When the aroma of spices and gingerbread fills the air and stalls start to sell specialty foods and mulled wine, we know Christmas is around the corner. If you are planning to go on a vacation at this time of the year, it should be easy, especially the planning stage.
This is also the period when magical Christmas markets spring up all over Europe. A brilliant way to explore them is by booking a family travel for this Christmas season through a cruise and land vacation package that docks on the ports of these cities.
If you time it right, you can visit many of the markets cited below in the space of one week or less. So here are some of the best Christmas market cruises to Europe that offer a perfect blend of cultural exploration and the comfort of cruise travel.
# 1. Strasbourg, France
The Strasbourg Christmas market is not only the most famous but also the oldest and most famous in the whole of Europe. Located in Alsace with over 300 stalls displaying ornaments, handicrafts, traditional French pastries and mulled wine, it is referred to as the “Capital of Christmas”.
A shore excursion is the ideal way to explore this iconic French market and combining the festive shopping with the charm of the half-timbered homes of Strasbourg. This is after all by far the best Christmas market in Europe.
# 2. Cologne, Germany
Located in a stunning riverside setting below the stunning Cologne Cathedral, the Cologne Christmas market. The stalls are spread throughout the city and include a maritime themed shopping area by the Rhine river.
This is why a cruise offers a fantastic way to immerse in the festive charm of the Cologne Christmas market.
# 3. Budapest, Hungary
The Budapest Christmas market is located on Vorosmarty Square and is popular for those seeking festival fun with a touch of Hungarian tradition.
Here you will find stalls selling chimney cakes, local arts and crafts, including plenty of live music. A stop in Budapest is the highlight of a cruise to Hungary to experience the charm of this market first-hand.
# 4. Prague, Czech Republic
A Danube cruise package which offers land excursions to the Prague Christmas market is the ideal way to experience this place located in an Old Town setting.
You can enjoy a glass of traditional Czech mead here while strolling through the stalls of this vibrant place. Browse through art and crafts stall, admire the Christmas decorations and soak in the local culture in this unbelievable Christmas market.
# 5. Vienna, Austria
Few European cities can rival Vienna when it comes to celebrating the Christmas spirit. The first Christmas market in the Austrian capital dates back to 1298 and today the city has over 20 venues to choose from.
First timers should head straight to the market in front of the City Hall, where over 150 stalls showcase everything from American sausages to boozy Christmas punch. Try curling on the ice rink to keep the chill at bay.
# 6. Florence, Italy
With the Franciscan Basilica towering in the background, the annual Christmas market in Florence is located in the spectacular Piazza Santa Croce. The market is an ideal place to shop for stocking fillers and treats in the run up to 25th December.
Although this is an Italian market lookout for strudel and gingerbread for a distinct German flair. Wander down to Piazza del Duomo to admire the Christmas tree that is on display from December 8th.
# 7. Krakow, Poland
This Polish Christmas market is held in Kraków’s main square, Rynek Glowny and usually gets its first snowfall in December which makes a visit here more magical than some other big names in Europe.
A local specialty here are the hand painted Christmas baubles as are the boiled candles and spiced nuts.The market offers a unique shopping experience with stalls selling cheap antiques and other bric-a-brac.
# 8. Birmingham, UK
Buzzing Birmingham, England’s second city is home to the largest authentic German Christmas market, besides Germany and Austria. The venue is Victoria Square and has over 80 stalls retailing everything from handmade toys to artificial jewellery.
The biggest draw here is the “Singing Moose” found outside the Council House entrance, rendering tunes in a distinctly British air.
# 9. Copenhagen, Denmark
With fairground rides and a plethora of shopping stalls, the Tivoli Garden Danish Christmas market really comes into its own during December.
Apart from the usual stalls, there are three light shows and a pixie band playing traditional songs at various places on the grounds.
# 10. Barcelona, Spain
Fira de Santa Llucia is Spain’s oldest Christmas market dating back to 1786 and is now a three-week Christmas fair enjoying a prime location in front of the Barcelona Cathedral.
One of the most popular activity here is the caga tio, an enormous Christmas log which when beaten with a stick, spills out candy and other gifts.
