Imagine the twinkling lights reflecting off the Danube as you sail into the harbor, just steps away from the cheerful Christmas markets.
Christmas markets have been a tradition in Europe since the Middle Ages. Market stalls decorated with wreaths and decorations attract visitors with a cozy atmosphere and delicious food and drinks.
There are thousands of Christmas markets in Europe. River cruising makes planning easier than piecing together an itinerary and doing all the research needed.
My first taste of a European Christmas market was at Viking’s Danube Christmas Delights. eight days The river cruise calls at six locations in four countries: Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Linz, Krems and Passau.
Since the ship sails mainly at night, I wake up in a new port every day. In addition to the festive cheer, evening entertainment is also available on board, from Christmas carols to performances by the Vienna Boys Choir.
Viking Cruises isn’t the only cruise line sailing on the Danube during the festival. Companies such as Ama Waterways, Avalon Waterways and Uniworld also offer similar tours and market tours.
One trip, many markets
Most cities have multiple markets in squares or plazas. You can explore them at your own pace, ask for guidance from the cruise director, or sign up for one of the cruise-organized excursions.
In Vienna I signed up for a short trip focusing on The architecture of the city and its marketsincluding the Christkindlmarkt near St. Stephen’s Basilica and another Christmas market around Maria Theresien Platz.
View of the Vienna City Hall Christmas Market on December 14, 2023.
Saliha Simsir Sweater | SHOPBOP Anatolia | Getty Images
Later, I explored Belvedere Market and the pedestrianized shopping area near Stephansplatz, which has gorgeous outdoor lights that look like chandeliers.
The historical context of these markets is as much a part of the experience as the decor, food and shopping. For example, imagine strolling through Vienna’s Schönbrunn Marketplace, with the city’s Baroque palaces as your backdrop.
The market is also particularly beautiful at night. However, to avoid crowds, the best time to shop is when the market first opens. The closer your travel date is to Christmas, the busier the markets will be. Of course, weekends are more crowded than weekdays.
Each station market
Budapest has several markets on the “Pest” side of the city.
The city’s main market is located at Vörösmarty Square. It is connected to another market along the city’s “Fashion Street”, which is illuminated by playful lights in the shapes of shoes, gifts and umbrellas. There is another large market in St. Stephen’s Square, which houses a small ice rink.
Christmas market in Passau, Germany.
Source: Penny Sadler
The Christmas market in Bratislava city center began in the 1990s. Still, they did a good job of creating a fun, traditional atmosphere. I visited two – one in Hvezdoslav Square and the other in the city’s main square. I noticed a lot of food and drinks, But not that many gifts. However, there are plenty of shops, carolers and street musicians here, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Passau is a small city in Germany, but its main market has a wide variety of food stalls and handmade gifts. I bought a wooden owl carved from the Black Forest.
Writer Penny Sadler bought a carved wooden owl from a stall in Passau.
Source: Penny Sadler
I visited two markets in Linz, Austria. One is great for families, with games, trains and crafts. The other is a gorgeous market in the main square (Hauptplatz), with stalls spaced out enough to allow people to linger, and each stall has a landscape painted on top, like a work of art.
One of the joys of visiting a market is trying the food and drinks. Sausage, cheese and desserts are common, but each market also has local specialties. Glühwein is a warm mulled red wine that’s widely available, often in souvenir glasses that you can keep as souvenirs.
Shopping instructions
The market sells everything from knitted scarves and carved ornaments to games and cheese boards. There are also lots of Christmas decorations including nativity sets, angels, Santa Claus figures and of course nutcrackers.
Wooden games on sale at Vienna’s Christmas market.
Source: Penny Sadler
Most suppliers are small “mom and pop” businesses. Many accept credit cards, but it’s also a good idea to have some cash on hand.
An important tip? Please bring your own shopping bag or tote when purchasing. If you plan to buy a lot of stuff, consider bringing an extra suitcase.
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