No one does the holidays quite like the Europeans do. From the end of November to early January (no later than Epiphany, January 6th) as the days become short and the temperatures drop, Old World Christmas markets blend centuries old local traditions with culinary flair, attracting locals as well as visitors from far and wide. Think wooden chalets in medieval squares filled with hand-made local craft, angelic choirs and lit up churches and cathedrals, with twinkly lights on trees, log fires, and perhaps most importantly, local treats both savory and sweet, along with Glühwein (mulled wine) spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and citrus fruits. Sometimes it’s served mit Schuss, meaning a shot of rum or brandy has been added for an extra punch! Hot cocoa is also popular along with Eierpunsch (“egg punch”, the German answer to eggnog) or Jägertee (spiced tea).
This Christmas season, get into the holiday spirit by cruising through the heart of Europe’s finest cities, most of which offer many things to see and do, and host traditional Christmas markets for you to enjoy. There is nothing quite like taking a Rhine or a Danube river cruise during Christmas time to soak up the spectacular landscapes, rich culture, and fascinating history, while enjoying the finest European holiday traditions. Onboard the ship, you will enjoy special holiday meals, gingerbread and Christmas cookies, as well as seasonal drinks and performances.
Designed to dock directly in the heart of cities, towns and villages that line the banks of the Danube and the Rhine rivers, Emerald Cruises’ Star-Ships boast spacious staterooms and suites, including the line’s innovative balconies complete with decked area and open-air system. Featuring three-tier atriums, comfortable lounges and heated swimming pools that transform into a cinema, the vessels have been meticulously designed to maximize space and guarantee comfort, ensuring your journey is as memorable as the destination you are visiting.
Emerald Cruises has included everything you need to get the most out of your cruise, so you won’t have to spend a penny extra if you don’t want to. From on board Wi-Fi, included airport transfers and excursion to delicious dining with complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner, their inclusive promise ensures complete peace of mind. Even all your taxes and gratuities are taken care of.
Christmas Markets on the Rhine
Discover the magical ambience of Dutch, German, French and Swiss traditional Christmas markets with their host of unique, inspired gift ideas, plus the stunning Rhineland scenery in its wintry splendour on Emerald Cruises’ Christmas Market departures. In Amsterdam, start with a tour along the Dutch capital’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system, passing historic merchant houses that reflect the bygone era of the Dutch Golden Age, a time when the Dutch empire was once considered among the most influential in the world. Throughout the town, you’ll marvel at the delightful Christmas stalls, each surrounded by people in their finest knitwear, drinking mugs of hot mulled wine and indulging in their favourite festive foods such as bratwurst (sausage), reibekuchen (fried potato pancakes), flammlachs (grilled salmon), or the oliebollen, a Dutch-style donut, another Dutch delicacy.
Another busy day awaits you in Cologne, exploring the Cologne Cathedral and the city’s seven Christmas markets, including one of the biggest ones right by the city's famous Cathedral. Visit the postcard-worthy markets of charming Breisach, entrenched between two countries and known as the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest region, where in 1770 Marie Antoinette stopped with 52 beautifully decorated carriages on the way to her wedding to King Louis XVI. Visit Koblenz, dramatically situated at the confluence of the Rhine & Moselle Rivers, where forest-covered hillsides dominate the skyline, while the lower slopes are strewn with the pretty, half-timbered buildings so typical of the Rhineland. Your guided tour of Strasbourg, capital of France’s Alsace region, will include the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Grande Île, the historical centre of the city, known for its medieval half-timbered buildings, old tanning houses, Baroque sandstone buildings and charming canal system. Afterwards, you’ll have the opportunity to visit one of its most charming Christmas markets, where you can enjoy traditional German Christmas treats and shop for presents. Consider extending your stay in Switzerland with a 3-night pre- or post-cruise stay in Lucerne and Zurich for a more in depth experience.
8-days from Amsterdam to Basel or reverse*
November 30, December 7, December 10 & December 14*, 2024
11-days Amsterdam to Lucerne or reverse*
November 30, December 4*, December 7, December 10 & 11*, 2024
Christmas Markets on the Danube
The Hungarian capital city of Budapest will be your embarkation or disembarkation port on Emerald Cruises’ Danube Christmas Markets departures. It is a fascinating city full of atmosphere, but at this time of the year, the muted colours of its magnificent archaic spires and grand domes are especially captivating with its wintry skyline. Budapest’s historic and palatial buildings, its superb Roman ruins and exquisite Art Nouveau architecture provide a truly impressive backdrop for the city’s acclaimed Christmas markets. Wander to the Vorosmarty Square in the very heart of Pest, with the rustic cottage-style wooden stalls loaded with their treasure troves of unique Christmas gifts. The scent of traditional mézeskalács (honey cookies), sausages and mulled wine pervades the air as you browse the stalls, enjoying the friendly festive ambience and indulging in a slice of kürtőskalács, a traditional chimney cake.
Enjoy spectacular cruising along the famously dramatic Danube Bend, where the river winds its way through a narrow twisting valley, flanked by high mountains and snow covered hillsides, before arriving to delightful Bratislava, Slovakia’s fast emerging capital. Wander the maze of streets, admiring the Christmas decorations until you reach the main square and the market with its cozy atmosphere; the sweet fragrance of cinnamon wafts on the air and hundreds of fairy lights twinkle among the branches of the Christmas trees. The pretty red and white stalls groan with inspirational artisan gifts, from decorations, wooden figurines or pottery. There are few places that can so delightfully evoke the spirit of Christmas than Vienna – where the elegant imperial facades, their decorations glittering in the glow from a thousand Christmas lights, the sound of classical carols floating on the crisp air and the irresistible smell of candy floss and roasted chestnuts is truly reminiscent of Christmas from a bygone age. There have been Christmas markets here since the Middle Ages and today there are more than 20 markets held over the festive period selling a huge range of seasonal gifts and mouth-watering treats.
In Krems, enjoy a guided tour of Göttweig Abbey, a true treasure overlooking the Wachau Valley from a hill covered by vineyards and forests. Constructed in 1083, it’s one of Austria's most important Benedictine abbeys, attracting visitors from across the globe. Run by a community of about 45 monks, it’s visible from a great distance and provides epic panoramas from the grounds. In Germany, you will visit Passau’s annual Christkindlmarkt, set in front of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Almost a hundred gingerbread-like stalls selling festive souvenirs and handmade gifts are found here, each connected to the next by strings of twinkling fairy lights. Your last cruise stop is in Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities and another great spot for a lovely Christmas market experience. Your European Christmas Market experience would not be complete without a stop in Prague, which you can enjoy before or after your Danube cruise.
5-days Vienna to Budapest or reverse*
November 27 & December 18*, 2024
7-days Prague to Budapest or reverse*
November 25 & December 18*, 2024
9-days Prague to Budapest or reverse*
November 25 & December 16*, 2024
11-days Prague to Budapest
December 5, 2024
For an unrivalled Christmas Markets experience, consider Emerald Cruises’ 15-day Christmas Markets in Europe departure from Budapest to Amsterdam. You will travel along the Danube, Main and Rhine rivers, surrounded by dramatic hilltops dotted with ancient ruins and castles, abbeys and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, tranquil countryside with thriving towns and villages, as well as cosmopolitan cities with lots to see and do. And Christmas Markets in every port of call. You won’t be disappointed. Europe is hands down one of the best winter cruise destinations. Just don’t forget your warm jacket and comfortable walking shoes. Your cruise departs November 26, 2024!
For additional information, please contact your Travel Professional or visit here.
