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Experiencing the European Christmas Markets Onboard a River Cruise Ship

AMA Waterways, Christmas Market River Cruise
Photo Credit: AMA Waterways

There is nothing quite as festive in December as experiencing the German Christmas Markets across Europe. Many cities across the continent open Christmas Markets during the holiday season, with dozens of vendors in wooden stalls offering up spiced Glühwein, warming pastries, hand-carved wooden trinkets, ornaments, and much more for sale. Christmas trees are decorated and lit, rising high above the stalls as the Christmas music plays and customers bustle through the market, enjoying the festive atmosphere.


One of the best ways to experience the Christmas markets is on a River Cruise. River cruising has gained popularity in the last few decades, as they offer a way for guests to experience the heart of a country or continent from the ease and comfort of one boat. The Christmas Market-centered cruises are always some of the most popular itineraries, and sell out every year, so be sure to talk with your Harr Travel advisor about booking your future European Christmas Market cruise TODAY!


Seeing Europe from the comfort of a river cruise ship is a luxurious experience; and in this article, we will walk you through all the pros of booking a river cruise to see the German markets at Christmastime!



Viking River Cruises, Christmas Market River Cruise
Photo Credit: Viking River Cruises

SEE MORE WITHOUT THE HASSLE

One of the biggest reasons to experience the Christmas Markets via a river cruise is the efficiency and ease. If you were to explore the market via land, you would have to coordinate flights or train tickets to get between cities and countries; and once in the city you would need to take an uber or taxi to markets...it's a lot of leg work and planning.


On a river cruise, your itinerary is planned out for you, and all you have to do is wake up, and disembark to enjoy the Christmas markets. You are able to see at least one market in each city for every day of the trip, which means on a week-long trip you will be able to experience at least 6-7 markets, and possibly more!


Many river ships are able to dock in the heart of the city, making the markets fairly accessible and within walking distance. In some cases the ships will have to dock outside the city, and you will have to figure out your transportation in, or book an excursion that will bring you into the downtown.


But no matter what, the best part of a river cruise is that you only have to unpack once, and will come back to the same room each and every night, while still getting to experience several destinations across the Europe!



GET IN THE FESTIVE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

Many river cruise lines will go all out decorating each ship for Christmas for their guests sailing on the Christmas Market cruises. You will find festive lights and garlands, Christmas displays, gingerbread houses, and so many more decorations to get you in the Holiday mood.


There will be live music and caroling offered on some lines, and dancing to your favorite Christmas tunes. Some ships will offer refreshments throughout the day such as mulled wine, and local pastries such as gingerbread cookies from the city you are currently visiting; continuing the Christmas market vibes on the boat.



AMA Waterways, European Christmas Market River Cruise
Photo Credit: AMA Waterways

THE BEST WAY TO DO YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

You will, without a doubt, be dubbed the king or queen of Christmas if you come home from your Christmas Market trip with gifts for your friends and family. Shopping at the markets is not only the best place for souvenirs, but a great way to get the Christmas gift shopping done for everyone on your list! At these markets you will find a wide range of handmade and handcrafted gift items, from ornaments to jewelry, wooden toys, and pottery!



HELPFUL CHRISTMAS MARKET TIPS

Shopping the Christmas Markets can be a fun, but overwhelming experience; so we have a few tips and tricks we recommend you utilize:


DRESS WARM | Winter in Europe can get very cold, and even colder depending on what country you are in. We always recommend packing layers and warm accessories for those chilly days out and about in the city. Don't forget your beanies, scarves, mittens, gloves, warm boots, wool socks, sweaters, jackets, and coats. Consider bringing a thermal base layer as an option.


BRING AN EMPTY SUITCASE | One of the things we highly recommend is bringing an additional suitcase. If you are planning to do all your Christmas shopping while at the markets, an additional carry-on or even full-size suitcase might not be a bad idea. Also bring a few sheets of bubble wrap and tape for those breakable items.


COLLECT THE BEST SOUVENIRS | Without a doubt, one of the must-get souvenirs at the European Christmas Markets are the Glühwein mugs. Glühwein is a warm wine drink with spices that is served at all the Christmas markets in Europe, and many of the glühwein vendors will have a special mug to commemorate that year's market. The glühwein is served in these mugs, and you have the option of bringing the mug back after you have finished your drink to get the mug deposit back, or you can keep the mug as the ultimate souvenir!


BRING CASH | While many vendors nowadays do accept a card at the Christmas Markets, some will only accept cash, so we recommend bringing the currency of that country with you, just in case.


COME HUNGRY | One of the draws of a Christmas Market is the abundance of food you will find there. We recommend not overeating at breakfast onboard the boat, and coming to the markets for your lunch. There are so many incredible food options, from traditional German-style pretzels, sausages, trdelnik (chimney cakes), gingerbread, sandwiches, raclette, pizzas, fried pastries, and more! You won't be able to help yourself as you walk by and smell all the incredible aromas wafting from inside the little wooden stalls lining streets.



Booking Your Cruise

Now that you are ready to book your river cruise and experience the Christmas Markets for yourself, reach out to the experts at Harr Travel. We know the boats and itineraries inside-and-out, and have an amazing relationship with many river cruise lines in Europe. Our advisors will craft the festive cruise vacation of a lifetime for you, your friends, family, or group at an exceptional rate, and give you the Harr Travel signature service every step of the way.



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