If you have never been, make sure and add the European Christmas Markets to your bucket list. Let yourself be enchanted by the special and festive atmosphere of the city. With its hundreds of years of history, the traditional markets have lots to do and enjoy. Make sure to read our Best European Christmas Markets.
Many of the world’s most beloved seasonal traditions originate in Germany, such as the Christmas tree and the Advent calendar. For Germans, however, nothing compares to the unique atmosphere of an authentic old Christkindlmarkt in a traditional setting. Munich has been hosting Christmas markets for 600 years, and every year the medieval center of town is transformed into a winter wonderland cluttered with charming stalls selling every variety of classic decoration and gift in a happy atmosphere with the scent of roasted nuts and hot spiced wine. Don’t forget to try the famous “Lebkuchen“ (Gingerbread). Gingerbread has been baked for more than 600 years in Nuremberg. At the Christmas Market, you’ll get them in every size and with different coatings like chocolate, sugar, or even strawberry! Furthermore, they are the perfect souvenirs for the loved ones at home, packed in beautiful tin boxes. You can read lots more details on our post of the Best Christmas Markets in Germany.
Sadly many European Christmas markets have been canceled this year due to COVID. One person came up with a unique idea to keep the Christmas spirit alive. The owner & chef of Zollhaus Brauereigaststätte in Landshut, an hour NE of Munich is offering a drive-thru Christmas market. The venue includes all the essential Christmas market eats, including sausages with sauerkraut, goulash, crepes, and of course, mulled wine and punch. The market will be open Thursdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Dec. 20, 2020.
Christmas market tours are now available as well as river cruises. Avalon Waterways river cruises has the most extensive list of itineraries that we will look at today. These itineraries range from four to 17 days and sail the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers – Avalon’s Christmastime From Budapest To Basel itinerary sails all three rivers in one journey. Avalon’s nine Christmas itineraries are perfect for both travelers looking for a long journey that takes them through a large stretch of Europe and also those looking for a short sailing to give them a taste of what Christmastime on the river is like.
If you happen to be in NY & would like the Xmas market feel, the Winter Village at Bryant Park, will run from October 30, 2020 to March 7, 2021. There will be fewer vendors and wider walkways to allow for social distancing. The renowned open air market has over 100 custom-designed kiosks and an ice skating rink. Its food hall provides an eclectic mix of eateries, along with an outdoor beer garden and a cocktail bar. See the Best Places to Ice Skate in New York.
