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It's common for people to book a Christmas market cruise a year or more in advance. Some companies will offer a discounted deposit for those who book early, and others will offer monetary savings for booking well in advance. Look for wave season (January through March) or Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday deals for river cruise discounts or other promotional offers. If you've had visiting the Christmas markets of Europe on your bucket list, a river cruise is a great way to explore multiple markets in one trip. One of the biggest perks of a river cruise versus a land-based trip is that you unpack once, and your accommodations and dining options float with you down the river from town to town. So the next time you think of booking a river cruise, why not go during what is arguably one of the best times of the year and celebrate the holidays in Europe?
Outstanding Emerald Destiny River Cruise Food (with Photos!)
But on a river cruise you're able to sit back and relax while you go from place to place. You’ll enjoy fantastic service and delicious meals throughout the trip alongside the company of new friends onboard who also share a passion for travel and immersion in new destinations and traditions. Basel may not be as well-known as some of the other cities on this list, but its Christmas market is not to be missed.
What times do the markets open and close?
Where to find the best European Christmas market tours for 2023 and 2024 - AOL
Where to find the best European Christmas market tours for 2023 and 2024.
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River cruises in Europe during late fall and early winter specifically sail so guests can experience the famous Christmas Markets. Otherwise, it's too cold for most people to roam around cities for walking tours and such without the appeal of the holiday spirit. Flowing through grand capital cities, including Budapest, Vienna and Bratislava, the Danube is another big Viking river cruise Christmas markets destination. So much so, the line has a pair of all-new week-long festive itineraries to choose from.
Head to the Markets at Both Day and Night
Visitors can sample traditional Alsatian cuisine, shop for handmade crafts, and take in the stunning holiday lights. But what sets Strasbourg apart is the “Christkindelsmärik” – a market dedicated entirely to children. Though there are some outliers here and there, the main rivers you're looking at sailing for this type of cruise during the holiday season is the Danube River or the Rhine River. We have also been on parts of the Main River for a Christmas Market River cruise. A walking tour of the town provided by your cruise line may dictate when you get off the ship to explore.
Christmas market river cruises: What to expect on a holiday sailing
Tuileries Garden is the largest, combining traditional market stalls with fairground attractions including a ferris wheel. Atmospheric Montmartre, once the home of famous artists such as Picasso and Dali, is the place to find one-of-a-kind fashion and jewelry. In Rouen, where half-timbered houses are adorned with decorations, you'll visit the market in front of the landmark three-towered cathedral. There's also a foodie walking tour in medieval Vernon, stopping along the way for steaming mulled wine and festive treats. The river cruises sailing during the festive season typically immerse you in the traditions of each country on the itinerary with food, music and decorations.
Christmas market river cruises: What to expect on a holiday sailing - The Points Guy
Christmas market river cruises: What to expect on a holiday sailing.
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This market has something for everyone, from gingerbread to mulled wine to hand-carved nativity scenes. To really get in the holiday spirit, take a ride on the Christmas tram – a decorated streetcar that runs through the city. The cruises correspond to when some of Europe's most notable cities and towns start their annual Christmas markets.
But what makes this market stand out is the ice rink that takes over the center of the square. ➤ We buy a ten-pack of these Hot Hands warmers to travel to Europe with during late fall or winter. Another example is wine tours in Rudesheim, which are popular during summer. Budapest, Passau and Nuremberg are typical end points on Christmas cruises, and all boast truly spectacular market experiences and wares. In Budapest, you'll spend two days exploring the city at places like Castle Hill and the Grand Market Hall before shopping and dining at the Christmas market in front of St. Stephen's Basilica. Then in Bratislava, Slovakia, the group will attend an organ concert and shopping at the Old Town Christmas market.
Do you need cash for the Christmas markets?
However, just like each Christmas market has its own vibe and style, each cruise line will offer a different itinerary. We recommend taking some time to do research and pick the itinerary and cruise line that makes the most sense for you. Berlin hosts more than 60 festive markets and the biggest is in central Potsdamer Platz where there's an open-air skating rink. This cruise also showcases Dresden, known as the "Florence of the Elbe" and Meissen where you'll learn about the city's world-famous porcelain. Each year the town of Gengenbach, near Strasbourg, turns its town hall into a giant advent calendar. Twenty-four windows are decorated with a Christmas scene, with a new one revealed each night until Christmas Eve.
Why Visit The Christmas Markets?
Viking is known to be slower-paced than its competitors, with a relaxed vibe. Uniworld cruises are the most expensive, with prices ranging from $3,399 to $7,199 for 8- to 11-day sailings throughout the season. Tauck is also pricier than its competitors, but it's one of the few options that has a family cruise option.
Avalon offers “Suite Ships” which means rooms are spacious with ample seating, bathroom, and the space you need to relax and enjoy your vacation. Avalon offers rooms with their “Open-Air Balconies” feature – meaning, your windows can open creating a balcony. This means you have more space in your stateroom and the bed faces out towards the window, so you can take in the views while sailing down the river.
After a motorcoach transfer from Paris you'll board your Viking Longship in Reims. This is the perfect spot to raise a glass and toast Christmas as it is the "capital" of the Champagne wine-growing region and home to one of France's largest Christmas markets. If you want to enjoy a glass or two of seasonal cheer with your holiday shopping, Dusseldorf is a great river cruise Christmas market pick.
If you're ready to book and dive into this festive atmosphere, we recommend reaching out to our preferred travel agents. Feuerzangenbowle is another popular drink, which takes gluhwein a step further. A rum-soaked sugar cube is served on the side of the drink and lit on fire for a true holiday spectacle in your hands. Going to a city like Koblenz in winter is different from going in summer.
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