It’s time to make plans for the holidays–and nothing compares to a Christmas Markets river cruise in Germany
Do you miss the traditional Christmas spirit of yesteryear? Does the hectic pace and commercialization of the season take all the fun out of it? If so, we suggest you consider a unique European river cruise that takes you to the best classic Christmas markets along the Main River in Germany. Go back in time to when the spirit and romance of the season made the holidays come alive. This vacation is guaranteed to refresh and restore your faith in the true meaning of Christmas.
The traditional Christmas street markets, held in cities, towns and villages throughout Germany during Advent, are becoming increasingly popular due to the enchanting festive atmosphere they evoke. Although other European countries now also hold their own Christmas markets, nothing can compare to the traditional classic Christmas street markets in Germany.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, Avalon Waterways and Viking River Cruises each have Christmas Markets cruises down the Main River in the heart of Germany. Due to their popularity and short season, there is limited availability on these special river cruises.
Uniworld’s Classic Christmas Market River Cruise
The sights, sounds and scents of Christmas aboard Uniworld’s Classic Christmas Markets River Cruise
Prepare for a week filled with Christmas shopping for hand-crafted nativity sets, nutcrackers, and traditional German ornaments. Save your appetite for mouth-watering Christmas delights like the most popular heart-shaped gingerbread cookies. You should also try the authentic German bratwurst served on a baguette.
TIP: Every city serves their hot drinks in a ceramic mug designed specifically for their town—start your collection!
Nuremberg and Frankfurt are two of the most favored Christmas markets
Your holiday vacation begins in Nuremberg, a town that Germans consider authentic and traditonal.
It hosts one of the largest Christmas markets which includes a special children’s section with a steam-powered merry-go-round. There’s an international section where other countries like China, South America, and even the U.S., sell their own traditional Christmas items. Nuremberg is famous for their lebkuchen cookies, a traditional German baked treat, with spice and nuts, and sometimes coated with powdered sugar or chocolate. When baked plain, these cookies are used to create what we call gingerbread houses— originally called a “witch’s house” based on the Hansel and Gretel fairy-tale. “Gingerbread house” sounds much more festive and appetizing!
Nuremberg, Germany Christmas Market
In between the festive port cities, you’ll cruise along the Main River through a winter wonderland. Stay warm and cozy on board while enjoying the local cuisine and culinary specialties served on the ship as you sail.
Your next stop, Bamberg, is a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) world heritage town. You’ll explore four different Christmas markets and have time to stroll down the “Route to Nativity Scenes”, a path through town that links about 40 churches, museums, and buildings each adorned with a nativity. Stop in one of the churches to enjoy the Christmas music.
You’re in for a real treat once you get to Rothenburg. known as the most romantic Christmas market on the cruise. The medieval city has been preserved, giving you the sense that you’ve just stepped into a winter fairytale. While there, be sure to try the “Schneeball” or snow ball, a sweet dough deep fried and covered in powdered sugar. Yum!
Next you’ll stop in Würzburg and Wertheim. Each town has Christmas markets filled with handcrafted items like the wooden Christmas pyramid—a candle holder topped with a fan that circulates from the candle’s heat. You’ll also find a large collection of different sized hand-painted nutcrackers. Be sure to find the beekeeper’s booth with the handmade beeswax candles—when they’re lit, they illuminate a golden halo and radiate a subtle fragrance of honey.
By the time you reach the end of your river cruise, you’ll be overflowing with Christmas cheer, and your suitcase will be brimming with Christmas goodies to bring home! In Frankfurt, you’ll discover a huge decorated Christmas tree in the middle of the marketplace. The aroma of baked apples, chestnuts and mulled wine will fill your senses–and your tummy–as you stroll through hundreds of local arts and crafts booths. “Bethmaennchen” is Frankfurt’s signature marzipan treat. You are guaranteed to experience what Christmas was like before commercialization took over.
Want more information?
Let our knowledgeable agents at CruiseExperts.com help you plan your Christmas Markets river cruise through Germany’s winter wonderland. There are limited Christmas market itineraries to choose from and they are filling up fast. We can help you find the perfect one for your holiday vacation and we’re here to answer any questions you may have about all your holiday cruising options. Call us at 1-888-804-CRUIse (2784) or visit our website, www.CruiseExperts.com
