Magical Christmas Markets

Holiday magic runs deep in Europe. Lively celebrations, festive décor and traditional treats at Christmas markets along Europe’s rivers will get you in the holiday spirit and warm your heart. Read on for a list of our favorite markets.

STRASBOURG, FRANCE

Christkindelsmärik in Strasbourg boasts over 300 stalls featuring bredle biscuits, mulled wine and handcrafted gifts.

What makes it so special: Visit Place Kleber, home to a 90+ foot Christmas tree.

Experience it on AmaWaterways’ 7-Night Captivating Rhine

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC

Main markets at Old Town and Wenceslas Squares offer handmade goods like lace, candles, and rybí polévka (fish soup).

What makes it so special: The emphasis on locally sourced goods and foods. Czech trees are used to carve wooden ornaments, the ham is from local Czech pigs and the red wine is made from Moravian grapes.

Experience it on Avalon Waterways’ 9-Night Legendary Danube

VIENNA, AUSTRIA

Located in front of Rathaus city hall, the Christkindlmarkt offers everything from pastries to Buchteln and Christmas punch.

What makes it so special: The adjoining park has seasonal offerings like an ice skating rink, a nativity scene, a carousel and ferris wheel.

Experience it on Viking’s 7-Night Christmas on the Danube

OTHER NOTABLE MARKETS:

  • The Budapest Basilica Christmas Fair
  • Skansen Christmas Market (Stockholm)
  • Baden-Baden Christmas Market (Germany)
  • Sternschnuppenmarkt (or “Twinkling Star”) Christmas Market (Wiesbaden)
  • Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market

Experience it on Avalon Waterways’ 9-Night Legendary Danube