual festivities are as classic as it gets—hence its starring position on our Classic Christmas Markets itinerary. Over 180 stalls make up a “little wooden town,” from which all your holiday favorites are sold—gluhwein, of course, and don’t miss the lebkuchen, Nuremberg’s famous gingerbread.
VIENNA, Austria
There are over 20 recognized Christmas markets in Austria, with some dating back to the Middle Ages. Our favorite, however, is the one held in front of the Schönbrunn each year—offered as a Masterpiece Collection experience on European Holiday Markets. It’s the prettiest in town. There’s nothing like munching on a hot kartoffelpuffer (potato pancake) on a wintry day against the backdrop of a Baroque palace.
BUDAPEST, Hungary
Head to Vörösmarty Square to find one of the largest Christmas markets in Eastern Europe, where over 100 stalls sell traditional craft items. On Danube Holiday Markets, we’ll show you the way, but you could probably find it yourself by following the sugar-and-yeast smell of kürtőskalács. Known as chimney cakes in English, this popular treat is made by winding fresh dough around a cone-shaped spit and roasting it over hot coals.
STRASBOURG, France
France’s first Christmas market was held in Strasbourg in 1570 (in fact, Strasbourg claims to be the oldest still-running Christmas market anywhere in Europe). The Marché de Noël sprawls throughout town, making your Christmas market stroll also a great do-it-yourself walking tour. On our Rhine Holiday Markets cruise, you’ll find many of the food stalls clustered around the Place Broglie, a “sharing market” of charitable organizations set up at the Place Kléber, the most unique gifts at the Place de Meuniers, and the most stunning part of the market surrounding the Place de la Cathedrale.
BRUSSELS, Belgium
Guests aboard our Belgian Holiday Markets cruise will find the Winter Wonders event in Brussels is more of a festival than a Christmas Market—which is not to say you won’t find hundreds of wooden stalls spread throughout the city, because those are certainly a highlight. In addition to the stalls, Winter Wonders has a ferris wheel, a merry-go-round, an ice rink, sound and light shows, and much more!
PARIS, France
While there is a plethora of Christmas markets, large and small, dotted around the city, we like to think of Paris in December as one big Christmas display. Yes, there’s vin chaud and chalets vending everything from cheese plates to handmade gifts, and you’ll want to stop at every one you see, but you won’t want to miss out on the fantastic window displays of the Galeries Lafayette or the twinkling trees along the Champs-Élysées either. Unsurprisingly, the “City of Lights” dazzles during the holiday season.
VALKENBURG, The Netherlands
Truly one-of-a-kind, this Dutch market is held inside the Valkenburg caves for an unbeatably cozy atmosphere. Tucked away beneath the Valkenburg Castle ruins, the marlstone caves come alive with decorated trees, cheery vendors, and the warm glow of string lights. And it runs all the way through the New Year, perfect for travelers on our late-season Dutch & Belgian Holiday Celebration itinerary.
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