Christmas Markets in Europe

I grew up in Europe, and every December my parents always took a trip to see the Christmas Markets. Over the years I think I have visited every one there is, and we each had a favorite place for different reasons. This was a family tradition, and we usually added a special Christmas ornament to our collection.

My favorite time of year to visit Europe is in December. No mobs of tourists, just locals doing their Christmas shopping. It is cold, but you wear gloves and a scarf and enjoy the season.

A wonderful way to explore is on a river cruise.  You only unpack once, and each day you dock at an enchanting village and visit the markets and share local traditions in fascinating medieval towns. Very casual, no dressing up, and I wear the same boots and sweaters all week, even the same hat and coat. This is a pack-light trip.

The walking is easy, and the ship docks right in town. No rushing around; leisurely wandering with lots of festive traditions.  

Each town and village has a market set up in the town square. They have hundreds of booths selling hot mulled wine, Christmas ornaments, craftspeople such as woodcarvers and knitters, bands playing Christmas music, roasting chestnuts, and wonderful sausages and gingerbread cookies.

Even if you don’t buy anything, it is a wonderful experience to wander around and get in the holiday spirit. I love the bell ringing, which is everywhere, and the choirs doing concerts. Churches are decked out with Christmas trees and candles.     Seeing the locals in their national costumes is also fun. Lots of women in fur coats, and Tyrolian hats with a lovely feather.

My husband, Roy and I will be leading a group for eight days, December 7 – 14, on the new S.S. Antoinette. It  is a luxury ship, with 120 guests, which will visit Christmas Markets in Basel, Switzerland, Strasbourg, France, then on to Germany to see the lovely towns of Heidelberg, Mainz, Rudesheim and Koblenz, as well as the majestic city of Cologne with its UNESCO-listed Gothic cathedral.

As we sail along the 40 miles of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley you will be captivated by ancient fortresses, medieval castles, and half timbered villages all set in a breathtaking winter wonderland. The trip is a great value at $2,199.

Go view it on our web site www.allhorizonstvl.com – click on cruises or go to our microsite http://www.signaturetravelnetwork.com/microsites/index.cfm?site_id=5&agency_id=333

You get  all meals on board, seven breakfasts, five lunches, seven dinners, complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks during meals, 24-hour coffee and tea bar, six free excursions hosted by local guides.

Who will enjoy this cruise?  Shoppers looking for unique gifts, and Christmas enthusiasts looking for the origins of many holiday traditions, including Christmas trees, gingerbread, candy canes, and St. Nick.

Join us for a unique experience.

Maureen Jones

All Horizons Travel

650-941-5810