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European Christmas Markets
Posted on 11/4/25 at 5:35 pm
Posted on 11/4/25 at 5:35 pm
My wife and I are starting to plan a trip to Europe next year. We would like to visit the Christmas markets. She seems set on going to multiple cities and taking the train between them. I’ve also seen a few river cruises with itineraries that would allow us to do the same. Any recommendations? Which would be better? Any suggestions for markets we shouldn’t miss?
TIA
TIA
13
Posted on 11/4/25 at 7:49 pm to gringeaux
Found a link on pro and con
LINK https://www.dangerous-business.com/christmas-markets-cruise-vs-land/
LINK https://www.dangerous-business.com/christmas-markets-cruise-vs-land/
Posted on 11/4/25 at 8:32 pm to gringeaux
The train is perfectly doable, but remember when the mountain ranges get crossed, train travel times make flying better (it's cheaper than you would expect, even on airlines you've never heard of.) I'd honestly consider doing Eastern European Christmas markets It's a different vibe from Western Europe.
I hate cruises of all sorts, but it's an unpopular opinion.
I hate cruises of all sorts, but it's an unpopular opinion.
Posted on 11/4/25 at 9:57 pm to gringeaux
Viking has a number of European Christmas Market river cruises. Even if you don’t take one, you can look at the itineraries and see where they go.
We took the Grand European in April. It was during Easter and all of the market squares where the Christmas markets are held in December had the Easter markets going on.
We went to Prague after the cruise. Wonderful city. They have a great one there.
Nuremberg had a big one.
One smaller town that we went to that had a nice market square along with several other attractions , including a grand palace was Wurzburg.
We took the Grand European in April. It was during Easter and all of the market squares where the Christmas markets are held in December had the Easter markets going on.
We went to Prague after the cruise. Wonderful city. They have a great one there.
Nuremberg had a big one.
One smaller town that we went to that had a nice market square along with several other attractions , including a grand palace was Wurzburg.
This post was edited on 11/4/25 at 9:58 pm
Posted on 11/4/25 at 10:44 pm to LemmyLives
FYI, I haven't been to Germany for Xmas season in two years.
quote:
the German newspaper Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger.
René Hövel, chairman of the Kolpingstadt Kerpen Action Group (AGK) complained:
We were informed that we would have to cordon off the marketplace from all sides. At the same time, we’re not receiving any financial support from the city and must shoulder all the costs ourselves.
The organizers are now considering turning the Christmas market into a smaller “pleasure market” focused on food and local products, in order to comply with regulations and reduce costs. The move drew sharp criticism from the right-wing Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), saying it represented an unnecessary erosion of Christian traditions.
The debate over security at Christmas markets and other large public events has been simmering for years. Stricter regulations were introduced following the Islamist terrorist attacks on Christmas markets in Berlin in 2016, and in Magdeburg in 2024, which together claimed 19 lives. In addition, during an attack in Solingen during a street festival last year—only about 65 kilometers from Overath and roughly 60 kilometers from Kerpen—a Syrian national killed three people.
On Tuesday, November 4th, Jörg Urban, AfD parliamentary group leader inSaxony said that the government is standing idly by as Christmas market culture threatens to collapse.
The CDU has long since capitulated to the Islamists.
The politician explained that, in his view, the best solution would be consistent border control and the deportation of all illegal aliens.
In Bonn, the Kessenich Autumn Festival was canceled earlier this year after the city rejected a new security concept intended to protect against vehicle attacks.
The organizers explained the decision on their website:
Despite intensive planning and discussions with the relevant authorities, we were unable to implement a viable security concept that meets current requirements. An autumn market without protective measures against potential dangers, such as uncontrolled vehicles, is not an option for us.
More than 2,000 Christmas markets are held across Germany each year. Some have also been canceled, though for other reasons–for instance, insufficient revenue for stallholders or renovation work at a castle, as in Dortmund.
The cancellations reveal a growing unease in Germany, where mass migration, public safety, and cultural preservation become increasingly incompatible. What used to be cozy symbols of community and tradition are now burdened by fears of violence and by regulations intended to prevent it.
Posted on 11/5/25 at 7:44 am to gringeaux
Article on Best Christmas Markets!
We've done 9 cruises with Viking, 7 were river cruises. Most were "Christmas Market Cruises" on the Danube, Elbe and Rhine. Most recently we did one late November/early December last year.
We always choose Viking’s Christmas Market cruises in late November or the first week of December. Fares are often lower, crowds are lighter, and the festive atmosphere is already in full swing. AND..the best part is that once you're there, you can access many different European cities by train at good prices. Train travel is fun and easy to do. Very cost effective.
There are other great options like Avalon or Amawaterways, but Viking seems to be the best combination of routes, pricing and service.
The Danube Waltz (November 2024) and Rhine Getaway (Amsterdam to Basel - 2023) were the best.
Post cruise on the Danube Waltz, we hired a car to Munich, based there for a week, taking day trips to Neuschwanstein Castle and Hallstatt (a small town in Upper Austria). Then took the train to Salzburg to take in my long time "bucket list item": Seeing Krampusnacht! Krampus Night, traditionally takes place on December 5th, the night before the feast of Saint Nicholas. During this night, people dress up as Krampus and roam the streets, participating in parades and festivities that celebrate the dual nature of the holiday season. A unique tradition throughout Bavaria.
Post cruise on the Rhine Cruise, we rented a car in Basel and drove to Colmar and based there for week, touring the small villages, each with their own markets. A magical time!
Probably not as easy to get to, but we had a great time in Poland. Kraków’s and Warsaw's markets were incredible.
Off the top of my head, if I had to pick from the one's I've been to, I'd say Munich, Vienna, Prague, Kraków, Strasbourg, Colmar, Cologne were some of the best.
Just be aware with any of these locations it's best to tour them during the weekdays even that time of year as weekends get packed!
Some Selected Photos!
Salzburg 2024 - Krampus!!
We've done 9 cruises with Viking, 7 were river cruises. Most were "Christmas Market Cruises" on the Danube, Elbe and Rhine. Most recently we did one late November/early December last year.
We always choose Viking’s Christmas Market cruises in late November or the first week of December. Fares are often lower, crowds are lighter, and the festive atmosphere is already in full swing. AND..the best part is that once you're there, you can access many different European cities by train at good prices. Train travel is fun and easy to do. Very cost effective.
There are other great options like Avalon or Amawaterways, but Viking seems to be the best combination of routes, pricing and service.
The Danube Waltz (November 2024) and Rhine Getaway (Amsterdam to Basel - 2023) were the best.
Post cruise on the Danube Waltz, we hired a car to Munich, based there for a week, taking day trips to Neuschwanstein Castle and Hallstatt (a small town in Upper Austria). Then took the train to Salzburg to take in my long time "bucket list item": Seeing Krampusnacht! Krampus Night, traditionally takes place on December 5th, the night before the feast of Saint Nicholas. During this night, people dress up as Krampus and roam the streets, participating in parades and festivities that celebrate the dual nature of the holiday season. A unique tradition throughout Bavaria.
Post cruise on the Rhine Cruise, we rented a car in Basel and drove to Colmar and based there for week, touring the small villages, each with their own markets. A magical time!
Probably not as easy to get to, but we had a great time in Poland. Kraków’s and Warsaw's markets were incredible.
Off the top of my head, if I had to pick from the one's I've been to, I'd say Munich, Vienna, Prague, Kraków, Strasbourg, Colmar, Cologne were some of the best.
Just be aware with any of these locations it's best to tour them during the weekdays even that time of year as weekends get packed!
Some Selected Photos!
Salzburg 2024 - Krampus!!
Posted on 11/5/25 at 10:11 am to gringeaux
Those things muslims like to drive trucks through?
Posted on 11/5/25 at 10:30 am to gringeaux
I haven't done much research but we are traveling early December '26 to do the river cruise for the Christmas Markets. We had to book that for out because they are really popular and fill out really fast. We booked in March of this year and there were only 4 rooms left. I think this is our itinerary.
Posted on 11/5/25 at 11:52 am to wickowick
That is the second half of the Grand European route that we took in April. That will be a great trip.
The Easter markets were in full swing They are scaled down versions of the Christmas markets but at least the weather was gorgeous.
I recommend taking the post cruise extension to Prague and staying at the Hotel Augustine which is a 12th century monastery that is still a working monastery. Atmospheric place right in the middle of town.
The Easter markets were in full swing They are scaled down versions of the Christmas markets but at least the weather was gorgeous.
I recommend taking the post cruise extension to Prague and staying at the Hotel Augustine which is a 12th century monastery that is still a working monastery. Atmospheric place right in the middle of town.
This post was edited on 11/5/25 at 12:10 pm
Posted on 11/5/25 at 6:37 pm to gringeaux
I’ve only been to the Krakow, Poland Christmas market, but I always think about it come December. It was a refreshing taste of Polish culture and cuisine that I’ll never forget.
Posted on 11/5/25 at 10:37 pm to gringeaux
I’ve done Prague and Madrid for Christmas. Prague was fantastic. Street food was amazing. Madrid is a world city but not for Christmas
Posted on 11/6/25 at 5:56 am to sledgehammer
Ditto on Krakow. Friendly people, beautiful city.
Posted on 11/6/25 at 9:27 am to Pepperoni
I will report back but wife and I are leaving on Nov 22nd and returning Dec 7th.
Flying into Munich
Sunday - Rothenburg
Mon-Thur - Munich, Salzburg, and probably trip to Eagles Nest if weather holds
Friday - opening of Nuremberg Market
Saturday - Thursday - taking train to Vienna hitting all their markets and doing a day trip to Bratislava
Thursday to Sunday - hitting the markets in Budapest
Taking train everywhere minus first day trip to Rothenburg.
Flying into Munich
Sunday - Rothenburg
Mon-Thur - Munich, Salzburg, and probably trip to Eagles Nest if weather holds
Friday - opening of Nuremberg Market
Saturday - Thursday - taking train to Vienna hitting all their markets and doing a day trip to Bratislava
Thursday to Sunday - hitting the markets in Budapest
Taking train everywhere minus first day trip to Rothenburg.
Posted on 11/6/25 at 10:14 am to gringeaux
My gf and I did that last year. We didn’t know this ahead of time, but most of them sell all the same stuff. It was rare to see unique gifts etc. We planned on doing 5-6, ended up doing only 3.
It’s fun and enjoyable, but they lose their luster.
It’s fun and enjoyable, but they lose their luster.
Posted on 11/6/25 at 10:27 am to LSUGrad2024
quote:
My gf and I did that last year. We didn’t know this ahead of time, but most of them sell all the same stuff. It was rare to see unique gifts etc. We planned on doing 5-6, ended up doing only 3.
This. I've been to 2. To be fair, I'm not a "fair" guy. These are next level from your average American Country Fair but still. They are generally more genuine, I'll say that.
My kids enjoyed it. But I'm not sure its something I'd center a trip around. More like something to do for a couple of hours here and there.
ETA: To be fair, I'm sure my wife would disagree and she loves that kinda crap.
This post was edited on 11/6/25 at 10:28 am
Posted on 11/6/25 at 11:20 am to tccdc
Sounds exciting! Have a great trip.
Posted on 11/6/25 at 12:48 pm to tccdc
I will be looking forward to your update. I think that is about the time we are planning to go next year. Our thought was to leave the Wed of Thanksgiving and fly by the following Sat.
Enjoy
Enjoy
Posted on 11/6/25 at 1:48 pm to baldona
quote:
ETA: To be fair, I'm sure my wife would disagree and she loves that kinda crap.
Christmas, Christmas, and more Christmas. Cute stuff. Food and Drink. All in picturesque settings. This is a dream trip for me and I'm going to start planning for next year.
So yes. Your wives will love it!
Posted on 11/6/25 at 10:14 pm to gringeaux
I hate to be the messenger of disappointing news, but Germany just announced that they are canceling all their Christmas Markets this year because of the high cost involved in trying to secure the different sites.
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