European Christmas Markets

[jase05]

So, after some advice from you cruise experts and hopefully some pro’s and cons of various operators and itineraries.
Still a little while away but in 2028 we are looking to go on a European river cruise to see the Christmas markets. Due to my work I haven’t been able to take time off between the start of November and the end of January for near on 20 years so we have always travelled to Europe outside of this period..
We have our 20 year wedding anniversary in October 2028 and we are taking around 12 weeks off as I still have to be back in the office by the second week in December. We are planning a number of things elsewhere but would love to finish off with a European river cruise which takes in the Christmas markets. Have done some research but so many operators and itineraries look great. Which company on here would people go for firstly and secondly which itinerary ie Danube/Rhine/Elber, length of trip etc.
Any thoughts also as to which town/cities has markets that shouldn’t be missed?
Would love to see some feedback on those that have taken one in the past and interested into thoughts on dining, accommodation etc with the various operators
We will probably be doing a month in Switzerland beforehand so could start from Zurich or short hop elsewhere is fine
Much appreciated guys

 

[RooFlyer]

My TR of four Christmas markets :

Post in thread 'Christmas markets in Europe and Caribbean cruise (RTW)'

Dec 11, 2024

Strasbourg calls itself the Capital of Christmas and it certainly puts in an effort. The Mercure is just left of the red circle Vous et ici . In the afternoon and evening, vehicular access to the Grand Ile is closed, but the trams still run.



I was here last year and knew my way round pretty well. As soon as I arrived I took a walk to check out the various markets and to re-visit the glorious Petit France area. Very crowded, though.

The market areas themselves aren't as nicely themed as in Cologne and in the daytime a little disappointing in appearance. That...

• RooFlyer

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In order of attraction for me, with Strasbourg being the stand-out

Strasbourg
Cologne
Vienna
Salzburg

For me, they got a bit 'the same' after a while, so the surroundings and what else the place has to offer would be important if I was planning again.

The top 2 would put you on the Rhine, where I'm certain many other good markets will be. @Mattg also did a TR on the Christmas markets.

 

[dajop]

Probably top of the list for me:

Strasbourg (+ Colmar, 30 mins away by train if time permits)
Cologne (we also did some in nearby cities whilst staying in Cologne, Essen had great atmosphere)
Vienna
Dresden

Which I realize covers all three river systems you mentioned, so probably doesn't help.

 

[SYD]

Further to those, Munich was quite good. Yes, Vienna is impressive and Salzburg picturesque. Prague was quite good also.

Budapest was pretty naff - if heading that way on a river cruise. But they do have a massive ice skating setup.

 

[Ansett Nostalgic]

Hamburg was really good

I also caught Lubeck on the last day of its Christmas market - gorgeous town as well, also recommended as part of a wider itinerary

 

[jase05]

Further to those, Munich was quite good. Yes, Vienna is impressive and Salzburg picturesque. Prague was quite good also.

Budapest was pretty naff - if heading that way on a river cruise. But they do have a massive ice skating setup.

Prague is probably our favourite city and have visited many times. Their Easter markets were spectacular last visit so if that’s anything to go by then yeah I’ll have to give the Chrissy markets a look. Prague may be a side trip or part of the cruise I feel.
I’ve noted that Nuremberg markets constantly get mentioned as being one of the oldest and best, worth a look?

 

[dajop]

Budapest was pretty naff - if heading that way on a river cruise. But they do have a massive ice skating setup.

Agree with that. The markets there felt very corporate. And prices for food and beverage were at Zurich levels.

 

[elanshin]

I think there's also a channel called nate and kara that did a cruise last year and did 9 Markets the year before that you can check out too.

 

[OZDUCK]

We visited Christmas Markets in over 15 cities in 2023. In places like Munich and Salzburg we went to 4 or 5 separate markets spread around the city so we probably ended up with at least a quick visit to over 40 markets.

Some of our favourites would be out of reach on a cruise so I will list those your are more likely to be able to visit.

Strasbourg - was excellent even we didn't get the full experience as we were with some German friends and the 'planner' went astray with her train routes so it was very rushed. However what we did see looked excellent and you can't really go wrong visiting Strasbourg anyway.

Nuremberg - huge and very crowded main market but top quality food and other stalls. Very picturesque setting especially at night. Markets are spread around the city.

Munich - again very busy but as there are a number of separate markets spread across the city you will usually find one you like. We really enjoyed the Medieval Market.

Salzburg - markets spread all over the city. We were there during a very snowy period and it was great if freezing. If you have a chance to see the Krampus Run while you are there grab it. The setting of the Salzburg Christkindlmarkt (Domplatz & Residenzplatz) is incredibly scenic with the backdrop of the cathedral and the Hohensalzburg Fortress looming overhead.

Krampus and Perchten : Advent in Salzburg : salzburg.info

The beginning of December is the kick-off for traditional Krampus and Perchten parades in Salzburg. Overview of all Perchten and Krampus events.

www.salzburg.info

My TR is :-

Thread 'O Tannenbaum - A tour of German Christmas Markets and other spots'

Nov 21, 2023

We fly out today for a 37 day trip to Europe. The plan is to do a circuit starting from Frankfurt down to Salzburg up to Leipzig and then depart from Frankfurt. We fly QF economy to Singapore, Vietnam Airlines in J to Frankfurt via Vietnam and then reverse the route back to Singapore. Our last leg is in SQ J on a points redemption. Initially we had booked on Oman Air out of KL with the connecting legs for Perth on MH. Oman cancelled our flights so we had to a quick workaround to get the current schedule. Vietnam Airlines has changed the times of all four of our flights, cancelled one and...

• OZDUCK
• Replies: 274
• Forum: Trip Reports

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