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SHOPPING CHRISTMAS MARKETS ALONG THE RHINE & DANUBE
Experience a Virtual Cornucopia of Delightful Markets and Festivals While Immersing Yourself in Exciting Cultural Heritages!


 

As the festive season approaches... the allure of exploring Europe's enchanting Christmas markets aboard a luxury river cruise becomes irresistible. Find the perfect treasures with our special Christmas Markets Shopping and Travel Tips Guide below and enjoy the magic of the holidays in picture-perfect towns along the scenic waterways of the Rhine and Danube rivers.

Rhine Christmas Markets: A Festive Cornucopia of Treasures
Rhine Holiday Markets. Cologne, Germany. Cologne, Germany — Home of the Iconic Cathedral Market
Cologne’s Christmas market is nothing short of magical, set against the gothic backdrop of its iconic cathedral. Visitors can expect to find:
Hand-blown glass ornaments
Artisan wood carvings
Delicious lebkuchen (gingerbread)
Mulled wine (Glühwein) in exclusive collectible mugs
TIP – Don’t miss the Weihnachtsmarkt am Kolner Dom, where the dazzling Christmas tree and over 150 stalls pave the path to festive merriment.

Rhine Holiday Markets. Rudesheim Rüdesheim, Germany — A Wine Lover’s Christmas Haven
Rüdesheim’s market is called the “Christmas Market of Nations” for its diverse assortment of international crafts and culinary delights. Here you can find:
Rüdesheimer coffee (with Asbach brandy)
Nutcrackers and smokers from the Erzgebirge region
Woolen scarves and hats
Authentic wooden toys
TIP – Sample traditional Rhineland trdelník (a spit cake) and take home some local Riesling wine for your holiday celebrations.

Rhine Holiday Markets. Heidelberg, Germany. Heidelberg, Germany — Romantic Splendor Along the River Neckar
Heidelberg's Christmas market is spread across five scenic squares. Some unique finds include:
Handcrafted jewelry
Ceramic and pottery artworks
Heidelberg-style chocolate confections
Local honey and beeswax candles
TIP – Stroll up Heidelberg’s Philosopher’s Walk for a breathtaking view of the lit-up town, and then warm yourself with a cup of hot chocolate.

Rhine Holiday Markets. Strasbourg, France. Strasbourg, France — The Capital of Christmas
Strasbourg holds the title of “Capital of Christmas” and offers an unparalleled holiday experience with its lavishly decorated booths:
Alsatian specialties like bredele (Christmas cookies)
Hand-painted glass ornaments
Traditional French cheeses and charcuterie
Beautiful nativity scenes
TIP – Explore the Christkindelsmärik, the oldest Christmas market in France, for authentic Alsatian culinary treats and festive decorations.

Rhine Holiday Markets. Basel, Switzerland. Basel, Switzerland — An Artistic Winter Wonderland
Basel’s Christmas market is well-renowned for its artistic flair and exceptional Swiss craftsmanship. Here's what you shouldn’t miss:
Swiss chocolates and truffles
Pewter ornaments
Handwoven textiles
Luxurious Swiss watches
TIP – Wander around Barfüsserplatz for a culinary journey through Swiss holiday gastronomy.

Danube Christmas Markets: Cultural Heritage Meets Festive Delight

Danube Holiday Markets. Vienna, Austria. Vienna, Austria — The Epitome of Christmas Elegance
Vienna’s Christmas markets evoke an air of regal sophistication, with the grand City Hall as the backdrop:
Glittering Swarovski crystal ornaments
Viennese pottery and ceramics
Elegant lace and embroidery
Traditional sachertorte (chocolate cake)
TIP – Make sure to visit the Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz for a festive light display and the true essence of Vienna's holiday charm.

Danube Holiday Markets. Budapest, Hungary. Budapest, Hungary — A Fairytale Christmas Market
Budapest's Christmas markets exude a fairytale ambiance with an array of unique handcrafted goods and festive treats:
Hand-painted decorations from local artisans
Traditional Hungarian chimney cakes (kürtőskalács)
Hand-carved wooden puzzles
Folk crafts and stitched textiles
TIP – Don’t miss out on the view from Buda Castle overlooking the sparkling city and Danube below.

Danube Holiday Markets. Bratislava, Slovakia. Bratislava, Slovakia — Cozy and Quintessentially European
Bratislava's Christmas markets offer a cozy and charming experience replete with fine Slovak traditions:
Intricate glass ornaments
Slovak ceramic wares
Homemade honey products
Delicious Lokše (potato pancakes)
TIP – Sample local mead while enjoying live traditional music and dance performances in the Main Square.

Danube Holiday Markets. Passau, Germany. Passau, Germany — Confluence of Christmas Charm
Nestled where three rivers meet, Passau’s Christmas market mesmerizes with its small-town charm and rich traditions:
Bavarian woodcrafts
Hand-knitted woolen items
Lebkuchen hearts and marzipan figures
Handmade star-shaped lanterns
TIP – Visit the stalls around St. Stephen's Cathedral for a magical experience in the heart of this baroque city.

Danube Holiday Markets. Regensburg, Germany. Regensburg, Germany — A Traditional Bavarian Christmas
Regensburg's Christmas market offers an immersive experience in Bavarian culture with a host of delightful holiday items:
Bavarian Dirndl and Lederhosen Christmas decorations
Traditional German Christmas pyramids
Spiced wine and beer blends
Delicate gingerbread houses
TIP – Visit the Romantic Christmas Market at the Thurn und Taxis Palace for an unparalleled festive ambiance.


Travel tips that will help you create a truly unforgettable Christmas Market Cruise

Pack Appropriately
Winter European weather can be quite chilly, so pack warmly with layers, hats, scarves, and gloves.

Currency Exchange
While most vendors accept credit cards, having some local currency is beneficial, especially for smaller markets.

Plan Your Purchases
Research what each market is famous for and plan your purchases accordingly to ensure you get the best local goods.

Attend Local Events
Participate in local holiday events and traditions for an immersive cultural experience.

Travel Light
Since you’re visiting multiple markets, pack lightly to leave room for all the unique purchases you’ll bring back!

Learn More about Holiday Markets, Holiday Season, Christmas Time and New Year's River Cruises.
The following exciting articles will introduce you to all the wonders of Europe during the Holiday Season on the Rhine, Danube, and France's Seine River (Paris, the "City of Lights" is glorious at holiday time!), and special pre- or post-cruise holiday markets in delightful Prague! Holiday Season river cruises are also ideal for 'Solo' travelers. Be sure to read these articles when you start to plan your holiday cruise...

Introduction to Holiday and Christmas Markets River Cruises
See a side of Europe that you’ve always dreamed about.
Christmas Time River Cruises
Truly memorable holiday vacations that are fun, hassle-free & value-packed.
Holiday Season Themed Europe River Cruises Make Good Sense
Festive Times. Great Values. No Crowds. Strong Dollar.

New Year's River Cruises
Ring in the New Year on a fabulous, value-packed, hassle-free river cruise.

Ready to set sail into your holiday adventure?
Embarking on a luxury river cruise with Premier River Cruises to shop and explore the Christmas Markets promises an unforgettable holiday experience – and you will bring home your memories with the treasures you find.

Our River Cruise Specialists can guide you to the itinerary and ship that is perfect for you. Call 1-855-255-1200 today. It's time to weave your own Christmas magic along Europe’s most enchanting rivers.

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