Holiday Markets: A Special European Tradition
In Europe, summer’s sublime, but fall is fabulous—as the holiday markets offer up their distinctive pleasures.
Europe is marvelous at any time of year: In winter, skiers flock to the Alps for snowy adventures; tulips bloom and welcome spring in Holland; and in summer, the sun warms the Continent, casting a glow across centuries-old cities.
But Europe is especially magical in the fall. In late November, when autumn’s days have grown shorter and cooler, hundreds of Advent markets kick off throughout Europe. For more than 500 years, Christmas in Europe has centered around these markets, held in city or town squares against ancient Old World backdrops.
Families and friends socialize and shop under twinkling lights; carols are sung; and wooden stalls overflow with local handicrafts such as lace, sheepskin clothing and blown-glass baubles. The air is full of delicious scents, including cinnamon from the gluhwein (mulled wine)—served hot as a steaming antidote to the chilly air—and bratwurst grilling over open flames. Treats such as honigkuchen (honey cake) and lebkuchen (gingerbread) sweeten the experience—and the glow lasts long after one return’s home.
Many of Europe’s holiday markets can be experienced as part of a river cruising itinerary. View river cruising slide shows, videos and tips in our multimedia experience.
Read MoreHere’s how to make the most of your visit to the markets.
Shop, Top Finds
You’ll be tempted to buy something at every turn (especially when a dusting of snow heightens your holiday mood), so bring an extra bag. Look for the authentic, locally made goods that define each market. Nuremberg is known for its shiny gold angels known as Rauschgoldengels—to add dazzle to a tree back home—while Prague offers hand-blown, hand-painted Bohemian glass ornaments.
Ride, Bavarian Forest
An unforgettable treat during the holidays is a horse-drawn carriage ride through the serene Bavarian Forest, with the bells of the horse’s harness jingling in the wintry air.
Sing, Oberndorf
The beloved Christmas carol “Silent Night” was performed here for the first time—on Christmas Eve in 1818. Now, every year on December 24th, a memorial service honors the creators of the song, and thousands of people from around the world sing “Silent Night” in many languages at the ceremony’s close. In nearby Salzburg, the intimate Christkindlmarkt is one of Europe’s oldest, dating to the late 15th century, while a visit to the gardens where Maria and the children sang “Do-Re-Mi” in The Sound of Music keeps the day in tune.
Wander, Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber
This picturesque, unspoiled village, fortified by ancient walls, is a fairy tale come to life in any season. But it truly dazzles in December, when the town’s 500-year-old Reiterlesmarkt lends a festive air to the cobbled streets and half-timbered buildings.
Explore, Getting Around
Stop at several different market towns and cities on a river cruise; while onboard, there’s plenty of holiday cheer thanks to festivities such as decorating the ship’s Christmas tree or learning to bake gingerbread with the executive chef. A different option: guided land tours, which also visit superb markets located beyond the major rivers, such as those in Salzburg and Frankfurt.